Blackheads, which typically appear as dark spots on the forehead, nose, or chin, are a common worry for those with acne-prone skin. When blackheads appear, it may be tempting to pop and pick at them, but experts say this simply makes the issue worse.
Additionally, it might be challenging to choose the exfoliants and cleaners that will truly clear your pores and reduce the visibility of enlarged ones because there are so many on the market. We interviewed board-certified dermatologists to find out which over-the-counter remedies they recommend, how to safely and successfully remove blackheads at home, and the best ingredients for battling blackheads.
GO Ahead and SkipWhat are blackheads?| The best ways to cure them?| How to find products to remove them?| How to prevent blackheads?| Why should I trust NBC Select?
Selected.
-
Best overallDifferin Acne Treatment Gel
$17.00$19.18Amazon
Learn more
-
Best cleanserLa Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
$undefined$16.99Amazon
Learn more
-
Best stripMighty Patch Nose
$undefined$16.55Amazon
Learn more
-
Best stickPeace Out AHA Pore & Blackhead Exfoliator Multitasking Treatment Stick
$undefined$26.00Amazon
Learn more
What are blackheads?
Sebum plugs, which are collections of greasy fluids that keep the skin moisturized, are the precursors of blackheads, sometimes referred to as open comedones. Dr. Deborah Spey, a board-certified dermatologist, claims that when they combine with germs and dead skin cells, they clog pores. Blackheads get their name because they oxidize and turn black when exposed to air. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Arash Akhavan, these clogged pores are typically found on the nose, forehead, chin, back, and chest because these are locations that produce a lot of sebum.
How we picked the best blackhead treatments
Our experts advise utilizing the following ingredients to clear up existing blackheads and prevent future breakouts:
-
Retinoids
: These help regulate cell turnover and prevent the pores from becoming congested, says board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Karen Burke
. Topical retinoids work on all types of
acne
but are especially helpful for blackheads and whiteheads, she says.
-
Salicylic acid
:
A type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid penetrates pores to help dissolve oil, unclog pores and prevent buildup of dead skin, oil and other debris, says Spey. -
Benzoyl peroxide
:
This is an antioxidant, so it kills bacteria and stops the lipid, the protective layer of cells, from oxidizing, according to Burke. Cleansers that combine both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are very effective at treating blackheads, says Burke. -
Lactic acid:
Lactic acid is an exfoliant that helps break up dead skin cells and unclog pores, says Spey. -
Charcoal:
Charcoal doesn t prevent future blackheads, but it does offer some immediate benefits like drawing out impurities such as oil, debris and dirt from your pores, which helps minimize their appearance, according to Spey.
Related
Begin your acne treatment route starting in the shower with these acne body washes
The best blackhead treatments in 2025
We’ve included a list of top-rated products and dermatologist-recommended products that can help get rid of blackheads below. Following the advice of our specialists, each product includes decongesting substances such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids.
Best overall:
Differin Gel
Differin Acne Treatment Gel
- Safe to use daily
- Reduces inflammation
- Prevents future breakouts
- Start with a little
According to Burke, this NBC Select Wellness Award winner can help treat current blackheads and stop new pimples from appearing, but it won’t make them go away right away. Because it helps control skin cell turnover, which can stop pores from clogging, she says this over-the-counter retinoid is a must-have for anyone with blackheads. Adapalene, a component that experts prescribe to help cure acne, is present in 0.1% of Differin gel.
Key ingredients: adapalene; formula: gel; skin type: oily, combination, acne-prone
Best cleanser:
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
La Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
- Free of irritants
- Evens texture
- Non-drying
- Small size
For those who dislike using a rough facial scrub, this face wash is a good substitute. It is especially made for oily and acne-prone skin. According to Spey, the gel cleanser’s salicylic acid and lipohydroxy acid, another derivative of salicylic acid that acts as an exfoliator, make it an excellent choice for minimizing blackheads and pimples.
Gel formula | All skin typesImportant components: glycerin, lipo-hydroxy acid, and salicylic acid
Best strip:
Mighty Patch Nose
Mighty Patch Nose
- No sticky residue
- Easy to use
- Pregnancy-safe
- Not for daily use
These are made of the same substance as acne patches, hydrocolloids, unlike regular pore strips, which can irritate your skin and do more harm than good. The brand claims that these nasal strips gently unclog your pores while you sleep, and it suggests using them at night. According to Mighty Patch, they peel off smoothly without causing pain or leaving any gunk behind after six to eight hours of usage.
Strip formula | Skin type: all |Important components: hydrocolloid
Best stick:
Peace Out AHA Pore & Blackhead Exfoliator Multitasking Treatment Stick
Peace Out AHA Pore & Blackhead Exfoliator Multitasking Treatment Stick
- Easy to apply
- Gentle exfoliator
- Doubles as a face mask
- Can dry out if left open
According to the company, this stick exfoliates your skin both chemically and physically to lessen the appearance of blackheads, clean pores, and smooth out the texture. With an average rating of 4.5 stars based on more than 360 reviews at Sephora, customers claim that this treatment doesn’t irritate their skin, lowers excess oil, and aids in the prevention and treatment of blackheads.
