6 Best Face Scrubs For Whiteheads

Say goodbye to pesky bumps and enjoy flawlessly smooth skin using suitable skincare essentials.

Reviewed by Annētta McBain, Esthetician
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Aditi Naskar, MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness
Fact-checked by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

Whiteheads can be very bothersome when you are trying to keep your skin smooth and want it to stay bright and youthful. Instead of struggling with whitehead removal strips, invest in the best face scrub for whiteheads. Facial scrubs are not too harsh on your skin and weed out the whiteheads smoothly. Our daily cleanser does help remove the pesky blackheads and whiteheads as they need stronger formulas.

Facial scrubs for whiteheads work on the surface level and dig deep into your skin, penetrating the pores and cleansing from within. Scroll down to check out our list of the 6 best face scrubs for whiteheads.

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Overall:Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser ScrubPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best For Oily Skin:Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore ScrubPrice on Amazon
Best For Youthful Texture:Calily Life Charcoal Body ScrubPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best For Enlarged Pores:Innisfree Pore Clearing Facial FoamPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best For Blemishes:Diva Stuff Face Scrubbie India’s SecretPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Aroma Magic Mineral Glow ScrubPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart

6 Best Face Scrubs For Whiteheads

1. Best Overall:Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub

4.3

The Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub is an effective product for clearing pesky whiteheads and blackheads, with visible results in just two days. It is formulated with multi-action microbeads that gently eliminate dirt, excess dead skin cells, and oil from your pores, revealing brighter, softer, and younger-looking skin. These multi-action beads are designed in three different sizes to effectively exfoliate the skin’s surface and deeper layers alike. The micro-beads exfoliate the skin, while the skin-smoothing exfoliators and conditioners prevent over-drying the skin. The product also controls oil production on the skin. The 2% salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid) works on reducing blemishes, fighting acne, controlling sebum production, reducing whiteheads, and clearing blackheads while preventing their Check this video for the tester’s experience, demo, and detailed review of the Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub for radiant skin.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 6 x 5 x 4 inches | Weight: 0.01 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid

Pros

  • Softens the skin
  • Gentle
  • Brightens the skin
  • Oil-free
  • Safe for sensitive skin
  • Value for money

Cons

  • Contains SLS

protip_icon Pro Tip
Use a clay mask once or twice a week alongside daily use of this scrub to help remove the excess oil in your pores and prevent blackheads.

2. Best For Oily Skin:Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub

4.6

The Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub is an excellent exfoliator for removing stubborn blackheads and dead skin cells. It is formulated with hydrated silica for scratch-less polishing that breaks down the whiteheads while gently removing dirt and excess oil, so it is suitable for oily skin. It has glycerin that does not strip away natural moisture from the skin and ensures your skin stays hydrated. Using this clarifying, polishing scrub results in pore size reduction and improves the skin surface.

Skin Type: 0, Oily, Combination, Normal | Product Dimensions: 2.95 x 1.77 x 6.69 inches | Weight: 15.6 Ounces

Check this video for a thorough tester’s experience, demo, and detailed review of the Olay scrub for skin detoxification

Key Ingredients: Panthenol, Glycerin

Pros

  • Mild scent
  • Gentle on skin
  • Reveals skin skin
  • Value for money
  • Deep cleansing
  • Paraben-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Phlathes-free

Cons

  • None

3. Best For Youthful Texture:Calily Life Charcoal Body Scrub

The Calily Life Charcoal Body Scrub is a head-to-toe scrub that provides a deep cleanse, exfoliation, anti-aging benefits, and acne treatment. It is infused with activated charcoal that removes impurities and toxins from the pores for achieving a flawless clear complexion.

The Dead Sea salt and natural exfoliating minerals present in the formula help wash away dead skin cells and detoxify your skin to reveal a softer, supple, refreshed, and youthful texture. The antioxidant-rich scrub also contains vitamin E, vitamin C, copper, and minerals that minimize the appearance of stretch marks, age spots, varicose veins, eczema, and cellulite to give you firm and plumped up skin. The almond oil and grape seed oil lubricate and heal the skin from the effects of over-exfoliation, penetrate deep into the skin to effectively nourish it, boost elasticity, and melt away blackheads and whiteheads.

