15 Top Blackhead Removal Products for Clear Skin

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woman with blackhead removal strip on her nose

Blackheads are common for many of us.

But that doesn’t mean that they’re something that we have to live with — and fortunately, we don’t have to.

With the top blackhead removal products, you can kiss these pesky dark-colored bumps bye-bye forever.

Here are 15 of the most incredible of them.

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
Editor's Choice
  • Has five AHAs and BHAs, active vitamins, and antioxidants
  • Clinically proven to give users clearer skin in just one week
  • Vegan and cruelty-, phthalate-, and paraben-free
La Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
Budget Pick
  • Contains 2% salicylic acid, lipohydroxy acid, and glycerin to exfoliate and hydrate the skin
  • Recommended by 90,000 dermatologists all over the world
  • Fragrance- and oil-free
Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil
Premium Pick
  • Medicated oil with 1.5% salicylic acid for deep exfoliation
  • Has tea tree oil, black cumin seed oil, and licorice to clear and brighten the complexion
  • Cruelty-free and certified green and sustainable by My Green Lab

What Are Blackheads?

Also called open comedones, blackheads are a type of acne characterized by their dark coloring.

In fact, this dark color is what mainly differentiates them from another type of acne called closed comedones or whiteheads.

Blackheads mostly affect adolescents but around 10% to 20% of adults have them too. 

How Are Blackheads Formed?

When dead skin cells and excess oils clog a pore (or hair follicle), the clog forms a bump on the skin. 

When this happens, one of two things might occur: the skin closes over the clogged pore or the bump, which leads to the formation of a whitehead.

Or the skin stays open, exposing the clog to oxygen, which leads to oxidation that turns it black. This results in the formation of a blackhead. 

Choosing theTop Blackhead Removal Products: A Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to choosing the right product for removing blackheads, there are two major factors you should consider to ensure successful results: the type of product you want and the ingredients it has.

Here’s a quick guide to give you a more in-depth look at these two factors:

Blackhead-Fighting Ingredients

Since blackheads form because of clogged pores, it’s important that you keep your pores free of excess buildup as much as possible.

Here are some of the most important ingredients that are known to help do that:

Salicylic Acid

One of the most widely known BHAs or beta hydroxy acids, salicylic acid breaks down the bonds in dead skin cells to make them come off the skin easily, unclogging your pores.

This helps get rid of blackheads. 

And it helps control oil production, which can significantly reduce the risk of the recurrence of blackheads.

As such, it can help facilitate faster skin cell renewal to give you clearer, brighter skin in a shorter amount of time, especially when paired with vitamin C.

Azelaic Acid

Also, with exfoliating properties, azelaic acid is another wonder ingredient for fighting blackheads and achieving beautiful skin.

What it does is dissolve blockages inside the pores and keep the pores clear.

Azelaic acid is also considered to be gentler than other ingredients used in acne treatments. In fact, it’s mild enough to be used by pregnant women

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid or AHA that is effective at sloughing off dead skin cells, which helps trigger cell turnover and cell renewal.

It also attracts moisture to the skin, which can have a positive impact on curbing the formation of blackheads.

This is because dryness stimulates the skin to produce more oil, which can lead to oil buildup that clogs pores and creates blackheads. 

With lactic acid, your skin stays hydrated, so it’s less likely to overproduce oil.

Finally, lactic acid is believed to contribute to balancing the skin microbiome.

This means it helps in creating the type of environment that discourages acne-causing bacteria from flourishing. 

Hyaluronic Acid

Another humectant, hyaluronic acid helps control your skin’s oil production by making sure that it stays moisturized and doesn’t overcompensate for dryness by producing too much oil.

Additionally, it helps tighten your pores to prevent oil and dirt from entering them and causing buildup that can lead to blackheads. 

Retinoids

For more stubborn cases of blackheads or other types of acne, retinoids are recommended. 

This class of ingredients goes the extra mile in exfoliating the skin to push out any clogged material in the pores. 

And because it removes dead skin cells, it encourages new and healthy cells to take their place, which can promote fresher and healthier-looking skin.

Types of Products

The top blackhead removal products are also available in different types, including the following:

  • Face wash or cleanser. Typically used twice a day, face washes and cleansers remove dirt, grime, and other impurities from the face.

