The Best Blackhead Treatments That Dermatologists Use Themselves

Blackheads are the termites of skincare—they’re difficult to get rid of and keep coming back. And as we’ve previously learned, pore strips aren’t a safe solution—in fact, they even have the potential to make your pores appear larger, so we thought we’d turn to a few top skincare experts for the safe blackhead treatments they would actually recommend themselves.

This post features 5 carefully chosen treatments for blackheads with the most effective results available in the market today. When I say carefully, it means that our listing is based on the analysis of over 3140 real user reviews, dermatological tests, and in depth understanding of the brands behind these products.

Our team of skincare experts and dermatologists only picked the highest rated and most successful products that work best for acne prone skins.

OUR SKINCARE EXPERTS HAVE EVALUATED OVER 100 OF THE TOP Blackhead Treatments & reviewed thousands of customer reviews

 

 

Top 3 Blackhead Treatments in 2024 – Editor’s Picks

If you’re in a rush, here’s our top pick for the best blackhead treatments.

#1 – Misumi Clear Duo Kit, $39.96

Best treatment for removing blackheads & tightening pores

  • Unclog pores and prevent new blackheads
  • Reduces overproduction of oil
  • Naturally derived ingredients, non-irritating formula
  • 60-Day money back guarantee
5.0 stars out of 5
 

Read Review
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#2 – Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner, $42.00
Pore Cleaner - pores no more® | Dr. Brandt Skincare

Suitable for: Oily skin

  • Exfoliates the skin
  • Contains salicylic and glycolic acid
  • Pore minimizing
4.5 stars out of 5
 

Read Review
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#3 – Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving Gel, $35.00
Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving Gel

Suitable for: sensitive skin

  • Great for those who have mild acne
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Helps unclog pores and remove impurities
4.3 stars out of 5
 

Read Review
CLICK HERE FOR THE PRICE

How We Chose the Best Blackhead Treatment

Here are a couple of factors we keep in mind when choosing the best blackhead treatment.

1. Quality of Ingredients
A few ingredients to look for in your blackhead treatment: glycolic acid (the best at exfoliating and unclogging impurities and excess oil due to it’s tiny molecules), salicylic acid (to exfoliate and remove pore-clogging debris and break up blackheads and whiteheads), witch hazel (a natural astringent that helps to close up pores and tighten your skin to prevent future blackheads.

2. Regimen Sets

If the treatment product is part of a larger kit of skincare products designed to manage acne-prone skin, that is a bonus, as it’ll ensure the blackhead treatment works well with the other products you’re using. As a minimum, you should look for both an exfoliating cleanser and a toner to both remove current blackheads and prevent new ones. “I recommend acne kits because sticking to one product line, with products designed to work well with one another, will have the most effective results.”

3. Real Customer Reviews and Before & After Pictures

We’ve gathered and evaluated over three thousand real customer reviews. This is a no censor, no filter skincare review zone. We say it like it is.

4. Test Results

Yup, our skincare experts test all our top products on real individuals battling various types breakouts.

 5. Customer Service and Company Policy

We only recommend companies that we trust operate with integrity, are good to their customers and their environment, and have hassle-free return policies and exceptional customer service.

 

The Best Products for Getting Rid of Blackheads

Our Top Pick 

#1- Misumi Clear Skin Duo Kit

Now only $49.95 (2-3 Months Supply)

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Misumi’s Clear Skin Duo Kit
beats tough competition and big brands like Proactiv and Exposed by a mile. This brand has been a favorite about dermatologists and high-end skincare specialists for over 25 years but has only just been made available directly to consumers lasts year.

Unlike many acne products nowadays that contain harsh chemicals that irritate the skin, all of Misumi’s products are based on natural and healthy ingredients. Their 2-Step Duo Kit includes their signature AHA Cleanser and their best-selling Pore Purifying Toner that everyone (from teens to adults) has been raving about. Their AHA Cleanser is a unique and powerful blend of Glycolic Acid, Chamomile, Japanese Plum, Seaweed Extract, Rosehip Oil, and more. You could say it has all the things we would want in an acne-fighting cleanser and is the perfect antidote for banishing blackheads.

Their Pore Purifying Toner combines Witch Hazel Extract, Lavender, Sage, and many other acne-fighting herbs that will help close pores and tighten the skin to prevent future blackheads.

When it comes to strength, effectiveness and quality, we are yet to find an acne system on the market that beats this one. 

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Best For: Acne-prone skin

Pros

  • Contains Glycolic Acid, which is one of the best and most powerful exfoliating ingredients
  • Deals with blackheads at the root of the problem
  • High concentration of premium quality ingredients such as Seaweed Extract, Rosehip Oil, Glycerin, Lemon, Grapefruit, and Chamomile
  • Generous product size
  • 60 Day Money Back Guarantee
  • Made in the USA in an FDA licensed facility
  • Their chief chemist has been making some of the world’s leading acne products for over 25 years. This is their most effective formula to date.
  • Lots of loyal customers who say Misumi has been the only thing that has worked for them. Real reviews with before and after photos to prove it.
  • They are so confident you will see fast results that if you haven’t noticed a difference within 3 weeks, they will give you your money back.

