Buying guide for best blackhead removers
Written by Jennifer Manfrin
Updated February 2023
Blackheads – we’ve all gotten them, and we all hate them. These unsightly clogged hair follicles are not always easy to get rid of either. Luckily, blackhead removers offer quick extraction for clear skin again. However, there are dozens of masks, pore strips, manual tools, and even electric blackhead removers on the market, each claiming to be the most effective, the fastest, the least painful. It can be difficult to sort out the truth from the fluffy marketing hype. How do you choose the best blackhead remover for your skin type?
If you’re ready to purchase a blackhead remover, take a look at our product recommendations.For everything you need to know to banish blackheads once and for all, keep reading.
You can do more harm than good if you use a blackhead remover improperly. Make sure you read all the instructions thoroughly, and follow them to the letter.
Types of blackhead removers
There’s more than one way to remove a blackhead. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the different types of blackhead removers.
Masks
Face masks that target blackheads are usually peel-off masks. Apply the mask for the recommended time. When you peel off the mask, your blackheads come with it.
Pros
-
Easy to use
-
Painless
-
May have additional benefits for your skin
Cons
-
Can be messy
-
Limited number of uses
Pore strips
Pore strips are adhesive strips that stick to your face when wet. The pore strip pulls out the blackheads when you peel it off.
Pros
-
No mess
-
Easy to use
-
Works quickly
Cons
-
Can be painful
-
May irritate sensitive skin
-
Limited number of uses
Manual tools
You can use manual tools to open up your pores and scoop out the debris that’s causing the blackheads. These tools are often sold in blackhead remover tool kits.
Pros
-
Unlimited number of uses
-
No mess
-
Tools for tackling different areas
Cons
-
Can be painful
-
Can exacerbate the problem if you don’t know what you’re doing
Electric blackhead removers
Electric blackhead removers are fairly new to the market. They work by suctioning the blackheads from your pores.
Pros
-
No mess
-
Works quickly
-
Unlimited number of uses
Cons
-
Expensive
-
Painful if not used correctly
-
May irritate sensitive skin
Many manual blackhead removers will come in a kit for not only extracting the blackhead but scraping and puncturing as well, which we consider when looking for these products.
Manual blackhead removers are an excellent choice for the majority of blemishes that may pop up, at the cost of being slightly painful. We weigh the pros and cons of using this type of product.
Scraper blackhead remover tools are great for removing a lot in a single go. We take a deep dive into the advantages and disadvantages of this type of product.
Facial blackhead remover masks are an excellent choice for not only removal but offering additional skin benefits as well. We look to these products for the versatility that they provide.
Electric blackhead removers are great for their ability to fully extract a blemish with accuracy but very little work on your part. We vet each of these products for their power and features.
Manual tools are an effective way to remove blackheads for years to come after a single purchase. We assess these products for both their durability and longevity.
Electric blackhead removers often have a lot of settings to help extract without damaging your skin. We research the features of these types of products to ensure they are useful additions.
When looking for blackhead removers, every ingredient used must be safe for your skin. We do a deep dive into each product we consider to determine whether the formula can be harmful to users.
There are many different types of blackhead removers available. We vet each product on our list for its ability to perform for different skin types and weigh it against the overall cost.
What to consider when choosing a blackhead remover
Ingredients
If you’re looking at masks or pore strips, read the ingredient list closely to make sure the product isn’t going to dry out your skin or irritate it further. This is especially important for those who have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
You want to avoid any ingredient that’s going to clog your pores or strip your skin. It might sound like a good idea to get rid of the oil that’s already on your face. But stripping away natural oil can trigger your body to produce even more, which just makes the problem worse.
Some ingredients you may want to watch out for are
-
Mineral Oil: Clogs pores.
-
Petrolatum: Clogs pores.
-
Glycerin: Dries out skin.
-
Alcohol: Dries out skin.
Tool kits
For a blackhead remover tool kit, look for one that has a number of different instruments to help you remove blackheads in hard-to-reach areas and keep your pores clean.
Blackhead remover tool kits often include these tools
-
Tweezers: Used to pinch and extract blackheads from your pores.
-
Lancet: Used to puncture mature blackheads to release the sebum trapped in your pores.
-
Scraper: Used to gently scrape mature blackheads from the surface of your skin.
-
Extractor: Fits over blackheads and gently punctures them to release the material inside.
Versatility
Consider what you need a blackhead remover to do, and select a product that meets all your needs. For example, a mask is a good choice if you’re looking for a product that will benefit your skin in other ways. Many face masks also exfoliate, hydrate, or have anti-aging properties.
Durability
This is a concern if you’re looking at manual tools or electric blackhead removers. Make sure the blackhead remover you choose is made of durable materials. For manual tools, stainless steel is best. With electric blackhead removers, consider the warranty. Many offer at least a one-year warranty.
Learning curve
Masks and pore strips are usually straightforward, but manual tools and electric blackhead removers can be tricky to operate. If you’ve never used them before, you could end up irritating your skin more than helping it. Make sure you read all the instructions that come with the product. And do some extra research to make sure you understand how to use the tool. If you have acne-prone skin, always consult with your dermatologist before using manual tools or an electric blackhead remover.
Pain
Removing blackheads with sharp extracting tools and ripping off pore strips can be painful, especially if you have sensitive skin. If this is a concern for you, you may want to go with a product that is gentler on the skin, like a mask or an electric blackhead remover.
Time required
Pore strips and electric blackhead removers are good options if you’re looking for a product that’s going to do the job quickly. But if time is not a concern and you want a blackhead remover that’s going to be more thorough, a face mask or manual tools will enable you to cover a larger area with more precision.
Price
The amount you’ll pay depends on the type of blackhead remover. Most masks, pore strips and manual tool kits are under $30, and some may be as affordable as $5. Electric blackhead removers are the most expensive. These start at around $30 and can go up to $75 or more.
Caution
Electric blackhead removers can cause bruising if used incorrectly, so make sure you read the directions carefully.
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips for using blackhead removers
-
Wash your face twice a day to prevent new blackheads. Always remove makeup before bed.
-
Don’t pick at your blackheads. This will just inflame them more.
-
Blackhead removers work best when your pores are open. Heat opens pores. Use your blackhead remover right after you get out of the shower for the best results.
-
After using a blackhead remover, apply your normal skincare.
-
Don’t use a blackhead remover more than once or twice a week to avoid skin irritation.
-
Wash your blackhead remover tools or wipe them down with alcohol after each use.
Don’t just remove blackheads. Be proactive. Prevent new ones from forming by washing your face twice a day and avoiding skincare products that clog your pores.
FAQ
Q. Which type of blackhead remover is best for sensitive skin?
A. That depends. Using a pore strip is similar to ripping off a Band-Aid, so pore strips can irritate sensitive skin. Some face masks work well, but check the ingredient list to be sure there is nothing that will irritate your skin. Your best option may be a manual tool kit or an electric blackhead remover, though make sure you know how to use these properly before you begin.
Q. Should I use a lot of force when using manual tools or an electric blackhead remover?
A. No. The skin on your face is delicate, and putting too much pressure on it could do more harm than good. Gently press down with the tool, using as little force as possible to get the job done.
Q. Is one type of blackhead remover more effective than the others?
A. Everyone’s skin is different, and what works well for you may not work for someone else. Go with the blackhead remover that best fits your skin type.