    Facial washes and cleansers that are formulated to exfoliate blackheads often contain salicylic acid and hydrating ingredients.
  • Face scrub. Face scrubs also clean the face, but they take cleansing one step further by stripping off dead skin and helping stimulate skin cell renewal.

    Many of the face scrubs that can remove blackheads are powerful enough that they can also make the skin dry; as such, most of them can’t be used every day.
  • Face mask. A face mask is an occlusive that covers the whole face and targets a wide range of skin concerns, such as removing extra oil, minimizing the appearance of pores, and removing blackheads.

    Masks come in various forms like sheets, gel, and mud. Like scrubs, they are top used two to three times a week.
  • Strips. Made from a woven material, strips or pore strips are designed to stick to the face by virtue of an adhesive, upon which they dry and get removed.

    Once removed, they also remove the surface impurities that have stuck to them, including blackheads.
  • Serum. Anti-acne serums are specialized skincare products that feature active ingredients formulated to help address and treat symptoms of acne, like blackheads.

    These products are also very hydrating, which can help strengthen the skin and protect it from future breakouts.

All these product types work effectively, so which one you choose will depend on your preferences. 

For instance, if you prefer something that works quickly, you can go for strips. But if you want something a bit gentler, you can go for a face wash or cleanser. 

Top Blackhead Removal Products: 15 Options

Keen to start shopping?

Here are 15 of the top products with blackhead-removing powers.

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

What is the best blackhead removal product? Many say it’s this one!

Benefits: Lifts away blackheads and dead skin cells; evens out skin tone; leaves skin feeling smooth and soft; improves skin’s ability to absorb other skincare products

Features:

  • Has five AHAs and BHAs, active vitamins, and antioxidants
  • Clinically proven to give users clearer skin in just one week
  • Vegan and cruelty-, phthalate-, and paraben-free

Plus, it's super easy to pack and carry, even while traveling!

Dr. Dennis Gross’ Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel is an exfoliator packed with AHAs and BHAs like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and malic acid. 

These effectively lift oil and dead skin cells away from the skin and remove blackheads by clearing congested pores.

Regular use of this product will also help prevent oil buildup to keep blackheads at bay. 

At the same time, this product smooths out the texture of your skin, evens out your skin tone, and fights signs of aging, giving you a clearer, smoother, and more radiant complexion!

Caudalie Vinergetic C+ Instant Detox Clay Mask

According to several reviews, this is among the best blackhead removal products — it’s truly a worthwhile buy! 

Benefits: Controls excess oil; detoxifies the pores; leaves skin feeling fresh after exfoliation; evens out skin tone

Features:

  • Uses a 99% natural formulation that controls oil, unclogs pores, and makes skin glow
  • Vegan and fragrance-free
  • Comes in a sustainable packaging 

Satisfied users say it detoxifies the skin amazingly well!

For those who want a potent mask with natural ingredients, this one from Caudalie delivers multiple benefits for blackhead removal. 

Formulated with pink clay, it is great at cleansing the pores to remove impurities like blackheads and controlling excess oil. It also visibly tightens the pores!

Additionally, this product is also formulated with grape extracts, which contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that’s been found to help prevent the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria. 

And it also has caffeine, which brightens the complexion.

Differin Gel Adapalene 0.1% Gel

Among the best blackhead removal products that really work, this gel has revolutionized over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatment.

Benefits: Clears current breakouts while preventing future ones; targets clogged pores and inflammation; mild enough for sensitive skin

Features:

  • First FDA-approved OTC acne retinoid
  • Prescription-strength formula that effectively treats and prevents acne
  • Water-based formula that works deep into the pores in only five minutes

Used once a day, you'll start seeing results in as little as two days!

If you want one of the most effective blackhead removal products that gets rid of blackheads, pimples, and other impurities while preventing them from recurring, the Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment is your best bet. 

As the first-ever FDA-approved over-the-counter acne retinoid product, this wonder gel unclogs pores, allowing dirt and oil buildup to escape from the pores easily to get rid of existing blackheads and prevent new ones from forming. 

