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Photo: MytourWashing your face regularly helps remove surface dirt and oil, but it might not fully tackle persistent blackheads. Since blackheads are embedded deeper within the skin, removing them effectively requires a product that can reach your pores. A blackhead remover works by using ingredients that dissolve excess oil, dead skin cells, and other impurities.
As they come in various forms—serums, toners, cleansers, and masks—picking the right blackhead remover can be tricky. To make it easier, we reviewed the ingredient lists, formulas, and customer feedback of different products, and even provided some of our own recommendations. Additionally, we consulted Dr. Jake Woods, a board-certified dermatologist, and Joelle O’Connor, a licensed esthetician at Schweiger Dermatology, for expert advice on what to look for when selecting blackhead removers.
Top Pick
Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Serum
PHOTO: AmazonIt's widely available in most drugstores and is quite affordable.
Although fragrance-free, it has a chemical scent that some users may find off-putting.
Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Serum effectively clears blackheads and helps maintain control over new blackhead development. The formula boasts a potent 10% blend of glycolic, mandelic, polyhydroxy, and salicylic acids, which work in harmony to dissolve blackheads and minimize pores, preventing them from returning.
This blackhead remover, despite its prescription-strength formula, is easily accessible at drugstores and comes at a more affordable price compared to other options on this list.
You can incorporate this serum into your existing skincare routine without the need to replace anything. It’s free from common irritants like parabens, sulfates, oils, and dyes. While it doesn’t have added fragrance, its chemical scent might be noticeable to some. Nevertheless, it is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for a range of skin types.
Type: Serum | Size: 1 ounce | Ingredients: Glycolic acid, mandelic acid, polyhydroxy acid, salicylic acid
Editor’s Selection
BeautyStat Triple Action One-Step Daily Exfoliating Peel Pad
PHOTO: NordstromUnlike most chemical peels, it does not include glycolic acid and doesn't need a neutralizer after use.
It may increase your sensitivity to sun exposure, leading to a higher chance of sunburn.
While chemical peels are effective for eliminating blackheads, some find the glycolic acid too harsh. BeautyStat Cosmetics Triple Action One-Step Daily Exfoliating Peel Pad, recommended by Mytour beauty director Heather Muir, offers a gentler alternative.
Instead of glycolic acid, this peel pad utilizes glucosamine, lactic acid, and time-released salicylic acid to gently exfoliate, unclog pores, and eliminate blackheads. According to Muir, “It’s so mild that you can use it daily, and unlike most peels, it's a one-step process—you don’t need to neutralize it.”
This daily peel is enriched with polyglutamic acid, niacinamide, and pure green tea actives to revitalize dull skin and restore moisture. Since incorporating this peel pad into her routine, Muir notes that her skin not only appears clearer but also has an immediate radiant glow. Just remember to apply face sunscreen, as it can make your skin more sensitive to UVA and UVB rays.
Type: Chemical peel | Size: 0.08 ounces (30 peel pads) | Ingredients: Glucosamine, lactic acid, salicylic acid, polyglutamic acid, niacinamide, pure green tea actives
Top Exfoliator
Kate Somerville Pore Exfoliating Treatment
PHOTO: AmazonIt exfoliates blackheads effectively without being harsh on the skin.
It is priced higher compared to other blackhead treatments.
The Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment removes blackheads without irritating the skin by using a blend of four active ingredients that are both gentle and effective against blackheads.
Lactic and salicylic acids break the bonds between dead skin cells, while silica physically exfoliates them. Enzymes from papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin assist in digesting these cells, leaving you with clear pores and refreshed skin.
This exfoliator also helps with enlarged pores, a common result of blackheads, by enhancing skin texture with soothing and restorative ingredients like aloe vera, honey, and vitamin E.
It also contains anti-aging ingredients like rosewood and cinnamon extract, which help address wrinkles and fine lines. While this blackhead remover is priced higher due to its comprehensive benefits, you may find the investment worthwhile.
Type: Cream | Size: 0.5 ounces, 2 ounces, and 5 ounces | Ingredients: Lactic acid, salicylic acid, silica, fruit enzymes
Top Extractor Tool
Clinique Self-Heating Extractor
PHOTO: AmazonThis tool dispenses an ointment that heats up to help remove blackheads with minimal irritation.