Skin Type: Sensitive

Key Ingredients: Activated charcoal powder, Almond oil, Grape seed oil

Pros

  • Hydrating
  • Contains natural exfoliants
  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Softens the skin
  • Reduces ingrown hair
  • Phthalate-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Safe for sensitive skin
  • Organic

Cons

  • Can be greasy.
  • Contains mineral oil.
Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub
Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub
Calily Life Charcoal Body Scrub
Skin Type All 0, Oily, Combination, Normal Sensitive
Dimensions 6 x 5 x 4 inches 2.95 x 1.77 x 6.69 inches -
Weight 0.01 Ounces 15.6 Ounces-
Rating
Reviews1,149-172
Price$9.88$22.44$14.99

4. Best For Enlarged Pores:Innisfree Pore Clearing Facial Foam

4.5
Innisfree Pore Clearing Facial Foam Image: Innisfree

Innisfree Pore Clearing Facial Foam is a gentle cleansing foam that works on whiteheads effortlessly. It is composed of Jeju volcanic clusters, which is excellent for deep cleaning the skin and keeping it clear of constant whiteheads. It imparts gentle exfoliation and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, improving the overall skin tone with a few uses. It also consists of lactic acid and salicylic acid to make your skin smoother than ever! Have a look at this video to view the reviewer’s experience with the Innisfree Pore Clearing Facial Foam to learn more about the benefits.

Skin Type: Normal | Product Dimensions: 2 x 3 x 7 inches | Weight: 6.4 Ounces.

Key Ingredients: Jeju volcanic clusters, Lactic acid, Salicylic acid

Pros

  • Can be used everyday
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • No added synthetic colors
  • Evens out the skin tone
  • Little goes a long way

Cons

  • Not suitable for sensitive skin

protip_icon Pro Tip
Apply the scrub to damp skin after cleansing it and massage gently in circles till the sugar grains dissolve. Leave it on for 5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Follow this routine twice or thrice weekly for the best results.

5. Best For Blemishes:Diva Stuff Face Scrubbie India’s Secret

The Diva Stuff Face Scrubbie India’s Secret is developed specifically for people with acne-prone skin and is infused with natural ingredients. It contains turmeric that acts as a natural antioxidant to soothe irritation, reduce acne scars, clear clogged pores, and prevent whiteheads and blackheads. This formula also stimulates blood circulation, diminishes the appearance of blemishes, and leaves you with glowing skin. This skin care product controls excess sebum production and offers deep skin purification, as attested by the reviewers.

Skin Type: All

Key Ingredients: Turmeric

Pros

  • Value for money
  • Softens the skin
  • Imparts glow
  • Minimizes fine lines
  • Gentle
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Paraben-free
  • Aluminum-free

Cons

  • Unpleasant smell

6. Aroma Magic Mineral Glow Scrub

3.9

This Aroma Magic Mineral Glow Scrub is an excellent formula for treating whiteheads. Its unique blend of healthy and essential oils helps regulate excessive oil secretion in the skin and reduces pore size to improve skin tone. It has various powerful ingredients and minerals that exfoliate dead skin cells and revitalize the skin to prevent the appearance of whiteheads, helping you achieve glowing skin.

Skin Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 1.77 x 5.91 x 1.77 inches | Weight: 4.23 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Cornflour, Rice bran oil, Tea tree, Rosewater and Lavender essential oils

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • No artificial fragrance
  • No added harmful chemicals
  • Best suitable for dry skin
  • All-natural ingredients

Cons

  • None
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

There are a variety of clinically proven face scrubs available on the market today, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. It can be difficult to decide which dermatologically-tested product is right for you, so we’ve put together a buyer’s guide to help you choose the best scrub for your skin type.

Points To Remember Before Purchasing Face Scrubs For Whiteheads

  • Skin Type: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, your best bet is likely a scientifically formulated scrub containing mild chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid. This agent helps exfoliate the skin to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cell buildup. Professional-grade scrubs that don’t contain salicylic acid may be more gentle on the skin, but they won’t be as effective at removing dirt and oil.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, choose an expert-recommended scrub that contains glycolic acid instead. This agent helps improve the appearance of pores and improves your skin texture by breaking down the build-up of dead cells and sebum. Again, not all clinically verified scrubs containing glycolic acid are equally effective; make sure to read product reviews before making a purchase.

