While they may not be as glaringly obvious as a large, inflamed whitehead, blackheads are pesky blemishes to deal with—and can be quite stubborn to treat. “Blackheads are a form of acne that causes small, dark bumps, most commonly on the nose, neck, and chin,” says Sean Alemi, MD, double-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New York, New York. Blackheads can be caused by myriad factors, including pore-clogging beauty products, excess oil production, and genetics; if not addressed with a skin-care routine that includes the best blackhead removers, they can lead to permanently enlarged pores.
Vogue’s Favorite Blackhead Removers
Like all pimples, blackheads occur when a mixture of dead skin cells and excess skin oils block the exit of a pore. With whiteheads the pore is closed (giving it that about-to-burst look), but the pore remains open with blackheads, giving them their characteristic appearance, per Connie Yang, MD, board-certified dermatologist at PFRANKMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank in New York, New York. “When this mixture becomes exposed to oxygen, it oxidizes and turns dark in color,” she explains.
While it’s possible to just get one or two blackheads, many people frequently deal with clusters of them—hence the trending term “strawberry nose”—that keep coming back. And, unfortunately, that’s because blackheads are technically acne, which doesn’t just go away with one application of a face mask. The most effective blackhead removers are a combination of active ingredients and skin-care techniques. Below, we’ve selected the best blackhead removers, including exfoliants, masks, salicylic acid-infused topicals, and (gentle yet effective) devices to keep these blemishes at bay.
In This Story:
- Do blackhead removers actually work?
- The different types of blackhead removers
- The blackhead treatments to avoid
- How to prevent blackheads
- How we tested
- Meet the experts
Best Overall: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- Why We Love It: This iconic formula is a must-try when you’re managing blackheads. “It effectively unclogs pores to leave skin smooth and brighter,” says Dr. Alemi. It does so with two percent salicylic acid, which he notes is powerful yet gentle enough for all skin types to use; the addition of green tea extract provides additional soothing properties. What we like in particular about this formula is how easy it is to integrate into a routine—it has the consistency of water and absorbs rapidly into the skin after cleansing, so you can apply your favorite serums and moisturizers on top without pilling.
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, green tea extract
- How to Use: Splash formula into the palm of your hand or on a cotton pad and apply to clean, dry skin. Start by using it once every other day, then work your way up to applying twice daily. Finish with serum, moisturizer, and (if applying in the morning) SPF.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Absorbs quickly; layers easily with other formulas | May cause purging in congested skin |
Best for Nose: ZitSticka Goo Getter Nose Clarifying Pore Blemish Strips
- Why We Love It: These aren’t the nose strips of your youth—you know, the ones that you ripped off your skin to reveal a blackhead graveyard. While those could be very harsh (and, in our experience, made our blackheads worse in the long run), these actually pamper your skin. “The hydrocolloid absorbs extra fluid from the blackhead while the salicylic acid, tea tree, niacinamide, and vitamin C work together to unclog pores, soothe stressed skin, and accelerate skin renewal,” says Dr. Alemi. Just slap one on before bed to wake up to clearer skin.
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, salicylic acid, tea tree extract
- How to Use: Apply to clean, dry skin and leave on for at least six hours before carefully peeling off.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Gentler and medicated alternative to traditional peel-off pore strips | Skin must be very clean and dry for nose strip to effectively adhere |
Best At-Home Facial Device: BeautyBio GLOfacial Hydro-Infusion Pore Cleansing Tool
- Why We Love It: Think of this device as an all-in-one mop and vacuum but for your skin. Using water and an included exfoliating serum, it gives skin a deep clean by simultaneously sucking grime out of pores and then staving off future blemishes with a bacteria-blasting blue LED light. While the results of this fast-acting treatment are incredibly satisfying, it’s even more gratifying to check out the chamber of dirty water after your facial—it contains the gunk and dead cells drawn out of your skin by the tool.
