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Best blackhead remover products and tools, according to a dermatologist
Including the best treatments to get your hands (and face) on
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Blackheads: as tempting as they are to squeeze, you really should leave them alone. Trying to push one out can cause irritation, redness and even scarring – and it'll feel pretty uncomfortable too.
Professional extractions are one way forward, but they come at a price. You’re better off opting for an at-home treatment that will shrink the appearance of your blackheads, without shrinking your bank balance.
Best at-home blackhead treatments
From peels, chemical exfoliants and scrubs, we aren’t short of choices – but choosing the right formula is a subjective process. Someone with sensitive skin may benefit from a gentle toner, while those who are oily prone will get on with a potent acid.
So, if you're stuck on where to start, you’re in the right place because we’ve asked the experts to spill all the need-to-know info about blackheads. No thanks needed.
The best blackhead removers to try now…
How we test blackhead treatments
To find the best blackhead remover treatments on the market, we examined various products, from cleansers and tonics to targeted treatments.
We looked at how well the formula reduced the appearance of blackheads and sebaceous filaments, while also providing other benefits for the skin such as smoothing texture and fading pigmentation. We also examined whether the formula contained other skin-kind ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, to help nourish and hydrate.
Elements like texture and application were important to consider too; we looked at how well the formulas sat on the skin and interacted with other skincare products.
Pros
- Contains acne-fighting ingredients to tackle blackheads
- Smooths texture
- Easy pump applicator
Cons
- Takes consistent use to see results
If you’re serious about banishing those blackheads, invest in this. The encapsulated, slow-released salicylic acid decongests pores and clears the skin – but that’s not all.
The Medik8 Press & Clear has been suitably tweaked for those with sensitivity, so it keeps your barrier calm and nourished too. And because we’re all kids at heart, the pump applicator makes it much more inviting to use.
Pros
- Improves the appearance of pores
- Lightweight formula – non-sticky
- Reduces the size of blackheads
- Non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores
Cons
- Formula may be too potent for those with sensitive skin
- Takes consistent use to see results
Cosrx's silky serum may appear unassuming but it packs a serious punch when it comes to decongesting and clarifying.
Brimming with beta-hydroxy-acids, it gently exfoliates and sloughs away dead skin cells while niacinamide ensures your moisture barrier stays intact too. After a few weeks of loyal use, you’ll notice those pesky dots slowly disappear.
Pros
- Provides effective exfoliation
- Minimises the appearance of pores
- Affordable
- Helps to brighten a dull complexion
Cons
- Can feel drying, especially on dehydrated skin
- Some may not like the potent smell
We rate everything The Inkey List does, from formulation to price point, and the same goes for this clarifying cleanser. It spotlights 10% glycolic acid – which is a hefty dose, btw – to gently break down gunk and oil that sit in your pores. After cleansing, sweep the solution over blackhead-infested zones with a cotton round and follow up with a nourishing moisturiser.
Pros
- Can see results instantly
- Smooths texture
- Significantly removes blackheads
Cons
- Expensive
- May experience redness after use
- Can be a little fiddly to begin with
Foreo's KIWI Microdermabrasion Machine is, essentially, a vacuum cleaner for your blackheads. We know that gadgets like these are typically viewed with a hint of side-eye, but we can confirm that the KIWI genuinely works.
Before starting the treatment, ensure your skin is thoroughly cleansed. Then, like a Hoover to a carpet, switch the device onto the medium setting and glide the nozzle over any blackhead-infested zone.
The suction will extract dirt and build up in your pores – and it will even save the gunk for you to observe after your treatment. Gross or oddly satisfying? We think the latter.
Pros
- Formula works instantly to draw out blackheads
- Helps calm inflammation
Cons
- Some may not like the fizzing sensation
If you find yourself squeezing and picking every tiny dot you finid on your nose, it's about time you invest in this purifying mask from Dermalogica.
Many kaolin clay based masks can feel rather drying, but Dermalogica's treatment has a liquid consistency that works to draw out blackheads without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Cleverly named, apply the milky lotion onto your blackheads and wait for the formula to bubble and fizz. When this is happening, you know it's working its magic. If you aren't convinced, just let the five-star reviews do the talking.
Pros
- Contains retinaldehyde, so is potent yet less irritating
- Improves smoothness and radiance
- Comes in varying strengths
Cons
- A little bit expensive
If you're looking for something a little more hard-hitting, opt for the Medik8 Crystal Retinal over the Press & Clear.
