Image: MomJunction Design Team
Keep your skin healthy, smooth, and clean with the best blackhead scrubs. These scrubs can help you get rid of blackheads and prevent new ones from popping up. Blackheads are stubborn and can occur on oily, acne-prone, dry, or sensitive skin. Regular use of these scrubs for a few weeks can help you tackle the issue. However, with multiple products available, choosing the right one may be challenging. So, take a look at the pros and cons of each product to choose the right scrub for your skin type.
Top Picks
18 Best Blackhead Scrubs
1. Best Exfoliating: Skinfood Black Sugar Perfect Essential Scrub
This blackhead removal scrub contains rice wine and plant oils along with black sugar. This rejuvenates the skin while also making it smooth and clear. The plant oil reduces irritation and the black sugar increases exfoliation. It removes dead skin cells, and improves skin complexion, and blood circulation when massaged gently on a regular basis.
Pros
- Suitable for dry, oily, and combination skin
- Tub container for easily scooping the scrub
- Minimizes pores
- Reduces sebum
Cons
- May have a strong smell
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
2. Best Non-Comedogenic: St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Green Tea Face Scrub
This face scrub is laced with green tea leaves and helps clear blackheads. It is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. This unclogging scrub removes dirt and impurities and contains 1% salicylic acid, which helps clear blackheads faster. It is also certified as a cruelty-free brand by PETA. This scrub is made with 100% natural exfoliants that help deep clean the skin and calm redness. It is dermatologically tested and is paraben-free. Take a look at this video showcasing the tester’s experience to learn more about this product.
Pros
- Easy-to-squeeze tube
- Deep cleanses the pores
- Can reduce acne breakouts
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Texture may be too liquidy
- Granules may be a little too fine
Point to consider3. Best Hydrating: Hanalei Gentle Face Scrub
The elements of jojoba and sugar in the Hanalei scrub work in tandem to give your skin a bright and rejuvenated look. This scrub has hydrating properties and includes Hawaiian kukui nut oil, vitamin E and macadamia seed oil to soothe the freshly exfoliated skin and provide visible results. The naturally sourced ingredients and lack of harsh chemicals make this scrub suitable for everyday use.
Pros
- Can remove makeup residue
- Helps brighten the skin
- Hydrating
- Not tested on animals
- Vegan-friendly
Cons
- Texture might be slightly oily
- May not be fragrance-free
4. Best For All Skin Types: Besito Microdermabrasion Exfoliation Gentle Face Scrub
This face scrub is suitable for all skin types. It is a non-comedogenic and alcohol- and oil-free scrub, made of fine exfoliating particles that leave your skin glowing. This scrub is dermatologist-tested and is paraben-free. It is one of the best face scrubs for removing blackheads and blemishes. Furthermore, it tackles large pores and reduces fine lines.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 19,825 positive reviews on Amazon.
5. Best Skin-Clearing: Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub
This powerful scrub helps eliminate blackheads and also prevents the appearance of new blackheads. It gives smooth and clear skin. The salicylic acid present in this scrub penetrates the pores and removes grime and dirt while also balancing excess oil production in oily and acne-prone skin. This product, by a dermatologist-recommended brand, soothes the skin and does not leave it dry.
Pros
- Prevents skin from over-drying
- Has no plastic microbeads
- Flip-open cap
- Minimizes the appearance of whiteheads
Cons
- Tough blackheads may go off slowly
6. Best Creamy: Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Facial Scrub
This celebrity-endorsed creamy scrub is suitable for all skin types. It is also an acne-fighting scrub, made of 2% salicylic acid, which removes oil and impurities and treats acne from the core. It works effectively in preventing breakouts. Natural micro-scrubbers exfoliate the skin and clean the pores deeply. It is gentle and oil-free and also helps eliminate blackheads and acne. This is one of the best blackhead scrubs that can be used at home.