- Specs: Facial tool with water and serum infusion system plus blue LED light
- How to Use: After charging device with USB cable, add included serum to device chamber and fill the rest of the way with water (or use just with water if desired). Holding skin taut, glide tool across damp skin, treating each area no more than twice. Afterwards, apply your favorite skin-care formulas. Use twice weekly.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Comparable to similar in-office facial treatments | Device must be thoroughly cleaned and left to dry after every use |
| Easy to use |
Best Salicylic Acid Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
- Why We Love It: This salicylic acid-infused formula from La Roche-Posay is frequently recommended by skin-care experts, including Dr. Alemi. “It’s gentle enough for everyday use to reduce excess oil production to help clear blackheads,” he says. The blemish-busting active helps slough away the dead skin cells that contribute to clogged pores, while hydrating glycerin prevents your skin from feeling tight and dehydrated post-cleanse. Note—the formula contains menthol—which, though it provides a refreshing cooling sensation, could irritate very sensitive skin.
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycerin
- How to Use: Twice daily, apply to wet skin, massage into skin using circular motions, and rinse.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Foaming, medicated formula clarifies without stripping most skin types | Drying on sensitive skin due to inclusion of menthol |
Best For Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense
- Why We Love It: If you, like us, are dealing with pimples, blackheads, and signs of aging, this SkinCeuticals serum may be your savior. “It combines salicylic, glycolic, and citric acids to exfoliate skin, refine pores, and reduce breakouts as it smooths and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” explains Dr. Alemi. It also contains little-known dioic acid, which helps regulate sebum production and combat bacteria for added insurance against blemishes.
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, dioic acid
- How to Use: Apply to clean, dry skin morning and evening.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Multitasking serum addresses skin congestion and wrinkles in one step | May be irritating on sensitive skin |
Best Clean: Eminence Organic Skin Care Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant
- Why We Love It: There’s a lot to love about this multitasking formula, which is packed with natural ingredients like finely milled rice and adzuki bean flour, stone crop (a type of succulent), and microgreens to slough away dead skin cells, hydrate, and soothe. But our favorite feature is how it transforms from a powder to a creamy-yet-effervescent foam. It’s energizing and feels like it’s actually going into the pore to break down congestion—and rinsed off, skin’s clarity and luminosity is unmatched.
- Key Ingredients: Stone crop, rice, adzuki bean flour
- How to Use: Pour a small amount of product into your palm and add a few drops of water, then mix until the formula transforms into the foam. After massaging into skin using circular motions, rinse skin clean and pat dry.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| A little goes a long way; customizable based on how much water is added | Potent smell is divisive |
Best Cleansing Oil: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
- Why We Love It: This cleanser went viral on TikTok after users showed how it purged the pores on their nose; and after trying it, we can confirm it’s worthy of the hype. The key to success is correctly using the formula. Be sure to spend plenty of time massaging the cleanser into your skin, which will allow the blend of oils and plant extracts to loosen up the congestion in your pores. But what many people fail to do is fully remove the formula with a second cleanse using a water-based face wash—this will get every last trace of oil, excess sebum, and dirt off your skin for a truly fresh and clear complexion.
- Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, turmeric extract
- How to Use: Massage into dry skin with dry hands for at least 60 seconds, then add water to emulsify the formula. Apply a water-based cleanser to break it down and rinse skin clean.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Long massage with this formula helps decongest pores and break down stubborn makeup | Best removed with a water-based cleanser |
Best Spot Treatment: CosRx Master Patch Intensive
- Why We Love It: While we’re big fans of most pimple patches, these are our favorite due to their inclusion of active ingredients (most are simply hydrocolloid stickers) and their design. Not only are there two different-size patches in each set, the patches themselves are incredibly thin, to the point that you’ll forget that you’ve applied them. They’re comfortable and practically disappear into the skin, making for an incognito way to protect and treat a whitehead or blackhead during waking hours. “Just don’t leave these on for longer than six to eight hours at a time, as this can cause local irritation or even chemical burns,” warns Dr. Yang.
