The 12 Best Blackhead Removal Tools to Get Clear Skin

I could stand in front of a mirror for hours and examine my pores one by one—but I know that picking and prodding at acne is frowned upon by most dermatologists, as it can leave behind marks or spread bacteria. But the best blackhead remover tools allow me to clear gunk from my pores—safely—without permanently damaging my skin.

“While it is satisfying to see the content come out of the pores, these tools are a short-term fix and do not prevent future blackheads,” says California-based dermatologist Suchismita Tia Paul. “With blackhead removal tools, you remove dirt, debris, and dead skin cells, but it is only temporary because the pores can get clogged again.”

While it can be entertaining to watch old blackheads meet their demise, it’s important to extract properly and to not overdo it. Before going in with a tool, ensure your face, the tool, and your hands are clean (Paul even recommends using a glove). To loosen the content within pores, try steaming your face for 10 to 15 minutes before extracting. Using a blackhead removal tool should never be painful, so use light pressure and push the clogged pore upward, Paul explains. In between extraction sessions use ingredients like salicylic acid, retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide to prevent and treat incoming blackheads.

From comedone extractors to ultra-sonic scrubber devices, these 12 tools are both satisfying to use and expertly remove blackheads–without leaving behind permanent marks.