Pros
- Suitable for daily use
- Suitable for oily and acne-prone skin
- Has a pleasant fragrance
- Travel-friendly packaging
Cons
- Has more of a smooth creamy texture
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
Do remember7. Best Anti-Aging: DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub
This professional-grade facial scrub removes blackheads, minimizes pores, reduces acne scars, and removes dead skin. Formulated with glycolic acid derived from sugarcane, it is gentle on the skin. This natural blackhead scrub is free of parabens, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals. It is cruelty-free. Use it three times per week for best results.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 7,513 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
8. Best Skin-Tightening: Brooklyn Botany Activated Charcoal Scrub
This scrub exfoliates and cleanses the face deeply. It is known to reduce wrinkles, acne scars, blackheads, and also provides an anti-cellulite treatment. It is specially formulated with salts of the Dead Sea and activated charcoal to remove excess oil and impurities. This results-driven product can be used as both body and face scrub. It helps brighten the skin, eliminate skin itchiness, and tighten pores with regular use.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 672 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
9. Best For Sensitive Skin: Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish
This scrub is made of black sugar, which melts away pore-clogging impurities and oil. It removes dead skin cells, effectively leaving the skin soft and supple. It also has special ingredients like shea butter, unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin A and E that softens dry, sensitive skin. This celebrity-endorsed scrub exfoliates the surface of the skin, prevents blackheads, and moisturizes dry patches.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Fragrance-, paraben-, and steroid-free
- Cruelty-free
- Improves the condition of the skin
- Keeps the skin hydrated
Cons
- Grains in the cream are a bit larger
- May have a slight smell of molasses
10. Best Easy-To-Use: Tonymoly Tako Pore Blackhead Scrub Stick
This Korean beauty scrub in a stick format, exfoliates the pores gently to remove excess sebum, whiteheads, blackheads, and other impurities lodged deep in the skin. Once you have cleansed the skin, massage the stick on damp skin for a convenient scrub and achieve clear, glowing skin. This professional-grade scrub contains natural ingredients such as dead sea salt, black peat water, and taurine for natural exfoliation. You can use it up to three times per week for best results.
Pros
- Quick exfoliation
- Hydrates skin and tightens pores
- Contains charcoal and Rotorua mud
- Cruelty-free formulation
- Easy to use
Cons
- May not be suitable for extremely sensitive skin
- May be smaller than expected
11. Best Paraben-Free: UpScale Activated Charcoal Face And Body Scrub
This deep-cleansing scrub is one of the best scrubs to use at home by removing dirt and impurities. It cleanses pores and removes blackheads effectively. It is made of 100% natural ingredients. It can be used on both face and body. It reduces the appearance of pores and is suitable for sensitive skin. It is paraben-free.
Pros
- Removes dark patches
- Works on acne scars
- Prevents ingrown hair
- Minimizes production of excess sebum
Cons
- Some might find the application messy
- Consistency can be difficult to work with
12. Best Multi-Pronged:Vivo Per Lei Facial Peeling Gel
This facial gel acts as an exfoliator scrub and effectively clears blackheads. It contains Dead Sea minerals and nutshell powder which gets rid of dirt and impurities, while the gel nourishes the skin. It is free of harmful chemicals. It is more effective than chemical peels and reduces discoloration of the skin. For best results, use it twice a week. It brightens skin tone and reduces dark spots and wrinkles. It is suitable for both men and women.
Pros
- Revives dull skin
- Easy to apply gel formulation
- Effectively removes makeup
- Suitable for oil, combination, normal, and dry skin
Cons
- May not work well for flaky skin
- May require a lot of product to remove tough dead skin
13. Best Plant-Based:Touch Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub
This face scrub has microcrystals and a smooth, creamy texture to gently scrub and exfoliate the skin. It adds a youthful glow to your skin and improves your complexion. It removes blackheads effectively and does not irritate the skin. It is free from artificial coloring, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or drying alcohols. This is one of the best scrubs that can be used at home.
Pros
- Contains dermatologist-quality crystals
- Reduces blemishes
- Vegan formulation
- Cruelty-free
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- May feel a bit greasy
14. Best Fragrance-Free:AcneFree Blackhead Removing Scrub
AcneFree brings you this blackhead removal scrub with maximum-strength salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin and remove dirt and blackheads. The dermatologically approved formula contains charcoal, which helps draw out skin impurities, and jojoba, which helps reduce inflammation without clogging your pores. Further, the fragrance-free scrub is formulated for sensitive skin and can be used as part of a regular skincare routine to help prevent future breakouts.
Pros
- Gentle scrub can be used for exfoliation every day
- Maintains skin’s pH balance
- Dermatologist-recommended scrub
- Provides hydration
- Detoxifying, soothing, and mattifying
Cons
- Might not be great for people with dry skin
- May contain sulfates
15. Best Antioxidants:Beauty Facial Extreme Exfoliating Cleanser Scrub For Face & Body
This scrub may help reduce hyperpigmentation. It acts as a dark spot corrector and works on sunspots and age spots. It minimizes visible pores and removes blackheads. The scrub contains antioxidants that work on damaged skin and correct skin complexion. It is suitable for both men and women. It helps eliminate blackheads, whiteheads, zits, and pimples.
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Controls blackheads
- Not tested on animals
- FDA-approved
- Has smooth pumice granules
Cons
- May get difficult to scoop out the product from the tub
16. Best Oil-Free:Garnier Clean Blackhead Eliminating Scrub
Formulated with charcoal, this blackhead eliminating face scrub draws out impurities and cleanses pores. It contains salicylic acid that clears acne and improves complexion. Visible results in one week with skin attaining a matte look. It helps unclog pores with its oil-free formula. The scrub further helps lighten the skin by enhancing complexion.