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree oil
- How to Use: Apply to clean, dry skin directly to the affected area and leave on overnight or longer.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Oval shape adheres easily to curved areas; thin patch disappears into skin | Can be hard to remove |
Best Pore Vacuum: Foreo Kiwi Derma
- Why We Love It: This is the most user-friendly and efficient pore vacuum we’ve tried—it neatly fits in the palm of your hand and draws out blackheads while gently removing dead skin with a superfine diamond-tipped microdermabrasion head. The tool also features sonic vibration, which helps improve lymphatic drainage with every stroke across your skin. After just three minutes of treatment, skin looks visibly more smooth, radiant, and clear. It’s also great for travel thanks to the long battery life—you’ll get 120 minutes of treatment from a single charge.
- Specs: Diamond-tipped microdermabrasion and pore vacuum device
- How to Use: After pairing with the app and selecting desired settings, continuously glide across your skin in upward motions.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Provides a comprehensive skin-clarifying treatment with one device | May be too powerful for sensitive skin |
| User-friendly and travel-friendly |
Best For Sensitive Skin: Mara Beauty Clear Skin Mineral Milk
- Why We Love It: If you have very dry or sensitive skin, leave-on treatments formulated with salicylic acid may leave you feeling flaky and irritated, which is why this product from Mara Beauty is such a game changer. It’s creamy, thanks to a blend of plant oils (including pumpkin, hazelnut, and clove) that keep skin soft and nourished, but actively works to decongest clogged pores with salicylic acid, niacinamide, and zinc.
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, zinc
- How to Use: Apply to clean, dry skin, following with moisturizer (and sunscreen, if using in the a.m.).
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Non-drying, skin-soothing formula that layers well with other products | May feel too heavy on very oily skin |
Best Scrub: PCA Skin Pore Refining Treatment
- Why We Love It: Those searching for a deeper scrub will appreciate this formula from PCA Skin. While clays like kaolin and bentonite absorb excess oil, crushed pumice and mandelic acid provide dual exfoliation to smooth away rough texture caused by blackheads. The combo of all of these ingredients not only leaves your pores looking much smaller, but your overall complexion more radiant and clear. Despite its potency, it won’t leave your skin irritated or dry.
- Key Ingredients: Kaolin, mandelic acid, pumice
- How to Use: One to three times a week, massage using circular motions into clean, dry skin.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Minimizes the appearance of pores; a little goes a long way | May be too abrasive for very sensitive skin |
Best Mask: Caudalie Instant Detox Mask
- Why We Love It: When you need your pores to look clearer and tighter stat, give this formula a try. “This fast-acting clay mask absorbs excess oil and impurities to clear blackheads and tighten the appearance of pores,” says Dr. Yang. “When used regularly, it can help regulate excess oil production and keep skin looking clear.” The star ingredients here are oil-absorbing clays (including kaolin and bentonite) and the brand’s signature grapeseed polyphenols, which provide free radical protection as well as combat sebum oxidation—the reason blackheads appear dark.
- Key Ingredients: Kaolin, grape extract, caffeine
- How to Use: Twice weekly, apply a thin layer to the face, concentrating on the T-zone, then wash off after 10 minutes.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Absorbs excess oil in a quick treatment | Will not fully decongest pores |
Best Pore Spatula: Dermaflash Dermapore+ Ultrasonic Pore Extractor + Skincare Infuser
- Why We Love It: While there are plenty of more budget-friendly, no-tech pore spatulas out there, this advanced tool is worth the investment. The ultrasonic waves emitted by this device essentially help to shake congestion loose, gently pushing blackheads out of pores without the need for firm pressure or painful extractions. The tool’s ionic technology also helps your favorite skin-care formulas work more effectively; just flip the spatula over and glide it over your skin after slathering on your serums and moisturizer. The “infuse” mode will push the products more deeply into your skin while delivering a microcirculation massage.
