The 10 Best Dermatologist-Recommended Blackhead Removers We Tried in 2025

The Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel pads are our top pad pick, offering a convenient and highly effective two-step system with both AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids).

I’ve used these pads for years after cleansing my skin, and you can expect a slight tingle after the first step. The second step, however, fully dissipates the tingle and leaves the skin feeling fresh. Although the pads won’t dissolve blackheads after just one use, with consistent use the size of the comedone looks smaller. I also notice a more matte complexion when I use them consistently. For me, they’re a 10 out of 10, especially because they’re quick and efficient to use, as opposed to an oil-zapping mask.

The gel is lightweight and noncomedogenic, and it absorbs quickly, so it is ideal for daily application without feeling heavy or greasy — particularly beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin. My skin did not flake or get red while I was using this gel, and I was able to treat my T zone, keeping the area clear with consistent use for six weeks.

The texture of this product can feel sticky compared with some serums, but it absorbs within 10 minutes. Knowing I was using a prescription-strength yet still gentle blackhead buster made me feel confident that I was treating occasional breakouts with a science-backed product.

I am typically wary of scrubs for fear of causing microtears in the skin. “Physical exfoliators like rough scrubs can cause tiny microscopic breaks in the skin, and resultant skin trauma can make acne worse or cause infection,” says Dr. Collins. However, the crystals in this formula are very gentle and nonabrasive when you rinse off the mask.

Using this mask is a pleasant experience, as the subtle pumpkin aroma is calming. I also like its creamy texture and that it isn’t drying like other masks. After rinsing, my pores are less noticeable and my skin feels soft and radiant.

The Tweezerman Pore Prep Tool is our pick for the best manual tool for pore clearing due to its dual-ended design and stainless steel construction, offering a hygienic and effective way to address blackheads and clogged pores. Collins is on board with recommending this tool, but she notes, “It's not equivalent to what we can do in the office but could be nice for intervals between professional treatments.”

Unlike fingers or other blunt tools, this tool is engineered with a thin, angled loop on one end to gently roll out blackheads and a flat, curved side on the other to press out impurities without damaging the surrounding skin. If you must make a manual extraction, Green recommends cleaning the tool first, then “applying gentle, even pressure around the blackhead,” she says.

I love using this tool around my nose and in the crease of my chin. Its ergonomic design ensures that I can maintain a comfortable grip and have precise control, making it easier to apply the right amount of pressure for effective extraction. Plus, it’s satisfying to see the debris and dead skin cells on the tool, not my face.

The Dermaflash Dermapore+ Ultrasonic Pore Extractor + Serum Infuser is our favorite sonic device for deep pore cleansing. High-frequency ultrasonic vibrations gently dislodge impurities from the pores and exfoliate dead skin cells. On wet skin, the vibrations create rapid oscillations that effectively power wash pores, extracting blackheads and excess sebum without harsh squeezing or suction, minimizing irritation.

The stainless steel spatula head is similar to the Tweezerman tool and essentially functions in the same way, with the addition of ultrasonic vibrations. The vibrations increased the satisfaction for me, however, this device feels more like an extracting cleansing brush than the area-specific Tweezerman tool. I like the deep-down clean feeling that resulted and noticed less overall congestion after using the device consistently for six weeks.

When I had a clogged pore on my forehead, where debris was visibly protruding from the skin, I was unable to dislodge it with this tool without breaking the skin, which our experts stress avoiding. “While these tools can be effective, they need to be used with caution to avoid irritation, scarring, or pushing bacteria deeper into the skin, which can lead to further breakouts,” says Abeyta. Per Green, this situation probably required a dermatologist or aesthetician to remove the clog without rupturing the skin and risking a mark. To be fair, I didn’t feel comfortable using the Tweezerman tool on this clog either and left it alone until my next facial.

The milk component could refer to either nourishing lipids and humectants that prevent dryness and irritation, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed, rather than stripped, or the lactic acid. This innovative approach allows for a professional peel experience with less downtime and more comfort, resulting in a luminous, even-toned complexion.

The first time I used it, this product stung, and I’ve been using acids for years. However, as it settles into the skin, the tingle quickly dissipates. I liked the lightweight consistency — rinsing it off was a breeze, making it more convenient than stickier peels. I also enjoyed how soft and supple my skin felt afterward.

With hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing watermelon extract, this toner provides a balanced approach to minimize the appearance of pores, gently exfoliate, and improve skin texture, all while ensuring that the skin remains hydrated and calm.

Because the formula is so mild, it’s not something I needed to build a tolerance for, so I’ve been using it off and on for years, depending on my skin’s sensitivity (and sebum) level. It’s perfect for winter, when skin tends to be drier, or for use twice daily during the summer, when my skin is prone to oiliness. It’s an affordable product to keep in your skin-care rotation.

Although Collins advises against using physical exfoliation like grainy scrubs on delicate facial skin because of the potential for microabrasions, body skin is generally thicker and less sensitive than facial skin.

I used this product in the shower. It is very thick and creamy, and was effective for sloughing away rough skin, particularly on my elbows and heels. I didn’t experience any tingling, and the grit was the perfect size and left my skin feeling smooth. I liked using it before I shaved my legs, prepping skin for an easier shave.

The formula says it’s suitable for treating keratosis pilaris (KP), a condition characterized by tiny red or flesh-colored bumps. Because I don’t have that condition, I can’t speak to its efficacy in soothing KP.

It’s a bit of a mess to rinse away, but at this affordable price, that’s not a deal-breaker when it comes to keeping the body's skin smooth and clear.

Don’t be fooled by the word "peel" in the name; this is a toner that stays on your skin overnight. Unlike many exfoliating toners, which can be stripping, this formula feels luxurious and nondrying, leaving the skin incredibly soft. I first began using this product over a year ago. It does feel a little tacky, but that’s not a problem, especially if you layer it with a niacinamide serum or hyaluronic acid serum on top.