While I know it's terrible for my skin care, I’ve always been someone who likes to pick at her face. Years ago, when I was working in the beauty department at Vogue, I went for a facial at a top medi-spa in New York City where a dermatologist introduced me to a comedone extractor, a pen-like medical device that pushes out the gunk in your pores. Made of stainless steel, it has a sharp metal point on one end (to create an opening in the skin if necessary) and a circular loop on the other (that you press onto your skin to express the clog). “Don’t tell anyone I gave this to you,” warned the derm. “It’s for professional use only.”
But thanks to online shopping, anyone can play dermatologist and buy a comedone extractor. Sales of these tools, along with other pore clearing products including skin vacuums, spot treatments, pore-peeling mousses and products containing salicylic acid and retinoids, are also surging because, as one dermatologist recently shared, Americans (like me!) have an obsession with emptying out their pores. Though they have their drawbacks, using these devices, according to experts, is better than squeezing skin with your fingers, which can result in cuts and a way for bacteria to creep into your skin.
Given all that, we spoke with five dermatologists to provide expert insight and review some of the most popular pore cleaners on the market right now.
What ingredients help with clogged pores? | Dermatologist-approved pore cleansers | How we chose | Meet the experts
What ingredients help with clogged pores?
When it comes to shopping for patches or serums to help treat your clogged pores, dermatologists say it is imperative to pay attention to the ingredients. Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology for Weill Cornell Medicine, recommends "exfoliating ingredients, especially beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid can work well to help unclog the pores."
"Exfoliants help to get rid of dead skin cells which helps to reduce clogged pores. Retinoids can also help to unclog the pores by regulating skin cell turnover and preventing clogged pores," says Garshick.
Dr. Mona Gohara, Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, tells us that "clogged pores are comprised of dirt, sebum (oil), and keratin, skin proteins. So, to clean them out, OTC ingredients which target these are best."
She continue and says "they include: sal[icylic] acid, glycolic acid, and retinoids."
Dermatologist-approved pore cleansers
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
- Helps acne disappear
- Does not burn
- Often out of stock
Form: Serum | Size: 1.0 fl oz
“Topical salicylic acid treatments are very effective at breaking up pore-clogging dead skin cells and sebum, when it comes to blackheads, whiteheads and red pimples,” says Dr. Alexis Young, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center.
Applying a topical salicylic acid prior to manual extraction is a smart move, notes Dr. Young, as it will help dislodge material from the pores, making them easier to clear. The formula contains 2% salicylic acid.
Mighty Patch Original
- Gets rid of blemishes quickly
- Feels seamless on skin
- May not stick well
Form: Patches | Size: 36 patches
According to many derms, these acne patches from Mighty Patch, which dry out pimples and create an environment that allows the blemish to heal on its own, are deserving of rave reviews. “Hydrocolloid patches draw excess water, sebum and pus away from the skin,” says Dr. Young. “They’re best for red, angry pimples or whiteheads, but not for treating blackheads, which are not made up of fluid.”
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, loves that these patches create a healing barrier, preventing users from picking at the blemish. “They’re a safe, hands-off approach to pore cleaning,” he notes.
Poppyo Blackhead Remover Pore Vacuum
- Easy to clean
- Powerful suction
- Can pull your skin
Form: Vacuum | Size: Four beauty nozzles
“Vacuums provide gentle exfoliating and can remove microscopic blockages within the pores, but they’re not going to take the place of traditional extracting tools or acne medications because they’re simply not as effective,” shares Dr. Zeichner. “This one comes with a microdermabrasion tip, which removes dead cells from the surface of the skin, keeping pores clear and making skin look more radiant.”
Gently move the vacuum tip in straight lines over the face, advises Dr. Zeichner, using minimal pressure and taking care not to pass over the same area, which can lead to irritation. FYI: The instructions make claims the vacuum can strengthen immunity, reduce pigmentation and improve resistance to UV. “None of these assertions are true,” shares Dr. Young.