- Specs: Ultrasonic waves with 35K Hz vibrations per minute, ionic technology
- How to Use: Keeping skin damp, glide the tip of the spatula over congested areas to unclog pores. Then, apply your favorite skin-care formulas and glide the flat part of the spatula across your skin to finish.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Helps clear pores as well as infuse serums | Not as effective on deeply set blackheads |
| Tool holds a charge for long periods of time |
Best Retinoid: Differin Gel Adapalene 0.1% Acne Treatment
- Why We Love It: Fun fact: Differin is one of the first prescription retinoids to be made available over-the-counter, meaning you’re getting clinical treatment from a drugstore formula. “Adapalene is an excellent option for all types of acne, but especially effective for blackheads and whiteheads,” says Dr. Yang. “It increases cell turnover, preventing dead skin cells from clogging pores.” And, unlike prescription tretinoin, it’s less sensitizing to the skin. Just be aware that it won’t work overnight. “It can take several weeks of consistent use to start seeing results, but the benefits are well worth the wait,” Dr. Yang adds.
- Key Ingredients: 0.1% adapalene
- How to Use: Apply a thin layer to the affected area no more frequently than once daily. Always wear sunscreen when using retinoids.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Prescription-strength formula available over-the-counter clinically proven to treat acne | Can be drying and irritating, especially if you don’t give your skin type to adjust |
Best Peel: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads
- Why We Love It: We’ve been using this formula for over a decade and it remains as effective as ever, keeping our skin clear, smooth, and glowy with two simple swipes. “The combination of AHAs and BHA give an immediate glow, but also provide gradual improvement in breakouts and texture with consistent use,” says Dr. Yang. They’re perfect for frequent travelers (the two-step treatment is delivered via two solution-soaked towelettes, so no leaks).
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, willow bark extract
- How to Use: Swipe the step-one pad across clean, dry skin using circular motions until the towelette feels dry. Wait two minutes, then repeat with step two. Do not rinse.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Provides instant and long-term results; easy and mess-free application | Best used as part of a blackhead-targeting routine rather than the only solution |
Everything You Need to Know
Do blackhead removers actually work?
Yes, but if you’re prone to developing blackheads, you likely won’t be able to get rid of them with a one-and-done treatment. “Because blackheads are small formations of dead skin cells and sebum that often gather in the most oily parts of the skin, removing them can take compliance and dedication for the best outcomes,” explains Dr. Alemi. Consistently following a blackhead-fighting regimen will yield the best results.
The different types of blackhead removers
Chemical and physical exfoliants
Chemical peels help break down the bonds securing dead skin cells to the skin’s surface. “Exfoliate the top layer of the skin without the microdamage of scrubs or other physical exfoliants,” says Dr. Alemi, who notes that physical exfoliants are best for oily or younger skin types for this reason. Whichever you choose, you’ll want to start by exfoliating once or twice a week to see how your skin tolerates it; chemical exfoliants come in different strengths and types, which makes it easier to find the right one for your skin’s needs, but you may experience irritation at first. “When using exfoliants, it’s important to be mindful of sun exposure and wearing an SPF,” adds Dr. Alemi. Removing that top layer of skin will make you more sensitive to UV rays.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid exfoliator, is one of most popular and powerful options for combating clogged pores. While alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic and lactic exfoliate on the skin’s surface, “salicylic acid is lipophilic, which means oil-loving,” explains Dr. Kseniya Kobets, board-certified dermatologist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in Westchester, New York. “It goes deeper, penetrating the pores to clean out the oil and other debris within the oil gland.”
Retinoids
Retinoids aren’t for everyone—they can be too irritating on sensitive skin and should be avoided by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding—but if they suit your skin, they can be a formidable choice for combatting congestion. “Retinoids are used to increase cell turnover, which makes your pores less likely to clog and form blackheads,” explains Dr. Alemi. That accelerated cell turnover can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure, so be sure to slather yourself daily with SPF if you have a retinoid in your routine.
