Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Blemish Solutions Acne Eliminating Gel ($40)

Whether you’re facing a bout of acne or stubborn congestion, this supercharged gel—it’s packed with salicylic acid, niacinamide, retinol and glycolic acid—clears it up without any flakiness.

TULA So Poreless Deep Exfoliating Blackhead Scrub ($32)

Volcanic sand, witch hazel and natural acids combine in this vacation-scented polish that deeply exfoliates and purifies congested pores sans unwanted irritation.

Babor Doctor Babor Cleanformance Clay Multi-Cleanser ($25)

The first step in any good skin routine is an effective cleanser tailored to your skin’s needs. This one is infused with natural kaolin clay, along with pre- and probiotics, to sop up excess sebum and clear pores.

First Aid Beauty Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment Gel ($26

Pore-clearing salicylic acid and resurfacing glycolic, along with smoothing papaya and soothing willow bark extract, offer up the ultimate blemish-busting routine in this lightweight gel.

Proactiv Purifying Nose Strips ($20)

An upgrade from our middle-school mainstays, these charcoal- and clay-infused strips work double-duty to vacuum gunk and blackheads out of stubborn pores.

Formula 10.0.6 Pores Be Pure ($7)

Mud masks and calming properties don’t usually reside in the same tube, but this strawberry and yarrow root formula begs to differ. One use loosens congestion, refines pores, softens skin and quiets inflammation—all for less than $10.

HydroPeptide Bambusa Blackhead Banisher ($22 for eight strips)

Some nose strips just pull on blackheads—this one removes dirt and oil, detoxifies pores and refines for a serious improvement in minutes.

Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion ($72)

When those stubborn blackheads just won’t quit, try this fine, enzyme- and acid-spiked polish out for size—just a couple of uses noticeably improves the look of blackheads, enlarged pores and a lackluster tone.

Follain Dual Detox Mask ($34)

A gentle combination of purifying clays plus AHAs and BHAs means this mask checks two major boxes at once: delivers clearer, decongested skin while brightening and resurfacing a dull complexion.

My Clarins CLEAR-OUT Blackhead Expert Stick + Mask ($26)

This innovative, two-in-one solution to blemishes offers up a polishing “exfoliating stick” to bust blackheads on the go, plus a creamy detoxifying mask for when you have a bit of extra time.

Leaders Labotica Aqua Tree Charcoal Pore Deep Cleansing Foam ($10)

Unlike many acne-targeted cleansers, this charcoal powder–infused wash doesn’t stop at lifting excess sebum and grime from deep within pores, but also douses skin with hyaluronic acid to keep it bouncy, not stripped.

Rodan + Fields The Pore Cleansing MD System ($260)

Inspired by the high demand of blackhead extractions they heard in the office everyday, Drs. Rodan and Fields created this user-friendly, at-home suction tool that vacuums blackheads and blemishes with help from two interchangeable heads.

Origins Zero Oil Pore Purifying Toner ($24)

If busting blackheads and nailing a matte finish is what you’re after, this minty-fresh toner delivers. Simply swipe the saw palmetto– and salicylic acid–infused cocktail on congested areas and watch pores—and blackheads—shrink over time.

Skinmoso Peel & Fill 2 Step Mask Pack ($38 for 10)

A K-Beauty staple, this gentle three-step treatment first loosens pores and dissolves impurities via a nose mask (instead of a sticky strip), then soothes with a second mask and de-greases pores with a mild essence.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Po Facial Steamer ($149)

The perfect compliment to any of these topicals and devices, this brings-the-spa-home tool opens up pores to allow for easier—and less painful!—removal of stubborn blackheads in minutes.

Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving Gel ($35)

A few uses of this twice-a-week leave-on treatment lifts blackheads, clears clogged pores and delivers a deep clean without making skin feel stripped.

REN Clean Skincare ClearCalm Non-Drying Acne Treatment Gel ($20)

Unlike its concrete-like predecessors, this acne gel doesn’t dry out a blemish to death; instead, it infuses the area with naturally derived salicylic acid, botanicals and prebiotic chlorella extract to keep skin healthy and clear, not red and angry.

Dermaflash Dermapore Pore Extractor & Serum Infuser ($100)

This funky looking tool utilizes ultrasonic technology to deliver a (very satisfying) deep-clean by painlessly pushing oil, dirt and gunk out of pores before your eyes. Plus, its sonic vibrations boost the penetration of your topical products deeper into the skin for a double better-skin whammy.

PCA Skin Pore Minimizer Skin Mattifying Gel ($65)

A new addition to my everyday makeup bag, this niacinamide- and oleanolic acid–infused gel instantly mattifies skin, curbs redness, boosts hydration and fights hyperpigmentation over time.

