Our tester-approved picks from brands like Tata Harper, SkinCeuticals, Boscia, and more.
Let’s cut to the chase: Blackheads are not a sexy topic. However, they’re a fact of life, and most of the human population has probably had one (or 10) at some point in time. Like most skin concerns, blackheads also range in both stubbornness and ferocity. First, there are the larger, more noticeable species (i.e., that big black abyss that causes you to swear off all public outings). Then there are the sneakier ones: the pin-size pariahs that go virtually undetected. Despite their differences in size and severity, blackheads are all caused by the same thing: pores plugged with dead skin cells and an oily, protective substance called sebum. Blackheads consist of dead skin cells and sebum oil in the open pore that react with oxygen and turn black.1 How do you get rid of them? Routinely exfoliating with a face wash that includes strategic ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, witch hazel, clay, and charcoal is key to sloughing off dead skin and clearing pores of all the gunk.
To determine which cleansers were best for blackheads our team of testers and Byrdie editors took a variety of options for a test wash. First, we made sure the products we picked contained ingredients that were effective for blackheads, such as the astringents and exfoliants just mentioned. We then took into account everything from how the wash lathered to the scent to how well it worked—and, most importantly, how it left our skin looking and feeling. It was through that testing process that we came up with this curated list of the best face washes for blackheads.
Best Overall: Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser 125ML
This 100% natural cult-favorite face wash from Tata Harper cleanses and purifies pores (while also brightening and evening out tone) in one fell swoop. It’s loved for its quadruple-action, four-in-one formula that features rose clay, willow bark extract, non-comedogenic essential oils, and teensy exfoliating beads that may reduce the appearance of blackheads. To that point, we loved how smooth and texture-less our skin felt as soon as we rinsed it off.
Best Budget: Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel
It’s no secret that Mario Badescu’s infamous Enzyme Cleansing Gel makes practically every face wash roundup. And there’s a good reason for that: It works. You can count on the natural fruit enzymes and a side order of alpha-hydroxy acids (from papaya and grapefruit extracts) to wash away impurities every time.
Best With Benzoyl Peroxide: Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion
Containing 5% benzoyl peroxide (bye, blackheads), this still-gentle acne treatment from Kate Sommerville specifically targets congested pores to reduce existing breakouts and keep excess oil and sebum at bay. It’ll do more than just banish your blackheads—it’ll also prevent them from coming back.2
Best With Charcoal: Boscia Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser
Typically we steer clear of products that promise too much of a good thing. But although this cleanser talks a big game, it also walks the walk. Since it warms on contact, it helps loosen up the gunk in congested pores, while purifying and radiance-boosting agents like charcoal, vitamin P, and C, and artichoke leaf perfect the skin.2 We found it to be an especially good choice for those with oilier complexions, and that it worked well both for everyday use and as a deep cleansing treatment used a few times per week.3
Best Gel: SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel
As one of the most highly regarded brands in the skincare universe (it’s loved by celebrities, dermatologists, and beauty editors alike), it’s no wonder SkinCeuticals has a solution that claims to control, treat, and prevent blackheads. Surprisingly, it’s gentle enough to use twice daily (although a once-daily application is enough to make a difference) and combines supercharged cleansing agents with blackhead-busting LHA, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid.4
Best Foam: Murad Daily Cleansing Foam
Murad is a beauty-editor favorite, thanks to its effective, gentle formulas, so it’s not surprising that this face wash for blackheads and congested skin is a game-changer. Witch hazel (a natural astringent) and copper gluconate nix oil while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture stores.5 Plus, pomegranate and Japanese alder flower extracts add a hit of antioxidants.
Best Powerful: DermaDoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ Medicated AHA/BHA Acne Cleanser
Cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, pH-balanced, and non-comedogenic, this face wash is an excellent pick for both acne and blackheads. (Believe it or not, the two are technically not synonymous.) Enriched with basically every single ingredient blackheads hate most—among them, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, witch hazel, allantoin, and the brand’s patented sebum-squashing polymer—this formula’s so good at getting the job done.6
Best for Oily Skin: Hyper Skin Hyper Even Gentle Brightening Cleansing Gel
If you want to unclog pores, gently exfoliate, and brighten your skin, reach for this cleanser. The gel texture (which emulsifies nicely when mixed with water) is great for oily skin in general, but even more so given the addition of willow bark extract, which helps to regulate oil production. Mandelic acid helps to reduce discoloration; so much so that we saw a difference in the brightness of our skin after just one use. We also loved how it effectively removed excess oil from slick spots, but without leaving our skin feeling stripped or tight elsewhere.
Best Hydrating: Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
When it comes to an effective cleanser that deep cleans without stripping the skin, this winner can’t be beat. We couldn’t get over how well it worked—no double cleanse required here—leaving our skin feeling soft and supple. And while it’s totally fragrance-free, it still has a soothing herbal scent that makes the face washing process feel extra luxurious. It doesn’t contain any ingredients to target existing blackheads, though is great for helping to keep your complexion clear and prevent build-up from happening in the first place.
