10 Best Esthetician-Approved Pore Strips To Remove Blackheads (2024)
Add these effective products to your skincare regime and get rid of pesky dots from your face.
Annētta McBainEsthetician
Annētta McBain is a multitalented entrepreneur and influencer who isn't afraid to share her faith and her family as integral facets of her brands. She has 7 years of experience in makeup and skin care. She started her empire by becoming a... more
oyendrila kanjilalMA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
anjali sayeeBTech
Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy ... more
Image: Shutterstock
Blackheads (also known as open comedones) are a pain for one reason— if you squash them, you’ll wake up the next day with an army on your hands! The conflict seemed to be never-ending. The best pore strips to remove blackheads, thankfully, can be a speedy solution to this issue.
Dr. Jennifer Haley, a dermatologist who is board-certified, states, “Remember that using a pore strip won’t solve your blackhead problem. You’ll remove blackheads for the time being, but they’ll come back. It’s better to start a skincare regime that stops them from happening in the first place. This should include using a gentle cleanser as part of your daily routine.”
Pore strips aren’t an effective long-term solution if you are dealing with blackheads frequently, but they can surely help you get rid of them quickly when you incorporate these strips into your facial care routine. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 pore cleansing strips in the industry right now to help you determine which ones can give you value for your money. Take a look at them below.
In This Article
The 10 Best Pore Strips for Removing Blackheads – 2024’s Top Picks
1. Best Hypoallergenic:Bioré Nose+ Face Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
These blackhead removal strips work like magnets and clear all the dirt and the top layer of dead skin cells clogging your pores in one go. The dermatologist-tested strips are developed with patented C-bond technology that helps them bind to impurities and deeply cleanse the area, so you can see visible results in just one use with these pore-cleansing strips.
Dr. Mariel Bird, FAAD and a Howland-based dermatologist, says, “When a pore becomes clogged with dead skin cells and oil, the contents get oxidized by the air and create a blackhead. When used properly, Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips can clear clogged pores and make them appear smaller. Results are temporary, but they are safe to use weekly.”
Key Ingredients: Polyquaternium-37 and Witch hazel extract
Pros
- Dermatologically tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Oil-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
2. Best No Pull: Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating No Pull Cleansing PoreStrip
The Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating No Pull Cleansing Pore Strips have a unique strip-to-scrub formula. These no-pull painless strips gently exfoliate the face and remove excess oil, dirt, and blackheads without being harsh on your skin. The strips transform into a gentle & exfoliating cleanser when they come in contact with water and control oil production. This dermatologist-recommended product is sensitive skin-friendly and is enriched with acne-fighting like salicylic acid to remove blackheads and unclog or clear pores, giving you clear and smooth skin after exfoliation.
Pros
- Painless formula
- 2-in-1 benefit of nose strip and face scrub
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologically approved
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- None
Quick Tip3. Best For Enlarged Pores:Auslka Charcoal Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
These pore strips contain charcoal that removes deep-seated dirt, oil, and blackheads. These charcoal nose strips pull out dirt, help minimize the size of pores, and improve the skin’s overall appearance. You can use these oil-free strips 2-4 times a week to get the best results. Dr. Marie Jhin, a California-based dermatologist, says, “I like this product because it is suitable for all skin types.”
Key Ingredients: Charcoal
Pros
- Oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Nose-shaped cutout design
- Easy-to-use
Cons
- None
4. Best For Clogged Pores: Original Epielle Deep Cleansing Nose Strips
The Original Epielle Deep Cleansing Nose Strips are excellent to unclog dirt and grime from the pores within 10-15 minutes. These strips help remove blackheads and excess oil while tightening the pores, minimizing pore size, and helping you achieve a clear complexion and smooth skin texture. The pore tightening mask strips are 100% vegan as these do not contain any animal oil, and are cruelty-free. These are paraben-free and sulfate-free strips as well. They come in larger sizes to fit your nose easily and can be used as a part of skin detox. They come in a value pack of 14 counts.
