Blackhead treatment options can be confusing.
Do blackheads strips work? What’s the best deep pore cleanser for blackheads? Do you need a face peel to remove blackheads, or should you use an oil?
Keep scrolling for our handy guide on the best products for blackheads and removing them.
Watch dermal therapist, James Vivian explain why blackheads form, how to treat them and how to avoid making them worse in the video below
Blackheads can pop up where there’s excess sebum and a slough of dead skin cells. The best way to clear your pores and get rid of blackheads is by introducing skincare for blackheads into your daily routine.
The best skin care for blackheads and large pores usually contains ingredients like AHAs and BHAs (e.g. Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid), Zinc, and Tea Tree Oil, to name a few.
Congestion on forehead issues and visible blackheads around the lips, nose, and chin—anywhere on the body actually—can be eased with alpha-hydroxy acids like Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid. Also, beta-hydroxy acids such as Salicylic Acid can help unblock your pores and dissolve the debris inside blackheads. You can also have blackheads professionally extracted by a qualified skin therapist.
As for the best product for men’s blackheads? It’s the same as for women - anyone can use any skincare products.
Yes… and no. Blackhead removal strips can work, but only in conjunction with other products for blackheads. How often can you do nose pore strips?
As addictive as they are (So. Hard. To. Stop.), you don’t really want to apply them more than once a week. Any more than that, and you could break capillaries or dry out your skin.
Whether you’re looking for the best non comedogenic face wash, effective acne treatments, blackhead creams that work, or the best Korean beauty products for blackheads, we’ve got your back. And your face. And anywhere else the frustrating little blighters turn up.
Check out some of the best blackhead remover products below to get your clear skincare routine started.
Made specifically for your nose, HydroPeptides Bambusa Blackhead Banisher Pore Perfecting Nose Masks offers more than your average pore strip. Rather than harshly pulling imperfections from your skin, these strips treat your skin gently. Targeting the nose area (one of the most common spots for blackheads), the pure Charcoal in the strip draws out imperfections and neutralises toxins. Volcanic Ash is an antibacterial agent that helps purify the skin where the congestion is. Aloe Vera hydrates and helps reduce any redness. Bamboo Extract helps improve the skin’s recovery time. Lotus Flower offers antioxidant protection. And Allantoin helps heal.
How to Use:
HydroPeptide Bambusa Blackhead Banisher Pore Perfecting Nose Mask are perfect for all skin types - to use, always cleanse your face first. Separate the mask from the film and dampen the strip with water. Place the wet strip on your nose and let it get to work. After about 15 minutes, remove the mask and rinse away residue. Easy stuff.
4.4 of 408 reviews
A cruelty-free and vegan, and the formula tackles blackheads and leaves your face feeling fresher and looking clearer. Working to improve the appearance of enlarged pores, this face masque is perfect for multimasking. The 2% Salicylic Acid content balances out oily patches on your skin and helps reduce unwanted shine. Salicylic Acid, a BHA, is an oil-soluble ingredient that helps dissolve the oily gunk in your pores.
How to Use:
Apply The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque directly to your T-zone (or anywhere else you're experiencing issues) and let it get to work removing impurities. A great product to keep in your stash, this formula can be applied whenever your skin needs a clearing boost. Perfect for all skin types (but probably not those with really sensitive skin), this is one of the best face exfoliators for blackheads.
4.6 of 2359 reviews
Cruelty-free and Australian-made, the iconic Alpha-H Liquid Gold is a fast-acting, high-performing overnight treatment to resurface skin and diminish wrinkles. This unique formula includes Glycolic Acid, which exfoliates the skin without any scrubbing. The Liquorice Extracts and Silk Proteins in the formula soothe the skin and leave it looking bright and healthy.
How to Use:
Alpha-H Liquid Gold one of the best non comedogenic acne products and can be applied 2 or 3 times a week before bed. Use a cotton pad to douse your skin in the formula to help improve the skin’s clarity and moisture levels. Always apply a good physical sunscreen the day after application, because your skin will be a bit more sensitive to UV when you use AHAs.
4.5 of 31 reviews
If you’ve been on the hunt for the best cleanser for clogged pores and blackheads, let us introduce you to MAAEMO Purifying Gel Cleanser. A vegan formula that’s cruelty-free, this product is perfect for normal-to-combination and oily skin and is an oil free, non comedogenic cleanser that’s certified organic and made in Australia. Aloe Vera and Chamomile help maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Liquorice Root extract brightens and evens out the skin’s tone. Naturally rich in antioxidants, this cleanser contains a high concentration of Green Tea, which balances and soothes the skin. Purifying Gel Cleanser also contains a nourishing blend of essential oils—Orange Peel, Pomegranate, Mandarin, and Grapefruit—to revive the senses and help defend your tender skin.
