Editor-Approved: These Are the Best Face Washes for Blackheads

Let’s cut to the chase: Blackheads are not a sexy topic. However, they’re a fact of life, and most of the human population has probably had one (or 10) at some point in time. Like most skin concerns, blackheads also range in both stubbornness and ferocity. First, there are the larger, more noticeable species (i.e., that big black abyss that causes you to swear off all public outings). Then there are the sneakier ones: the pin-size pariahs that go virtually undetected.

Despite their differences in size and severity, blackheads are all caused by the same thing: pores plugged with dead skin cells and an oily, protective substance called sebum. Blackheads consist of dead skin cells and sebum oil in the open pore that react with oxygen and turn black.

How do you get rid of them? Routinely exfoliating with a face wash that includes strategic ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, witch hazel, clay, and charcoal is key to sloughing off dead skin and clearing pores of all the gunk. So we curated a list of some of the best face washes for blackheads to incorporate into your routine.

Keep reading to see which best-of-the-best face washes we’d take into battle.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser at Amazon

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Best Budget:
Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel at Sephora

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Best With Benzoyl Peroxide:
Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion at Sephora

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Best With Charcoal:
Boscia Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser at Ulta

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Best Gel:
SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel at Dermstore

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Best Foam:
Murad Daily Cleansing Foam at Amazon

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Best Powerful:
DermaDoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ Acne Cleanser at Dermstore

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Best Overall:
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser

5

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What We Like

• Cleans dirt-filled pores

• Minimizes sebum production

• Gentle yet effective

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t remove makeup as well

• The smell

Key Ingredients

Allantoin, also known as aluminum dihydroxy allantoinate, is an extract from the comfrey plant (which is native to temperate climates of Asia and Europe). It has potent healing and soothing properties, and may also help exfoliate the skin.

Cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, pH-balanced, and non-comedogenic, this face wash is an excellent pick for both acne and blackheads. (Believe it or not, the two are technically not synonymous.) Enriched with basically every single ingredient blackheads hate most—among them, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, witch hazel, allantoin, and the brand’s patented sebum-squashing polymer—this formula’s so good at getting the job done.

Price at time of publish: $32

Active Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Witch Hazel, Allantoin, Alpha Hydroxy Acids | Skin Type: Acne-Prone, Oily, Combination | Benefits: Exfoliates pores and loosens damaged skin cells | Size: 7.1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Review2Coupon Clean: No

What to Look For In a Face Wash for Blackheads

Exfoliators

Clearing out your pores requires exfoliation. Choose either chemical or physical exfoliators that are gentle and won’t further clog pores. Exfoliators will help to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oils that are clogging or blocking pores. Look for beta and alpha-hydroxy acids, clays, and charcoal.

Non-Comedogenic

Naturally, you’ll want your blackhead clearing face wash to be non-comedogenic, meaning it’s free of ingredients that may clog or block pores. Some types of oils are suitable for breakout-prone skin, while others are not. Ideal oils include rosehip, squalene, and jojoba. Look for the term non-comedogenic on the label of your face wash.

Bacteria Fighters

The best blackhead clearing face washes will also help to fight breakouts. Choose ingredients that prevent and treat bacteria causing acne, such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and allantoin.

Astringents

Astringents will reduce the oil on the skin. They also work to tone and tighten the skin, potentially helping pores appear smaller. Ingredients to look for include witch hazel, which is also anti-inflammatory, sage, yarrow, and salicylic acid.