Key ingredients: kaolin clay, glycerin, lactic acid, niacinamide, and salicylic acid; formula: stick; skin types: dry, normal, combo, and oily.
Best toner:
Mele Refresh Even Tone Facial Tonic
Mele Refresh Even Tone Facial Tonic
- Fades dark spots
- Non-irritating
- Can be messy to dispense
According to Spey, the blackhead-dissolving lactic acid in Mele sfacial toner can also help reduce the visibility of age spots, hyperpigmentation, and enlarged pores. According to the makers, this toner also contains vitamin C to help lighten dark spots and even out skin tone. Additionally, it contains lactic acid, commonly known as analpha hydroxy acid (AHA).
Type of skin: mature, prone to acne | Formula: tonerImportant components: vitamin C and lactic acid (AHA)
Best for oily skin:
Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser
Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser
- Prevents breakouts
- Preserves skin barrier
- Available in multiple sizes
- Higher price point
With chemicals including salicylic acid, this foamy gel cleanser helps clear clogged pores, eliminate excess oil, and treat acne. According to Murad, the cleanser contains green tea extract to relieve any irritation and redness caused by salicylic acid, which can dry up or irritate the skin. Because it contains more drying agents, this foamy cleanser is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. For people with dry skin, the brand offers a cream-based variant with a lower salicylic acid dosage. With an average rating of 4.7 stars based on more than 5,500 reviews on Amazon, it is likewise highly regarded.
Gel is the formula.Skin type: prone to acneImportant components: green tea extract and salicylic acid
Best pads:
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
- Safe for daily use
- Allergen-free
- Easy to use
- Can dry out if left open
These exfoliating face pads are a good option if you want to reduce hyperpigmentation, texture, enlarged pores, and blackheads. After using them regularly, reviewers report that their skin is much smoother and that breakouts have decreased. Additionally, consumers value the pads’ compostability, which isn’t usually the case with single-use skin care items. Based on more than 2,600 reviews, it has an average rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon.
Skin type: all | Formula: pad | Important components include aloe, lemon peel, cucumber water, lactic acid, and glycolic acid.
Best splurge:
Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum
Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum
- Smoothing
- Reduces shine
- Minimal drying effect
- Higher price point
According to Spey, this cleaning serum combines the advantages of retinoids and salicylic acid. Using chemicals like lactic acid (to moisturize and improve texture), salicylic acid (to help with pore decongestion), and niacinamide (to improve texture and moisture in the face), the serum can help improve the tone and texture of the skin, minimize acne, and reduce pore size, according to Spey.
Skin type: combination, acne-prone | Formula: serum Important components: niacinamide, lactic acid (AHA), and salicylic acid
Best exfoliant:
Paula s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- Lightweight
- Soothing
- 120 uses in one bottle
- Can be a little drying
Experts in our guide to exfoliating say that this liquid exfoliator, which is recommended by dermatologists, helps reduce pores, improve the texture of your skin, and soothe and strengthen the skin barrier. According to reviews, this is very beneficial for treating all forms of acne, not only blackheads. Additionally, they state that you can first notice some breakouts or changes in texture due to skin purging, but that the skin will clear up once all the pores are unclogged.
Formula: liquid | Skin type: combination, prone to acne |Important components: hyaluronic acid and lactic acid (AHA)
Best budget pick:
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
- Smoothing
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves dull skin
- Once a day use only
According to the company, the primary component in this water-based exfoliant, lactic acid, helps unclog pores and balance the tone and texture of your skin. According to The Ordinary, you should use this therapy at night after cleansing but before putting on your moisturizer. Based on more than 1,400 reviews, this serum has an average rating of 4.5 stars on Sephora.
Serum formula | Skin type: all |Important components: hyaluronic acid and lactic acid (AHA)
Best serum:
Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Acne Facial Serum
Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Acne Facial Serum
- Fragrance-free
- Safe for daily use
- Non-sticky
- Only a spot treatment
In contrast to most serums, which you usually apply all over your face, this one allows you to conceal your breakout with a thin, tiny coating. Leaving it on will allow its key ingredients to clear out pores and combat breakouts and blackheads since it effectively exfoliates and sheds away dead skin, according to the brand.
Key ingredients: glycolic acid, mandelic acid, polyhydroxy acid, and salicylic acid; formula: serum; skin type: oily, acne-prone
Best hydrating:
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
- Alcohol-free
- Plumps skin
- Available in travel size
- Can be messy to dispense
The toner, which has a 4.3-star average rating from over 6,900 reviews at Sephora, has two types of beta hydroxy acids, willow bark extract and betaine salicylate, both of which help unclog pores and minimize their appearance, according to the brand. As the product s name suggests, it is also made with hydrating watermelon extract to help the skin retain moisture and polyhydroxy acids (PHA) to help improve texture, according to Glow Recipe.
