Understanding Blackheads: What They Are and Why They Form
Blackheads are one of the most common skin concerns, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. They’re also known as open comedones — meaning a pore gets blocked but stays open at the surface.
Here’s what happens:
- Your skin produces sebum (oil)
- Dead skin cells don’t shed properly
- Oil + dead skin + debris build up in a pore
- The pore stays open, so the plug oxidises in the air and turns dark (that’s why it looks black)
Common triggers
Blackheads can be made worse by:
- Hormonal changes (puberty, periods, pregnancy)
- Excess oil production
- Heavy or pore-clogging products
- Inconsistent cleansing/exfoliation
- Sometimes diet factors (for some people), especially high sugar patterns or certain dairy triggers
The key is focusing on unclogging pores, controlling excess oil, and supporting your skin barrier.
How Blackheads Differ From Other Types of Acne
Blackheads aren’t the same as inflamed acne.
- Blackheads (open comedones): blocked pore stays open → turns dark from oxidation
- Whiteheads (closed comedones): blocked pore is closed → stays white/flesh-coloured
- Papules/Pustules: inflamed bumps, often sore or red
- Cysts/Nodules: deeper, painful acne that may scar and can require stronger treatment
Blackheads are usually non-inflammatory, so they respond best to ingredients that clear out pores and improve cell turnover.
Key Ingredients to Look For (Blackhead-Focused)
If you’re buying products specifically for blackheads, these ingredients are the best to look for:
✅ Salicylic Acid (BHA)
- Gets inside pores and breaks down oil + build-up
- Best for oily skin and stubborn clogged pores
- Great for preventing new blackheads
✅ Benzoyl Peroxide
- Kills acne-causing bacteria
- Can help prevent breakouts alongside blackheads
- Can be drying (use carefully if sensitive)
✅ Retinoids (like adapalene)
- Boost cell turnover and keep pores from clogging
- Great long-term results
- Can cause dryness at first (start slowly)
✅ Glycolic Acid (AHA)
- Exfoliates the surface layer of skin
- Helps with texture and dullness
- Works well when blackheads come with rough skin
Tip: If your skin is sensitive, start low and introduce only one new active at a time.
Top 10 Acne Products for Blackheads
Blackheads can be stubborn, so here are 10 product types people often use successfully, with the key “why it helps”.
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
- Uses salicylic acid to clear pores
- Loved for deep cleansing
- Clear, fresh skin: This salicylic face wash is formulated to help eliminate and prevent blackheads, removing trapped dir…
- Active ingredients: The blackhead scrub cleanser contains 2% Salicylic Acid, blackhead-fighting and natural cellulose ex…
- Scientifically proven: This face cleanser with purifying Salicylic Acid helps eliminate and prevent blackheads from day …
- Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- One of the best for unclogging pores
- Often praised for visible improvement without harsh scrubbing
- OUR GLOBAL BESTSELLER : Fast absorbing liquid exfoliant removes built-up dead skin cells and fights blackheads and break…
- WITH SALICYLIC ACID / BHA : Primarily an exfoliant, helping shed dead skin on the surface and inside the pore, therefore…
- BENEFITS : Skin becomes dull and congested when dead skin cells build up on its surface. Unlike harsh exfoliator scrubs,…
- The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2%
- Targets blackheads and clogged pores
- Popular because it’s affordable and simple
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo
- Helps with breakouts + clogged pores
- Many people use it as a targeted treatment
- The cream-mousse formula helps to control sebum production, excess shine and sweat
- Contains blur technology and shade-adapting BB pigment which adapts to the colour of the skin on application to visibly …
- CeraVe SA Cleanser
- Salicylic acid + ceramides
- Great if you want exfoliation without stripping your barrier
- COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
- Gentle pore-clearing exfoliant
- Good for stubborn congestion
- AHA Whitehead Power Liquid: 7% AHA (Glycolic Acid) helps to firm and reduce signs of bumpy skin from your complexion wit…
- Bring Radiance and Youth: Discover radiant, even, and smooth skin after applying the Whitehead Power Liquid. Minimize wh…
- Key Ingredient: Infused with 7% Glycolic Acid and 2% Niacinamide, this AHA Whitehead Power Liquid helps minimize pores a…
- Kiehl’s Rare Earth Clay Mask
- Clay pulls oil and impurities
- Helps pores look cleaner and less clogged
- Differin Gel (Adapalene)
- Retinoid that prevents clogged pores long term
- Great for repeated blackhead cycles
- Helps Clear Pores & Prevent Breakouts: This lightweight gel helps remove excess oil and impurities from pores, which can…
- Non-Greasy & Fast-Absorbing Formula: Designed to absorb quickly without leaving a sticky or oily residue, suitable for d…
- Gently Supports Smoother, More Even-Looking Skin: Regular use may help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of…
- Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
- Quick visible result (but not a long-term solution)
- Best used occasionally, not daily/weekly for everyone
- Stick tightly
- Remove blackheads, pore cloggiers easily from the inner part of your pores
- Feel softer and smoother after use
- Mario Badescu Acne Cleanser
- Salicylic acid cleanser with a gentle feel
- Often used as part of a simple routine
How to Use These Products in Your Routine (Without Irritating Your Skin)
The biggest mistake is using everything at once. Blackhead routines work best when they’re consistent and simple.
A basic routine structure
Cleanse → Treat → Moisturise → SPF (AM)
Best practices
- Apply treatments to dry skin after cleansing
- Use a moisturiser even if you’re oily
- Always use SPF in the morning (especially if using acids/retinoids)
Patch testing (important)
Before using a new product:
- apply a small amount behind your ear or jawline
- wait 24 hours
- if there’s no irritation, introduce it slowly
Extra Treatments + Preventative Options
If you want stronger options (especially for stubborn blackheads), these are common add-ons:
- Chemical peels (AHA/BHA): deeper exfoliation
- Microdermabrasion: helps texture + congestion
- Professional extractions: safest way to remove blackheads without damage
Prevention basics that actually help
- Use non-comedogenic products
- Cleanse consistently (especially after sweating)
- Hydrate skin (dehydrated skin can overproduce oil)
- Avoid harsh scrubs (they often make things worse)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the biggest things that keep people stuck with blackheads:
❌ Over-exfoliating
Too much exfoliation = irritation + oil rebound + barrier damage
Aim for 2–3x per week depending on skin tolerance.
❌ Using harsh, drying products
Over-drying can cause more oil production and more clogged pores.
❌ DIY hacks
Baking soda, lemon, harsh scrubs often irritate skin and don’t fix the pore problem.
✅ Instead:
Stick to proven actives like salicylic acid, retinoids, and gentle cleansing.
Expert Answers (Quick FAQ)
What causes blackheads?
Clogged pores from oil + dead skin + debris that oxidises when exposed to air.
What ingredients work best?
Salicylic acid (BHA), retinoids, glycolic acid, and sometimes benzoyl peroxide.
How often should I use treatments?
- BHA: often 1x daily or a few times weekly depending on your skin
- Retinoids: start 2–3x/week then build up
- Always adjust if irritation happens
Can lifestyle help?
Yes — consistent routine, hydration, lower irritation, and balanced diet can support clearer skin.
Conclusion: Finding What Works for Your Skin
Blackheads are common, and the best results come from patience + consistency, not harsh scrubbing or trying too many products at once.
Choose one main active (like BHA or adapalene), keep your routine simple, and track how your skin responds. If blackheads are persistent or your acne becomes painful or cystic, it’s worth speaking to a dermatologist for tailored advice.
