The Best Blackhead Removers of 2024

Chances are, you’ve had to deal with clogged pores since you were a teenager. And if you’re tired of having unsightly black and white dots speck your face, our resident beauty and skincare enthusiast has put together this list of the best gadgets you can use to tackle those blackheads ASAP!

No matter how you choose to physically extract your blackheads there are a few features that will let you know if this product will work for you. Some features that should make you consider a product are:

• Gentle suction – a suction on a physical that’s too strong for your skin type can leave you with redness and hickeys, especially if used incorrectly.
• Price – Skincare doesn’t need to be expensive, but as always, better ingredients, better craftsmanship or better results often come with “better” pricing. Don’t worry though, we’ve got options for every budget below.
• Features – The add-ons you get along with your purchase can help customize the device to suit your unique needs. Different features can also enhance the results and the toolset you have to work with.

Our resident skincare enthusiast scoured the internet for what dermatologists, estheticians and other reviewers had to say about clearing up blackheads, whiteheads, acne and clogged pores. She then poured over reviews of different products that had stellar reviews (at least 4 stars with the more reviewers the better). From there, we chose what was available in Canada that was expert recommended.

Rank-It.ca aims to be fact-checked, data-backed and thorough. All of our reviews are based on hours of research to ensure that our reviews will leave you satisfied with your purchase.

What is a blackhead?

Blackheads are the result of dead skin cells, dirt and oils becoming trapped within the pores of the skin and oxidizing, giving them a dark appearance.

How to get rid of blackheads?

Though often ignored, dermatoligists recommend not squeezing them out or popping pimples. Squeezing blackheads and clogged pores can result in redness and irritation from broken capillaries and exacerbate skin conditions like eczema. However, you can remove blackheads from the surface by using pore vacuums, strips or comedone extractors (blemish remover loops). But these are only temporary, as your skin is constantly turning over cells and producing oil, so they work best as an addition to a good skin-care routine.

To keep blackheads away in the long-term without further damaging the skin, whether it’s in your cleansers or masks, you’ll want to look for AHAs, like glycolic or lactic acid, to dissolve dead skin cells and dirt before they can clog your pores, or BHAs like salicylic acid that penetrates deep into pores to clear out any clogs. There are other non-medicinal ingredients that you can look for too to remove impurities. Activated charcoal also draws out impurities like a magnet, while clay pulls out impurities as it dries.

How to use a blackhead remover tool.

Dermatologists really don’t like it when you try to DIY your acne treatments. But, hypothetically, if you were to get yourself a comedone extractor, then you could just surround the pimple with the loop end of the extractor and apply gentle pressure to extract. Too much pressure and you’ll damage the skin underneath.

How to use a pore remover

Start with a warm compress or steaming your face to open your pores* and help loosen debris. Hold the extractor at a 45-degree angle to your face and gently slide across the face towards the centre of the face, or hairline to nose. Finish off with the rest of your skincare routine, including a moisturizer. Avoid anything too exfoliating as that will aggravate the skin.

*Pores don’t literally open because they never close. They just dialate and contract.