What Dermatologists Want You to Know About Blackhead Removers (2025)

“When prescription-strength treatment is not tolerated well, an over-the-counter retinoid such as this one can be tried,” says Dr. Aslam. “The ingredients in this product help improve the turnover of skin cells and prevent blockage of pores.” The formula is also water-based, oil-free (great for acne-prone skin), and works to reduce the risk of scarring. Dr. Frey also recommends this over-the-counter medication for its ability to unclog the pores and keep them clear, but advises patients to use a moisturizer alongside it as the formula can be drying.

What reviewers say: “I’ve always had large pores that would clog easily; however, since using this product, I’ve seen a dramatic difference in not only the pore size, but also a decrease in blackheads! Absolute game changer,” stated one Amazon customer.

As one of the best pore strips, this skincare product is a great quick fix for blackheads. It works like a magnet to suck up deep-down dirt that can cause blackheads. The water-activated strips are also available for the nose, chin, and forehead. Dr. Lamb says that while pore strips are effective, she recommends exercising extra care when using them to avoid irritation and to use them infrequently.

Plus, the strips are a huge crowd favorite on Amazon with over 50,000 five-star reviews.

What reviewers say: “I use them once a week on my T zone—forehead, nose, and chin. My favorite part is looking at all the junk that gets pulled out. It’s so amazing. I have very sensitive skin. Everything makes me break out or easily turns me red, but these are gentle enough even for me. I always use it right after a hot shower that way my pores are open and ready to give up all the goods. The adhesion is just right,” attests one long-term customer on Amazon, who states she’s been using the product for years.

“Salicylic acid face washes can also be extraordinarily helpful for blackheads and this is a great gentle cleanser,” says Dr. Aslam. Its formula is packed with a bunch of good-for-you skincare ingredients like salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to break down dead skin cells while leaving the skin feeling clean and moisturized.

CeraVe is also another fan favorite, having amassed more than 41,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

What reviewers say: “This is the only face wash I use, and it really helps clear up my skin! I have sensitive skin, and it works amazingly. I just keep it in the shower and use it every night at the end of my shower. I really do see a decrease in blackheads and breakouts when I use it,” shares one of those five-star reviewers.

“My favorite tools are comedone extractors,” says Dylan Greeney, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist specializing in adult dermatology. “They apply pressure to the area around the blackhead, which pushes out the oxidized material. This keeps bacteria-harboring fingers away from the blackhead,” he explains. This set features various tools to extract blackheads. However, Dr. Greeney notes, “It is important to remember that any of these devices can be traumatic to the skin if used incorrectly.” So be sure to consult your physician before using.

Most reviewers agree that the kit does what it says it will do (and it maintains an overall 4.5-star rating), but many reiterate Greeney’s warning that if you use it incorrectly, you could scar your face.

What reviewers say: “It does exactly what it’s supposed to. Just be careful not to give yourself scars from it,” says one Amazon reviewer.

“I like this mask because it is an excellent choice for sensitive skin and is easy to use,” says Dr. Aslam. Infused with charcoal powder and clay, this mask works to break down dead skin cells, revealing a fresh and radiant complexion underneath. It also includes salicylic acid, which treats breakouts on those with oily and blemish-prone skin types.

What reviewers say: “I already see my blackheads going away after just two uses! It works really well and makes my skin shiny; I only use it about every two weeks because I find it to be more of an exfoliating mask. But overall, I love it and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive areas,” wrote one Sephora customer.

“Neutrogena’s oil-free acne stress control contains salicylic acid wash with their MicroClear® Technology,” Dr. Frey says. The liquid, toner formula is “gentle on skin but delivers ingredients deeper into the pores.”

What reviewers say: “This has been my go-to toner for over three years now; it’s the first thing I use right after each time I wash my face,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “It helps keep my skin clear of blackheads and slough off eczema flakes without irritating my sensitive skin.”

“Silicone cleansing brushes like this are a great alternative to pricier mechanical vibrating brushes,” says Dr. Greeney. “They are gentle and you can even use small silicone pads that fit on the fingertips,” he adds. This comes in numerous shapes, colors, and it’s so affordable!

These little brushes have also been extensively reviewed on Amazon, with more than 51,000 five-star reviews. One customer specifically called out its ability to help with blackheads.