It reduces inflammation while promoting skin cell turnover to replace dead skin cells with new, fresh ones.

And with its water-based formula that’s also fragrance- and alcohol-free, it’s mild enough for those with sensitive skin.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

Want something that's trusted by almost a hundred thousand skin doctors? This one's for you.

Benefits: Clears away blackheads; smoothens the skin; promotes even skin tone

Features:

  • Contains 2% salicylic acid, lipohydroxy acid, and glycerin to exfoliate and hydrate the skin
  • Recommended by 90,000 dermatologists all over the world
  • Fragrance- and oil-free

And it's safe enough that you can use it twice a day, every day!

Formulated with 2% salicylic acid and lipohydroxy acid, this medicated face wash by La Roche-Posay has been found to not only clear blackheads and impurities from the skin but also reduce excess oil on the surface of the skin by almost 50%. 

At the same time, it has glycerin, which is a known humectant that provides hydration and nourishment to the skin — making it arguably the top blackhead removal face wash. 

The result? Clear, healthy, and glowing skin!

Tula So Poreless Deep Exfoliating Scrub

Looking for the best blackhead removal products for large pores? This product's a great option!

Benefits: Reduces the appearance of pores in as short as a week; delivers powerful exfoliation to get rid of blackheads; leaves the skin feeling soft

Features:

  • Contains volcanic sand, pink salt, hibiscus flower acid, and pomegranate for deep exfoliation
  • Has probiotic extracts to help improve skin texture and witch hazel and raspberry leaf to minimize the appearance of pores
  • Free of parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, and synthetic fragrances

90% of users said it gave their skin a healthy glow after just one use!

If you have large pores, this exfoliating blackhead scrub from Tula is a godsend. 

Leveraging the power of physical buffers and gentle acids, it provides deep exfoliation to rid your skin of oil, dirt, blackheads, and other impurities while minimizing the appearance of pores.

It also contains probiotic extracts, which help smoothen skin.

In fact, within just a week, reviewers have said that it can deliver healthier, more radiant, and more even skin!

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose

How about a product that you can actually see working? Look no further than this nose patch.

Benefits: Peels off gently and painlessly; safe for sensitive skin; non-irritating; fits any nose size and covers even the creases; delivers clearer skin in six to eight hours

Features:

  • Formulated with medical-grade hydrocolloid gel that traps gunk and oil
  • Extra large patch that flexes to fit the shape of your nose perfectly 
  • Dermatologist-approved and allergy-tested

Just leave it on while you sleep and wake up to fresh, clear skin!

If you want one of the top blackhead removal product strips, this thin and flexible product frees your nose of blackheads to reveal smoother and clearer skin in as short as six hours!

A box of hero cosmetics mighty patch blackhead removal products is sitting on a bed.

Also one of the top products for the removal of blackheads on the nose, it features hydrocolloid gel, which is known for its amazing ability to absorb oil. 

This patch turns white as it traps oil, dirt, and blackheads, so you can see it work in real time.

A person holding an opened patch of hero cosmetics mighty patch

It also peels off gently, so you don’t need to worry about it hurting or leaving a mark on your skin. 

And it’s safe to use on all skin types, even sensitive skin!

Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Gel Cleanser

One of the best blackhead facial cleansers, this product deserves a spot in your skincare arsenal.

Benefits: Effective at treating and preventing blackheads; does not leave skin feeling dry or irritated; minimizes the appearance of pores

Features:

  • Contains 2% salicylic acid for incredible exfoliation
  • Also formulated with glycerin, peptides, and botanicals for hydration
  • Free of phthalates, mineral oils, artificial fragrances, and parabens

The best part? It’s also great for aging skin!

The Image Skincare Clear Cell cleanser leverages the power of a 2% salicylic acid formulation to exfoliate the skin, removing blackheads, dirt, and oil. 

Additionally, it keeps the skin nourished and moisturized with its blend of botanical oil, honey extract, and glycerin. 

It’s also free of chemicals that may be harmful to the skin, such as phthalates, parabens, artificial fragrances, and more! 

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Want a beloved favorite that has thousands of people raving about it? This exfoliant will convert you into a Paula’s Choice devotee.