Tweezerman Blackhead Extractor
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Compact
- May pinch skin
Form: Tweezers
Of all the stainless steel blackhead removers I sent to the derms for testing, this was the only instrument that won any type of approval. “There are a lot of inexpensive, cheaply made comedone extractors out there,” reports Dr. Young. “Some of the ones I tested actually bent!”
A poorly made tool could affect the amount of pressure you exert on the skin, with too much force resulting in inflammation and scarring. “But this extractor is one I’d recommend as it’s well-made and designed,” notes Dr. Young.
That being said, the derms only recommend using it on blackheads (hair follicles occluded by skin oils and dead skin cells), not on below-the-skin cysts or nodules, which will only make them larger and deeper. “When using this tool, place the side’s smaller loop over the blackhead and press gently, stopping if nothing is expelled or you notice bleeding,” says Dr. Zeichner.
“This tool is effective, but if you use it the wrong way, you can cause a sore in the skin that can lead to scars or even dark marks that can be long-lasting." Prior to extracting, apply a warm washcloth to the affected area to soften the skin and be sure to sterilize the tool in rubbing alcohol.
CeraVe 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash
- Keeps face clear of breakouts
- Gentle on skin
- May irritate sensitive skin
Form: Gel | Size: 8.4 fl oz
"This acne wash contains 2% salicylic acid to help reduce breakouts and gently exfoliate the skin in addition to oil-absorbing hectorite clay to reduce clogged pores," says Garshick. "Also formulated with niacinamide and ceramides, it won’t leave the skin feeling dry or irritated," she says.
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Face Serum
- Works well at shrinking pores
- May burn skin
Form: Serum | Size: 1.0 fl oz
NYC board-certified dermatologist and author of Skin Rules, Dr. Debra Jaliman, M.D., recommends this serum for unclogging pores. "This product contains aloe so it’s soothing to the skin. It also contains glycolic acid to unclog the pores and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin. This product is good for dry skin," says Jaliman.
Charlotte Tilbury Daily Glow Toner
- Provides a subtle glow
- Nice consistency
- Smell may be strong
Form: Toner | Size: 1.0 fl oz
"Containing niacinamide and hyaluronic acid in addition to Exfolactive, this acid-free exfoliating toner helps to address oily skin and reduces the appearance of the pores, while still being gentle on the skin," explains Garshick. "This makes it a great option all year round and good for someone with sensitive skin," she says.
Sunday Riley Lactic Acid Treatment
- Makes skin soft
- Makes skin glow
- Helps with skin discoloration
- Not a lot of product
Form: Serum | Size: 1.0 fl oz
Jaliman recommends this gentle product as it contains lactic acid. "It also has aloe so it is soothing and anti-inflammatory. It has squalane so it hydrates skin. This is a serum and is good for a sensitive, more mature skin. The lactic acid helps unclog pores," suggests Jaliman.
Mary Kay Clinical Solutions Retinol
Form: Retinol and facial milk | Size: 1.5 fl oz and 2.5 fl oz
“Retinoids are perhaps the most effective treatment for acne, as they prevent skin cells from sticking together, which can lead to blockages like blackheads, whiteheads and red pimples,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Their only drawback is they can take time to work.”
Agrees Dr. Young: “Retinoids are the foundation of any acne regimen because they break down comedones, improve normal skin shedding and have anti-inflammatory properties. This product is a good starter retinoid, but if you’re not seeing results after the recommended eight weeks, I would recommend a prescription treatment.”
The packaging includes a retinization schedule to help prevent overuse and irritation. Plus, you can separately purchase their plant oil-based facial milk, made to work in synergy with the retinoid. “This facial milk helps minimize any drying effects,” adds Dr. Young. “I love that it’s lightweight and doesn’t feel greasy.”
How we chose
To find the best products for cleansing your pores, the Shop TODAY team spoke to board-certified dermatologists who shared their expert insights and recommendations. We also conducted general market research on the topic and read through a plethora of shopper reviews to find top-rated products.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine.
- Dr. Mona Gohara, M.D., is an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine.
- Dr. Alexis Young, M.D., is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center.
- Dr. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., is an Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
- Dr. Debra Jaliman, M.D., is a NYC board-certified dermatologist and author of Skin Rules.
