15 of the Best Blackhead Removers You Can Buy, According to a Derm

For a gentle but effective cleanse, we reach for this water-activated powder that uses Japanese rice bran and papaya enzymes to gently exfoliate skin and help clear blackhead-causing gunk. To use, wet your hands and face and rub a half-teaspoon of powder in your palms to create a creamy foam. Gently massage the foam onto your face for 15 seconds before rinsing with warm water to achieve skin that looks (and feels!) supremely soft and cleansed, according to reviewers. In fact, the cult cleanser (and Meghan Markle-fave) comes in four formulas, but “deep” is made specifically for keeping pores clear with added clarifying ingredients like wild rosehips, which contain retinoic acid to help improve the look of pores.

FAST FACTS

• Type: physical exfoliant
• Active Ingredients: amino acids, retinoic acid

Stick it to those pesky blackheads with this stick cleanser that gets to the root of your blackheads. First, it uses kaolin clay to draw out oil and impurities that contribute to blackheads. Then, it provides both physical and chemical exfoliation, combining the gritty clay with a five-acid blend (including our trusty go-to’s: lactic acid, salicylic acid and glycolic acid) to clear away all the dirt and dead skin. You can apply it as a spot treatment or slather it all over your face for a lit-from-within glow. Plus, it comes in a convenient travel-friendly cylinder you can pop in your bag while on-the-go.

FAST FACTS

• Type: chemical and physical exfoliant
• Active Ingredients: lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid

Put your freshest face forward with the uber popular GlamGlow charcoal mask, which is made of a blend of six powerhouse acids (including lactic, salicylic, glycolic and pyruvic acid) to unclog pores and shrink the look of their size, activated charcoal to pull out dirt from deep within and finally, eucalyptus leaf to provide beneficial antioxidants. Simply apply a thin layer to your skin while avoiding the eyes, allow it to dry and harden, and rinse away with water. That tingling feeling will let you know it’s working its magic. Note that it may leave skin looking a bit red after using, so it’s best to apply at night.

FAST FACTS

• Type: chemical exfoliant
• Active Ingredients: lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid

This gel tackles blackheads with a formula filled with BHAs and AHAs. Salicylic acid penetrates the surface of the skin and goes deeper into the follicles to help keep clear up any debris, while lactic acid exfoliates any dead cells that are sitting on the surface of your skin. Add to that a touch of aloe vera to soothe any potential irritation and it’s no wonder this is another derm fave. After cleansing, apply a small amount of gel to clean skin. Massage it using light, circular movements, let it absorb for five minutes, and rinse off with warm water one to two times a week for maximum results.

FAST FACTS

• Type: chemical exfoliant
• Active Ingredients: salicylic acid, lactic acid

For an overall overhaul of your skin’s texture and tone, this peel is a must-try. With a high concentration of glycolic acid, the formula is designed to dissolve dead skin cells and buildup swiftly without causing irritation. Better yet, it’s also meant to help tackle signs of premature aging, from fine lines to dark spots. To use, apply a thin layer to cleansed skin and let it absorb for ten minutes before splashing your face with warm water to neutralize the formula. Follow with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer. For the best results, the brand recommends using it every two to three days.

FAST FACTS

• Type: chemical exfoliant
• Active ingredient: glycolic acid

We know we told you to leave the extractions to the pros, but if you’re in-between facial appointments and absolutely must pluck out those sebum plugs, using a professional-grade tool kit is a better (and more sanitary) bet than squeezing at your skin with your germy fingers. This set, touted as Amazon’s number one best seller in the category, features six stainless-steel tools that are designed to help you target and extract almost any blackhead or pimple simply by pressing down and clearing away the gunk. They're designed to be super effective, but gentle enough on the skin so that they won’t cause scarring. Did we mention the kit also comes with a leather carrying case to keep them organized? It's a win-win.

FAST FACTS

• Type: extraction tool

There’s nothing ordinary about this potent formula. In addition to 10% lactic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) to provide powerful skin exfoliation, the vegan and cruelty-free serum also includes Tasmanian pepperberry in order to help minimize inflammation and any sensitivity, according to the brand. This fan- (and editor-) favorite keeps blackheads at bay, while brightening your overall complexion. Did we mention it’s only nine dollars?

