12 Best Blackhead Removal Products for 2023

Blackheads can appear at any age. While you may be tempted to squeeze them away, that’s usually not your best option. Ideally, you should head to a trusted dermatologist who has access to extraction tools and prescription retinoids to help rid your skin of blackheads.

But fancy dermatologist visits may not be feasible. Luckily, there are plenty of at-home blackhead remover products you can try as an alternative to pricey dermatologist visits. This list offers the top 12 blackhead removal products so you can find the best one for you.

Best blackhead removal products overview:

• Best overall: Differin Gel
• Best budget: Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub
• Best daily serum: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum
• Best anti-inflammatory: The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum
• Best cleanser: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser
• Best multi-use: Clinique Blackhead Solutions 7 Day Deep Pore Cleanse & Scrub
• Best drugstore: Garnier Skinactive Blackhead Eliminating Scrub with Charcoal
• Best mask: Philosophy Pore Extractor Mask
• Best for oily skin: Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Acne Facial Serum
• Best stick: Bliss Blackhead Breakdown
• Best face oil: Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Acne Treatment Face Oil
• Best spot treatment: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Acne Treatment

How we chose the best blackhead removal products

To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including active ingredients, benefits, price, and more, to create a short list of the top blackhead removal products. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best blackhead remover products for each category.

Our picks for the best blackhead removal products

The only over-the-counter retinoid product created by dermatologists, Differin Gel is a solid pick for fighting blackheads. With everyday use, it promises to clear up acne and prevent it from recurring. The main ingredient is adapalene, a retinoid and form of vitamin A that’ll help your skin clear away acne and stay blemish-free.

Though it might take as long as 12 weeks to see the full benefits, you’ll start to see smoother skin and reduced blackheads and acne over time. We also love that this product is free of fragrance, as fragrance can often cause irritation. It’s also non-comedogenic, so it won’t contribute to clogged pores.

Benefits: Reduces acne, prevents blackheads and clogged pores | Size: 0.5 oz each (2 pack) | Main ingredient(s): Adapalene

Looking for a cleanser that won’t break the bank? This affordable option is excellent for acne-prone skin. It exfoliates so you get smoother skin as you cleanse, and it works to eliminate blackheads and prevent future ones from forming. 

Its main acne-fighting ingredient is salicylic acid, but the non-plastic beads aid in the exfoliation process. Note the beads may be a little too harsh for some, so proceed with caution if you have sensitive skin.

Benefits: Fights blackheads and acne, clears pores | Size: 7 oz | Main ingredient(s): 2% salicylic acid

Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA) team up in this blackhead-fighting serum. While the 1-ounce bottle is on the higher end of the price spectrum, the benefits are worth it. 

The serum will make your pores appear smaller while reducing the shine that comes with excess facial oil. Although pricey, this serum will provide a smoother look overall for your skin.

Benefits: Reduces pore appearance and blackheads, reduces oil, smoothes skin | Size: 1 fl oz | Main ingredient(s): Alpha Beta acids, Farnesol

This serum contains salicylic acid to whisk away debris from your pores while working to clear blackheads and acne. It also minimizes the appearance of pores while hydrating the skin with hyaluronic acid. You can use the serum without fear of irritation since its ingredients are anti-inflammatory. 

However, you’ll want to avoid using it along with other AHAs, BHAs, and retinol, since the serum works to exfoliate your skin — you don’t want to cause irritation by mixing these ingredients.

Benefits: Unclogs pores, reduces oil, fights blackheads, exfoliates | Size: 1 fl oz | Main ingredient(s): Salicylic acid 2%, hyaluronic acid

This cleanser can be used twice daily, cutting back on the number of products you need in your skincare regimen. 

It cleanses the skin while fighting both acne and blackheads, thanks to the active ingredient of 2% salicylic acid. It’s also non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores, and the added vitamin C is a welcome addition as it reduces fine lines and acne.

Benefits: Cleanses, fights acne and blackheads | Size: 6 fl oz | Main ingredient(s): Salicylic acid 2%, grapefruit extract, vitamin C

Having one product that can do three things is efficient, ideal for travelers or anyone that wants a skincare product that can multitask. This blackhead-fighting option can be used as a cleanser, an exfoliating scrub, and a mask, saving you money and bathroom counter space. 

The salicylic acid exfoliates while the vitamin E soothes your skin. For best results, the brand recommends using it twice a day. You’ll also need to be patient, as it can take six weeks to work its magic.

Benefits: Cleanses, exfoliates | Size: 4.2 oz | Main ingredient(s): Salicylic acid 1%

Garnier is a well-known skincare and haircare brand, so it’s easy to find this blackhead-removing cleanser at most drugstores. 

