Blackheads are a common skin concern that many people deal with. They occur when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and debris, causing the pore to appear dark. Choosing the right face wash is important for effectively removing blackheads and preventing new ones from forming. Here is a review of the top 15 face washes for clearing blackheads available in the U.S.
CeraVe’s acne face wash is an excellent choice for removing blackheads and preventing new ones. With 2% salicylic acid, it provides a gentle exfoliation to loosen and clear out impacted debris in pores. The addition of kaolin clay helps draw out impurities for a deeper clean. It’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. It also contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin. This dermatologist-tested formula is free of fragrances and parabens making it a great option for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Our testers found it cleared existing blackheads and kept new ones from forming with regular use.
This innovative bubble cleanser from Korean skincare brand Some By Mi deeply cleanses pores while being gentle on skin. The star ingredient is antioxidant-rich green tea extract, which helps control excess oil production and clear up blackheads over time. As you massage it onto damp skin, it transforms into a luxurious foam with microbubbles that carry away impurities. Our testers noticed their pores looked cleaner and tighter after the first use. With continued use, existing blackheads were cleared and very few new ones formed. It’s a great daily cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin types looking to combat blackheads.
Paula’s Choice CLEAR cleanser harnesses the power of salicylic acid to bust through oil, dead skin cells, and debris inside pores. Our testers found the 0.5% concentration effectively cleared out blackheads and prevented new ones without being too harsh or drying. The botanical extracts reduce redness and irritation that can accompany breakouts. The light gel formula rinses clean without leaving any pore-clogging residue behind. Regular use kept testers’ pores looking clean and clear. Those with sensitive skin prone to blackheads will appreciate this gentle yet effective cleanser.
This scrub from St. Ives goes beyond surface cleansing to deeply clear congested pores and blackheads. The bamboo powder and walnut shell powder provide a thorough yet gentle physical exfoliation to slough away dead skin cells and debris. Salicylic acid penetrates into pores to dissolve impacted gunk while green tea extract calms irritation. Our testers found it cleared out existing blackheads after just a few uses. With continued use 2-3 times per week, it prevented blackheads from returning. The oil-free formula won’t lead to further clogged pores. For those looking for an exfoliating face wash that targets blackheads, this St. Ives scrub is a great choice.
Charcoal and salicylic acid team up in this blackhead-blasting cleanser from Bioré. The activated charcoal acts like a magnet to attract and remove the dirt, oil, and skin cell debris that get trapped in pores and lead to blackheads. Salicylic acid provides chemical exfoliation to clear congested pores and smooth skin texture. Our testers reported their pores looked cleaner and smaller after incorporating this face wash into their routines. It cleanses away makeup and impurities without over-stripping the skin thanks to hydrating glycerin. Those struggling with blackheads on oily skin can benefit from using this deep cleansing formula.
This AcneFree scrub tackles blackheads through chemical and physical exfoliation. 2% salicylic acid is the hero ingredient, working to dissolve dead skin cell buildup and debris lodged deep in pores. Activated charcoal acts like a magnet, pulling out excess oil that can lead to clogs. Tiny jojoba beads buff away surface cells to reveal smoother, clearer skin. Our testers found their blackheads were visibly reduced and their pores looked tighter after using this scrub 2-3 times per week. It’s formulated without oils, fragrances, and other comedogenic ingredients making it suitable for blemish-prone skin. The exfoliating and pore-purifying effects make this a great choice for removing existing blackheads and preventing new ones from forming.
This 2-pack from Clean & Clear provides a complete cleansing routine tailored to different times of day. The daytime cleanser with vitamin C and cucumber extract leaves skin looking brighter. At night, the calming formula removes the day’s impurities and readies skin for rejuvenating rest. Our testers found their skin looked cleaner and their pores appeared less congested after using both washes consistently. The oil-free, hypoallergenic formulas are gentle enough for sensitive skin types prone to blackheads and breakouts. Having two targeted cleansers makes it easier to customize your routine for optimal blackhead removal and prevention. This handy set is wallet-friendly and great for trying out Clean & Clear’s effective washes.
Clean & Clear’s Deep Action exfoliating scrub delivers an invigorating cleanse while clearing congested pores prone to blackheads. The microbeads offer a thorough physical exfoliation to lift away pore-clogging impurities. Our testers loved the cooling tingle provided by menthol as it scrubs. Their pores appeared clearer and blackheads were removed after regular use of this oil-free scrub. It helps prep skin for optimal absorption of acne spot treatments too. For an affordable drugstore face wash that deeply cleanses pores and sweeps away blackhead-causing buildup, this classic scrub is a solid choice.
