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Updated August 27, 2024: This article was updated with new product selections after a second round of testing blackhead removers and pore extracting tools. Our editors are currently testing additional blackhead removal tools from brands like Fancii for consideration in this expert-approved article.

When blackheads seemingly surface overnight, there’s a golden rule to live by: Don’t squeeze your skin. As tempting as it may be, that poking, prodding, and picking can do more harm than good, triggering irritation and harming the skin. Instead, do your skin one better with one of the best blackhead removal tools that safely clear the skin. Blackhead extractors come in all shapes and sizes — there are high-tech devices and pore strips that manually pull out the pore-clogging debris, as well as chemical exfoliants that clear out blackheads with a mix of skin-friendly acids.

Before we get into the details of the best blackhead removal tools, it’s important to understand what blackheads exactly are. “Blackheads are open comedones (AKA pore blockages) that are open to the air,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Angelo Landriscina. “Since they are open to the air, the contents on the surface can become oxidized, leading to their dark color. Closed comedones on the other hand do not undergo oxidation — these are commonly referred to as whiteheads.”

While those with oily and acne-prone skin are the most likely to develop blackheads, all skin types can experience them. “Blackheads are caused when there is a buildup of excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria in the pore,” says Joie Tavernise, celebrity esthetician and founder of JTAV Clinical Skincare. “This can happen due to a number of reasons, including excess oil production, an accumulation of dead skin cells from lack of exfoliation, hormonal changes, predisposition due to genetics, environmental pollutants, and certain cosmetics.”

A majority of skin care professionals, including Dr. Landriscina, recommend using acne spot treatments or acne serums with ingredients like salicylic acid over physical tools to prevent any irritation. That said, there are some tools, like pore vacuums and spatulas, that are safe when used correctly. Those who decide to go the device route should properly prep their skin to avoid adverse reactions, says Dr. Kiran Mian, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She suggests steaming your face to soften the skin around the blackheads before going in with a tool. “Once the skin is softened, after about five minutes, you can gently cleanse with a salicylic acid cleanser and lukewarm water. Then you can then go in with your sterilized extractor.”

Below, discover the best blackhead removing tools that effectively decongest pores, according to research, testing, and our experts’ recommendations.

Top Blackhead Removal Tools of 2024