If you’re prone to blemishes, the best blackhead removers can save you from that dreaded cycle of making mountains out of molehills. You know the one: You see a black dot the size of a pinhole on your face, and you’re compelled to squeeze, pick and scratch with abandon only to find that days later the blackhead is still there, but now it’s swollen and irritated. The truth is, it’s never good to treat these with your fingertips; it can lead to the spreading of bacteria, redness and inflammation. That’s where pore minimizers and products geared for gently removing the dirt, oil and makeup out of your pores (you know, all the contributors that lead to blackheads) come in.

Cleansing, exfoliation and consistency are the keys to preventing and reducing the appearance of ... [+] blackheads. Smart Portable Blackhead Remover

Topical formulas, like face exfoliators, can also unclog pores and decongest skin via chemical exfoliants, physical scrubs or skin-clearing ingredients without breeding bacteria or leading to bruising. The best part is that blackhead removers can be found at every price point, in every format and for every skin type. Regardless of what you need, we’ve got you covered. Scroll on for our top picks.

These editor-favorite exfoliating pads by Dr. Dennis Gross are soaked with a blend of AHAs and BHAs to minimize breakouts, fade dark spots, smooth uneven texture and make your skin look supremely glowy with an easy swipe-on process. Salicylic acid helps dissolve oil within a pore, lessening the severity of blackheads and acne breakouts before they happen. All you do is swipe step one all over your face, wait two minutes and then repeat with step two, which makes for an effective treatment without irritating the skin.

If there’s one good thing that came from our high school skincare routine, it’s the pore strip. When moistened with water and given time to dry, these paper patches physically pull blackheads out of pores without damaging the skin. (However, they’re not recommended for anyone actively using a retinoid because the skin can be too delicate.) The best part is you can use them on the nose, chin and forehead, depending on your needs.

If you’re looking to spend a bit of cash on a splurge-worthy blackhead remover that works, this derm-approved tool is the way to go. Instead of pore vacuums that can use suction to extract blackheads, which can cause broken blood vessels and bruising, this ultrasonic gadget uses vibration to loosen sebum and debris beneath the surface of the skin and gently release blackheads. The Dermapore can be used up to three times per week and is also water-resistant (which makes it ideal for a nice in-shower ritual). And the best part about this device—aside from the super satisfying buildup you see at the end of each scrape session—is you won’t need to re-up your stock every few months.

An excellent choice not just for blackheads but also acne breakouts, this sulfur-based mask is your one-stop shop for blemish-free skin. It contains 10% sulfur, an effective over-the-counter ingredient that helps dry out pimples and prevent new ones from forming, plus a combination of kaolin and bentonite clays that absorb excess oil and clear pores. And a healthy dose of aloe vera soothes and calms the skin. Still, it’s best to start with one to two applications per week and increase as tolerated. If you find the mask too drying (which can happen with sulfur), try reducing the time you leave it on or using it less frequently.

Part toner, part acne treatment, this deep-cleaning double duty liquid gets everything out of pores with a few simple swipes—no pinching, prodding or squeezing. Packed with willow bark water (an ingredient used for treating breakouts), this potent formula shrinks pores, removes blackheads and prevents excess sebum production, and thanks to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid delivers plenty of hydration. Swipe it on with a cotton pad daily, or for a stronger dose allow the solution to sit on the skin for a few minutes before wiping it away.

If you suffer from chronic blackheads, you might have already contemplated giving Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant a try—we say, do it. This internet-famous formula is packed with salicylic acid, a form of BHA that is excellent at keeping blackheads, whiteheads and enlarged pores at bay. This leave-on exfoliator is so lightweight that it feels like a toner and works without disrupting your skin barrier or causing irritation. Swipe it on to dissolve oil and other gunk and grime that clogs pores without scrubbing your skin raw. It’s so gentle, in fact, it’s safe for all skin types and even twice daily usage.

Getting rid of blemishes is no easy feat; the ideal way to achieve blackhead-free skin is to prevent them from forming altogether. This daily cleanser, formulated with alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic and lactic acid, helps cleanse the skin and keep dirt and oils from building up in pores. Fruit enzymes from papaya, pineapple and pumpkin exfoliate without irritating or drying out your skin, even with daily use.

Is there anything more gentle on sensitive skin than clean water? Rather than exacerbating irritated skin or causing potential inflammation with active ingredients, a steamer can help open pores and loosen buildup without drying products or physical exfoliants. This smart steamer features six settings including hot, cold and oil-control modes that do everything from hydrating the skin, regulating oil production, decongesting skin and tightening pores.

I am a staff writer at Forbes covering retail. I have been at Forbes since 2013, first on the markets and investing team and then on the billionaires team. In the course of my reporting, I have interviewed the father of Indian gambling, the first female billionaire to enter the space race and the immigrant founder of one of the nation’s most secretive financial upstarts. My work has also appeared in Money Magazine and CNNMoney.com. Tips or story ideas? Email me at ldebter@forbes.com.

I’m a digital media executive recognized for building engaging content experiences that delight and inspire audiences. As Chief Product Officer of Forbes, I lead a team of world-class product managers, designers, e-commerce leaders, and other experts focused on building the products that shape the Forbes brand across the web, mobile, social, and emerging platforms.

I'm a tech journalist working and living in Gloucestershire, in the UK. I ran my own PC hardware review website for many years before transitioning into freelance writing. I've covered everything from the rise of Bitcoin and the encroachment of anti-privacy laws, to tabletop wargaming and advances in virtual reality. I've written, authored, edited, and copywritten for a broad array of the most prominent publications, including Digital Trends, Lifewire, PCGamer, The Inquirer, and KitGuru. I've also written two novels, and contributed backstory and dialogue to a handful of games. I am passionate about all the cutting-edge hardware inside and out the latest gadgets, PCs, and consoles, even if I can't always afford them.

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I am a staff writer for Forbes Vetted who primarily covers deals and consumer shopping. I previously worked as a deals staff writer for Wirecutter, and my byline has also appeared in the New York Times. When I’m not scouring the web for consumer news, you can find me cooking, crafting, or reading.

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Hydra Beauty Machine Raena Loper is a commerce editor with over 7 years in the editorial industry. She graduated from Raena graduated from Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ with degrees in both fashion studies and gender sexuality & women's studies. Previously, she served as the product and reviews updates editor for the Good Housekeeping Institute and as assistant lifestyle editor at O, The Oprah Magazine. Raena brings experience and a proven track record of success in creating SEO-driven content and product testing. She has covered fashion, home, and kitchen appliance markets and has extensive knowledge of plus-size and size-inclusive fashion. In her off time, she enjoys creating recipe and creating custom clothing pieces.