Clinique Blackhead Solutions Self-Heating Blackhead Extractor ($29)

When mixed with water, this unique formula creates a warming sensation to gently open up and loosen tightened pores for easy removal of blackheads. (See above for the ultimate pair.)

bareMinerals Poreless Clay Cleanser ($22)

Safe to use both morning and night, this creamy clay cleanser—it’s worth noting that the formula is also paraben-free and vegan—helps de-grease oily skin while gently decongesting pores and keeping the skin barrier intact.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Pore Extractor Mask ($35)

We’ve all used a clay mask when our skin is bugging out, but creamy and hydrating are the last words we’d use to describe them—until now. This surprising white clay– and salicylic acid–infused exfoliator boasts a milky formula to draw out blackheads and impurities while improving the look of large pores, too. 

Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant ($58)

The instant this highly active powder formula activates upon contact with water, ingredients including activated binchotan charcoal and niacinamide begin to work their magic as dirt, oil and grime trapped deep within pores—as well as environmental pollutants often creating a dull complexion—all get washed down the drain.

Bioré Baking Soda Acne Scrub ($7.50)

Crafted for combination skin, this exfoliating scrub cleanses with baking soda to remove dead skin cells and grime that are likely the cause of your unwanted breakouts while also treating any existing acne and curbing future breakouts with a hefty dose of salicylic acid without drying out skin.

M-61 Powerspot Pads ($24 for 10)

Each of these petite clarifying pads is packed with salicylic acid, tea tree, camphor, aloe and witch hazel to cleanse problematic skin, then unblock pores, erase blackheads and reverse blemishes. Focus on your problem areas like your chin and T-zone or, if you have problematic skin in general, the pad contains more than enough treatment to use around the entire face for a clean sweep.

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid ($22)

This lightweight serum uses white willow bark water and betaine salicylate to act as a vacuum for stubborn blackheads and prevent new ones from forming. After cleansing, simply apply one or two pumps to problem areas and watch as your blackheads drastically reduce in severity in no time at all.

Origins Clear Improvement Pore Clearing Moisturizer with Bamboo Charcoal ($34)

Formulated with pore-purging salicylic acid and micro-fine bamboo charcoal, this refreshing cream keeps skin dewy and clear without plugging pores.

GLAMGLOW SuperMud Clearing Treatment ($69)

This powerful mud mask uses charcoal to draw impurities out of your pores and unclog them right before your eyes. Apply a thin layer to your trouble spots (this works on breakouts, blackheads or ingrown hairs), and you’ll see dots of vacuum extractions through the mud when it’s ready to be removed. Your skin will be left looking healthy and radiant.

Herbivore Botanicals Bamboo Charcoal Detoxifying Soap Bar ($12)

Not your average bar of soap, this one contains detoxifying charcoal to deep clean pores from blackhead-causing oil and grime. Lather in between your hands with water, then apply all over your face and body for a total detox. 

Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask ($62)

Daily cleanser, spot-treatment or full-on mask—however you want to use it, this mask is a must-have for oily, congested skin. Umbrian clay works to deep-clean pores and balance skin while also clarifying a ruddy complexion simultaneously. 

Dr. Jart+ Blackhead Master Patch ($35 for box of five masks; $8 for a single sheet) 

This two-step nose treatment goes beyond your regular blackhead patch. The first step, the dry patch, removes blackheads and whiteheads, and the second step, the moist patch, retightens pores. Recommended for congested T-zones and dark pores, this treatment takes anywhere from 20–30 minutes (depending on how long you want to keep each patch on), and leaves your pores feeling clean and tight. 

Mario Badescu Silver Powder ($12)

This powder is specifically formulated to target excessive and stubborn blackheads. Once or twice a week, dip a water-dampened cotton ball into the powder and press it onto your nose, chin or any other blackhead-congested area on your face and wait 10 minutes until it’s fully hardened. Wipe off with a toner or astringent, and voila—clean pores.

Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion ($58)

This professional-grade physical and chemical exfoliator works to reduce the appearance of large pores by removing blackheads and other impurities while keeping oil and shine at bay. In just one use, your skin is smoothed, your blackheads are notably less visible and your pores are tightened. 

Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Cleanser Mask ($8)

This 2-in-1 blackhead fighter can be used two different ways: as a daily cleanser to unclog pores and keep them clear, or as a deep-penetrating mask to eliminate even the most stubborn blackheads while preventing new ones from forming. Formulated with maximum-strength salicylic acid, this cleanser/mask works to keep blackheads away for up to three weeks. 

Murad Pore Reform Blackhead & Pore Clearing Duo ($50)

This fast-acting two-step treatment is made up of Murad’s Blackhead Remover, which extracts stubborn debris from deep inside pores, and a Pore Refining Sealer, that works to reduce blackheads and protect against impurities to prevent new ones from forming.