The amount of ointment provided is quite small.
For a gentler method of removing stubborn blackheads, try the Clinique Self-Heating Extractor. This tool dispenses an ointment that you massage onto your blackheads to extract impurities. The thermal active technology causes the ointment to warm when activated with water. Combined with the textured surface of the applicator, it successfully removes blackheads without causing damage to your skin.
The ointment not only warms the pores for easy extraction but also contains salicylic acid and glucosamine to break down dead skin cells. Additionally, it features three natural exfoliants—pumice, diatomaceous earth, and bamboo powder.
To prevent the irritation commonly experienced with other blackhead extractor tools, this product also includes stearyl glycyrrhetinate, which has soothing properties for the skin. While the formula is potent, keep in mind that it comes with only 0.68 ounces of product despite its higher price tag.
Product Type: Extractor tool | Weight: 0.68 ounces | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glucosamine, pumice, diatomaceous earth, bamboo powder, stearyl glycyrrhetinate
Top Face Mask
Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask
PHOTO: SephoraThis product targets stubborn blackheads by using potent natural ingredients that not only work on clearing pores but also provide skin nourishment.
The formula is quite thick and does not dry, which can make it difficult to wash off, leaving a bit of a mess.
The Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask is specially formulated to eliminate impurities and excess sebum embedded deep within the pores. It features Irish Moor mud, activated charcoal, and volcanic ash, which help detoxify the skin and minimize pore size after just 10 minutes of use.
Unlike many blackhead-removal masks that can be drying due to their oil-absorbing ingredients, this product is enriched with Irish Moor Mud. It’s packed with essential vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids to help keep your skin moisturized.
This mask also includes Hijiki seaweed, which is rich in vitamins B1, B2, and C, as well as calcium and iron. Thanks to its ultra-hydrating formula, it remains wet even after prolonged use, which can make removing it a bit tricky. However, if you enjoy using masks that not only target blackheads but also nourish your skin, this one is definitely worth trying.
Type: Mask | Size: 5 ounces | Ingredients: Irish Moor mud, activated charcoal, volcanic ash, Hijiki seaweed
Ideal for Sensitive Skin
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
PHOTO: AmazonThis exfoliant effectively eliminates blackheads by gently encouraging your skin’s natural exfoliation process.
Applying a thick layer may lead to dryness of the skin.
Using a blackhead remover that causes irritation to sensitive skin is counterproductive, which is why Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant takes a gentler route. It clears blackheads with beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which mimics your skin’s natural process of shedding dead skin cells. Intended to be used like a toner, this product not only purifies your pores but also tightens them, preventing future build-up and congestion.
To reduce irritation further, the formula is enriched with calming green tea and features a balanced pH. As it doesn't require rinsing and is highly concentrated, applying too much could leave your skin feeling sticky or dry. However, if used in a thin layer, this blackhead remover can be applied daily without causing any irritation.
Type: Liquid | Size: 1 ounce, 4 ounces, and 8 ounces | Ingredients: BHA (salicylic acid), green tea
Best for Strips
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose
PHOTO: Ulta offers a glimpse of the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose, showcasing the product's design and functionality.The Mighty Patch utilizes dermatologist-approved hydrocolloid to remove blackheads without the pain caused by adhesive-based methods.
To achieve the best results, it must be left on overnight, which can be inconvenient for those looking for a quick solution.
Traditional pore strips typically use a water-activated adhesive to stick to the skin, requiring a painful removal process to extract blackheads. The Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch, however, avoids this by using medical-grade hydrocolloid. This ingredient works by soaking up impurities in your pores, providing a gentler and more effective way to clear them.
For optimal results, the hydrocolloid in the Mighty Patch needs to stay on the skin overnight, which means it isn’t a quick fix. Despite this, the patches are thin, flexible, and comfortable enough to wear while you sleep. Dermatologist-approved and allergy-tested, these patches are also safer for sensitive skin, reducing the risk of irritation.
Type: Patch | Size: 10 patches | Ingredients: Medical-grade hydrocolloid
Final Opinion
Thanks to its broad availability, affordable price, and strong user feedback, Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Serum is our top choice for eliminating blackheads. It works well with various skin types and contains a potent mix of glycolic acid, mandelic acid, polyhydroxy acid, and salicylic acid, all of which dermatologists highly recommend. For those seeking a more intense exfoliation and willing to invest a bit more, Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is also worth considering.