Pros
- Unclogs dirt
- One-step blackhead treatment
- Removes blackheads and excess oil
- Vegan
- Cruelty free
- Paraben free
- Fragrance-free
- Visibly clear skin after a single use
Cons
- None
5. Best Quick Blackhead Removal Treatment: HOLIKA HOLIKA Pig Nose Clear Strong Black Head Spot Pore Strip
The Holika Holika Pig Nose Clear Strong Black Head Spot Pore Strips are an easy and convenient solution to remove deeply embedded blackheads. These blackhead-removing pore strips take less time compared to other strips to effectively remove excess sebum from narrow and curved areas of the face giving it a flawless look. These affordable options can be used on the forehead, chin, cheeks, and nose and help in blackhead prevention.
Pros
- Easy and convenient use
- Quick results
- Strong blackhead removal effect
- Removes sebum from narrow and curved areas
Cons
- None
6. Best For Absorbing Oil: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose
The Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose is a dermatologist-approved overnight pore removal nose strip. These clinically tested patches fight pimples, and remove blackheads and excess oils, to give you clearer-looking skin in 6 hours. The absorbent hydrocolloid gel-infused patches are super gentle and thin to give an effortless and clearly-visible experience. This gentle formula is allergy-tested, non-irritating, and recommended for oily, sensitive, combination, and dry skin. These hydrocolloid patches come in a value pack of count 10.
Pros
- 100% pure medical grade hydrocolloid
- Traps pore and pimple gunk
- Peels off gently
- Clears the skin
- Absorbs excess oil
- Flexes to fit nose contours
- No irritation
- No animal testing
Cons
- Can cause dryness
Pro Tip7. Best For Sensitive Skin:Shills Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
Image: Shills
The Shills Deep Cleansing Pore Strips are effective tools for pore purging and show instant visible results by drawing out all the impurities and revealing more youthful skin. It is a quick and easy solution to cleanse clogged pores and blackheads. These perfect pore strips help in minimizing the look of pores and eliminate the chances of acne and pimples. The pack includes 28 pore strips and works great on sensitive and oily skin.
Key Ingredients: Activated charcoal
Pros
- Easy to use
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- Does not stick well
8. Best For All Skin Types:Yes To Tomatoes Clear Skin
Say goodbye to stubborn blackheads with the Yes To Tomatoes Clear Skin pore strips. This 2-step nose kit includes a cleanser and a nose strip. The cleanser is infused with a balanced amount of tomato extract and salicylic acid to loosen the dirt in the skin pores. The single-use pore unclogging strip contains charcoal that efficiently extracts all the gunk and impurities to give you clear and smooth skin and is beneficial for T-zone care.
Key Ingredients: Tomato extracts, Charcoal, and Salicylic acid
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- None
Pro Tip9. Best Natural Formula: Sanfe Deep Purifying Nose Strips
The Sanfe Deep Purifying Nose Strips are 100% natural stick-on nose strips enriched with fuji green tea extract and witch hazel to remove blackheads and cleanse clogged pores. They are easy to use and their anti-blackhead formula can reduce the appearance of blackheads, dirt, and excess oil, to give you a clean and fresh feel without drying the skin. The strips do not hurt or leave any residue and are suitable for all skin types.
Pros
- Non drying
- Easy to remove
- Suits all skin types
- Prevents skin from drying out
- Quick acting formula
Cons
- None
10. Best Vegan:Pacifica Cosmic Vanish Pore Strips
Try the Pacifica Cosmic Vanish Pore Strips if you are looking for pore strips for your entire facial area. This oil-control product includes separate strips for your nose, chin, and forehead. The facial strips are enriched with natural ingredients like tea tree oil, hemp seed oil, and witch hazel extract to control excess sebum, remove dirt from the pores, and prevent blackheads. If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test before using the product.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, Hemp seed oil, and Witch hazel extract
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- None
All pore strips may appear similar and work in similar ways, but some may perform better than others. Choosing the best blackhead pore strips often boils down to certain factors discussed in the next section.
How To Choose Pore Strips To Remove Blackheads — Buying Guide
- List Of Ingredients
Go through the label and check the ingredients. Pick a product that contains acne-fighting ingredients like activated charcoal, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, tea tree oil, witch hazel, and allantoin. These ingredients can extract all the gunk and impurities from your entire T-zone. You can also go through the reviews and experience of the reviewers of a particular product before purchasing it. If you have allergy-prone or sensitive skin, avoid buying pore strips that contain artificial fragrances and colorants.