Benefits: Gets rid of blackheads and dead skin cells; helps make the skin softer and smoother; reduces the appearance of pores

Features:

  • Salicylic acid and green tea blend to deeply exfoliate pores while reducing redness
  • Leave-on, lightweight formula that gets absorbed quickly
  • Cruelty-free and fragrance-free

And it doesn't sting or leave the skin feeling dry!

As one of the most highly rated exfoliants on the market, this 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant from Paula’s Choice is well-praised for its ability to instantly slough off dead skin, impurities like blackheads, and excess oil.

It does this with its potent but gentle blend of 2% salicylic acid and green tea, which works to exfoliate the superficial layers of the skin while also reducing inflammation and other signs of sensitivity.

And as a leave-on product that you don’t have to rinse out, it’s perfect for those who need a product that’s easy to use whenever, wherever. 

Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth AHA + BHA Salicylic Serum

On the hunt for the best blackhead removal serum product? This option from Glow Recipe will have you glowing.

Benefits: Decongests the pores to remove blackheads; minimizes pores; blurs fine lines and wrinkles

Features:

  • 2% salicylic acid and 1% AHA for powerful exfoliation
  • Includes strawberry and hyaluronic acid to moisturize and brighten the skin
  • Won "Best Facial Exfoliant" in the 2022 SELF Health Beauty Awards

It's also vegan and cruelty-free!

If you need a serum that exfoliates, hydrates, and delivers anti-aging benefits, this award-winning product from Glow Recipe is an absolute must-buy. 

A tube of Glow Recipe salicylic serum for blackhead removal sitting on a white table.

This serum uses an excellent mix of 2% salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and other powerful ingredients to banish blackheads and other surface-level skin impurities.  

Additionally, it contains strawberry and hyaluronic acid to make sure that it doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Pore Extractor Mask

Need a full face mask that also works as a spot corrector? Philosophy gives you just that with this product. 

Benefits: Scrubs off blackheads; leaves skin feeling soft and clean; reduces the appearance of pores

Features:

  • Contains salicylic acid, white kaolin clay, and natural exfoliants for pore exfoliation
  • Works for spot treatments
  • Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free 

Just leave it on for five to ten minutes, then rinse it off to reveal fresh, blackhead-free skin!

Considered to be one of the top blackhead removal mask products, Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple mask uses a powerful blend of white kaolin clay, salicylic acid, and other exfoliants to scrub away blackheads and other impurities.

And it doesn’t just claim that either! In a two-week study where the product was used twice a week, 93% of women said that it unclogged and deep-cleaned their pores. 

Even better, it leaves the face feeling smooth and looking radiant!

Murad Clarifying Cleanser

Need something that works even after rinsing? This cleanser from Murad does that and more!

Benefits: Exfoliates blemishes and blackheads while protecting skin against future breakouts; leaves a cooling, refreshing sensation on the face; doesn't dry out your skin

Features:

  • Formulated with two types of salicylic acid that provide immediate and continuous treatment
  • Also contains green tea extract to reduce signs of inflammation
  • Hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and free of parabens, sulfates, and mineral oils

This product deeply cleanses the skin and clears the pores!

If you want a facial cleanser that not only has salicylic acid but has two forms of it, the Murad Clarifying Cleanser is exactly right for you. 

It features a free-form version of the acid to immediately exfoliate the skin and banish blackheads, acne, and impurities and an encapsulated form of it to continuously treat the skin and prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

And with green tea extract, it reduces signs of inflammation to make your skin look and feel better.

Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil

In need of a premium product that is well worth the investment? This one deserves all the pennies.

Benefits: Clears oil and debris from the pores; treats blackheads and acne; makes the skin brighter

Features:

  • Medicated oil with 1.5% salicylic acid for deep exfoliation
  • Has tea tree oil, black cumin seed oil, and licorice to clear and brighten the complexion
  • Cruelty-free and certified green and sustainable by My Green Lab

Better yet, it's mild enough for those with sensitive skin!

A highly rated product, this face oil from Sunday Riley contains 1.5% salicylic acid to effectively target pimples and remove blackheads and other impurities from the face.

