12 Best Blackhead Removers for Clogged Pores, According to Derms
12 Best Blackhead Removers for Clogged Pores, According to Derms
We updated this article in December 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
We’re all guilty of trying to pop blackheads at one point or another. But picking at your skin is actually the worst thing you can do to clear clogged pores. Instead, you should rely on the best blackhead remover products to get the job done safely and effectively.
“Blackheads occur when pores become blocked with oil and dead skin cells,” says Imran Aslam M.D., a board-certified dermatologist specializing in adult dermatology and skin cancer treatments. “They appear black because the material inside is exposed to the air and becomes oxidized, resulting in the dark appearance,” he explains. “Blackheads may persist for weeks to months and generally require treatment to be removed.”
While it can be very tempting to get your Dr. Pimple Popper on at home, experts advise against a DIY extraction. “Squeezing blackheads with your fingers is not a good idea,” says Cheri Frey M.D., board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Howard University. “You can introduce bacteria and inflammation, which can turn a small bump into a large angry one. It can also leave dark marks behind that may take weeks to disappear,” she explains.
The best solution for ridding your skin of blackheads for good? Using blackhead treatments that contain acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and glycolic acid, like many of the products on this list.
Meet the Experts: Imran Aslam M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in adult dermatology and skin cancer treatments. Cheri Frey M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Howard University. Dylan Greeney, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in adult dermatology.
Our top picks
Ahead, find a few skincare picks that dermatologists recommend as their favorite blackhead treatments. Ranging from face washes to extraction tools, nose strips, and face exfoliators—we’ve included 12 of the best blackhead remover products to get your skin looking its best.
The best blackhead removers contain ingredients like salicylic and glycolic acid. Here, experts share the blackhead treatments that are most effective.