Formula: toner |Skin type: dry, normal, combination, acne-prone |Key ingredients: polyhydroxy acids (PHA), willow bark extract
Related
The most effective acne spot treatments have these three ingredients
How to shop for blackhead treatments
When shopping for a blackhead treatment, our experts recommend looking for specific pore-clearing products that will safely remove this type of acne. Below, the experts we spoke to share a few tips when shopping for blackhead treatments.
-
Check the ingredient list.
Common blackhead treatments will include acne-fighting and decongesting ingredients, including retinol, salicylic acid, lactic acid, benzoyl peroxide and charcoal. These ingredients can help control oil production, unclog pores, kill bacteria and prevent future breakouts, experts say. While you can benefit from combining some ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, layering on too many actives can cause irritation, says Spey. -
Introduce these products slowly.
It s important to gradually incorporate blackhead-fighting products into your routine, especially those with ingredients like retinol that can be aggressive on the skin, experts say. Since acids like salicylic acid can irritate and dry out your skin, you should start by using them a few times a week at first and gradually increasing frequency over time, says Burke. For normal to oily skin, you can use acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid daily at a lower concentration. If you havesensitive skin
, you should only use them as much as your skin can tolerate, but generally not more than 2-3 times a week, says Akhavan. For specific exfoliants like coarse scrubs, only use them a few times a week and avoid using them daily unless otherwise directed by your dermatologist because it can cause tears in the skin, says Spey.
-
Look for hydrating or soothing ingredients.
Consider products with ingredients like green tea extract andhyaluronic acid
that can hydrate the skin and soothe irritation. If you re using acne serums or scrubs, use a gentle cleanser rather than an acne cleanser and apply a moisturizer afterward to prevent excess dryness, says Spey.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many ways to treat blackheads, including using over-the-counter products like a toner or scrub or extracting them entirely with the help of devices and professionals. No matter the method, there are a few things to consider when choosing the proper treatment, like safety concerns, duration and benefits.
Product type:Incorporating acne-fighting and oil controlling products, including cleansers, serums and masks, in your routine is the safest way to treat and prevent a future blackhead breakout, experts say However, it will take you some time to see results, says Burke. You should also look for hydrating ingredients to moisturize your skin because acne-fighting ingredients can cause dryness, experts say.
Exfoliation:Using a physical exfoliant can help prevent the formation of the sebum plug, which initiates a new blackhead, says Burke. If you re using an exfoliating scrub, you should opt for a gentle formula with smooth beads because harsher, more abrasive scrubs can create microtears in the skin and cause infection, says Spey. Using a washcloth or a gentleBuf-Pufwith a cleanser that has a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid is another way to get rid of blackheads at home because it decreases sebum and kills bacteria, says Burke.
Comedone extractor: Spas and dermatologists will typically use a comedone extractor during facials. However, Spey doesn t recommend them for at-home use since you might risk injuring your skin. If you do use a comedone extractor, you should clean the tool with alcohol before use and apply alcohol onto the skin before and after removing any blackheads to prevent infection, says Burke.
Pore vacuums:Pore vacuumscan quickly improve the appearance of pores by temporarily removing buildup, but they do not prevent blackheads from reoccurring and could create redness and broken blood vessels in the skin, experts say.
Professional extraction:In order to avoid potential damage to the skin or worsening the blackhead, consider going to a professional. Typically, a dermatologist with the proper knowledge and tools will use steam to open the pores and remove blackheads by using vacuum suctions, masks or other professional extracting devices.
Never use your fingernails to squeeze out blackheads, according to our experts. This could cause crush injury, says Spey. You won t really be getting under the blackhead, so it will likely get deeper and cause an inflammatory lesion and a scab. And althoughfacial cleansing brusheshelp clean residue and particles from your face, they do not reach the sebum and keratin inside the pores and aren t useful for treating blackheads, says Spey.
It is much easier to prevent blackheads than it is to treat them, says Burke. If you re already dealing with a breakout and want to prevent it from escalating, you should have a professional do the initial extractions. Afterward, you can use an over-the-counter cleanser with acne-fighting ingredients like alpha or beta hydroxy acids or retinol creams to prevent new ones from forming, according to Burke and Akhavan.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
-
Dr. Deborah Spey
is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New Jersey.
-
Dr. Karen Burke
is a board-certified dermatologist at her own private practice in New York City as well as a faculty member of the Department of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai Icahn School of Medicine.
-
Dr. Arash Akhavan
is a board-certified dermatologist and founder and director of The Dermatology & Laser Group in New York City.
Why trust NBC Select?
Nicole Saunders is a former associate commerce editor for NBC Select on NBC News, covering wellness and lifestyle at NBC Select. For this piece, she interviewed two experts to gather their tips and product recommendations.
Bianca Alvarezis an associate reporter and has been covering beauty for a year. For this piece, she interviewed an expert and researched many blackhead treatments and products that are in line with expert recommendations.
Catch up on NBC Select s in-depth coverage oftech and tools,wellnessand more, and follow us onFacebook,Instagram,TwitterandTikTokto stay up to date.