Strips
While they’re tempting to use frequently, Dr. Alemi recommends using them only occasionally, as they’re no substitute for professional manual extraction. “If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid strips as both the adhesive and the removal process can be irritating,” he adds.
Pimple patches
There are two types of pimple patches—those that are solely made of hydrocolloid with zero active ingredients and those that are infused with ingredients like salicylic acid and tea tree oil. The former can be worn throughout the entire day without risk as they’re essentially little skin shields that protect a pimple while creating an environment that supports healing. The latter should not be worn all day, says Dr. Alemi, as the potent actives can cause irritation. “Because they’re made to hide highly concentrated treatments, it’s important to remove them as directed and not think of them as a fashion statement that can stay on from morning to night,” he explains.
Masks
A mask with clay or charcoal can be a helpful temporary fix, says Dr. Yang. “They work by drawing out impurities, oil, and other debris from the pores,” she explains. “I find these best suited for oily skin as they can be drying,” notes Dr. Alemi, who adds that they should be used once weekly for best results.
Devices
Tools like pore spatulas, microdermabrasion devices, and blackhead vacuums are best used in conjunction with a routine that contains salicylic acid, which can further help dislodge pore congestion. However, it’s critical to use a light hand and know your skin’s limitations—devices like these should be avoided by sensitive skin types as they may cause irritation, warns Dr. Alemi.
The blackhead treatments to avoid
Harsh scrubs
While some physical exfoliants can be helpful in smoothing out the coarse texture caused by blackheads, others can be too rough on the skin. “Harsh scrubs can leave the skin generally inflamed and not target the blackheads,” says Dr. Alemi. Avoid scrubs that contain large, jagged granules that don’t dissolve, such as crushed seeds or shells, and instead look for formulas that feature ingredients that dissolve (salt, sugar, or jojoba beads, for example) or are finely milled, like rice powder.
At-home manual extraction
“If you’re trying to remove blackheads, my least favorite approach is at-home manual extraction of any form,” says Dr. Alemi, who says he’s heard of everything from fingernail squeezing to digging out pores with tweezers. “Often, this do-it-yourself approach can lead to broken skin, infection, scabbing, and possibly scarring,” he cautions. If you like the immediate effects of manual extraction, book a medical-grade facial—the pros will have the right touch as well as the sterile equipment to get the job done.
How to prevent blackheads
Any doctor will tell you that prevention is better than cure. “Preventing blackheads requires a consistent skin-care routine that involves gentle exfoliation and non-comedogenic skin-care products,” says Dr. Yang. “Retinoids are an excellent ingredient to incorporate, as they help reduce oil production, regulate cell turnover, and prevent dead skin cells from accumulating in the pores.” Dr. Alemi recommends washing your face every morning and evening, as well as after sweating, ideally using a cleanser with exfoliating ingredients to keep skin clear. “If you have oily hair, I recommend regularly washing your hair, and changing your pillowcase at least once a week to remove any hair oil that may get on your face when you sleep,” he adds.
You should also take a look at the beauty products that are already in your routine, as some may be doing more harm than good. Makeup with comedogenic ingredients like mineral oil is a common culprit, as are some richer skin-care formulas. “Reducing the use of very heavy moisturizers, especially those that contain dimethicone, may decrease the buildup of oil and access debris in the pores,” says Dr. Kobets.
Lastly, you can consider seeking professional help from a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who offer potent in-office procedures to keep skin clear. “There are lasers that target oil production to reduce blackhead formation over time [such as AviClear and Aerolase], chemical peels to deeply exfoliate, and treatments like HydraFacial to cleanse and extract impurities from the pores,” says Dr. Yang.
How we tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to blackhead removers, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, type of product, how quickly and effectively they remove blackheads, and the skin-care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Sean Alemi is a double-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New York, New Yorl.
- Dr. Connie Yang is a board-certified dermatologist at PFRANKMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank in New York, New York.
- Dr. Kseniya Kobets is a board-certified dermatologist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in Westchester, New York.
