Our Editors Share Their Picks for the Best Blackhead Removers

Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Serum does an impressive job at both getting rid of blackheads and keeping blackhead formation under control. The formula contains a 10 percent concentration of glycolic, mandelic, polyhydroxy, and salicylic acids, all of which work together to dissolve blackheads and shrink pores to prevent them from remerging. Even with its prescription-grade potency, this blackhead remover is conveniently available at the drugstore for a lower price than other products on this list.

This serum can be used alongside any skin care products you already use, so you won’t have to replace anything in your current routine. The formula also doesn’t contain common irritants such as parabens, sulfates, oils, and dye, however because it’s also fragrance-free, it has a chemical scent that some customers found hard to ignore. Despite this smell, the formula is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, making it effective for different skin types.

Type: Serum | Size: 1 ounce | Ingredients: Glycolic acid, mandelic acid, polyhydroxy acid, salicylic acid

If you’re in need of a basic blackhead remover and don’t want to overspend, you can’t go wrong with the Clean and Clear Blackhead Eraser. This cleanser’s main ingredient is salicylic acid, a chemical exfoliant that purifies pores to “erase” blackheads. The formula is also free of oil, parabens, sulfates, or dyes, making it a solid option even for those with skin sensitivities or anyone who simply wants to avoid these ingredients.

To supplement the chemical exfoliation of the salicylic acid, this blackhead remover also contains non-plastic beads made out of cellulose. These are designed to help dislodge the dirt and excess oil that accumulates in pores, but they could be bothersome for people who don’t like cleansers with beads. Moreover, they may also feel a little abrasive, which may cause irritation if you’re washing just a little too hard.

Type: Cream | Size: 5 ounces and 7 ounces | Ingredients: Salicylic acid

To exfoliate blackheads without irritating or damaging your skin, the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment uses a combination of four active ingredients that are gentle on the skin, but powerful against blackheads. Lactic and salicylic acids dissolve the bonds holding the dead skin cells to your skin, while silica physically sloughs them off. At the same time, enzymes derived from papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin help digest these cells, working together to leave behind clear pores and revitalized skin.

To address the presence of enlarged pores that often come with blackheads, this exfoliator improves skin texture by incorporating smoothing and restorative ingredients like aloe vera, honey, and vitamin E. It also features anti-aging components such as rosewood and cinnamon extract that treat wrinkles and fine lines. The comprehensive benefits it offers does give this blackhead remover a higher price tag, but you may find it worth the investment.

Type: Cream | Size: 0.5 ounces, 2 ounces, and 5 ounces | Ingredients: Lactic acid, salicylic acid, silica, fruit enzymes

A less damaging way to extract stubborn blackheads is to use the Clinique Self-Heating Extractor, an ointment-dispensing tool that you massage into your blackheads to extract the impurities. The ointment is powered by thermal active technology, meaning it heats up when activated with water. When this heat is combined with the textured surface of the applicator, it effectively extracts blackheads without harming your skin.

In addition to warming pores for easy extraction, the ointment also uses salicylic acid and glucosamine to clear the accumulated skin cells, along with three natural exfoliators — pumice, diatomaceous earth, and bamboo powder. To avoid irritation that typically comes with other blackhead extractor tools, this pick also has stearyl glycyrrhetinate, which has skin soothing properties. This formula is very potent, but note that you only get 0.68 ounces of product despite the higher price point.

Type: Extractor tool | Size: 0.68 ounces | Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glucosamine, pumice, diatomaceous earth, bamboo powder, stearyl glycyrrhetinate

The Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask is specifically designed to draw out impurities and sebum deeply embedded within pores. It uses Irish Moor mud, activated charcoal, and volcanic ash, which detoxifies and shrinks pores when left on the skin for 10 minutes. While blackhead-removing face masks can sometimes feel drying due to their oil-absorbing properties, this product’s key ingredient, Irish Moor Mud, is rich in vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids that help maintain skin’s moisture. 

This product also contains Hijiki seaweed to nourish skin with vitamins B1, B2, and C, calcium, and iron. Due to its rich, hydrating formula, this mask remains moist and does not dry no matter how long you leave it on, which can make for a rather messy removal process. But if you love the feeling of a face mask — and one that works to eradicate blackheads no less — this pick is certainly worth considering.

Type: Mask | Size: 5 ounces | Ingredients: Irish Moor mud, activated charcoal, volcanic ash, Hijiki seaweed

If you’re looking to keep your skincare routine minimal while still addressing blackheads, the Doctor Babor Clay Multi-Cleanser may be the ideal choice for you. This cleanser effectively clears your pores and removes surface impurities like makeup, helping prevent the accumulation of oil and dead skin cells that can lead to blackheads. Its kaolin clay component attracts and absorbs oil buildup, while red maple bark extract, an antioxidant, provides extra skin protection.

Additionally, the formula includes prebiotics and probiotics that strengthen and protect your skin against future blackhead formation. For those who need a more intensive treatment, this product can also be used as a mask by simply leaving it on for 10 extra minutes before washing off. However, since it’s a 2-in-1 product, it tends to get depleted fairly fast, especially since it’s only available in a small bottle.

Type: Liquid | Size: 1.69 ounces | Ingredients: Kaolin clay, red maple bark extract, probiotics, probiotics

Using a blackhead remover that ends up irritating your sensitive skin in the process is counterproductive, so the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant takes a more gentle approach. This is done by removing blackheads using beta hydroxy acid, which works similarly to how your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells. Meant to be applied like a toner, this product not only cleanses your pores, but also tightens them, effectively preventing future congestion and buildup.

To further minimize irritation, the formula is also infused with soothing green tea and has a balanced pH range. Since it doesn’t need to be rinsed off and is very concentrated, using too much of it may make your skin feel sticky or dry. But as long as it’s applied in a thin layer, this blackhead remover can even be used every day without causing any irritation.

Type: Liquid | Size: 1 ounce, 4 ounces, and 8 ounces | Ingredients: BHA (also known as salicylic acid), green tea

Most pore strips are coated with a water-activated adhesive that bonds to the skin, requiring you to rip off the strip to yank out blackheads. The Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch accomplishes this much less painfully, because it uses medical-grade hydrocolloid rather than the traditional adhesive. This ingredient soaks up the impurities in your pores instead of just sticking to them, allowing for a gentler removal process.

In order for the hydrocolloid to work effectively, it does have to be left on your nose overnight, so it isn’t as quick of a fix. However unlike other blackhead strips, these Mighty Patches are thin and flexible, making them comfortable enough to sleep in. And since they’re also dermatologist-approved and allergy-tested, there’s significantly less risk of irritating sensitive skin.

Type: Strip | Size: 10 patches | Ingredients: Medical-grade hydrocolloid

Chemical peels are highly effective at ridding your skin of blackheads, however some people find them too harsh due to the glycolic acid. A gentler solution, according to Real Simple beauty director Heather Muir, is the BeautyStat Cosmetics Triple Action One-Step Daily Exfoliating Peel Pad. Instead of glycolic acid, it uses glucosamine, lactic acid, and time-release salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and eradicate blackheads. “It’s so gentle, you can use it every single day. And unlike most peels, it’s one step. You don’t have to neutralize it.” Muir shares.

This daily peel also contains polyglutamic acid, niacinamide, and pure green tea actives to rejuvenate dull skin and replenish lost moisture. “Not only does my skin look clearer but it gives me an instant glow,” Muir says of its effects. However, be sure to wear sunscreen when you use this product, because it will 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