We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

How do I Choose the Best Blackhead Remover?

By Harriette Halepis
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Selecting the best blackhead remover is a lot more complicated than it initially seems. The most important thing to remember when choosing a blackhead remover is to avoid any product that is oil-based. Since oil-based products will only add to your blackhead dilemma, try to select a product that is water-based instead.

Blackheads tend to appear when the skin has not been cleansed properly. A proper cleansing routine that consists of washing your face every morning and every night, along with applying a water-based moisturizer, should help to prevent blackheads. When blackheads are not completely removed, the excess oil that is trapped inside of a blackhead may cause other blackheads and whiteheads to form.

Women who are prone to blackheads should choose makeup products that are water-based instead of oil-based. Makeup that is worn while participating in a strenuous activity can also contribute to blackheads. Any makeup that is worn should be thoroughly removed at the end of each day. Neglecting to remove makeup from the facial area can cause blackheads to form. When choosing a blackhead remover, select a product that effectively sloughs away skin; scrubs are best for ensuring clean and smooth skin.

Cleansers that contain salicylic acid work well when treating blackheads, since these cleansers remove dead skin cells. Another good blackhead treatment is a glycolic peel. A glycolic peel will remove the top layer of skin, which will help to eliminate blackheads. If you are using an at-home cleanser, make sure to prepare your skin before applying any blackhead remover product. Placing your face over a steaming bowl of water will help to open up your pores. Once your pores have been opened, any cleanser that you apply will become more effective.

Attempting to squeeze blackheads in order to remove them is not a wise idea. Forcing a blackhead to burst may cause skin damage and irritation. In addition, the oil from your hands can contribute to the trapped oil on your face, resulting in further breakouts. Various prescription topical treatments that effectively remove blackheads are also available.

Trying various over-the-counter products will help you determine which blackhead remover works best for your skin. If you cannot find an over-the-counter remedy, it's a good idea to make an appointment with a licensed dermatologist. A professional dermatologist will help you find a blackhead remover that is right for your skin type. Certain prescription topical treatments also tend to work better than over-the-counter treatments.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Discussion Comments

By anon967667 — On Aug 28, 2014

I've had chronic blackheads all over my face since I was 14. I am now 23, and being finally blackhead free, I can say that diet and hygiene is everything. If you're someone who is suffering from serious chronic blackheads and have been on many oral medications to get rid of them (like me, who has been on Accutane twice and minocycline twice), and even currently on birth control and the blackheads still come back, I would say a weak liver function has much to do with it. Stuffing your body with serious, dangerous medications is actually weakening your liver, causing your body difficulty in flushing toxins. Due to my history, my body was most likely very toxic. As a result, these toxins will mix in with your sebum causing a sticky production that leads to blackheads.

I finally put my foot down and decided to take a more natural route to curing my blackhead problem when my dermatologist suggested I go on a third round of minocycline to get rid of them.

I did a liver detox to promote healthy liver function. I bought a 30-day liver kit for this one. Eating healthy and drinking tons of water with this detox is a must. I drink up to 15 glasses of water a day (I know, crazy right? But people with acne should actually be drinking 10-15 glasses of water a day).

On top of this, take care of your skin hygiene! After washing my face with a gentle cleanser, in the morning I put Finacea (a rocasea cream but also gets rid of blackheads through skin renewal) and Retina A galaxal base 0.01 percent at night (very low percentage because my skin is highly sensitive). This has completely transformed my skin.

I'm also dairy -free, which so important due to hormone triggers. I've been on this routine for a month now and I am blackhead free without any junky oral medication. Organic and healthy is the way to go.

By anon942690 — On Mar 28, 2014

My mum told me not to use pore strips. They strip and enlarge your pores and do more harm to your pores than help. I would like to try lemon/honey though.

By fify — On Apr 02, 2013
@SarahGen-- You don't have to use nose strips for blackhead removal, you can just use flavorless gelatin. It's very affordable and works just as well! Give it a try.
By burcinc — On Apr 01, 2013

@SarahGen-- I agree with you that the strips are too expensive to use long-term. You can use a blackhead removal tool. I've heard that they work well.

But the best way to deal with blackheads is by preventing them in the first place by cleaning and toning your face properly. If you're constantly dealing with blackheads, it means that you are not cleansing your face well and you might be using moisturizers that clog pores.

I wash my face twice a day and I use an astringent toner after each time to properly close my pores. Then I apply an oil-free, noncomedogenic moisturizer. I also exfoliate my skin with a facial scrub three times a week. I rarely get blackheads since I started this routine.

By SarahGen — On Apr 01, 2013

I like those blackhead removing strips a lot. They really do work. The problem is that they're expensive and I get blackheads on my nose, cheeks and chin all the time. I can't afford to use those strips all the time.

I've also tried so called "blackhead removing" facial cleansers. They didn't do anything!

I'm looking for an affordable and effective way to remove blackheads. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me now!

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.