FAST FACTS

• Type: chemical exfoliant
• Active Ingredient: lactic acid

Behold, a skincare tool that sucks—in the best way possible. Yep, this little facial vacuum quite literally sucks your blackheads right out of your pores, leaving you with a refreshed complexion. It has five suction levels and comes complete with five different head attachments to customize to your skin's exact needs. To get the best results, use a warm cloth or facial steamer to help loosen up your pores, then gently glide the device across your skin to get out all the gunk, dirt and excess sebum clogging it up. Be careful not to press too hard or hold it in one place for too long though, as it may leave a mark. Nevertheless, reviewers say that it does what it says it does, and leaves skin feeling fresh and clean.

FAST FACTS

• Type: tool

This nifty gadget is a total game-changer for skin, at least according to PureWow editor Marissa Wu, who tried it for herself and claimed that it shrunk her pores, mitigated her breakouts and left her skin feeling smooth and firm. The three-in-one "spatula" uses electric muscle stimulation (EMS) technology, along with ionic charges, to help lift and firm skin, deeply infuse your favorite skincare products and, most importantly, remove those pesky blackheads from your pores. The textured metallic spatula head features two holes that are meant to glide across your blackheads or blemishes for precise extraction. "Extract mode was efficient and successful in keeping my T-zone (relatively) breakout free," writes Wu in her review, adding that the tool's curved edge allowed it to get into the contours of her nose to expertly remove buildup.

FAST FACTS

• Type: tool

For an affordable option that may also help clear up acne along with blackheads, we recommend this liquid exfoliant that goes beneath the surface of your skin to help unclog pores, target blackheads and reduce excess oil thanks to a trio of key ingredients: salicylic acid, zinc compound and hyaluronic acid. To use, apply one to two drops of serum on clean skin and follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day, per the brand. One 5-star reviewer says the formula has helped diminish their pores and lines, while another adds, “With constant use I have no more blackheads. Love this product.”

FAST FACTS

• Type: chemical exfoliant
• Active Ingredients: salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid

For those with extra-sensitive skin, these gentle pads are a safe bet. Made with natural beta and alpha hydroxy acids (from wintergreen and Australian caviar lime, respectively) and balanced with jasmine and burdock root extracts, the clean formula provides all the pore-clarifying benefits of exfoliating without any stinging or redness. Just swipe a pad gently over cleansed skin two to three times a week to help maintain a calm and conditioned complexion, per the brand.

FAST FACTS

• Type: chemical exfoliant
• Active Ingredients: salicylic acid

Once held under lock and key at your derm’s office, this prescription-strength retinoid is now available over the counter (thank goodness). The gentler vitamin A derivative is tough on acne, clogged pores and even fine lines, but it requires some patience to see full results (up to three months). Just make sure you start slowly, applying it every other night (or every third night) until your skin acclimates and, again, stick with it to achieve the touted skin-clearing benefits. You’ll be glad you did.

FAST FACTS

• Type: retinoid treatment
• Active Ingredient: retinoid

Not to hit you over the head with it, but keeping up with regular exfoliation is key when it comes to preventing future blackheads. To help slough off any dead skin (which can get trapped in the mix with oil, sebum and keratin and clog your pores), simply swipe this toner over clean skin. Made with 5% glycolic acid and soothing aloe vera, it’s strong enough to get the job done without being overly irritating, although some users with sensitive skin recommend using it only a few times a week.

FAST FACTS

• Type: chemical exfoliant
• Active Ingredient: glycolic acid

Fewer things are more satisfying than applying a blackhead strip to your nose, forehead or chin, only to see all the gunk removed once you peel it off. These OG strips work to strip away oil that contributes to blackheads by using c-bond technology to bind to the dirt. Simply wet clean skin, apply the strip, leave on for ten minutes, peel off, and admire your newfound shrunken pores (without touching them of course).

FAST FACTS

Type: physical exfoliator

If you're looking for a rich cream that works overnight to resurface your skin (and thus helps clear away the stuff that's clogging your pores), Dr. Shamban recommends this unique formula. “This one is a superhero because it combines two gold standards, a retinoid and a lactic acid, to create a double conjugated retinoid. It moisturizes, smooths fine lines and wrinkles and supports cellular turnover so your pores stay clear. And it helps keep an even tone and texture. It really is an all-around winner in my book,” she says.

FAST FACTS

• Type: chemical exfoliant
• Active Ingredients: retinoid, lactic acid