Paula’s Choice designed this cleanser to address aging concerns like loss of firmness and enlarged pores while maintaining the skin’s barrier. Our testers loved the whipped, cloud-like foam that lifted away impurities without drying or irritation. Their pores appeared less congested while skin felt hydrated from moisture-binding hyaluronic acid and calming aloe leaf juice. Those struggling with blackheads and enlarged pores on mature skin will benefit from incorporating this gentle, yet effective cleanser into their regimen. With regular use, it can help minimize existing blackheads while keeping pores clear to prevent new ones from cropping up.
Cetaphil’s iconic daily cleanser provides a gentle yet thorough cleanse without aggravating sensitive, breakout-prone skin. The soap-free formula removes dirt, oil, makeup and other gunk that get trapped in pores and lead to blackheads. It contains emollients that hydrate as they cleanse to prevent dryness or irritation. Our testers found their skin looked less oily and pores appeared tighter and clearer after swapping to this face wash. The value sized bottle lasts for months making it wallet-friendly. For those seeking an affordable drugstore cleanser that leaves skin fresh and blackhead free without redness or irritation, this Cetaphil face wash is a great option.
CeraVe packs their foaming cleanser with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide while still providing an invigorating foaming cleanse. Our testers found it whisked away excess oil, dirt, and debris without drying or irritating their skin. Their pores looked clean and clear with reduced blackheads after swapping to this face wash. People with oily, blackhead-prone skin will benefit from the pore cleansing and skin strengthening effects of the ingredients. Since it’s free of irritating fragrances and alcohol, those with sensitive skin can use it without redness or stinging. The value sized bottle lasts for months making this a great bang for your buck.
Lumin designed this men’s face wash to deep clean congested pores and prevent blackheads without drying out the skin. Our male testers liked how the activated charcoal clarified their pores by pulling out dirt and oil. The jojoba beads provided gentle physical exfoliation to reveal smoother, brighter skin. Their blackheads were visibly reduced after regular use. Eucalyptus oil gives the formula a light, refreshing scent while controlling excess sebum production. Guys struggling with clogged pores and breakouts will appreciate how effectively this cleanser tackles blackheads and oiliness. The travel size makes it ideal for staying fresh on the go.
This innovative cleansing balm from Korean skincare brand Heimish effortlessly dissolves pore-clogging impurities. The sherbet-like balm melts on contact with skin into a nourishing oil that lifts away makeup, sunscreen, sebum and dead skin cell buildup that leads to congestion and blackheads. Our testers found their pores looked tighter and clearer after massaging this product onto dry skin and rinsing off. The natural botanical oils left their complexions soft and smooth without greasy residue. Used regularly, it keeps blackheads at bay while providing gentle moisturization. The sherbet texture makes it fun and satisfying to use as the very first step of your skincare routine.
This clarifying cleanser from Lauda Botanicals utilizes salicylic acid and botanical extracts to eliminate existing blackheads and prevent new ones from forming. Our testers found the 2% concentration of salicylic acid cleared out congested pores causing their blackheads to diminish after regular use. Natural ingredients like willow bark, witch hazel, green tea, and lavender reduce acne-causing bacteria while providing antimicrobial benefits. Despite being deeply cleansing, the formula is gentle enough for daily use. It transforms from a clarifying gel into an elegant, foamy lather that rinses cleanly. Those seeking a plant-based blackhead cleanser without harsh ingredients will love this formula.
Cetaphil’s innovative cream-to-foam cleanser offers the best of both worlds: gentle cleansing power with hydrating ingredients to prevent dryness and irritation. Our testers with drier skin types prone to sensitivity and blackheads loved how the creamy formula transformed into a light foam that whisked away impurities without tightness or discomfort. Their skin looked clean yet retained moisture thanks to aloe and niacinamide. Those struggling with blackheads on normal to dry skin will benefit from the pore-clearing abilities of this cleanser without sacrificing hydration. The fragrance-free, non-irritating formula can be used twice daily.
