We’ve all struggled with blackhead removal at some point in time in our lives, or rather, many times in our lives. Blackheads are actually small bumps that appear on your skin due to clogged hair follicles, so it’s important to use products that not only help you to clear the clog, but also prevent further clogging in future.
With this in mind, we round up 27 of the best-reviewed blackhead removers by users worldwide.
Best Blackhead Removers: Nose Strips & Kits
1. Bioré Pore Pack Black
If you’re looking to use nose strips to remove those pesky blackheads, Bioré’s famous pore packs are a must-try. If you find it hard to believe that anything is a ‘must-try’, this product received an overall rating of 4.4 out of five, together with 177 extremely positive reviews here.
Many users have expressed their love for this blackhead removal product and declared it as the best nose strip they have ever used because ‘it works for real’. Some even went as far as to upload photographs of the nose strip after they used it to show the blackheads stuck on them, but it’s proof that it has such great reviews for a reason.
Retails for S$4.55 for 10 pieces, from leading drugstores like Watsons and Guardian.
2. Yes to Tomatoes 2-Step Nose Kit
If you want to cut down on the number of steps but still seek a comprehensive solution to your blackheads in just one product, try this detoxifying nose strip that is made with 95% natural ingredients. The first step helps to cleanse and open pores; the second step is to reach deep into the skin and remove excess oil and dirt.
There are quite a few videos on YouTube of users testing out these strips to see if they are actually good at removing the gunk from your nose, and they do attest to the fact that this product really works.
Retails for S$19.61 on Amazon.
3. Holika Holika Pig-Nose Clear Blackhead 3-Step Kit
Similar to TONYMOLY Seedless Strawberry Seeds 3-step Nose Pack, Holika Holika’s kit is to be used over three steps in order to remove and prevent blackheads thoroughly. Fans love how it works well with all skin types, and the after-care is a nice touch that not all nose strips offer.
No wonder this is one of the most popular blackhead removers in the market!
Retails for S$3.02 on iHerb.
4. Skinmiso Pore Beauty Nose Pack Blackhead Remover
This blackhead remover is a three-step process to ensure complete removal of pesky blackheads. First, a mask is used to soften skin sebum so that it can be easily removed with a swipe of a cotton bud or a comedo remover, which is included in the set.
Then, a second mask is used to close up the pores. Lastly, the Pore Beauty Silky Essence is applied to help regulate sebum production.
Reviewers loved how effective this nose pack is in removing blackheads and how smooth their skin is left feeling. Some even paired the first step with a Bioré pore pack (see no. 2!) for a quicker (and more satisfying) removal! This might just be the most well-considered blackhead removal strategy!
Retails for S$40.24 on StrawberryCoco.
Best Blackhead Removers: Masks
5. Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2X
This is an upgraded version of one of Innisfree’s star products – a 10-in-1 pore treatment clay mask containing super volcanic cluster capsules that claim to effectively do ten things: shrinks pores + controls sebum + refines skin texture + improves skin elasticity + removes fine dust particles + takes out blackheads + exfoliates + deeply cleanses + brightens tone + cools.
Thanks to its powerful Jeju Volcanic Cluster Sphere technology, many bloggers and reviews have sung praises of how effective it is at removing blackheads.
For example, this YouTuber gave a raving review of how her blackheads were ‘gone from her nose’. This is definitely one of the most talked-about blackhead removers in the market.
Retails for S$19.55 for 100ml, from Innisfree stores and Shopee.
6. Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask
This mask helps keep excess sebum at bay while targeting blackheads to prevent the occurrence of acne.
It has a unique fizzing formula that isn’t just effective but is also very satisfying to use. The fizzing sensation is caused by the chemistry between sulfur and kaolin clay, both are known for their superior ability to absorb excess oil, providing deep cleansing to your skin.
We will recommend this product if you’re looking for blackhead removers that are effective yet comfortable to use.
Retails for S$43 for 50ml, from Sephora.
7. The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Mask
This is a rinse-off cleansing clay mask that specially targets blemished skin. Formulated with The Body Shop’s famous purifying tea tree oil, it promises to refresh users’ skin without making it feel dehydrated.
It’s received very positive reviews online, thanks to the cool sensation it leaves on the skin, as well as its additional ability to fight acne.
Retails for S$33 for 100ml, from The Body Shop stores and S$64.80 on Ninthavenue.
8. Philosophy Purity Made Simple Pore Extractor Mask
An award-winning blackhead remover, this creamy Pore Extractor Mask helps draw out impurities, scrub away blackheads, and improve the look of pores.
There is also research done to prove why it is a winner: 98% of women who used the product agreed that their skin felt smooth and soft with a fresh look and feel, while 93% of women agreed that their skin felt deep-cleaned and pores looked unclogged.
Retails for S$55 for 75ml, from Sephora.
9. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores
Containing bamboo charcoal acts to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers, and white China clay to absorb environmental toxins, this mask promises to flush out the dirt on your skin that clogs your pores and makes your skin look dull.
As if the overwhelmingly positive reviews on Sephora’s website are not enough, this product from Origins is actually the number one selling mask in America, based on a study by The NPD Group Inc (U.S volume sales in prestige retail, April 2012 to March 2013).
Retails for S$24 for 30ml and S$45 for 75ml, from all Origins counters and Sephora.
10. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing Mask
Made of 100% natural calcium bentonite clay, which is known for its healing and detoxifying properties, this product has actually received over 12,481 reviews on Amazon, and with 4.5 out of five stars. There is even an article showing before-and-after photos to prove that it deserves all the hype it’s been getting recently.
However, don’t get too excited about the results that you may be seeing – there have been a few recent reviews that it irritated their skin, while another user warned not to use this mask every day if you don’t want your skin to become dull and irritated. In other words, this may be worth a try but don’t over-use it.
Retails for S$11.52 for 454g, from iHerb.
11. GlamGlow SuperMud Clearing Treatment
Instead of just fighting blackheads, why not find something that can combat more than one problem? GlamGlow’s mask/spot treatment was developed to fight all common skin concerns for all skin types, including in-grown hair and discolouration, thanks to its activated charcoal.
Sephora’s website has even listed impressive research results of this product. In a consumer study on a number of participants, after one day:
– 94% felt their skin looked renewed
– 91% saw an improvement in skin clarity
– 94% felt the product gently cleared their skin
One of the best blackhead removers in the market? For sure!
Retails for S$53 for 50g, on Shopee.
12. Caolion Hot & Cool Pore Pack Duo
This detoxifying duo packs a punch with a synergistic combination of a steaming mask and a cooling mask. You start with the former, which opens up pores and deeply cleanses impurities, blackheads and dead skin cells with grain powder and steaming effect.
It also contains charcoal powder to help pull out excess sebum and residual makeup, as well as natural sparkling water for deep moisturisation.
Then, the cooling mask follows suit to tighten and minimise the appearance of pores while soothing skin irritation and keeping it hydrated with menthol and Alaskan glacial water. Several users remarked on its Sephora page that it helped them get rid of blackheads effectively and left them with clean, soft skin.
Retails for S$43.16 on Shopee.
13. Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask
Made for all skin types, including sensitive skin, this clay mask that is chock-full of minerals acts as a cleanser, spot treatment and a mask.
Its Umbrian clay content clears congestion of the skin, which includes blackheads. Sandalwood oil is added to tighten your pores and together with chamomile and lavender, they form a trio that calms and soothes skin for the ultimate skin treat.
Sephora shoppers love how functional this product is and how effective it is in keeping their pores unclogged, without drying out their skin. Many have even gone on to make a second purchase. This is definitely one of the best blackhead removers around that you should consider getting.
Retails for S$38 for a 30ml tube and S$90 for a 100ml jar, from Sephora.
14. Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash
Blackheads form when dead skin cells and oil aren’t removed from skin follicles and regular exfoliation can help prevent that. Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash off is touted as one of the best Korean blackhead removers because the fine black sugar grains dissolve as you massage it onto your skin, making it suitable even for sensitive skin.
Reviewers love it for its simplicity and efficacy that left their skin baby smooth after usage, plus it smells great too!
Retails for S$13.08 for 100g and S$18.48 for 210g, from Shopee.
15. Ren Clean Skincare Clarimatte Invisible Pores Detox Mask
Put together by the brand’s team of dermatologists, this vegan formula makes use of the minerals found in French clay to draw out the skin’s impurities, reduce the look of blackheads, eliminate excess sebum, and quash dead skin cell buildup.
Proteins from tropical spirulina and essential fatty acids from red tea are also added to soften skin and encourage cell renewal. Most reviewers like the fact that it helped them get rid of blackheads and shrink pores without leaving their skin bone dry.
It scores 4.8 out of five stars from more than 120 customers with many of them raving about its clarifying and pore-clearing abilities. One user, in particular, loves how it’s unscented which suits her sensitive skin better.
Retails for S$56.90 on Perfumestore.sg.
Best Blackhead Removers: Scrubs
16. Himalaya Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub
Himalaya’s Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub exfoliates dead skin cells to remove impurities that routine cleansing cannot tackle, including those pesky blackheads. If you’re wondering why there’s walnut in it, it’s because the exfoliating micro-particles in walnut shells help to scrub away the impurities in your skin.
Not everyone is a fan of this product’s fragrance, but nearly all its reviewers are fans of its effectiveness. This scrub not only removes blackheads but also leaves users’ skin feeling soft and supple.
Retails for S$7.43 on Amazon.