Expert Tips for Shopping for Blackhead Treatments
Methods
Blackhead removers target blackheads by exfoliating, extracting, or dissolving them. Each method can be effective, but the best choice depends on your skincare routine and the condition of your blackheads.
For deeply entrenched blackheads, Dr. Woods recommends extraction as his preferred method, though he also suggests chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid. Leave-on treatments, such as masks and serums, can also help eliminate blackheads, but since they need time to sit on the skin and dissolve them, they're not the best option for someone seeking a low-maintenance routine.
Regardless of the blackhead remover you choose, you'll achieve the best results by starting with a clean face. “Cleanse your face with a mild cleanser to eliminate dirt, oil, and makeup. Then, use a warm towel or take a steamy shower to open your pores and soften the blackheads,” Dr. Woods advises.
Next, after applying your chosen blackhead remover—whether a pore strip, serum, or extractor tool—ensure you close your pores. To prevent future blackheads, Dr. Woods recommends finishing your routine with a calming toner or a product containing salicylic acid.
Ingredients
When selecting a blackhead remover, it’s important to examine the ingredients list to assess its effectiveness for your skin. Dr. Woods advises focusing on products that feature alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, salicylic, or polyglutamic acids. These ingredients accelerate your skin’s natural cycle by eliminating dead skin cells and buildup.
Certain blackhead removers, such as the BeautyStat Cosmetics Triple Action One-Step Daily Exfoliating Peel Pad, include glucosamine as an AHA alternative. This can be a better option if you have sensitive skin that reacts poorly to glycolic acid. Some blackhead removers also contain oils, fragrances, and sulfates alongside exfoliants, but these ingredients can be irritating and might clog your pores, so it’s wise to avoid them.
Skin Type
Although blackheads can form on any skin type, there is no guarantee that all blackhead removers will work for everyone. “Keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different, so it's crucial to select a blackhead remover that matches your individual needs,” explains Dr. Woods. Choosing a product that doesn’t fit your skin type could potentially worsen other skin issues.
For dry skin, seek out blackhead removers containing hydrating ingredients like green tea, stearyl glycyrrhetinate, or Hijiki seaweed, which can be found in the Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask. If you have oily skin, you might prefer a remover that includes physical exfoliants or beads to combat oil buildup, like pumice and bamboo powder in the Clinique Self-Heating Extractor. If you have sensitive skin, Dr. Woods suggests consulting a dermatologist before using a new product.
Questions You Might Ask
How can I get rid of deep blackheads?
For deep blackheads, the most effective method is extraction. While it’s best to leave this to professionals, Dr. Woods mentions that you can attempt this at home using a blackhead extractor tool—just be sure to proceed with caution. Don’t apply too much pressure if your blackheads don’t come out immediately.
“Keep in mind that deep blackheads can be particularly persistent, and it’s essential to refrain from forceful squeezing or picking, as this can cause scarring or infections,” advises Dr. Woods. When using an extractor tool, he suggests applying gentle and even pressure without any digging.
What type of blackhead remover is suitable for my skin type?
O'Connor emphasizes that the key to eliminating blackheads and preventing their return lies in effective exfoliation. It is crucial to remove dead skin cells from the surface without depleting your skin's natural moisture. To achieve this, it's important to first understand your skin type.
O'Connor cautions individuals with dry skin, as acid-based treatments and retinoids can further dry out the skin, causing irritation. For dry skin, she suggests using products containing PHA (Polyhydroxy Acid), a gentler exfoliant that helps repair the skin's protective barrier. On the other hand, for oily skin, a mild retinoid can be beneficial, as it gently exfoliates and encourages healthy cell turnover, which can help prevent pore blockages.
Take Our Word For It
This article was written by Kalea Martin, a lifestyle and shopping writer for Mytour. To identify the best blackhead removers, we reviewed various ingredients and formulations from different skincare brands. Additionally, we consulted with Dr. Jake Woods, a board-certified dermatologist, and Joelle O’Connor, Licensed Esthetician at Schweiger Dermatology Group, for expert insights on the safe and effective use of blackhead removers, as well as general shopping tips for those looking for the right options.