We love it because it cleanses while also exfoliating, a multitasker thanks to its salicylic acid and charcoal ingredients. Some may find the smell quite strong, so take note if you’re especially sensitive to odors.

Benefits: Unclogs pores, exfoliates, smoothes, cleanses | Size: 5 oz each (2 pack) | Main ingredient(s): Salicylic acid 2%, charcoal

The Philosophy Pore Extractor Mask is the perfect reason to schedule 10 minutes of “me” time. Ideally, you’ll want to use this blackhead remover product twice per week to see smoother, softer skin.

The brand notes that in two weeks, the majority of women who used the mask twice weekly felt that their skin was cleaner and their pores were less clogged. It also works perfectly as a spot treatment if you’re particularly short on time.

Benefits: Fights acne, brightens, minimizes pores, exfoliates | Size: 2.5 fl oz | Main ingredient(s): White kaolin clay, salicylic acid

This serum combines BHAs and AHAs to eliminate blackheads, minimize the appearance of pores, and whisk away dead skin cells. 

It’s best for people with oily skin, but it may be too harsh for those with sensitive skin. That said, it can improve your acne in just three days, so you can count on it to work quickly and effectively.

Benefits: Eliminates acne, reduces blackheads, smoothes skin | Size: 1 fl oz | Main ingredient(s): 0.5% salicylic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, polyhydroxy acid

This blackhead remover product from Bliss is a newer option that comes in a unique stick form. Though it does tend to melt and get stuck in the tube if it gets too hot, it’s a super convenient blackhead remover. 

The purifying stick moisturizes but also exfoliates, clears blackheads from pores, and removes dead skin skills. The price is a bit high for the small product size, but it’s worth it for the multiple benefits and convenience.

Benefits: Reduces oil, exfoliates, moisturizes | Size: 0.53 oz | Main ingredient(s): Salicylic acid, pink clay, cellulose beads, aloe

Sunday Riley’s facial oil contains salicylic acid for blackhead-fighting benefits and tea tree oil to clarify the skin. It even brightens discoloration or dark spots, thanks to the added ingredient of licorice root. 

The oil is definitely on the pricier end, but you can use it on your nose, neck, chest, and back, so you’re sure to get plenty of use out of it.

Benefits: Fights blackheads and acne, clarifies, brightens | Size: 0.5 fl oz | Main ingredient(s): 1.5% salicylic acid, tea tree oil, licorice root

People with acne and oily skin that’s also sensitive can benefit from this spot treatment. It’s specifically made for those with greasy but delicate skin, targeting both acne and blackheads. It’s an oil-free option that’s been tested by dermatologists. 

While it’s expensive compared to its small size, it should last a while when used as a spot treatment.

Benefits: Fights blackheads and acne, unclogs pores | Size: 0.7 oz | Main ingredient(s): Benzoyl peroxide, lipo-hydroxy acid, glycerin, silica

Beating blackheads

Picking the one product right for you can take some time, but we’ve narrowed it down to a few of the best blackhead removal products on the market. We suggest starting with our pick for the best overall blackhead removal: Differin Gel. It contains the retinoid adapalene to fight blackheads and acne and keep them from returning. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, ideal for those with sensitive skin.

How to pick the right blackhead removal product for you

Choosing the right blackhead removal product starts with looking at the active ingredients. There are plenty of over-the-counter blackhead removal products, but in some cases, your dermatologist may prescribe a stronger retinoid. Here are a few key ingredients that can help rid those blackheads.

Ingredients

• Salicylic acid. This ingredient works to whisk away dead skin cells, so they don’t build up and clog your pores or hair follicles. 
• Benzoyl peroxide. This reduces bacteria, which is another common offender when it comes to blackhead formation. 
• Retinoids. These can be purchased over the counter or as a prescription; both options help break down blackheads while keeping your skin from developing new blackheads.

FAQs

What’s the best way to remove deep blackheads? 

If you discover some deep blackheads, you’ll want to test the products on our list. If they’re not doing the trick, it’s important to consult a dermatologist. They’ll have the proper tools to extract the blackheads safely while keeping them from coming back.

How do dermatologists suggest getting rid of blackheads?

Some dermatologists recommend using a cleanser with salicylic acid to get rid of blackheads. Glycolic acid is another go-to, which can provide exfoliation to vanquish dead skin cells that contribute to blackheads. You may also want to try retinoids, another ingredient that can effectively remove dead skin cells.

Should you squeeze blackheads?

It’s not a good idea to squeeze blackheads because you might accidentally drive them further into your skin. Facial oils and bacteria could also get pushed into them, leading to larger or more deeper blackheads. Plus, you might even cause damage to your skin by squeezing them.