If you have normal or combination skin, avoid scrubs that contain abrasives like walnut shells or sea salt. These ingredients can cause irritation and redness around the eyes and nose. Instead, look for clinically tested scrubs that are made with plant extracts like coconut oil or jojoba oil. These agents help soothe and protect the skin while exfoliating it.

  • Scrub Type: If you just want to remove dead skin cells and debris, you can go for something milder. However, if you’re looking to treat blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads, or improve overall skin texture with proven efficacy, you’ll need something with more intense scrubbing action to get a gentle facial exfoliation.

There are three main types of scrubs, namely grainy, granular, and gel. Grainy scrubs are made up of small pieces of exfoliating granules, while granular scrubs have larger beads or grains that work to exfoliate the skin. Gel scrubs are made up of a water-based solution that can be melted and applied to the skin like a cream.

  • Ingredients: Some common ingredients used in face scrubs for whiteheads include lactic acid, citric acid, and salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid. Baking soda is also common in many dermatologist-recommended scrubs as it helps adjust pH levels in the skin which can help reduce acne. Many organic ingredients including aloe vera, turmeric, coconut oil, yogurt, and raw honey are also used in scrubs that treat whiteheads.
  • Usage: Keep in mind that the frequency of use will also depend on the type of scrub you choose. Some dermatologically-approved scrubs are more aggressive than others, and should be used with care if you have sensitive skin. Try out different results-driven scrubs and find one that works best for your skin type before committing to using it every single day. Also, be sure to apply the mask gently in circular motions on your skin to avoid aggravating allergies. Avoid daily exfoliation to retain the skin’s natural barrier.

Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In Face Scrubs For Whiteheads

Whiteheads occur when your skin pores get clogged due to dead skin cells, oils, and product buildup. They can be easily eliminated by scrubbing your face once a week. You need to find a formula made with potent ingredients that can clear out the gunk from deep within the pores. Let’s check out some of them in the infographic below.

Key Ingredients To Look For In Face Scrubs For Whiteheads (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

Whiteheads are stubborn, and they can reduce the beauty of your face. They are the result of clogged pores caused due to production of excessive sebum, sebum buildup, and dirt. Some facial scrubs are specially crafted to help exfoliate dead skin and clogged pores, removing whiteheads. The Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub is suitable for sensitive skin, while the Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub has a gentle and hydrating formula. But if you are looking for a deep-pore cleansing scrub, try the Innisfree Pore Clearing Facial Foam. They penetrate deep into the skin to address the issue from the root. The products on our list even out the skin texture and minimize the appearance of fine lines as well. Several of these skin renewal scrubs are paraben-free as well. However, some products may not be suitable for sensitive skin. So, read the reviews well and choose the scrubs that match your skin type. So, read the reviews well and choose the scrubs that match your skin type to upgrade your skin care routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do whiteheads go away naturally?

Though the process is slow, whiteheads eventually go away on their own. The best way to prevent whiteheads is by using skin care formulas that help unclog the pores.

Why do I have so many whiteheads?

The most common reason for whiteheads is clogged pores. This can be due to hormonal changes and increased sebum or oil production.

Is scrubbing suitable for whiteheads?

Yes. Scrubbing can help cleanse clogged pores and exfoliate your skin, reducing whiteheads.

What is suitable for whiteheads on the face?

Face scrubs containing salicylic acid, such as the Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub, work effectively on your skin to cleanse whiteheads.

How do you get rid of whiteheads fast?

Follow these steps to get rid of whiteheads quickly.

• Wash your face with warm water.
• Exfoliate your skin with a face scrub.
• Use an antimicrobial cream.
• Apply a moisturizer.

Why won’t my whiteheads go away?

Recurring whiteheads are caused by over-exfoliation, popping them regularly, and not keeping your face oil-free.

How long do whiteheads last?

Whiteheads do not last longer than a week in most cases.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach who loves trying out different beauty products. She curated this list of the best face scrubs after carefully researching various products, checking reviews online, and going through multiple forums for user feedback. The oil-free products dig deep into your skin to cleanse it from within. Not only do these gentle face scrubs soften the skin, but they are also safe for sensitive skin.


Recommended Articles


Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.

Latest Articles