This Is the $15 Drugstore Product I Swear By to Remove Blackheads (2024)

Skinceuticals LHA Cleanser digs deep with a “blend of exfoliating acids,” Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and cofounder of Modern Dermatology in Connecticut, tells Glamour. First up is lipohydroxy acid (LHA), which is particularly good at dissolving oils, she explains. Glycolic acid (AHA) helps exfoliate the top layer of skin cells (with the added bonus of helping to fade hyperpigmentation), while salicylic acid (BHA) penetrates deep into pores to remove the clogs that cause acne. “The formulation also includes skin-softening glycerin, which acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin,” says Dr. Mraz.

• Key ingredients: LHA, BHA, AHA, glycerin
• Especially good for: Deep exfoliation that won’t strip skin
• Pros: Gentle enough to use daily
• Cons: Expensive

This popular Neutrogena face wash has been around forever, and for good reason. It’s an acne-fighting workhorse that’s gentle enough to use every day and extremely wallet-friendly. “I started using this face wash in high school and have come back to it again and again over the years,” says Glamour contributor Macaela MacKenzie. “It’s a solid go-to in my postworkout routine. The salicylic acid penetrates deep into pores to prevent sweat from lingering and causing acne. I even bring it with me in the shower to prevent breakouts on my back and chest.”

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid
• Especially good for: Preventing and treating acne of all kinds
• Pros: Affordable; available at most drugstores
• Cons: Can be a little harsh for those with sensitive skin

Another OG, Differin 0.1% Gel has been around for ages, first as a prescription-only acne fighter and then as an over-the-counter treatment option. “Differin Gel was my introduction to retinoids,” says MacKenzie. “I started using it as a spot treatment for a bout with cystic acne, and it was so effective I began using it on larger areas to treat and prevent breakouts. The exfoliating, pore-unclogging hype is real.” Key for preventing blackheads is that Differin, formulated with a type of retinoid called adapalene, is also relatively gentle. “It’s effective and well tolerated versus other retinoic acids,” says Dr. Arora, who often recommends this to patients.

• Key ingredients: Adapalene
• Especially good for: Breakouts
• Pros: Gentler than other retinoids
• Cons: Can cause some irritation as your skin adjusts

“This face wash is great for all types of acne,” says Dr. Mraz. The key ingredient is sodium hypochlorite, “an antibiotic that fights bacteria,” she explains, while 0.5% salicylic acid helps to clear pores and remove buildup. “While it packs a punch, the formula is still pretty gentle,” she says. Notably for those with sensitive skin, it’s hypoallergenic, free of parabens, and free of added fragrances, which can cause irritation.

• Key ingredients: Sodium hypochlorite, salicylic acid
• Especially good for: Killing acne bacteria; reducing redness
• Pros: Targets acne bacteria and clogs
• Cons: Pricey

For fans of double cleansing, Kiran Mian, DO, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York, recommends Isdin’s Micellar Solution, which is perfect for sweeping on after using one of the cleansers above. “I’m always surprised at how much makeup comes off even after I’ve used a cleanser,” says MacKenzie. “Isdin’s micellar water is particularly hydrating for my often dry skin thanks to the addition of glycerin, which helps draw water into the skin barrier.” This ability to cleanse without stripping skin is key for blackheads, since overdrying can trigger more oil production that can clog pores. “This formula has a cleansing and toning benefit but it does so gently—there’s 0% alcohol, 0% soap, and 0% perfume—making it appropriate for sensitive skin,” Dr. Mian says.

• Key ingredients: Glycerin, micelles
• Especially good for: Removing every trace of makeup and other impurities
• Pros: Gentle
• Cons: Pricey

“Paula’s Choice is one of my all-time favorite skin care brands for my highly sensitive, easily irritated skin,” says MacKenzie. “Normally, face exfoliators make me a little nervous, but not only is this one gentle; I’ve noticed a real reduction in redness since I started using it.” Dr. Mian and Navin S. Arora, DO, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Borealis Dermatology in New York, are fans of this exfoliator to target blackheads and remove buildup. “Its lightweight fluid absorbs quickly and is gentle enough for up to twice daily after cleansing and toning,” says Dr. Arora. Salicylic acid penetrates deep into clogged pores, BHA helps slough off dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, and green tea extract targets redness.

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, BHA, green tea extract
• Especially good for: Reducing redness; smoothing skin texture
• Pros: Leaves you with a noticeable glow
• Cons: Harsh smell

We love a multitasking product, and AlphaRet’s stacked list of active ingredients means it can target multiple skin concerns at once. The core exfoliating benefits come from the pairing of retinol with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and a blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid. Basically it exfoliates skin at every level, encouraging cell turnover, clearing out clogged pores, and resurfacing. (Which is perhaps why this retinol and acid combo is a favorite of Dr. Mian’s for treating blackheads.) Besides blackheads, these peel pads target fine lines and wrinkles and help smooth skin texture.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, AHA, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid
• Especially good for: Weekly deep exfoliation treatments
• Pros: Targets multiple skin concerns at once
• Cons: Might be too much for your skin if you’re sensitive to retinol

Skinbetter Science also makes a version of its peel pads that are gentle enough to use daily. The AlphaRet Clearing Serum contains the same triple-threat of retinol, beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) and AHA (lactic acid) that dermatologists love for treating blackheads; the addition of anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide and green tea extract help calm and hydrate skin. For those dealing with redness on top of blackheads, bisabolol helps to tone it down.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, AHA, BHA, niacinamide, green tea extract, bisabolol
• Especially good for: Powerful exfoliation suitable for those dealing with redness and sensitivity
• Pros: Helps balance oil production
• Cons: Expensive

As a less expensive drugstore alternative, Dr. Arora recommends La Roche Posay’s Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum. “It also has salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lipo-hydroxy acid that can help clear pores and acne blemishes,” he says. Niacinamide helps calm skin and treats acne at every stage, from inflammation to post-acne scarring.

