Tira Loves
12 best face cleansers to start (or end) your day right
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Blackheads are like that one ex—hard to get rid of, constantly showing up uninvited. And while popping them might feel like justice, you’re probably just making things worse. The smarter move? Skincare products that dissolve gunk, unclog pores and keep the drama to a minimum. From toners that tingle in the best way to masks that suck it all out—we’ve rounded up the blackhead-slayers that earn their spot on your shelf.
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Packed with AHAs, BHAs and PHAs, these pre-soaked cleansing oil pads are the lazy girl’s answer to removing makeup—all while eliminating blackheads. Enriched with jojoba oil, each pad effectively melts all sunscreen residue as well as reduces excess sebum. Besides, it exfoliates dead skin cells and deep cleanses the pores. It’s mess-free, fuss-free and a must-have in your everyday skincare routine.
How to use: Use once daily in the evening as the first step of your double-cleansing routine. Gently swipe the textured side over your face and neck to dissolve impurities, then follow with your regular cleanser.
If you’re looking for an everyday scrub that is gentle yet effective, this Dermalogica pick will be your skin’s BFF. Leaving you with instant gratification, the face scrub comes packed with salicylic acid, papain enzymes, rice bran extract, white tea, liquorice and colloidal oatmeal that soothe, smoothe and exfoliate the skin. The skin-loving ingredients also offer a bright and radiant finish.
How to use: After cleansing, dispense a half-teaspoon of the powder into wet hands, create a creamy paste and massage onto the face in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly. Use 2–3 times per week, adjusting frequency based on skin sensitivity.
A powder exfoliant that activates with water to smooth dull, congested skin without irritation. Rice enzymes and salicylic acid unclog pores while white tea and oatmeal calm things down. Great for sensitive skin that still needs a regular exfoliation fix. The fine texture makes it feel gentle yet effective, especially if you're not into gritty scrubs. How to use: Mix with water after cleansing, massage gently and rinse. Use 2–3 times a week.
A straightforward, no-frills-attached exfoliant, this skincare product gets to work from the get-go. The salicylic acid helps clear clogged pores, retexturise the skin, reduce blemishes and pigmentation and, over time, get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. Its weightless texture allows for quick absorption and makes for the perfect addition to any skincare routine looking to achieve clearer skin.
How to use: Apply a small amount to clean, dry skin after cleansing and before moisturising. Start with once daily in the evening and adjust frequency based on skin tolerance.
Prolonged exposure to sun and sweat can lead to clogged pores, blackheads and skin that appears dull. Looking to hit the reset button? Say hello to exfoliation nation with The Ordinary’s pore-cleansing solution. Salicylic acid vacuums away dead skin cells and other buildup on the skin to reveal brighter, blemish-free skin.
This lightweight treatment cuts through congestion and blackheads without stressing your skin. It’s a good pick if your skin is sensitive but still needs a deep clean now and then. Over time, it helps improve skin texture and clarity, especially around the nose and chin. How to use: Apply to clean, dry skin in the evening. Start with once daily and scale back if needed.
Formulated with BHAs like salicylic acid and niacinamide, this multi-action exfoliator does everything from tackling blackheads acne to reducing the appearance of pores and controlling sebum production. Bonus: it does all this while being super gentle on the skin. It has a non-comedogenic formula that works with all skin types.
How to use: After cleansing, apply a few drops to your face using fingertips or a cotton pad, avoiding the eye area. Use once daily in the evening, followed by moisturiser.
A gentle leave-on exfoliant that helps with oiliness, blackheads and uneven tone. With niacinamide and a barrier-friendly formula, it’s great for sensitive skin that doesn’t get along with harsh treatments. It sinks in quickly and layers well under lightweight moisturisers and serums. How to use: Apply after cleansing, avoiding the eye area. Follow with a light moisturiser.
Easy to use and carry, this roll-on clay mask by popular K-beauty brand Skin1004 is the quickest pick-me-up. Formulated with five types of clay, it absorbs excess oil and leaves your skin thoroughly cleansed. It’s also enriched with red bean, which helps exfoliate dead skin cells and get rid of blackheads. The result is smooth and soft skin, sans any blackheads or whiteheads.
How to use: After cleansing, apply the stick directly to dry skin, avoiding eyes and mouth. Leave on for 3–5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use 1–2 times per week.
“My job involves trying a lot of products, but few have made it into my weekly routine like this clay stick mask. It’s quick, mess-free and actually works. With kaolin clay to clear pores and red bean powder to exfoliate, it manages oil without over-drying my skin. The added centella and aloe help reduce redness and keep everything balanced. It’s the kind of low-effort, high-impact product I rely on to reset my skin when it’s feeling congested,” shares Shrishti from the content team.
Combining lactic acid, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this triple-action exfoliating toner outperforms while tackling blackheads and whiteheads. It exfoliates dead skin cells, deeply moisturises and hydrates, reduces inflammation and treats hyperpigmentation. It’s known to be one of the best blackhead removal products that is effective, gentle and doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket.
How to use: After cleansing, apply a few drops to a cotton pad and gently swipe over the face, avoiding the eye area. Use once daily, either in the morning or evening, followed by serum and moisturiser.
This skincare product takes its name seriously. Formulated with 16 tea ingredients and naturally derived BHA, it gently exfoliates, deep cleanses, unclogs pores, controls sebum production and strengthens the skin barrier, while simultaneously keeping the skin hydrated and moisturised. Its star ingredient, the willow bark water, essentially helps remove blackheads and whiteheads.
How to use: Apply a small amount on dry skin, focusing on areas with blackheads. Allow it to bubble for 3–5 minutes, then gently massage and rinse with lukewarm water. Use once daily in the evening.
This one’s fun to use—apply it to dry skin and watch it bubble up. Packed with tea extracts and BHA, it clears pores, controls oil and keeps skin balanced without feeling harsh. It’s ideal for oily, acne-prone skin that still needs a gentle touch. How to use: Apply to dry skin, let it bubble, massage gently and rinse. Use once daily, preferably in the evening.
Who doesn’t love an at-home peel that makes skin feel squeaky clean? This one by COSRX is a formula that’s known to work in just 10 minutes—unclogging pores, reducing blackheads and whiteheads as well as controlling excess oil. The result? Clarified skin that’s not irritated. The vitamin trio—B12, B5 and E—makes this peel safe to use for most skin types.
How to use: After cleansing, apply an even layer to dry skin, avoiding the eye and mouth areas. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use once a week in the evening.