Cons

  • The acne kit clears treats blackheads at the root of the problem instead of stripping it out like most products, so it can take longer to see results for some customers. You’ll generally see clearer skin and tighter pores in two to six weeks of use (or else they guarantee money back).

Pro tip: Choose a subscription plan (30 or 60 days) and get the duo kit for $39.96. Easy cancellation anytime. Or opt for the Clear Skin 3-Step System and get three great acne products at a hugely discounted price.

My skin loves Misumi!

My skin has not looked this good in so long! My blackheads are clearing, my pores are shrinking…acne has cleared! I’m 37 and I couldn’t be happier that I took the chance after hating my skin most of my life.

Kelley D.

Verified Buyer

Best product for blackheads

I bought this for my son who has a terrible time with teenage acne. He also has sensitive skin, so we have to be careful what he uses. Within a week of daily use, his skin was noticeably clearer. His blackheads are continuing to fade and new pimples seem to appear less often. Very pleased!

Jennifer F.

Verified Buyer

CHECK OUT CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF misumi Clear skin duo kit

My skin feels so soft and smooth!

There is no chemical smell- I love the all natural ingredients! My skin doesn’t get dried out or irritated and my breakouts and blackheads have greatly diminished. I didn’t know my pores could be this small!!! Will definitely keep using it!

Laura H.

Verified Buyer


 

#2 – Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner

Pore Cleaner - pores no more® | Dr. Brandt Skincare

 $42.00 (1-2 Months Supply)

The salicylic acid, zinc, and Vitamin A in this mask eliminates excess oil that can lead to blackheads and acne. Salicylic acid works like a magnet to attract dirt and oil to clean the skin. You can use this either as an everyday cleanser or as a mask, and you can also use it as an exfoliator.

Pros:

  • really solid option for blackheads
  • contains Salicylic acid
  • good for acne-prone skin
  • soft and brighter complexion

Cons:

  • Masks are generally time consuming and not the most convenient form of treatment
  • Price point is a little high. You can get Misumi’s 2-piece acne kit with cleanser and toner for a better deal than a mask. However, if you can afford to splurge, we guarantee this is a great mask for blackheads.

 

#3 – Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving Gel

Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving Gel

$35.00 (1-2 Months Supply)

Coming at #3 is Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving Gel. Rachel Nazarian, M.D., a New York-based dermatologist, assistant clinical professor at Mount Sinai Hospital, and consultant for the brand, says she loves using Proactiv’s Blackhead Dissolving Gel. “It contains 0.5% salicylic acid, which breaks apart blackheads and gently causes them to slough off,” she says. “It can be applied for a few minutes in the areas that contain blackheads, and then rinsed off.”

Pros:

  • Gentle solution for sensitive skin type
  • Won’t clog your pores
  • Oil-free, non-comedogenic and dermatologist approved 

Cons:

  • Mixed reviews. Works really well for majority of users

 

#4 – Beekeeper’s Naturals Raw Wildflower Honey

Slide 4

$19.98 (2-3 Months Supply)
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“Depending on the other issues at play, regular exfoliation with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) can help prevent blackheads or keep them from returning as quickly,” Dr. Shamban says. “I like making a DIY AHA scrub with yogurt, oatmeal, and brown sugar in a little bit of honey. The alpha-hydroxy acid helps loosen black heads and sugar provides gentle physical exfoliation.” This raw wildflower honey might cost more than your average bear-shaped bottle, but the naturally-occurring vitamins, minerals, and enzymes are worth every penny.

Pros:

  • Simple and affordable
  • Great for sensitive skin
  • Natural mask
  • Fun product for DIY Treatyourself Sundays

Cons:

  • Not the most convenient option. Need to mix with yogurt, oatmeal and sugar.

 

#5 – Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask

Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask

 $58.00 (1-2 Months Supply)

Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask can be used as a deep cleanser or to minimize small imperfections. It is ideal for normal and oily skin types. The Umbrian clay has a high mineral content that helps purify and balance the complexion. It has sandalwood oil to help calm the skin and chamomile flower and lavender water to soothe the skin. It reduces the appearance of pores and mattifies the skin without drying out the complexion. It leaves the skin feeling clean and soft.

Pros:

  • Refreshing clay mask
  • Deep cleanse
  • Non-greasy, matte finish
  • Minimizes pores
  • All round great mask

Cons:

  • Not specifically for acne-prone skin
  • Takes time to see results. Not ideal for everyday use.

 

Conclusion

If you’re tired of blackheads and pore strips that widen pores, try one of the top rated treatments for blackheads in our list and let us know what works (or doesn’t) for you. We’re constantly updating our list to give our readers the most current and best products to test and try for themselves.