Even though your dermatologist has warned you repeatedly not to pick your pimples, it is undoubtedly easier said than done. But what if there was an alternative to squeezing your skin that worked just as well, if not better? You’re lucky since we have everything you need to eliminate even the most difficult blackheads.
Top choices:
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BEST BLACKHEAD REMOVER TOOL
Seki EDGE Blackhead Remover - Comedone Extractor for Blackheads
But let’s start with the basics: What are blackheads? Mona Gohara, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, explains that blackheads, one type of acne, are a buildup of sebum (oil), keratin, and dirt that become trapped inside pores and are oxidized by air, giving them a darker appearance. Hence the term “blackheads.” Although they can appear anywhere on the body, they frequently form on the chin, forehead, and nose.
There are many ways to get rid of blackheads, from instruments that physically remove them from the skin and unclog pores to skincare solutions that work gradually to do just that. Dr. Gohara likes comedone extractors, a little spoon-shaped device with a hole in the middle or a metal rod with loops that force dirt and sebum out of pores. According to Chiara Butler, a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, “Other tools include skin spatulas that vibrate to scrape the surface of the skin and pore vacuums that use suction to pull sebum from the pore.” She dislikes both of these because they can result in bruising and bursting blood vessels.
Many alternatives are available in the skincare industry, including chemical peels, retinol treatments, and exfoliators that typically contain salicylic and glycolic acids, among other ingredients. According to Butler and Dr. Gohara, pore strips are not recommended as they “are a quick fix and do nothing to help the process of the blackheads forming.” You may see our top selections for blackhead removers, including editor and dermatologist favorites, Beauty Award winners, and more when you’ve mastered the various categories.
Check out our top acne face washes and acne-fighting skincare routine if removing blackheads isn’t your only problem.
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BEST BLACKHEAD REMOVER PEEL
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
NOW 13% OFF
PROS
- Powerful ingredients
- Helps reduce appearance of pores
- Three variants for different skin types
CONS
- Pricey
Dr. Gohara states chemical peels are a great way to eliminate blackheads since they “often use salicylic acid or glycolic acid to dissolve the accumulation in the pore.” The gold standard for at-home treatments is Dr. Dennis Gross’s two-step peel, which has five AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate skin and dissolve sebum and a neutralizing wipe to moisturize skin and prevent irritation. Danusia Wnek, Senior Chemist at GH Beauty Lab, reveals three types: delicate, original, and extremely strong. I like them all, but my favourite is the original brand; I use them at night, and in the morning, my skin is incredibly smooth, and my pores appear smaller. Although it’s an expensive choice, Wnek and many reviewers concur that it’s worthwhile.
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PROS
- Budget-friendly
- Effective level of salicylic acid
- Layers nicely under other products
CONS
- Unpleasant scent according to some reviewers
This oil-free serum from Neutrogena contains a blend of glycolic, polyhydroxy, and mandelic acids to exfoliate and clarify skin in addition to salicylic acid, which helps to clear out blackheads. Dr. Gohara appreciates that it “goes on smoothly, is not irritating, and is easy to layer under products.” It’s important to note that some reviews mentioned the “unpleasant scent.”
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BEST BLACKHEAD REMOVER TOOL
Seki EDGE Blackhead Remover - Comedone Extractor for Blackheads
NOW 22% OFF
PROS
- The shape allows you to clear out pores
- Good value
CONS
- Should be used with caution
Butler prefers comedone extractors with a circular, spoon-like end, like this one from Seki Edge, even though they come in various shapes. She claims that these extractors “apply more evenly distributed pressure around the blackhead than those with an oval loop design,” making removing all of the debris from the pore more straightforward. She warns against using an extractor carelessly as it can be dangerous and result in redness.
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PROS
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Easy to use
CONS
- Can be irritating if used near the eyes
Dr. Gohara included these pads as one of her go-to exfoliating products, calling them “the ideal way to give your skin a mini peel at night before bed.” The places aid in clearing those clogged pores. Nothing is easier than a wipe, and these are soft enough to use daily. Just be careful not to use it too close to your eyes because it could irritate them.
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BEST BLACKHEAD REMOVER FOR LARGE PORES
Branch Duo Standing DeskPaula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
NOW 75% OFF
PROS
- Shrinks the appearance of pores
- Smooths and brightens skin
- Works quickly
CONS
- Can potentially irritate sensitive skin
“This is honestly a workhorse when it comes to reducing the appearance of pores,” adds Wnek of the product, which contains a robust 2% salicylic acid. She uses it frequently because “it keeps my skin looking and feeling smooth.” The week is not alone; the company claims this is their best-selling item worldwide because it clears pores, brightens skin, and quickly minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. Although most customers thought this leave-on exfoliant was gentle, some said it could bother people with sensitive skin.
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PROS
- Good for mature skin
- Has multiple uses
CONS
- Small bottle so gets used up quickly
Using clay masks regularly will help you fight blackheads. Clinical evidence supports the Home Accessories Beauty Award-winning creamy deep-cleaning clay mask from Codex, which shows a 14% decrease in skin oil after 28 days of application. So as not to dehydrate skin, the detoxifying clay is combined with emollient shea butter and botanicals. According to Sabina Wizemann, Senior Chemist at the GH Beauty Lab, “It minimized the appearance of pores around my nose and cleared blackheads without over-drying.” However, some reviewers have noted that it does have an odd odour.
How we choose the best blackhead removers
Although blackhead removers have yet to be formally tested by the Home Accessories Institute Beauty Lab, GH Beauty Lab scientists continually evaluate the most recent skincare and acne treatments, including retinol creams, moisturizers for acne-prone skin, and more. To create this list, we pooled our decades of experience with suggestions from editors, doctors, and Beauty Lab.
What to look for when shopping for a standing desk
✔️Ingredients that are keratolytic or exfoliating: “Look for products with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids (such as adapalene), azelaic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, or sulphur,” advises Butler. All of these components aid in removing dead skin cells and preventing pore congestion.
✔️Peels, creams, serums, or lotions: The components matter more than the method. Pick a texture that appeals to you.
✔️Stay Avoid products that promise immediate results, advises Dr. Gohara. “You want to get rid of blackheads and stop new ones from developing simultaneously.”
✔️When using blackhead removal tools, proceed with caution since while they help, they can also harm the skin.
What’s the best way to remove blackheads?
Butler explains that the best long-term outcomes and the lowest risk of harm will come from the frequent use of skincare products with keratolytic chemicals. “It can be difficult to resist removing blackheads with quick strips or tools,” she adds.
In agreement, Dr. Gohara advises using a mild cleanser before using a product that contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid, retinol, or a combination of these. “You can include something mechanical, like an extraction tool, but focus first on the skincare steps.”
What draws out a deep blackhead?
Dr. Gohara declares, “I am a major supporter of the suitable old comedone extractor for persistent blackheads. The contents can be removed with little pressure, and regular retinol application will prevent the follicle from becoming blocked again.
“It’s best to see a dermatologist who can extract it in a sterile environment and treat the pore that is left behind,” Butler says if you have a very large or deep blackhead that won’t come out despite your best efforts.
