Blackheads are one of the most common skin complaints and one of the most misunderstood. They aren’t dirt, scrubbing harder won’t remove them, and squeezing usually makes things worse. The good news is that a few well-chosen ingredients, used consistently, can clear most blackheads and stop new ones forming.
What Blackheads Actually Are
A blackhead is a pore clogged with a plug of sebum (your skin’s natural oil) and dead skin cells. Its technical name is an open comedone. Because the top of the pore is open to the air, the plug oxidises and darkens. That dark colour comes from oxidation and pigment, not from dirt. It’s the same reason a cut apple turns brown.
Blackheads form most often on the nose, chin, forehead and cheeks, where oil glands are larger and more active. Things that make them more likely include:
- Oily skin and hormonal changes that boost oil production
- A slow shedding of dead skin cells inside the pore
- Heavy, pore-clogging skincare, makeup or hair products
- Touching or picking at your face
Blackheads vs Whiteheads
Blackheads and whiteheads are both comedones, and they start the same way. The difference is the opening. A blackhead’s pore is open, so the plug oxidises and turns dark. A whitehead, or closed comedone, is covered by a thin layer of skin, so the plug stays pale and looks like a small white or skin-coloured bump. The same ingredients treat both, although whiteheads can be slower to clear because the pore is sealed.
Is It a Blackhead or a Sebaceous Filament?
Before you treat anything, check what you’re looking at. Many “blackheads” on the nose are actually sebaceous filaments. These are normal structures that channel oil to the skin’s surface. Everyone has them.
- Sebaceous filaments look like small, evenly spaced grey or light brown dots, usually across the nose. When squeezed they release a thin, pale thread of oil, and they refill within days.
- Blackheads are darker, more raised and scattered unevenly. They contain a firmer, darker plug.
You can’t permanently remove sebaceous filaments, but the same routine below will make them much less visible.
The Most Effective Ingredients for Blackheads
Salicylic acid (BHA)
If you choose one ingredient, choose this one. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it can get inside the pore and loosen the plug from within. Look for a leave-on exfoliant with 1% to 2% salicylic acid, used three to seven times a week depending on how your skin tolerates it. Learn more in our salicylic acid guide, or see why Paula’s Choice 2% BHA is so popular.
Retinoids
Retinoids normalise how skin cells shed, so they’re less likely to stick together and clog pores in the first place. That makes them the best long-term prevention. Adapalene is specifically designed for acne and blackheads. Retinol is a gentler, slower option. If you’re unsure which to choose, read tretinoin vs retinol.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide helps regulate oil production and can make pores look smaller over time. It’s gentle and pairs well with salicylic acid or retinoids. See our niacinamide guide.
Clay masks
Kaolin and bentonite clay absorb excess oil from the surface. They won’t clear blackheads on their own, but a clay mask once or twice a week makes a good supporting step for very oily skin.
Oil cleansing
It sounds backwards, but oil dissolves oil. A cleansing oil or balm massaged onto dry skin for a minute can help loosen the surface of the plugs, especially on the nose. Always follow with a gentle water-based cleanser.
A Simple Anti-Blackhead Routine
Morning
- Gentle gel or foaming cleanser
- Niacinamide serum
- Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser
- Oil-free sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher
Evening
- Oil cleanser, if you wore sunscreen or makeup
- Gentle water-based cleanser
- Salicylic acid exfoliant (most nights) or retinoid (other nights)
- Lightweight moisturiser
Not sure what goes first? Our skincare routine order guide explains layering step by step. For oily skin in general, see our skincare routine for oily skin.
Give it time. Pores take several weeks to clear, so expect visible improvement after four to eight weeks of consistent use.
What Not to Do
- Don’t squeeze with your fingers. Pressure can push the plug deeper, stretch the pore, and cause redness, scabs or scarring.
- Don’t over-scrub. Harsh physical scrubs irritate skin and can trigger more oil production. Chemical exfoliants work better inside the pore.
- Don’t rely on pore strips. They remove the top of the plug for a satisfying moment, but the pore refills within days, and they can irritate sensitive skin.
- Don’t strip your skin. Alcohol-heavy toners and very harsh cleansers leave skin tight and can make oiliness worse. Our article on oily skin care explains why.
- Don’t skip moisturiser. Even oily skin needs hydration, especially when you’re using exfoliants or retinoids.
How Long Until Blackheads Clear?
Patience is the hardest part. Here’s roughly what to expect with a consistent routine:
- Weeks 1 to 2: skin may feel smoother and look less oily. Blackheads may look slightly more noticeable as plugs loosen and rise.
- Weeks 3 to 4: fewer visible blackheads, especially if you’re using salicylic acid most nights.
- Weeks 6 to 8: clear improvement in texture and far fewer new blackheads forming.
- Month 3 onwards: if you’re using a retinoid, this is when prevention really kicks in.
Blackheads by Skin Type
The core ingredients are the same for everyone, but how you use them should match your skin.
- Oily skin: you can usually use salicylic acid daily and add a clay mask twice a week. Choose a gel moisturiser. See our round-up of the best moisturizers for oily skin.
- Combination skin: apply your BHA only to the T-zone where blackheads form, and keep your cheeks on a gentler routine.
- Dry or sensitive skin: start salicylic acid two or three nights a week and use a richer, fragrance-free moisturiser. Consider azelaic acid as a gentler alternative. See our azelaic acid guide.
- Acne-prone skin: blackheads often come with other spots. A combined approach with salicylic acid and a retinoid usually works best. See our acne-prone skin routine and the best cleansers for acne-prone skin.
When to Get Professional Help
A dermatologist or qualified facial therapist can safely extract stubborn blackheads with sterile tools. If you have lots of blackheads along with painful spots or scarring, a dermatologist can also prescribe stronger retinoids or other treatments.
How to Get Rid of Blackheads: FAQ
What gets rid of blackheads fast?
For a quick improvement, oil cleansing followed by a clay mask can make blackheads less visible within a day or two. For lasting results, use salicylic acid consistently for four to eight weeks.
Can you remove blackheads permanently?
You can clear existing blackheads and greatly reduce new ones, but pores keep producing oil, so ongoing care is needed. Stopping your routine usually means they come back.
Are blackheads caused by dirt?
No. The dark colour comes from oxidised oil and skin cells at the pore opening. Washing more often or scrubbing harder won’t fix them.
Does toothpaste get rid of blackheads?
No, and it can irritate or burn the skin. Stick to products made for your face.
Why do I have blackheads on my nose?
The nose has large, active oil glands, so it’s the most common spot for blackheads. Many dots on the nose are also sebaceous filaments, which are normal.