Not only will retinoids help to decongest blocked pores, but they will work to prevent them by encouraging cell turnover. The iconic Crystal Retinal line also highlights retinaldehyde – a retinoid derivative – which slowly releases within the skin cells, meaning that irritation is less of a concern. This is one of the most advanced formulas out there, and worth every penny.
Pros
- Exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and reduces blackheads.
- Well-tolerated, even by those with sensitive skin
- Fragrance free
- Smooths texture and hyperpigmentation
Cons
- Can cause the skin to purge while it gets used to the active
It’s a bit of an obvious choice, considering everyone and their mum has seen this black bottle on TikTok but, what can we say, it just works.
The hard-working liquid is formulated with salicylic acid to decongest your pores and slough away dead skin – which is ideal for anyone with an acne-prone complexion. Use it enough and your skin will start to feel as smooth as a baby’s bottom (and look as young as one too).
Pros
- Reduces blemishes and prevents further breakouts
- Dermatologist tested – good for sensitive skin
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Takes consistent use to see results
Using a topical exfoliating treatment is a wise idea when tackling blackheads, but know that a hard-working moisturiser can seriously help too. The Effaclar Duo+ Anti-Blemish Moisturiser is the latest innovation from La Roche-Posay and, once again, this treatment delivers.
The lightweight cream presses the 'pause' button on overenthusiastic pores, helping to slow down sebum production and reduce congestion. Anyone with sensitive and acne-prone skin should pay serious attention to this treatment.
Pros
- Removes blackheads while smoothing texture
- Regulates sebum production
- Hydrates and instantly sinks in
Cons
- May experience a purging phase
Chances are, you've probably already heard of Bioderma for its famous micellar water. But know that the French pharmacy brand has many other impressive treatments in its roster, too.
More than just a soothing serum, this potent tonic features salicylic acid to target even the most stubborn blackheads, while hyaluronic acid ensures the skin stays hydrated and mollified.
The formula is balanced enough so that it can be applied all over, or you can use it as a localised treatment on the areas you need it most.
Pros
- Affordable
- Includes hyaluronic acid for hydration
- 10% lactic acid gently exfoliates the skin to remove blackheads
Cons
- May cause sensitivity
Using a chemical peel may sound daunting, but it's a very effective way to shed dead skin cells and decongest pores. This potent bottle from The Ordinary contains 10% lactic acid and hyaluronic acid to gently exfoliate and soften the skin.
So if you're after an efficacious solution that doesn't break the bank, this one fits the bill.
Pros
- PHAs and BHA gently exfoliate to clear pores
- Gentle on the skin – can be used daily
- Contains hydrating ingredients
Cons
- Some may not like the sweet, watermelon aroma
Okay, so the packaging of this is adorable but, trust us when we say, it’s more than just a pretty face. The toner is jam-packed with AHAs and BHAs to shrink pores, hyaluronic acid to hydrate and green tea to soothe. Think of it as your chemical exfoliant and hydrating serum merged into one pretty bottle.
Pros
- Developed by dermatologists
- Promotes smoother skin
- More effective than salicylic acid
Cons
- May experience initial redness
Picking and prodding your blackheads is not a wise idea. Your best bet is to get your hands on an exfoliating serum to melt away any build-up.
Avéne's elixir is supercharged with lactic and succinic acid to slough away dead skin cells and decongest pores. Unfortunately, this won't eliminate your pores (this isn’t possible, nor is it practical), however it will minimise their appearance by sucking out excess oil and dirt.
Plus it's formulated with Avéne's patented thermal spring water, so even the most sensitive skin can benefit.
Pros
- Contains a potent blend of AHAs, BHA, PHAs to exfoliate
- Minimises the look of pores
- Improves skin tone
Cons
- Expensive
- Too potent for those with sensitive skin
Hundreds of chemical peels are vying for your attention, but Dermalogica's Liquid Peelfoliant stands head and shoulders above the rest.
The sophisticated formula cocktails a potent blend of glycolic, salicylic, lactic and phytic acids which – in layman's terms – work together to lift dead skin and oil from your pores.
The milky fluid also contains a fermented pomegranate enzyme which ensures your skin stays hydrated, too. With consistent use, you're on your way to much brighter skin days.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Unclogs pores and smooths texture
- Most skin type can tolerate it well
Cons
- Need to be a Beauty Pie member to get the cheaper price
Members price: £16.50
If you’d like to try a chemical exfoliant but don’t fancy jumping into the deep end, start by dipping your toe in with Beauty Pie's Dr Glycolic pads. Each one is soaked in glycolic acid and niacinamide to refine pores, but won’t conjure a tingly sensation or any irritation.
And just because it’s gentle doesn't mean it's less effective – you’ll still get clear and radiant skin.