It also brightens the skin and improves uneven tone with its inclusion of natural ingredients like licorice, tea tree oil, and black cumin seed oil.

And the best part? While a little pricey, it lasts for a long time, and it can even be used by the whole family!

COSRX BHA 4% Blackhead Power Liquid

Blackheads, large pores, and uneven skin tone? This next product can work wonders in combatting all those issues. 

Benefits: Gentle enough for daily use; strips away dead skin cells and unclogs pores; leaves skin feeling very moisturized

Features:

  • Contains 4% salicylic acid, betaine, and niacinamide for top-notch exfoliation
  • Has willow bark water to reduce inflammation
  • Free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates

Even better, it has a mattifying effect to give you a poreless look!

Another chemical exfoliant, the COSRX Power Liquid has salicylic acid and betaine — an ingredient known for soothing and protecting the skin — which makes it a great option for exfoliating blackheads on sensitive skin.

It also contains niacinamide to further step up its exfoliating and skin-brightening capabilities. And to lessen redness and calm the skin, it uses willow bark water.

If all those ingredients sound a bit intimidating, don’t worry: it’s formulated to be gentle enough for everyday use!

Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Facial Scrub

Budget buy with premium benefits? This well-known product makes a very good case for itself.

Benefits: Lifts away impurities while helping control excess oil; unclogs the pores; leaves skin feeling fresh

Features:

  • Contains 2% salicylic acid for exfoliation
  • Comes with natural micro-rubbers for deep cleaning of pores
  • Oil-free formula

With daily use, you're sure to see a noticeable difference in your complexion!

If you don’t want to splurge but still want something that works wonders, the Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub is your best bet.

One of the top drugstore blackhead removal products, it features 2% salicylic acid and non-plastic, natural micro-rubbers to slough off dead skin, impurities, and excess oil, helping you achieve blackhead-free skin. 

It also has an oil-free formula that makes it great for those with oily skin and sensitive skin.

Papa Recipe Eggplant Mud Cream Mask

Looking for the best blackhead removal cream? Your search ends with this cream mask, which exfoliates the skin and makes it glow!

Benefits: Exfoliates the skin to buff away blackheads and dead skin cells; helps control oil; unclogs and tightens pores

Features:

  • Formulated with 66% eggplant extract for mild but effective exfoliation
  • Contains walnut shell and clay powder to nourish and strengthen the skin
  • Hypoallergenic formula

This cream mask also delivers intense hydration to your skin!

If you need a cream to add to your list of the top blackhead removal products, the Papa Recipe Eggplant Mud Cream Mask is an all-natural formulation of eggplant, walnut shell, and clay powder that effectively but gently exfoliates the skin.

Aside from removing impurities like blackheads as well as sloughing off dead skin cells, it also helps calm irritated skin.

And it delivers complete pore care — from unclogging and tightening pores to helping control excess oil!

A woman is using a blackhead removal product on her nose.

FAQs

Are Blackhead Removal Products Really Necessary?

Yes. Blackheads — especially ones that are embedded deep into your pores — won’t go away on their own if you just let them sit on your face, so it’s crucial to use products that can get rid of them. 

Is It Safe To Exfoliate Blackheads?

Absolutely. Many of the top blackhead removal products you’ll find on the market are exfoliating products that get rid of blackheads by dissolving or scrubbing away clogs inside the pores. 

They’re also often formulated with hydrating and nourishing ingredients to help fortify the skin and combat any possible irritation or dryness that exfoliation can cause.

Achieve Flawless Skin With the Top Blackhead Removal Products

With the range of options that you have for removing blackheads, there is no reason why you must keep suffering from this form of acne!

We’ve listed several types of products with various ingredients that are known to banish these pesky blemishes above, so you can easily choose one that suits your needs and preferences. 

When using the products, just make sure to read the instructions carefully — and follow them! — so you can make the most out of them.

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Author

  • Kat

    Kat brings a seasoned voice to our beauty blog with 13 years of dedicated writing experience. Her deep-seated passion isn't just limited to words; she's always on the pulse of emerging makeup trends. Beyond her articles, Kat crafts hand-made crochet swimwear and sundresses, and effortlessly steps in as a muse for beauty photoshoots. Kat holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology.

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