Affipore

Affipore at a glance

Affipore is a pore refining active from Switzerland. Its INCI is Butylene Glycol, Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract, which means an extract of buchu leaves carried in butylene glycol. It is a clear, water-soluble liquid with a pH of 4.5 to 6.7, used at 5 to 10% of the finished product. The supplier describes it as an active that helps reduce the amount of sebum, and with it the number, diameter and volume of visible pores.

Why pores look large

Enlarged pores are one of the main enemies of a smooth skin texture. They show most on the forehead, nose and cheeks, the most visible parts of the face. There are two main causes. The first is excess sebum, which stretches the pore opening and makes the skin look shiny. The second is a lack of moisture. When skin is dehydrated, it often responds by producing even more sebum, and the pores look even larger. The face looks dull and shiny at the same time. This is why pore care matters for oily skin and for dry skin.

How Affipore helps

The supplier explains that the buchu extract acts on the cells that make sebum, helps reduce their lipid production and supports a more balanced skin surface. Over regular use the skin looks less shiny, the pores look smaller and fewer, and the texture looks smoother and more refined.

Buchu, the plant

Barosma betulina, known as buchu, is a small shrub from the mountains of South Africa. Its aromatic leaves have a long tradition of use. In Affipore the leaf extract is standardized for cosmetic use.

How to formulate

Add Affipore to the water phase or at cool-down below 40 °C. At 5 to 10% it is a significant part of the formula, so account for its butylene glycol content when you plan humectants. Keep the finished product between pH 4.5 and 6.7. A pore care serum often combines it with niacinamide and a light humectant such as betaine. More oily skin actives are in the cosmetic actives section.

Product ideas

Pore refining serums, mattifying day fluids, balancing gels for combination skin, primers, toners and light day creams are the main uses. The supplier also lists after-sun care and self tanning products, where a matte, even finish matters.

Sample recipe: pore refining serum, 100 g

Distilled water 81.20 g, Affipore 8.00 g, niacinamide 4.00 g, betaine 2.00 g, propanediol 2.00 g, hydroxyethylcellulose 0.80 g, preservative 1.00 g, panthenol 0.50 g, citric acid solution 0.50 g. Dissolve niacinamide and betaine in the water, disperse the cellulose, add Affipore, propanediol and panthenol, then the preservative, and adjust to about pH 5.5.

Pairing with hydration

Because dry skin can also show larger pores, a pore care product works best when it does not dry the skin out. Keep humectants such as betaine, glycerin or propanediol in the formula, avoid high alcohol levels and choose light, non comedogenic emollients for creams. A balanced, hydrated surface makes the pore refining effect easier to see.

Self tanning and after-sun care

The supplier lists self tanning products and after-sun care among the uses. In self tanners, a smoother, more refined surface helps the color develop more evenly, without dark dots in large pores. In sun fluids for combination skin, Affipore supports a more matte finish through the day.

Testing

Pore claims are best shown with standardized photos or skin imaging of the nose and cheeks before and after four to eight weeks, plus sebum readings for the shine claim.

Storage

Store in a cool, dark place in a tightly closed container. A certificate of analysis comes with every lot.