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, LHA, niacinamide
• Especially good for: Addressing every type of acne from prevention, to treatment, to after-care
• Pros: Available at most drugstores
• Cons: Some reviewers found the formula drying.

Remember the importance of moisturizing in the battle against persistent blackheads. “Hyaluronic acid is a wonderful source of moisture for acne-prone skin, including those who struggle with blackheads,” says Dr. Mraz. “By adding moisture to the skin we can help the skin to regulate how much sebum it makes, which will improve acne symptoms.” This HA serum in particular has a compound called Octapeptide-45, which can help make your body build its own hyaluronic acid, Dr. Mraz says.

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
• Especially good for: Dry, acne-prone skin
• Pros: Lightweight; noncomedogenic
• Cons: Expensive

K-beauty brand CosRx is known for its powerful yet affordable serums. The Niacinamide 15 “is a favorite for controlling oil production to prevent further blackheads,” according to Dr. Mian. Niacinamide can be a game changer for acne-prone skin, working to curb the production of sebum, reduce inflammation, and reduce the appearance of post-acne marks. (It also contains acetylglucosamine to help fade hyperpigmentation via gentle exfoliation.) In addition to the oil regulating and gentle exfoliating benefits, the lightweight, noncomedogenic texture makes it ideal for treating and preventing blackheads.

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, acetylglucosamine, zinc, allantoin
• Especially good for: Hyperpigmentation
• Pros: Gentle enough to use daily
• Cons: Don’t expect overnight results.

Dr. Mraz’s go-to blackhead treatment face mask contains 10% sulfur, which has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. “It also contains a blend of kaolin and bentonite clays that absorb excess oil and purify clogged pores,” she says. As a bonus, aloe vera works to calm skin. “I love using clay masks to unclog pores but hate that feeling of dryness you often get afterwards,” says MacKenzie. “This has never been my experience with this sulfur mask. I wouldn’t exactly say it’s moisturizing, but it doesn’t leave my skin feeling stripped or patchy. And even the most stubbornly clogged pores on my nose come out looking much cleaner.”

• Key ingredients: Sulfur, kaolin clay, bentonite clay, aloe vera
• Especially good for: Maintenance masking
• Pros: Not overly drying
• Cons: Smells like sulfur

If you’re sensitive to smells, Dr. Arora recommends Skinceuticals Clarifying Clay Masque. “It will help control oil and clear pores with a blend of malic, lactic, tartaric, citric, and glycolic acids that work together to gently exfoliate dead skin cells,” he explains. Notably, this face mask is fragrance-free.

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid
• Especially good for: Maintenance masking
• Pros: Gentle enough to use up to twice a week
• Cons: Pricey

No skin care routine is complete without face sunscreen. For a blackhead-friendly option that won’t clog pores, Dr. Mraz recommends EltaMD UV Clear Broadspectrum Sunscreen SPF 46. It’s noncomedogenic and oil-free—key for preventing breakouts and blockages of all kinds, especially for those dealing with acne. “It pairs the protective benefits of SPF 46 with skin-soothing niacinamide that helps soothe inflammation and reduce redness in the skin,” says Dr. Mraz. MacKenzie says, “I’m adamant about applying sunscreen every single day. For me, that makes the texture of the sunscreen just as important as the SPF. Not only is this formula remarkably lightweight and silky for a mineral sunscreen; it doesn’t pill under makeup.” As a bonus, it contains antioxidant vitamin E, which helps prevent and repair sun damage at the cellular level.

• Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
• Especially good for: Sensitive skin; layering under makeup
• Pros: Protection from harmful UV rays that won’t clog pores
• Cons: Pricey

Dermatologists are divided on the use of at-home extraction tools like the Dermapore+, which uses ultrasonic waves and a metal skin spatula to coax out clogs. Critics caution the instant blackhead removal comes with the risk of damaging skin, but fans love that it can clear stubbornly clogged pores almost instantly. “I’ve been getting facials since I was a tween (my mom was a hairstylist, so I had easy access in the salon),” says Brie Schwartz, director of commerce for Glamour and Teen Vogue, “and I’ve never, in all of my life, experienced a painless extraction before an esthetician used this on me at the spa at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando. I immediately bought it. I didn’t feel a thing—not even a pinch. My skin looked so much better after, and my pores even appeared smaller."

Dr. Arora agrees it can be effective, “especially when used as part of a comprehensive skin care routine,” he says. “However, like any tool, it's essential to use it correctly.” Using too much pressure can damage skin, while overusing the extractor can actually backfire, stripping skin and kicking oil production into overdrive. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and “clean the device well in between uses so you aren’t reintroducing bacteria and impurities to the skin,” says Dr. Mraz.

• Especially good for: Deep exfoliation that won’t strip skin
• Pros: Instant pore-clearing results
• Cons: Can cause damage with improper use