Best for Pores: Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA Cleanser
Prominent pores and blackheads go hand-in-hand. That’s where this guy comes in. A two-percent concentration of salicylic acid helps to unclog blocked pores and also break down excess oil. Meanwhile, niacinamide works to balance oil production and calm redness, while azelaic acid offers antibacterial benefits. In short, it’s a great choice for blackheads, but also any type of clogged pores and/or pimples, too. We also liked how easy it was to spread across the skin and wash off, too, leaving our complexion feeling deeply cleansed.
Best with BHAs & AHAs: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel
Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids are two of the best categories of ingredients you can use if you have blackheads and this packs them both into one convenient formula. Willow bark extract is a natural source of oil-dissolving salicylic acid; AHAs such as lactic and glycolic acids offer gentle exfoliation that also helps purify pores while brightening your skin at the same time. Sounds intense, but this is still gentle enough for daily use—and is sulfate-free, so as to not overdry your complexion. When we tried it, we saw a noticeable improvement in texture, tone, and how prominent our pores looked.
Best Exfoliating: SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser With Glycolic Acid
Exfoliating regularly is one of (if not the) best thing you can do to keep your pores clear and blackheads at bay. This two-in-one cleanser makes it easy to do exactly that, effectively washing off dirt, oil, and makeup, while also gently exfoliating thanks to the addition of glycolic acid. Still, because it’s pH-balanced, sulfate-free, and contains hydrating glycerin, there’s no need to stress about it over-drying your skin, even if you use it twice daily. We also liked how nicely it foamed up, breaking down all traces of dirt and oil.
Best with Benzoyl Peroxide: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Salicylic acid may often get touted as the best blackhead buster out there, but benzoyl peroxide is very effective, too. The only issue? It can be drying, particularly if your skin is on the drier side to begin with. Happily, this newbie alleviates that issue; even though it contains a very effective amount of BP (four percent, to be exact) to knock out both blackheads and/or pimples, it also touts hydrating hyaluronic acid, skin-strengthening ceramides, and calming niacinamide to make sure it doesn’t dry or irritate your skin. What more could you ask for?
Best Foam: Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash
As a general rule of thumb, foam formulas (say that three times fast) tend to be more effective if you have oily and/or combination skin. There are plenty to choose from, but this one earns top marks in our book. Along with delivering a luscious lather, it also contains salicylic acid to target breakouts and blackheads. Meanwhile, soothing botanicals soothe and calm the skin. Bonus points for the fact that it works equally well as a body wash if you have congestion on your back or chest.
Final Verdict
We found the Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser to be the best face wash for blackheads out there, thanks to its pore-purifying properties and the fact that it gently exfoliates, too. If you’re on a budget, you can’t go wrong with the Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel, a cult-classic that relies on fruit enzymes and alpha-hydroxy acids. And if your blackheads are accompanied by super prominent pores, try the Skinfix Azelaic Acid + 2% BHA Cleanser. It contains pretty much every ingredient you would want to help clear breakouts and congestion (including salicylic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide), and more.
What to Look For In a Face Wash for BlackheadsExfoliators
Clearing out your pores requires exfoliation. Choose either chemical or physical exfoliators that are gentle and won’t further clog pores. Exfoliators will help to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oils that are clogging or blocking pores. Look for beta and alpha-hydroxy acids, clays, and charcoal.7 The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel contains both AHAs and BHAs; the Boscia Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser contains charcoal.
Non-Comedogenic
Naturally, you’ll want your blackhead-clearing face wash to be non-comedogenic, meaning it’s free of ingredients that may clog or block pores. Some types of oils are suitable for breakout-prone skin, while others are not. Ideal oils include rosehip, squalene, and jojoba. Look for the term non-comedogenic on the label of your face wash.
Bacteria Fighters
The best blackhead-clearing face washes will also help to fight breakouts. Choose ingredients that prevent and treat bacteria causing acne, such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and allantoin.
Astringents
Astringents will reduce the oil on the skin.5 They also work to tone and tighten the skin, potentially helping pores appear smaller. Ingredients to look for include witch hazel, which is also anti-inflammatory (find it in the DermaDoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ Medicated AHA/BHA Acne Cleanser), sage, yarrow, and salicylic acid.
FAQCan face wash remove blackheads?
Not all face washes have the right ingredients to help remove blackheads. Look for face washes designed for acne-prone skin that contain ingredients like salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that is soluble in oil and can penetrate the skin to remove bacteria, dirt, and oils that form blackheads.4 It’s a star ingredient in the winning Skinfix Azelaic Acid + 2% BHA Cleanser featured on this list.
Do blackheads go away naturally?
Blackheads form when dead skin and excess oil clog pores. They can last a long time and don’t go away on their own very easily. For this reason, if you want to get rid of blackheads, it’s a good idea to use blackhead clearing products such as face washes and peels.
What happens if I don’t remove blackheads?
Blackheads can cause the pores to become inflamed, leading to whitehead pimples. Blackheads are open comedones, while whiteheads are closed ones.6 Sometimes blackheads remain without causing any further changes to the pores.