What reviewers say: “I found it very useful to remove black/white heads without the need to use any chemicals. The skin is very smooth after scrubbing, which is not possible only using your fingers.”

“Facial steaming can soften the skin to help remove dirt and soiling,” said Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in a previous interview for Prevention. This option’s nano steam combined with ionic water particles makes steam penetrate the skin up to 10 times more effectively.

This steamer also comes with a five-piece extractor kit to help remove blackheads after using the steamer when the skin is more hydrated and supple.

What reviewers say: “I was really surprised that it comes with a complete set of blackhead removing tools in a shiny steel box, this was like a cherry on the cake, giving me my complete kit of clean and blackhead-free skin,” says one Amazon reviewer.

This microdermabrasion tool is made from stainless steel and 100% real crushed diamonds. It works to gently exfoliate dead skin cells (which helps to keep pores clean), revealing fresh, radiant skin underneath.

Just be aware that the tool needs to be used gently, and only occasionally, as frequent use (and vigorous rubbing) can quickly lead to skin irritation.

What reviewers say: “This tool is amazing!” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “I use it every five days, and I can SEE the skin layers coming off. My face is so clean and shiny afterwards.”

Many face scrubs can be harsh or damaging to the skin, which is why Dr. Lamb recommends this micro-exfoliating option from SkinCeuticals. “I love that this contains gentle beads for exfoliation but also glycerin to help with moisture,” she says.

The product has an overall rating of 4.82 stars on Dermstore, with reviewers raving about how effective it is for clearing their complexions.

What reviewers say: “This product has been a great addition to my skin care routine! I struggle with blackheads, mostly on my nose. I immediately noticed clear and clean skin after just one use,” one reviewer wrote.

This leave-on serum helps target clogged pores and blackheads with salicylic acid. “I love that this contains an ingredient that will help with skin cell turnover but is matched with the calming effects of niacinamide,” Dr. Lamb says. It also contains a type of polyphenol (a compound with antioxidant properties) that limits the oxidation of sebum within the pores to visibly reduce blackheads.

What reviewers say: “I absolutely love this product...I use it in the mornings and at night before bed...I have noticed huge changes in my skin,” one Sephora reviewer wrote. “I struggle with blackheads and breakouts. This stuff really helps to minimize my pores and a reduction in blackheads and breakouts. I also noticed my skin texture has improved, feeling soft and smooth.”

✔️ Look for oil-free products. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) you’ll need to use oil-free products to avoid clogged pores aka blackheads. Oil-free products will have one of these terms such as “oil-free,” “non-comedogenic,” and “won’t clog pores” on its packaging.

✔️ Use the right ingredients. Dr. Lamb (and the AAD) recommends using treatments that unclog pores for treating blackheads. Ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and adapalene effectively unclog pores and prevent new blackheads.

✔️ Be gentle. Overscrubbing or using ingredients that are too harsh can irritate the skin and make things worse, as can squeezing or picking at blackheads with your fingers and nails, Dr. Lamb says. These can lead to scarring, and it’s best to see professionals (dermatologists and estheticians) for extractions.

If you’re looking for a safe and effective quick fix, you may need to consult a dermatologist or esthetician for professional extraction of stubborn blackheads, Dr. Lamb says. That said, at-home products may help reduce the appearance of blackheads quickly and prevent newly clogged pores from forming. Just be sure to use them carefully and according to the product’s instructions.

One thing to keep in mind about these “quick fixes,” though, is that removing the oxidized blackhead material is just the first step. Pores that have been enlarged are likely to become blocked again, so it’s best to have a treatment plan in mind to extract, cleanse, and help prevent future blackheads from forming.

Pores are an important part of your skin’s physiology, so you don’t actually want to close them all the way (and you can’t shrink them), but if your pores have been clogged by oxidized material (commonly known as blackheads), they may be bigger than you’d like. These larger pores are also more likely to become clogged again, so keeping them clean will help reduce their size and appearance with time.

The trick is that this takes time—there’s not a quick fix. The best course of action is to regularly cleanse and moisturize your skin with oil-free products with ingredients like salicylic acid that help control oil buildup and acne. Adding a weekly exfoliation, mask, and peel to your routine may also help remove dead skin and keep your skin looking smooth.