How to Use:
Apply a small amount of Maaemo Purifying Gel Cleanser 100ml between wet hands and gently lather before massaging over face for 1-2 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water enjoy your skin feeling clean and fresh but not tight or dry.
Is the Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser the best facial cleanser for acne and blackheads? Well, your skin sure will look and feel clearer whenever you use this exfoliator. With a triple mix of Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Glycolic Acid, this exfoliator polishes your skin until it glows with health. You’ll rave over how radiant and smooth your skin is when you use this gentle exfoliator. The AHAs and BHAs lift impurities from the skin so you don’t have to use a harsh scrubbing action.
How to Use:
Suitable for all skin types, Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 200ml can be used everywhere you need to. Use a couple of times a week on cleansed skin for best results. Simply lather a small amount in the palm of your hand then massage all over the face, neck and decollete. If you’re struggling with bumpy skin (on the back of your arms, for example), this exfoliator helps smooth things out.
Working to restore clarity to skin that’s been plagued by blemishes, Pai Perfect Balance Blemish Serum is gentle, supportive and suitable for sensitive skin. Alcohol-free, mineral oil-free, cruelty-free, and vegan, this gentle antibacterial formula helps restore the skin. Helping to improve the appearance of persistent blemishes by up to 72%, this is a contender for the best serum for blackheads. The Copaiba in the formula is an Amazonian plant that doesn't strip the skin but does act as a mild astringent. Zinc PCA helps reduce excess sebum, thereby helping diminish blackheads and congested areas that spring up.
How to Use:
Made for all skin types that are prone to blemishes, Pai Perfect Balance Blemish Serum with Copaiba & Zinc helps reduce flaky skin by maintaining a healthy barrier. Apply 1 to 2 pumps to clean skin at night and let it work its magic while you sleep.
4.5 of 125 reviews
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF is a broad-spectrum molecule that comes from the bark of fruit trees such as apple, grapefruit, and pear. Identified for its impressive antioxidant properties, Phloretin helps regulate the pigment in the skin while penetrating deeply. A great Vitamin C serum blackheads solution, this formula is good for oily and combination skin. Fading discolouration and evening out the skin’s tone, this formula also helps boost collagen in the skin. The 10% L-Ascorbic Acid in the blend helps the skin look firmer and slows the production of melanin. Ferulic Acid, when combined with Vitamin C, adds extra protection from free radical damage.
How to Use:
Great for daytime use, SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF won’t contribute to new acne breakouts. Apply a few drops to cleansed skin in the morning. Follow up with your favourite moisturiser and sunscreen.
Rather than attacking your pores with a good ol’ squeezing session, you could try innisfree Jeju Volcanic Nose Pack. Inspired by the best Korean beauty products for blackheads, these strips absorb excess oil and then peel away from the skin. The strips act like a magnet for oil and dead skin cells, deeply cleaning pores. Your skin will feel soothed and look clearer whenever you use these strips. The nose is typically one of the oiliest parts of the body. These strips soak up the oil and leave your pores looking clear. Powered by the anti-pollutant properties of Jeju Volcanic Cluster, these strips have a lot of benefits to offer.
How to Use:
Great for skin that struggles with blemishes, innisfree Jeju Volcanic Nose Pack - 6 Sheets will get to work on your dotted nose (and we don’t mean freckles!). Apply the strip after cleansing the skin and leave on for about 15 minutes. Peel the strip away and apply a gentle toner to the area afterwards.
4.6 of 57 reviews
Medik8 Pore Refining Scrub is a cruelty-free, vegan formula that uses a combination of physical and chemical exfoliators. Refining the skin with natural Jojoba Grains, Salicylic Acid, and Mandelic Acid, this formula helps transform tired skin that’s clogged and congested. Gentle but effective, this creamy scrub minimises the appearance of your pores. You don’t have to keep putting up with clogged, congested skin!
How to Use:
Perfect for all ages to enjoy, Medik8 Pore Refining Scrub 75ml helps you get acne and breakouts under control when used consistently. It’s the perfect weekly treatment for normal, oily, or combination skin that tends to attract blackheads. Massage this exfoliator into your damp skin and follow up with a moisturiser or serum.
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