Product | Key Ingredient(s) | Skin Type |
---|---|---|
CeraVe Acne Face Wash | 2% Salicylic Acid | Oily, Acne-Prone |
Some By Mi Green Tea Cleanser | Green Tea Extract | Oily, Sensitive |
Paula’s Choice CLEAR Cleanser | 0.5% Salicylic Acid | Oily, Sensitive |
St. Ives Blackhead Scrub | Salicylic Acid & Bamboo Powder | Oily, Acne-Prone |
Biore Charcoal Cleanser | Charcoal & Salicylic Acid | Oily, Blemish-Prone |
AcneFree Scrub | 2% Salicylic Acid & Charcoal | Oily, Acne-Prone |
Clean & Clear Day & Night Set | Vitamin C & Soothing Botanicals | Sensitive, All Skin Types |
Clean & Clear Deep Action Scrub | Microbeads | Oily, Acne-Prone |
Paula’s Choice Foaming Cleanser | Hyaluronic Acid & Aloe | Aging, Oily Skin |
Cetaphil Daily Cleanser | Soap-Free & Hypoallergenic | Sensitive, Oily Skin |
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser | Ceramides & Niacinamide | Oily Skin |
Lumin Charcoal Cleanser | Charcoal & Eucalyptus | Oily, Blemish-Prone |
Heimish Cleansing Balm | Green Tea & Tea Tree Oil | All Skin Types |
Lauda Botanicals Cleanser | 2% Salicylic Acid | Oily, Acne-Prone |
Cetaphil Cream to Foam | Prebiotic Aloe | Normal to Dry Skin |
With so many face washes available, it can be tricky to select the best one for preventing and clearing blackheads. Here are a few tips for choosing an effective blackhead-fighting cleanser:
Look for exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, or fruit enzymes. These help loosen and slough away the dead skin cells and debris trapped within pores to dislodge blackheads.
Search for oil-absorbing ingredients like charcoal, clay, or volcanic ash. These help control excess sebum production while pulling out impurities.
Consider your skin type. Gel or foaming cleansers are great for oily skin while cream or milk cleansers help hydrate dry, sensitive skin.
Avoid heavy oils and thick butters that could clog pores further. Light, fast-absorbing oils like grapeseed or squalane are less likely to congest pores.
Read reviews to learn how a cleanser actually performed for others with clogged pores and blackheads. This can help you determine if it’s the right fit your needs.
Try a double cleanse with an oil or balm cleanser followed by a foaming cleanser for a deeply cleansing pore treatment.
Use regularly for the best results. Consistency is key when dealing with congestion.
There are a few main types of face washes formulated to effectively remove blackheads:
Exfoliating cleansers use chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid or fruit enzymes to penetrate pores and loosen clogs. These help detach sticky sebum and dead skin buildup.
Clay cleansers contain kaolin or bentonite clays that act like magnets to draw out impurities from pores while absorbing excess oil.
Charcoal cleansers feature activated charcoal to deeply detoxify pores by trapping dirt, oil, and debris.
AHA/BHA cleansers contain alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic or lactic acids to exfoliate dead skin cells and beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid to cut through oil.
Sulfur cleansers use the ingredient sulfur to address acne-causing bacteria within pores while absorbing excess sebum.
Balm or cream cleansers have thick, spreadable textures that dissolve oil-based debris when massaged onto dry skin before rinsing.
Here are some tips on how to properly use, maintain, and care for your skin when using a face wash for blackheads:
Cleanse twice daily for best results – once in the morning to wash away overnight buildup and again at night to remove the day’s impurities.
Massage the cleanser gently onto damp skin for 30-60 seconds before rinsing to allow actives to work. Don’t scrub harshly.
Use lukewarm water to avoid stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier with hot water. Rinse thoroughly.
Pat skin dry with a clean towel. Don’t rub vigorously, which can cause irritation.
Follow with toner, serums, and moisturizer to replenish hydration and support the skin barrier.
Exfoliate 2-3 times per week for smoother texture and to accelerate blackhead removal.
Use a clay or charcoal mask 1-2 times per week as an extra pore detox.
Avoid excessive drying with harsh products that can trigger increased oil production.
Monitor for irritation and sensitivity. Discontinue use if your face wash causes redness or stinging.
See a dermatologist if you don’t see results within 6-8 weeks for a different treatment plan.