Pros
- Suitable for oily skin
- Controls blemishes
- Softens the skin
- Visible pore size reduction
Cons
- May not be suitable for extremely dry skin
- May have an intense fragrance
17. Best Skin Smoothing:Tula Skincare So Poreless Exfoliating Blackhead Scrub
The Tula Skincare So Poreless exfoliating blackhead scrub is a powerful exfoliating scrub designed to reduce blackheads, refine pores, and leave the skin looking refreshed and smooth. It contains a unique blend of probiotic extracts, pomegranate, pink salt, and witch hazel to effectively remove impurities and exfoliate dead skin cells while nourishing the skin.
Pros
- Paraben-, sulfate-, and phthalate-free
- Includes fine volcanic sand
- Probiotic extracts improve skin smoothness
- Reduces the appearance of pores
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
Cons
- May cause some dryness
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
18. Best For Scars:Brooklyn Botany Acne Scar Body & Face Scrub
Made with all natural ingredients like African black soap, shea butter, and coconut oil, this product helps remove blackheads and blemishes. It may also help reduce scars and stretch marks. It is also known to lighten dark marks, unclog pores and moisturize skin. The shea butter and vitamin E help reduce redness and minimize appearance of stretch marks.
How To Apply Blackhead Scrubs On The Face?
- Wet your face and put a little amount of scrub onto your palm
- Massage the scrub on your face gently
- Use a circular motion to rub the scrub on face
- Avoid applying scrub around the eyes
- Rinse thoroughly with water and pat dry with a towel
- Follow instructions on the pack and use it regularly to see visible results
How To Choose The Right Blackhead Scrub?
Choose a gentle exfoliating scrub that is mild on the skin and does not cause breakouts. Scrubs with ingredients like salicylic acid helps tackle blackheads by unclogging pores and removing dirt and impurities.
Also, check if it is free from parabens, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. Consult your dermatologist if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do scrubs get rid of blackheads?
Exfoliating regularly can help get rid of blackheads. Scrubs help remove excess dead skin cells and unclog pores, thus reducing the possibility of developing blackheads. But using a gentle scrub is always recommended.
2. How can I permanently get rid of blackheads on my nose?
Use products with salicylic acid. A skin brush can help get rid of blackheads on the nose. Gently exfoliate using a scrub regularly.
3. Is coffee scrub good for blackheads?
Coffee scrubs have antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and avoid breakouts. It helps reduce redness on the face, and it is also known to tackle acne effectively.
4. How often should I use a blackhead scrub?
Scrubs are formulated to control sebum build-up on the skin. So, you can use the blackhead scrub twice or thrice a week. Some blackhead scrubs are gentle and safe to use every day.
5. How do I know if a blackhead scrub is good?
It’s pretty tricky to ensure which particular blackhead is good for your skin. But scrubs with any of the topical agents— salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and retinoids—are effective in removing the blackheads (1).
6. What kind of blackhead scrubs should I use?
Choose scrubs that are infused with tea trees or charcoal if you have oily skin. Those with dry skin can rely on scrubs infused with coffee. At the same time, combination skin can opt for scrubs formulated with pumice and neem. In addition, salicylic acid scrubs are ideal for removing blackheads and are suitable for all skin types.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a makeup and skincare enthusiast with extensive experience reviewing beauty products. She has done intensive product and user feedback research to compile this list of the best blackhead scrubs shared in this post. Poulami has concisely presented each product’s features that will help you make comparisons easily. She also included steps you can follow to choose a suitable blackhead scrub and shared some FAQs for your convenience.
The Bottom Line
If your skin is prone to developing blackheads, using the best blackhead scrub regularly can keep your face clean while preventing newer blackheads from forming. It is essential that you choose a gentle blackhead scrub on your skin so that it does not lead to acne. When you choose a versatile scrub, it will help remove dirt and oil from the pores, offering intense cleaning. Avoid scrubs with harsh chemicals as they may irritate the skin in the long run. Our top recommendations include the hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Green Tea Face Scrub, the DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub with anti-aging properties, and the Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish, which offers intense hydration.
Infographic: How To Use A Blackhead Scrub?
A blackhead scrub exfoliates the skin by removing the blackheads and trapped dirt. However, using these scrubs in a stipulated manner is crucial to yield the desired results and to keep the scrub from damaging the skin. Read the following infographic to learn the correct method of using these scrubs. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Comedonal acne
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/comedonal-acne
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