- Number Of Strips
Some products may come with 6-8 strips per pack, while others may contain 30-40 strips per pack. If you have acne-prone and oily skin and get blackheads frequently, you may want to go for the packs with more number of strips.
- Variety
Pore strips can be used on the nose, forehead, and chin. Strips for each area are designed differently. Some brands may include a set for the entire face, while others may contain strips meant for a specific area. Choose a pack that suits your preferences.
In the next section, find out how to best use these strips to get optimal results.
How To Use Pore Strips To Remove Blackheads
Dr. Jennifer Haley says, “Always wash your face with your regular cleanser. This removes oil and dirt buildup on your skin.”
- Take some hot water in a bowl and steam your face for at least 10-20 minutes. The steam will help loosen up the dirt stuck in your pores.
- Apply the pore strip on your wet nose or other areas where you have pores and press it well.
- Allow the pore strip to stay for 10-15 minutes.
- Hold both sides of the strip and gently peel it off from top to bottom.
- Once you are done, follow up with a toner and the rest of your skin care routine.
Esthetician Annētta McBain, says, “Blackhead strips can be an amazing addition to your skin care routine. Often, we don’t have the proper regimen that extract the congested pores as they need to be. If that is the case for you, definitely try some of these blackhead strips to finally find relief.”
Infographic: Common Mistakes To Avoid When Using Pore Strips
Blackheads are a common issue, and pore strips are the easiest solution to get rid of them at home. They are easy to use, less time-consuming, and highly effective. However, if used the wrong way, they can cause skin damage and irritation. To avoid these common mistakes, we have put together a list of some helpful tips for using pore strips safely and effectively. Check out the infographic below to know more.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
There is a different satisfaction in pulling off a blackhead mask/nose strip and seeing all the dirt coming out from your skin. Though pore strips are not a long-term solution for eliminating blackheads, they are a quick fix when you hurry. They are an excellent option for both beauty enthusiasts and those looking for clear skin. No matter how many beauty products you use, if your skin is full of clogged pores, it will not look good. Thus pore strips are a must. To effectively remove blackheads and impurities from the nose and face area, opt for the Bioré Nose+ Face Deep Cleansing Pore Strips which has a patented C-bond technology, while the Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating No Pull Cleansing Pore Strip is a dermatologist-recommended strip that contains salicylic acid. Additionally, the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose are hydrocolloid gel-infused patches that fight pimples and excess oil. The products reviewed in this article are suitable for all skin types. Unlike traditional pore strips, they are free of synthetic chemicals making them a safe choice. They are enriched with ingredients that efficiently extract all the dirt and impurities from the pores. While choosing the best pore strips to remove blackheads, look at the list of ingredients, variety, and number of ingredients available in the pack. We recommend you use a toner once you are done using the strips. Overall, the reviews shed light on the diverse experiences and opinions surrounding these pore strips, making them an informed choice for those seeking to address blackhead concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pore strips safe?
Yes. Pore strips are unlikely to damage your skin. Ensure to follow the instructions and avoid overusing the strips. If you are still unsure, you can do a patch test and check the list of ingredients.
How do pore strips work?
Pore strips have an adhesive that sticks to wet skin. It takes 10-15 minutes to dry, and after that, you can pull the strip off. As you pull, the adhesive takes out all the dirt and grime from the pores.
Should you exfoliate before pore strips?
Yes, exfoliate before using a pore strip to prevent further clogging of pores.
Should I moisturize after pore strips?
Yes, moisturization is necessary after using pore strips to prevent dryness.
How often should I use pore strips?
Using a pore strip once or twice a week is recommended for the best results.
How do you close pores after pore strips?
Rub some ice cubes or wash with cold water to close the pores after using pore strips.
What happens if I apply pore strips to acne?
Pores trips can help remove dirt and blackheads but applying them to acne can cause inflammation and aggravate your skin condition.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
StyleCraze articles are backed by expert opinions and suggestions from certified professionals. The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal is a certified skin care coach and a big fan of pore strips. The list features some of her absolute favorites like the Bioré Nose+Face, Deep Cleansing Pore Strips and Look At Me Nose Pore Strips.
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