Let’s cut to the chase: Blackheads are a pain. Most people have them at some point.
They range in size and how annoying they are. Some are obvious, big and black.
Others are sneaky, tiny, and hard to spot. But blackheads all start the same way: clogged pores.
Dead skin cells and oil called sebum get trapped. When they react with oxygen, they turn black.
How do you get rid of them? You need a face wash with certain ingredients.
Think salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and charcoal. Our testers and editors tried many cleansers.
We looked for effective ingredients. We considered how well they lathered and smelled.
Most importantly, how did our skin feel? Here’s our list of the best face washes for blackheads.
Best Overall: Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser 125ML. This face wash is a cult favorite. It cleans and purifies pores.
It brightens and evens out skin tone. It has a four-in-one formula.
It includes rose clay and exfoliating beads. We loved how smooth our skin felt after rinsing.
Best Budget: Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel. Mario Badescu’s gel is a popular choice. And for good reason: It works.
It uses natural fruit enzymes and AHAs. Papaya and grapefruit extracts are included.
Best With Benzoyl Peroxide: Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion. This treatment has 5% benzoyl peroxide. It targets clogged pores.
It reduces existing breakouts. It also prevents future ones.
Best With Charcoal: Boscia Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser. This cleanser says it does a lot. It actually delivers on its promises.
It warms on contact, loosening gunk. It has charcoal and vitamin P and C.
It’s great for oily complexions. Use it daily or a few times a week.
Best Gel: SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel. SkinCeuticals is a top skincare brand. They have a solution for blackheads.
It’s gentle enough for twice-daily use. It has cleansing agents and LHA.
It includes glycolic and salicylic acid.
Best Foam: Murad Daily Cleansing Foam. Murad is a favorite of beauty editors. This wash changes the game.
It has witch hazel and copper gluconate. It also includes pomegranate extract.
Best Powerful: DermaDoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ Medicated AHA/BHA Acne Cleanser. This wash is cruelty-free and pH-balanced. It’s excellent for acne and blackheads.
It has ingredients blackheads hate. It contains salicylic acid and witch hazel. The formula is very effective.
Best for Oily Skin: Hyper Skin Hyper Even Gentle Brightening Cleansing Gel. This cleanser unclogs pores and exfoliates. It brightens your skin.
The gel texture works for oily skin. It contains willow bark extract. Mandelic acid reduces discoloration.
Best Hydrating: Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser. This cleanser deep cleans without stripping. It leaves skin soft and supple.
It has a soothing herbal scent. It doesn’t target blackheads directly. It prevents build-up, though.
Best for Pores: Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA Cleanser. This cleanser addresses prominent pores. It uses salicylic acid to unclog pores.
Niacinamide balances oil production. Azelaic acid offers antibacterial benefits. It’s easy to spread and wash off.
Best with BHAs & AHAs: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel. It has both alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids. Willow bark extract is a source of salicylic acid.
AHAs like glycolic acid exfoliate gently. It’s gentle enough for daily use. It is also sulfate-free.
Best Exfoliating: SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser With Glycolic Acid. Exfoliating regularly helps keep pores clear. This cleanser washes away dirt and oil.
It exfoliates gently with glycolic acid. It’s pH-balanced and sulfate-free.
Best with Benzoyl Peroxide: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser. Benzoyl peroxide is very effective. It can be drying, however.
This cleanser adds hydrating ingredients. It includes hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Best Foam: Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash. Foam formulas suit oily skin. This one gets top marks.
It has salicylic acid for blackheads. It soothes and calms skin. It also works as a body wash.
Final Verdict. The Tata Harper Cleanser is the best overall. It purifies pores and exfoliates.
On a budget? Try Mario Badescu. For prominent pores, use Skinfix.
What to Look For In a Face Wash for Blackheads. Exfoliators are crucial. Choose gentle chemical or physical options.
They remove dead skin and oil. Look for BHAs, AHAs, clay, and charcoal.
The Dr. Dennis Gross Cleanser has both AHAs and BHAs. Boscia’s cleanser has charcoal.
Non-Comedogenic. Your wash needs to be non-comedogenic. That means it won’t clog your pores.
Some oils are okay for breakout-prone skin. Rosehip and jojoba are examples. Check the label for “non-comedogenic”.
Bacteria Fighters. The best washes fight breakouts. Choose ingredients to treat bacteria. Look for salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
Astringents. Astringents reduce oil on skin. They also tighten pores. Look for witch hazel and salicylic acid.
FAQ. Can face wash remove blackheads? Not all washes have the right ingredients.
Look for washes for acne-prone skin. They should have salicylic acid.
Do blackheads go away naturally? They don’t disappear easily on their own. Use blackhead clearing products.
What happens if I don’t remove blackheads? They can cause inflammation and pimples. Blackheads can also remain unchanged.