Pros
- Personalised skincare to suit your needs
- Delivered to your door monthly
- Prescribed by dermatologists
Cons
- Cost of monthly subscription
Your skincare routine can't get any more straightforward than with Skin + Me. It's an online prescription service where certified dermatologists build you a plan to suit your specific needs.
As its products are considered medical subscriptions, you can't purchase them in beauty retailers or in-store. Instead, you fill out a short survey on the brand's website and it directs you to the right product for your skin.
If you're fighting your battles with blackheads, this acne-treatment cream is your best bet. It's packed with niacinamide to hydrate and regulate oil production, helping to reduce blackheads and blemishes in the process.
It's also packaged as a nifty dispenser that pumps out the exact amount of product to use each day. Your skincare routine just got sooo much easier.
Pros
- Non-stripping
- Tolerated by most skin types
- Contains nourishing ingredients
Cons
- May require a second cleanse to get rid of makeup
The first step in your skincare routine may be the simplest, but it’s one of the most important to get right. For the blackhead-prone, StriVectin’s cleanser is brimming with BHAs and green tea extract to exfoliate and decongest.
The gel lightly lathers as you wash, but the brand’s patented niacinamide and vitamin B3 complex keeps your moisture barrier nourished and comforted.
What are blackheads?
Blackheads (also known as open comedones) are small, black bumps that appear on the skin’, explains Dr Ben Esdaile, Consultant Dermatologist at Skin + Me. ‘They are caused by a build-up of dead skin cells and oil [sebum] which blocks the top of the hair follicle opening [pore], resulting in it dilating,’ he adds.
Blackheads are open acne lesions so they often turn black when the blocked oil and dead skin start to oxidise (so no, the black you’re seeing isn’t actually dirt).
While blackheads are super common, you may notice these little black dots appear on certain areas of your face and not on others. ‘Blackheads usually form on areas where the skin has lots of hair follicles and oil glands, which is why the face and, in particular, the nose is where you’ll find them,’ says Dr Esdaile.
And while we’ve mentioned that not one skin type is exempt from blackheads – whether you’re acne-prone, dry, sensitive, or combination… you get the gist – it is most common for those with oily skin to have blackheads.
How should you remove blackheads?
‘There are numerous treatments available for removing blackheads, as well as products you can use to prevent them from forming in the first place,’ says Dr Esdaile. However, while there is a lot of choice, the best blackhead treatment will be determined by your skin type.
Using a chemical exfoliant is one of the most common methods to decongest blocked pores – especially for those with sensitive skin. ‘BHAs (such as salicylic acid) and AHAs (such as glycolic and lactic acid) are great over-the-counter acids to dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores,’ says Dr Esdaile.
While you can opt for a physical exfoliant to slough away dead skin cells, Dr Esdaile advises against this. ‘There is no need to use any physical exfoliators, such as brushes or scrubs, as they can lead to irritation of your skin and in particular your skin barrier,’ he says.
But if you don’t get along with acids, you can try incorporating retinol into your routine. ‘Topical retinoids (vitamin A-based ingredients) are very effective and work by unclogging the hair follicles and preventing the process that results in them becoming blocked,’ says Dr Esdaile. Retinoids also work to speed up cell renewal so they’ll help to promote a clearer complexion over time.
What about the rest of your skincare routine?
While using a chemical exfoliant is the expert-advised way to draw out blackheads, overdoing it can compromise your barrier – and when this happens, your guard is down and the door is open for irritation and sensitivity to break through.
‘If you are using a chemical exfoliator, such as a topical retinoid, then the treatment can be quite drying to your skin,’ says Dr Esdaile. ‘To help your skin tolerate the treatments, you should incorporate a gentle cleanser and hydrating moisturiser into your skincare routine,’ he adds.
And as tempting as it is, Dr Esdaile emphasises not to squeeze your blackheads, as this can push the contents deeper into the skin. If you’re dealing with a particularly large one, he suggests seeing a dermatologist or aesthetic doctor to effectively remove it as over-the-counter treatments may not make the cut.
Clare Stephenson is a Beauty Ecommerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Red and Good Housekeeping, covering all things makeup, skincare and hair care, as well as deals events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Clare has been an ecommerce writer since 2022, writing matter-of-fact such as deep dives into and filled with her favourite products for every budget and need.
Before working at Hearst UK, she received a BA degree in Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on the world of magazines and editorial. From there, she worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events like Fashion Week and interviewing reputable brand founders, including Rea Ann Silva creator of Beautyblender.
When she’s not testing the latest and greatest products, you can find Clare sifting through vintage clothing stores in the city or horseback riding in the countryside.
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