The best at-home blackhead treatments, according to dermatologists
Dermatologists weigh in on the efficacy of at-home blackhead treatments, including pore strips, cleansers and serums.
If you have acne-prone skin, you're probably familiar with those pesky dark spots on the forehead, nose or chin, commonly known as blackheads. Though it may be tempting to pop and pick at them when they show up, that only makes the problem worse, experts say.
With so many cleansers and exfoliants on the market, it can become difficult to narrow down the ones that actually decongest your pores and minimize the appearance of enlarged ones. We spoke to board-certified dermatologists about the best blackhead-fighting ingredients, how to safely and effectively remove blackheads at home and which over-the-counter products they suggest.
What are blackheads?
Blackheads, also known as open comedones, start as sebum plugs, which are collections of oily liquid that help the skin stay lubricated. They clog up pores when they mix with bacteria and dead skin cells, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Deborah Spey. Blackheads turn black when exposed to air and oxidize, hence their name. These clogged pores are commonly found on the nose, forehead, chin, back and chest since they are sebum rich areas, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Arash Akhavan.
How we picked the best blackhead treatments
Dermatologists recommend focusing on preventing future breakouts and decongesting current blackheads with the following ingredients:
- 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.
The best blackhead treatments in 2025
Listed below are a handful of dermatologist-recommended amd highly rated products that can help remove blackheads. Each one has decongesting ingredients like retinoids, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, in line with our experts’ guidance.
Best strip
Best cleanser
Best serum
Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Acne Facial Serum
Best serum
Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Acne Facial Serum
Best stick
Peace Out AHA Pore & Blackhead Exfoliator Multitasking Treatment Stick
Best toner
Mele Refresh Even Tone Facial Tonic
Best for oily skin
Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser
Best pads
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
Best splurge
Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum
Best budget pick
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
Best hydrating
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
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. Here are some more shopping tips to keep in mind:
- 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 have sensitive 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. Ingredients like green tea extract and hyaluronic acid 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.