17. Garnier SkinActive Pure Active Intensive 3-in-1 Charcoal Anti-Blackhead Wash, Scrub & Mask
Packed with charcoal, blueberry extract and salicylic acid, this 3-in-1 formula promises to deliver a double anti-spots and anti-shine action – blackheads are rooted out, and skin is purified and mattified. It has also been tested on acne-prone skin, so you can use this without worrying that the ingredients or the scrubbing will cause you to break out.
Use it daily to thoroughly clean out bacteria, and leave it on as a five-minute mask two to three times weekly to get rid of excess sebum and reduce the appearance of shine.
Retails for S$20.14 on Care to Beauty.
18. Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub
Containing unique exfoliating multi-action beads and salicylic acid, Clean & Clear’s scrub actually promises that you will see fewer blackheads in just two days of usage.
It does seem to deliver on its promise pretty well since many reviews have attested to its effectiveness. One highly satisfied user has even claimed to have used this for five years, and will strongly recommend this to anybody who is struggling with acne.
Retails for S$42 on Ninthavenue.
Best Blackhead Removers: Chemical Exfoliants & Treatments
19. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
The Ordinary’s answer to a blackhead remover is, in fact, nowhere near ordinary. This combined 32% AHA/BHA solution is formulated as a deeper exfoliation to help fight visible blemishes and for improved skin radiance.
Even though the amazing testimonials given by customers are enticing, take note that this product contains a very high concentration of free acids, therefore The Ordinary recommends this only if you are an experienced user of acid exfoliation and your skin is not sensitive.
Retails for S$16.02 for 30ml, from Cult Beauty.
20. Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
For those who have sensitive skin, Cosrx Blackhead Power Liquid is your remedy. This blackhead remover contains Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water and Sodium Hyaluronate to gently remove blackheads while making sure that your skin is moisturised at the same time.
This might not be the strongest blackhead remover, but it still holds holy grail status for many because it is effective without irritating or drying out the skin.
Retails for S$32.50 for a 100ml bottle, from Watsons.
21. Stridex Single-Step Acne Control Maximum
Stridex takes the form of a fuss-free pad that contains 2% salicylic acid to help unclog blackheads, dirt and oil in one easy swipe. One side of the pad is also textured for some gentle physical exfoliation and it is free from alcohol.
iHerb customers raved about how it not only helps to unclog pores but also keep breakouts at bay! Those with sensitive skin might want to opt for the gentler Essential version, which contains a more manageable 1% salicylic acid and vitamins.
Retails for S$12.33 for a bottle of 90 pads, from iHerb.
22. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+
This acne treatment contains 5.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide and micro-exfoliating lip-hydroxy acid to eradicate blackheads and acne.
Several reviewers wrote about how quickly it reduced the number of blackheads. However, there is also a handful who mentioned that it can be very drying, so remember to do a patch test first!
In fact, 20 of our readers tried this and gave it a 4.2-star rating. You can read their detailed reviews here.
Retails for S$48.35 from Watsons.
23. Pixi Glow Tonic
This gentle exfoliating toner contains glycolic acid. This acid is made up of molecules small enough to penetrate into the skin easily to loosen dead skin cells, preventing them from clogging up pores and thus, forming blackheads.
Reviewers raved about how they could use it on a daily basis, without irritating their skin, and how it made their skin clear, smooth and soft! Our writer tried it and calls it her new holy grail – you can read her experience here.
Retails for S$25 for 100ml, and S$49 for 250ml, from Sephora.
24. Differin Gel
Adapalene is the key ingredient of Differin Gel that works deep in the pores to treat blackheads and acne. It is frequently recommended by dermatologists for its efficacy and speed in decongesting clogged pores.
Unfortunately, the only downside for us Singaporeans is that we need a doctor’s prescription to purchase this in Singapore.
Best Blackhead Removers: Tools
25. Manicare Pimple and Blackhead Remover
If you’ve ever wanted a blackhead remover that the satisfaction of removing your blackheads one by one, this is the tool for you. This pimple and blackhead remover from Manicare, made from stainless steel, is a precision needle and loop tool that safely removes stubborn pimples and blocked pores.
It is recommended by other users that you should put a hot towel over the area for a few minutes to soften the skin and open the pores before you use this tool. Alternatively, you can use it after a hot shower.
Retails for S$5.35, from Shopee.
26. Foreo Luna Fofo Smart Skin Analysis & Facial Cleansing Device
This is the upgraded version of FOREO’s famous silicone cleansing device and the palm-sized tool has become smarter than before.
It is now able to measure and analyse your skin’s moisture level in order to create a completely customised cleansing experience for you based on the results.
Unlike just using your hands, the device is able to clear away dead skin cells and remove more impurities and dirt. This deep-cleansing ability also means that it’s an effective blackhead remover.
Retails for S$198.54 on Amazon.
(Judges and readers have selected the best treatment products they love at the Daily Vanity Beauty Awards 2020, including the Best Blackhead Removal Treatment category. You should check the winners out!)
