Blackheads are a special kind of annoying. They're pesky, persistent, and seem to be more difficult to clear out than other forms of skin congestion. Luckily, if you struggle with these particular kinds of invaders, you've come to the right place. If you have blackheads, dermatologists have recs to help you banish them for good.
I enlisted the help of two board-certified derms, Marisa Garshick, MD, and Azadeh Shirazi, MD for the full scoop on the matter. Their advice? Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. "When dealing with blackheads or to prevent the formation, it can be important to use a retinoid to help regulate skin cell turnover to prevent pores from becoming clogged," says Garshick. "Additionally using salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, can be helpful to penetrate deep into pores and help to unclog them as well as exfoliate away dead skin. Charcoal and clay-based products can also help to reduce the appearance of blackheads by drawing out the contents of the pores."
Shirazi also adds that AHA or BHA clearing pads can be helpful when dealing with blackheads, too. "My patients love [my] Clarify Pads with glycolic acid and 2% salicylic to treat this type of acne and improve skin texture. It comes with 60 pads and they're really easy to use. Some like to use them as both a cleansing wipe and toner in one." Shirazi also says if you prefer a good mask over treatment pads, it's best to use it one to three times a week to keep your pores clear. That being said, keep scrolling below for the best face masks for blackheads as picked by dermatologists.
Best Face Masks for Blackheads, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Cleansing Clay Mask
- Best Budget: St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Scrub
- Best for Oily Skin: Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Good Science Beauty Purifying Facial
- Best Fragrance-Free Formula: Acne Free Kaolin Clay Detox Mask
Best Face Masks for Blackheads in 2025
1. Best Overall: Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Cleansing Clay Mask
Our best overall pick works wonders on oily skin. It minimizes pores and blackheads while leaving skin soft. "Kaolin clay draws out dirt and toxins that clog pores," says Shirazi. "Aloe Vera [in this formula also] soothes and hydrates the skin." All you have to do is apply the mask, let it sit for 10 minutes, and rinse.
Pros: Detoxes skin, soothing
Cons: Not ideal for dry skin
Key ingredients: Aloe barbadensis, fairly traded Amazonian white clay
Size: 4.2 oz
Customer review: "I’ve been using this product for about two years now- it’s a staple! I only use this mask once ever week to two weeks as a reset for my pores. I have large pores especially around my nose and cheeks and I always feel like this mask “shrinks” them."
2. Best Budget: St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Scrub
As it turns out, you don't have to break the bank to find a mask that works for your skin. This option from St. Ives is a great choice for anyone with acne-prone skin. "Containing a combination of physical and chemical exfoliants, including 1% salicylic acid, this helps to unclog the pores and decongest the skin," says Garshick.
Pros: Affordable
Cons: Some say the new formula is harsh on sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Green tea, bamboo, salicylic acid
Size: 6 oz
Customer review: "I'm a repeat customer for this one, I love how it exfoliates but also reduces redness. It's a little rougher than a lot of other scrubs I've used (not as creamy as the St. Ives apricot scrub), but not too rough for my skin. It's a nice dense scrub and smells amazing."
3. Best for Oily Skin: Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask
"This fizzing formula works to clear pores and blackheads while also using sulfur and kaolin clay to reduce breakouts and oiliness," says Garshick. This gentle mask contains nourishing ingredients such as Kaolin clay, rosemary, and tea tree oil (just to name a few) that hydrates and calms skin.
Pros: Buffs away dead skin cells, oil control
Cons: Some users aren't fans of the smell
Key ingredients: Sulfur, Kaolin clay, ginger, turmeric, rosemary, tea tree oil
Size: 1.7 oz
Customer review: "I love this product! I struggle with my pores in my t-zone area and this product made a visible difference after one wash!"
4. Best Fragrance-Free Formula: Acne Free Kaolin Clay Detox Mask
This pick from Acne Free can be used as a cleanser or a mask, which means you can also use it up to two times a day. "This charcoal and kaolin clay mask helps to unclog the pores and is a great option for those with oily or combination skin," says Garshick. Some users have also said it provides a cooling and soothing sensation when used as a mask.
Pros: Fragrance-free, absorbs excess oil
Cons: May not be ideal for sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Charcoal, Kaolin clay, vitamin E, and zinc
Size: 5 oz.
Customer review: "I love this mask! It is so easy to use, and washes off very easily. I like that it is dual purpose, too. Leave it on to dry for a few minutes for a detoxifying face mask. Don't have the time? No worries. This doubles as a quick face wash."