The best face wash for effectively clearing out blackheads will contain exfoliating acids like salicylic acid or glycolic acid to penetrate into pores and detach oil and dead skin cell buildup. It should also have ingredients like charcoal, clay, or volcanic ash that absorb excess oil and draw out impurities from clogged pores. Look for a formula suited to your skin type – gel or foaming cleansers for oily skin and cream or milk cleansers for dry skin. Our top picks are CeraVe Acne Face Wash with 2% salicylic acid for oily skin and Cetaphil Cream to Foam Cleanser for normal to dry skin.
If you’re dealing with both acne and blackheads, look for a face wash containing salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that cuts through oil and exfoliates inside pores to clear out current breakouts and prevent new ones. Good options include Lauda Botanicals Blackhead Cleanser with 2% salicylic acid and willow bark extract or Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Cleanser with 0.5% salicylic acid. Avoid heavy oils or butters that could clog pores further. Using a face wash with acne-fighting ingredients twice daily can help treat and prevent acne and blackheads.
For a face wash that addresses spots and blackheads, look for one with clarifying ingredients like tea tree oil, sulfur, or niacinamide to reduce breakouts along with salicylic acid or charcoal to minimize clogged pores and blackheads. Our top picks are CeraVe Acne Face Wash with 2% salicylic acid, purifying clay, and niacinamide or Cetaphil Daily Face Wash with its gentle yet effective soap-free formula safe for sensitive, spot-prone skin. Spot treating with benzoyl peroxide and using a face wash tailored for acne and blackheads can help clear spots.
For oily skin prone to blackheads, look for an oil-free gel or foaming cleanser that will remove excess sebum without adding more oil. Ingredients like charcoal, clay, and salicylic acid absorb oil while clearing out pores. Our top picks are Bioré Charcoal Cleanser with salicylic acid, Lumin Charcoal Face Wash with eucalyptus oil, and CeraVe Foaming Face Wash with niacinamide to regulate oil production. Washing oily skin prone to blackheads twice daily helps control shine and minimize clogged pores.
Yes, using the right face wash can help clear out existing blackheads and prevent new ones from forming. Look for cleansers with exfoliating acids like salicylic acid or glycolic acid that loosen debris and oil buildup within clogged pores. Charcoal and clay in cleansers also absorb excess sebum while pulling out impurities. Consistently washing your face twice a day is key – a face wash can help dislodge blackheads over time as part of your regular routine. Don’t expect overnight miracles though. It takes 4-6 weeks to see significant blackhead clearing.
Some face washes for blackheads contain ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide that can be drying, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin. To avoid dryness and irritation, look for a cleanser that balances ingredients like charcoal or clay that absorb oil with hydrators like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides. Avoid foaming or gel cleansers if you have dry skin. Opt for a creamy, milky cleanser. Moisturize well after cleansing. Using a weekly hydrating mask also helps replenish moisture to prevent dryness from a blackhead clearing face wash.
You should cleanse your face twice daily with your blackhead clearing face wash – once in the morning and again at night. Consistency is key when dealing with clogged pores.
No, face washes typically take several weeks of regular use before you’ll notice significant clearing of blackheads. Exfoliating face washes help loosen and prevent new blackhead formation but won’t dissolve them instantly. Be patient!
Yes, just opt for a more hydrating, creamy formula that won’t strip your skin. Avoid foaming, gel, or clay-based cleansers which can be drying. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Apply your face wash to damp skin and gently massage for 30-60 seconds before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing vigorously, which can cause irritation. Pat skin dry.
Yes, always follow with a toner, any serums, and a non-comedogenic moisturizer suited to your skin type. You can also use a weekly clay or charcoal mask for extra pore cleansing. Introduce new products slowly.
It typically takes 4-6 weeks of consistent use (twice daily) before you’ll notice a reduction in visible blackheads. Be patient and stick to a routine. Contact a dermatologist if you don’t see results after 2 months.
Blackheads form when pores get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and debris such as makeup or pollution particles. Finding the right face wash is key to clearing and preventing blackheads. Look for formulas with exfoliating acids like salicylic acid or oil-absorbing clays and charcoal. Avoid heavy, comedogenic ingredients. Tailor your cleanser to your skin type. Gel or foaming cleansers work well for oily skin while cream and milk cleansers provide moisture for dry skin. Consistency is crucial – cleanse twice daily and stick to a routine for at least 6 weeks before evaluating results. Pair your face wash with other non-comedogenic skincare products. Addressing blackheads takes time and patience, but the right face wash can help minimize their occurrence and keep your pores clear.
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