The Best Blackhead Busting Products We Swear By

Blackheads have to be one of the most common skincare concerns we get asked about – literally, everyone has them. Blackheads are actually hair follicles blocked by oil, dead skin, and debris, with an opening at the surface, that allows contact with oxygen and turns the contents black. While it may be super tempting to squeeze these suckers out, don’t give in! Squeezing too vigorously or incorrectly could bruise your skin or lead to over-stretched pores. So that’s why we’ve rounded up the best blackhead busting products on the market to help keep blackheads at bay and keep your pores clear… The right way.

1. Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion, $56

Formula: Lightweight lotion
Best for: Neutral, combination, and oily skin types

Source: Kate-Somerville

Enriched with 5% acne-attacking benzoyl-peroxide, this lightweight formula will keep blackheads and blemishes at bay by keeping pores clear and killing bacteria underneath the skin. Formulated with advanced liposomes to keep away environmental aggressors and prevent excess water loss, along with argan, and sesame seed extract, it helps balance oil production and smooth uneven texture without drying out your skin.

2. RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Night Cream, $20 

Formula: Cream
Best for: Sensitive skin

Source: RoC

If you’re not a retinol loyalist yet, this night cream is the perfect introduction. The creamy formula utilizes a milder strength retinol to boost cell turnover, keeping blackheads at bay with minimal irritation. Bonus: it’s clinically proven to plump skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just eight weeks.

3. Buttah Skin by Dorion Renaud Charcoal Detox Mask, $24

Formula: Clay
Best for: All skin types

Source: Buttah Skin by Dorion Renaud

Enriched with activated charcoal powder to detox your pores, as well as two types of purifying clays (bentonite and kaolin) to balance oil production, this blackhead-clearing mask goes above and beyond. Hydrating sodium hyaluronate, nourishing argan oil, and shea butter combine to moisturize and soften your skin for a healthy-looking glow.

4. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution, $8

Formula: Liquid
Best for: Neutral, combination, and oily skin types

Source: The Ordinary

You’ve probably scrolled past this acne-busting solution a dozen times on TikTok, but trust us when we say that it’s worth the hype. Formulated with exfoliating glycolic and lactic acid, as well as salicylic acid to clear congested pores, this blood-red peel is a no-brainer for acne-prone and oily skin. Not only does it dissolve dead skin cells, dirt, and oil debris to reveal brighter, healthier skin, but it also restores uneven tone and texture. You’re basically getting a 10-min restorative facial for just $8… Uh yes, please.

5. The INKEY List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment, $9

Formula: Gel
Best for: Dry, combination, neutral, and oily skin types

Source: The INKEY List

Combining two gentle exfoliators, succinic and salicylic acid, this efficacious treatment will diminish excess oil buildup and withdraw impurities with 2% sulfur powder. The addition of hydrating hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and soothing squalane prevent dryness and unwanted irritation. The lightweight formula layers well under your moisturizer and can be worn under makeup.

6. Versed Skincare The Shortcut Overnight Facial, $20

Formula: Cream
Best for: Mature skin

Source: Versed Skincare

Before you kill the lights, apply this gentle exfoliating treatment to renew your complexion overnight. Thanks to its blend of exfoliating heroes, lactic and glycolic acid, and skincare hero retinol, it buffs away dead skin that’s lurking in your pores. It also boasts skin-nourishing allantoin, rosehip, and vitamin E to ensure you wake up with smoother, brighter skin, without irritation.

8. ROSEN Skincare EARTH MASK, $18

Formula: Cream
Best for: Oily skin

Source: ROSEN Skincare

This creamy face mask puts up a solid fight against blackheads. Zinc oxide soothes inflammation, niacinamide and eucalyptus oil work together to regulate sebum production and shut down bacteria. Finally, Fuller’s earth clay draws out excess and oil helps to purify pores.

9. Slurp Laboratories Decalt, $78

Formula: Liquid
Best for: Combination or oily skin types

Source: Slurp Laboratories

This acidic formula decongests pores with a mix of salicylic acid and polyhydroxy acid to dissolve whiteheads and blackheads and minimize acne bacteria. It’s also enriched with volcanic ash and Korean wormwood to cleanse your pores, and minimize the appearance of pores over time. It’s honestly the best pore-purifying product we’ve tried in forever.

Need more skin solutions? We’ve answered ALL your burning skincare questions here.

Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. Although some brands allow affiliate links, we never take payment to review products, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.