5. Best for Textured Skin: Cetaphil Pro DermaControl Purifying Clay Mask
"This mask uses white clay and apple fruit extract to help exfoliate and eliminate dead skin cells, while also working to unclog the pores," says Garshick. The formula gently promotes more even skin texture, and it's safe for sensitive skin. This is also a great option for anyone with hyperpigmentation.
Pros: Unscented, evens skin tone, doesn't clog pores, safe for sensitive skin
Cons: Takes a good amount of time to remove
Key ingredients: Bentonite clay, Amazonian Kaolin clay, apple fruit extract, cucumber seed extract
Size: 3 oz
Customer review: "I have large pores and this does a phenomenal job of keeping them clean and less noticeable! Unlike other clay masks I've used, this makes my skin very soft and smooth (not dried out). I researched the ingredients before I purchased it, and it's perfect for anyone!"
6. Best for Sensitive Skin: Good Science Beauty Purifying Facial
"This mask is good for those looking to clear out pores but also with sensitive skin," says Garshick. "It contains willow bark to help clear out pores as well as Oligopeptide-10, derived from plant amino acid." As a result, you get skin that is hydrated and smooth thanks to the way this formula targets acne and soothes skin.
Pros: Soothing, hydrating, and does strip the skin
Cons: On the pricier side
Key ingredients: Willow bark and niacinamide
Size: 1.5 oz
Customer review: "I love this mask! My skin feels so smooth and soft afterwards, I’m hopeful that with time my blemishes minimize. I’m already seeing a little bit of progress, so happy with this purchase!"
7. Best Soothing: PCA Skin Purifying Mask
"This mask contains red algae and French red clay to purify in addition to Vitamins A and E, as well as red wine extract to help soothe and feed the skin while neutralizing free radicals," says Garshick. While it may take some time to see results, users say it's totally worth the wait. All you need to do is a thin layer of product on your face (neck and chest is optional), and wait for it to dry before rinsing.
Pros: Gives skin a fresh feel, soothing
Cons: Takes a while to see results
Key ingredients: Japanese white charcoal and clay, oat kernel extract
Size: 2.1 oz
Customer review: "I used this as it came in the PCA At Home Peel Kit and loved how it evened my complexion and minimized pores. I love it and am happy I bought it."
8. Best for Large Pores: Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask
If you have oily or combination skin, this is another option for you. "By gently exfoliating and absorbing excess oil, this helps to reduce the appearance of the pores," says Garshick. This formula contains Volcanic Ash Clusters and alpha hydroxy acids to improve skin texture without drying you out.
Pros: Budget-friendly, good for combination skin
Cons: Not ideal for sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Volcanic Ash Clusters, AHA
Size: 3.3 8 oz
Customer review: "I use this product religiously. It drys out really inflamed pimples reduces marks within first couple of uses and feel very refreshing on my skin.I definitely recommend if you have oily skin like mine."
9. Best for Rosacea: AziMD Skincare Detox Mask
Rosacea and acne flare ups can be difficult to manage, but this products makes things easier. "This detoxifying mask with kaolin clay and charcoal powder draws out oil, dead skin buildup, and impurities trapped in your pores for a clear complexion," says Garshick. "What's unique is the clinical strength sulfur that calms redness and inflammation."
Pros: Anti-inflammatory properties, removes dead skin
Cons: Not ideal for dry skin
Key ingredients: Sulfur 10%, glycerin, citric acid
Size: 3 oz
Customer review: "This is the one thing that controls my breakouts during *that time of the month* I am literally obsessed with this! Clears my skin and the best thing—it doesn't smell bad either!"
10. Best for Redness: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
If you struggle with general redness, fine lines, or wrinkles, you'll appreciate this buy from Drunk Elephant. "This is a potent mask with 25% alpha hydroxy acid to quickly exfoliate dead skin cells, dissolve buildup in pores and blackheads, and improve skin texture," says Shirazi. "It's formulated with ingredients such as matcha and milk thistle to help with calming redness. It's a good weekly option."
Pros: Treats pores, fine lines, and wrinkles
Cons: Pump dispenser doesn't work for some
Key ingredients: Salicylic Acid, chickpea flour, AHA blend
Size: 1. 69 oz
Customer review: "My very favorite (if I had to pick) of the Drunk Elephant line of products! It makes my skin feel amazing! I really need to use it more often than I do but when I do, I remember how much I love it."
How We Chose
As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best face masks for blackheads, we leaned heavily on expert insight and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including key ingredients and size. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
Why Trust Who What Wear
Since 2006, Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.
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