Next to waking up to a shrill alarm clock, waking up to a blackhead is the worst. Extraction can lead to an apparently irritated spot on your face, while leaving it alone seems unbearable. Whether you suffer from frequent blackheads or only have to deal with the occasional blemish, blackheads are never fun. You may need to follow some steps or products to get rid of blackheads.

But what can you do to try and get rid of blackheads? We have the best products for blackheads here, including the best blackhead removers, as well as products that may help stop blackheads from forming in the first place.

But Wait!

Before you start at full speed with blackhead products or removers, make sure that what you’re dealing with is actually a blackhead. Blackheads are often confused for sebaceous filaments, which are a natural part of your pores. While blackheads are generally noticeable and can be extracted, sebaceous filaments are less noticeable (or not noticeable at all) and should not be extracted.

What Ingredients Are Helpful for Blackheads?

Any product that helps your skin be less congested and removes excess oil and dead skin cells can help keep blackheads at bay or minimize the appearance of existing blackheads without extraction. Some of the best ingredients to keep in mind are:

• AHAs and BHAs

 Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants that can help clear pores and remove dead skin cells, which make them some of the top ingredients to look for in the best products for blackheads. 

• Salicylic acid 

Salicylic acid is among the best BHAs for blackheads and acne. The best blackhead removers typically include salicylic acid as one of their active ingredients.

• Zinc-PCA 

Zinc PCA (which stands for zinc pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) may help reduce acne and noninflammatory lesions, which means it may help calm acne and potentially prevent blackheads. 

• Clay

Clay can help detox skin and relieve congested skin or people who struggle with acne (remember, blackheads are a form of acne). However, keep in mind that clays can be harsh for dry or sensitive skin, so choosing a milder type of clay, such as white or pink clay, can help.

The Best Products for Blackheads

The following products can help prevent blackheads and keep your skin looking clear, your pores small, and prevent dead skin cells and excess oil from turning into a clogged pore.

Pai All Becomes Clear Copaiba & Zinc Serum

This serum contains probiotics, zinc-PCA, lactic acid, and nourishing fruit oils to combat blemishes and provide an antibacterial benefit to the skin. All you need to do is massage one pump of the product onto clean, dry skin at night—or use it as a spot treatment for blemishes and as a blackhead remover.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA

If you’re looking for the best The Ordinary products for blackheads, this lactic acid serum is a great place to start. Lactic acid is an excellent AHA for exfoliation, and since it’s combined with hyaluronic acid, this formula doesn’t dry out the skin. Use every other day, once at night, working up to daily use.

Sunday Riley U.F.O

Sunday Riley’s Ultra-Clarifying Acne Treatment Face Oil, known by its more popular name, U.F.O, contains salicylic acid to help clear acne and prevent blackheads by removing the debris that can cause congested pores in the first place.

Tea tree oil provides an additional antibacterial benefit, while chamomile and milk thistle soothe irritated skin. Best of all, this oil absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave skin looking greasy. Massage into face, neck, or chest as needed day or night.

cocokind Postbiotic Acne Serum

Go gentle on the skin while still getting rid of acne and blackheads and the clogged pores that cause them with this formula, which contains salicylic acid, postbiotics (a form of probiotics), and aloe to keep skin happy.

This serum can also help reduce excess oil production and inflammation. Try using it every other day before working up to daily use. After cleaning and toning, patting two or three drops onto the skin in the morning or night.

Typology Targeted Blemish Serum

This serum contains a double punch of salicylic acid and zinc to stop acne in its tracks. This serum is designed to be used as a spot treatment rather than on the whole face, so only use one drop per spot to cleanse skin before bed. You can expect to see results after three days.

Fat and the Moon Pimple Mud

This clay mask is among the best blackhead removers and contains bentonite clay, witch hazel, tea tree oil, and willow bark extract (a type of BHA) to help clear pores and improve skin texture. Simply apply to affected areas and let dry, then rinse off. You can also use it as a full face mask if you like. Keep in mind this formula may not be suitable for sensitive or dry skin.

Juice Beauty Bamboo Pore Refining Mask

Start clearing skin with bamboo charcoal and kaolin (white) clay with Juice Beauty’s Bamboo Pore Refining Mask. This formula contains activated bamboo charcoal and bentonite, and kaolin clays to get rid of excess oil and impurities.

AHAs lactic and tartaric acid also help smooth skin and decongest pores. Use after cleansing and leave the mask on for up to two minutes before rinsing off. Safe for most skin types, excluding those with very sensitive skin.

100% Pure Pore Detox Herbal Cleanser

This cleanser also doubles as a gentle exfoliator for a two-in-one routine to unclog pores and minimize their appearance. Green clay also helps minimize the impact of excess oil without drying out the skin. It comes in a powder form, so simply shake out a small amount, mix it with water, and rub your hands together to create foam before massaging it into the skin and rinsing.

Take Our Skin Type Quiz

While those who have oily or combination skin are more likely to suffer from blackheads, anyone at any age can have a blackhead. Do you know YOUR skin type? Find out now by taking our free quiz so you can start choosing the best products for blackheads based on your skin type!