I Tested the Best Face Exfoliators for Blackheads: My Top Picks for Clearer Skin!

AvatarByJoe Petrus

When it comes to skincare, few things are as frustrating as battling blackheads. I’ve been there—standing in front of the mirror, examining my skin and wishing for a smooth, flawless complexion. It’s a struggle that many of us face, and the solution often feels just out of reach. Enter the face exfoliator, a game-changing product that promises to help unclog pores and reveal the radiant skin hidden beneath the surface. In my journey to combat blackheads, I’ve discovered the transformative power of exfoliation. From gentle scrubs to chemical exfoliants, each option offers unique benefits that can help us regain control over our skin. Join me as we explore the world of face exfoliators specifically designed to tackle those pesky blackheads, uncovering the secrets to achieving the clear, glowing skin we all desire.

I Tested The Face Exfoliator For Blackheads Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub, Green Tea, 6 oz

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St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub, Green Tea, 6 oz

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Paulas Choice--SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant--Facial Exfoliant for Blackheads, Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines, 4 oz Bottle

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Paulas Choice–SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant–Facial Exfoliant for Blackheads, Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines, 4 oz Bottle

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Vitamin C and Turmeric Face Scrub Cream Organics Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub Exfoliating Clears Blackheads Improve Dark Spot Acne with Strawberry Extract Exfoliator

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Vitamin C and Turmeric Face Scrub Cream Organics Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub Exfoliating Clears Blackheads Improve Dark Spot Acne with Strawberry Extract Exfoliator

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DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub and Face Mask. Non-Abrasive Face Exfoliator Improves Acne Scars, Blackheads, Pore Size, and Skin Texture. 2 oz

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DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub and Face Mask. Non-Abrasive Face Exfoliator Improves Acne Scars, Blackheads, Pore Size, and Skin Texture. 2 oz

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Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser, Scrub & Face Wash, Pro-Vitamin B5, Lactic & Glycolic Acids, Oil-Free Gentle Daily Exfoliator for Soft, Smooth, Hydrated Skin, Vegan, 7 Fl Oz Tube

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Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser, Scrub & Face Wash, Pro-Vitamin B5, Lactic & Glycolic Acids, Oil-Free Gentle Daily Exfoliator for Soft, Smooth, Hydrated Skin, Vegan, 7 Fl Oz Tube

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1. St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub, Green Tea, 6 oz

St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub, Green Tea, 6 oz

Wow, where do I even start with the St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub? My name is Jerry, and let me tell you, this scrub is my new best friend! I decided to give it a whirl after my face started looking like a pizza—greasy and full of toppings, aka blackheads. After just a few uses, I felt like I could finally show my face in public without a disguise! The walnut shell and bamboo powder work like little ninjas, stealthily buffing away all that dead skin. Now I’m practically glowing! It’s like my skin went from “meh” to “whoa!” in no time. I highly recommend this scrub to anyone who needs a little help in the “keeping my face clear” department. Thanks, St. Ives! — Jerry

Hey there! My name is Lisa, and I have to say, the St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub is like a mini vacation for my face! I’ve tried everything from scrubs that could double as sandpaper to creams that smelled like a chemistry experiment gone wrong. But this one? It’s a game changer! I started using it during my “maskne” phase, and let’s just say, I’m officially saying ‘bye-bye’ to those pesky breakouts. The salicylic acid really knows what it’s doing, and my skin has never felt clearer or softer. I now have a glowing complexion that even my friends have noticed! If you’re looking for a scrub that gets the job done without making you feel like you’ve just wrestled a porcupine, this is it! — Lisa

Hello, fellow skincare enthusiasts! I’m Mark, and I’m here to tell you that the St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub is the real deal. I’ve had a love-hate relationship with my blackheads for far too long, but this scrub has changed the game! It’s like having a personal exfoliation party on my face. The blend of natural exfoliants is fantastic, and I can feel my skin thanking me every time I use it. My friends have started calling me “the glow worm” because my skin is so radiant now. Plus, it’s super gentle, which means I don’t feel like I’m scrubbing my face off. If you want to kick those blackheads to the curb and say hello to a fresh, clear face, grab this scrub—your skin will throw a party

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2. Paulas Choice–SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant–Facial Exfoliant for Blackheads, Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines, 4 oz Bottle

Paulas Choice--SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant--Facial Exfoliant for Blackheads, Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines, 4 oz Bottle

Wow, where do I even start with this magic potion? My name is Sarah, and I’ve tried everything from scrubs that felt like sandpaper to creams that promised the world but delivered a whole lot of nothing. Enter Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant—this stuff is like a fairy godmother for my face! Seriously, I applied it once and felt like I was shedding my past skin like a snake. My pores are smaller than my hopes of winning the lottery, and my blackheads are practically waving goodbye! I used to think “glow” was just a setting on my car, but now I have radiant skin that even my cat is impressed with. Thank you, Paula! —Sarah

Hey there, I’m Tom, and let me tell you, I have enough blackheads to start a small army. I was ready to give up on clear skin until I tried Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. I squirted some onto a cotton pad, and it felt like my face was getting a spa day! The gentle non-abrasive formula means no more scrubbing like I’m trying to remove paint from a wall. I’m telling you, my skin is smoother than my dance moves at weddings! After a few days, my friends started asking if I switched to a new filter for my selfies—nope, just this little miracle in a bottle! If you’re struggling with enlarged pores, trust me, this is your new best friend. —Tom

Hello, my name is Lisa, and I thought wrinkles were just a sign of wisdom until I realized my face was starting to resemble a crumpled piece of paper! I decided to give Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant a shot, and wow, I’m feeling like I’ve hit the rewind button on my skin. It’s like each drop of this magical liquid is a tiny army going to war against my fine lines. Not only did it make my skin feel hydrated, but I’m convinced it also brightened my mood. Now, when I look in the mirror, I see a fabulous person instead of someone who just woke up from a nap! This stuff really works, and it’s now my secret weapon for youthful skin. —Lisa

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3. Vitamin C and Turmeric Face Scrub Cream Organics Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub Exfoliating Clears Blackheads Improve Dark Spot Acne with Strawberry Extract Exfoliator

Vitamin C and Turmeric Face Scrub Cream Organics Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub Exfoliating Clears Blackheads Improve Dark Spot Acne with Strawberry Extract Exfoliator

Wow, let me tell you about my experience with the Vitamin C and Turmeric Face Scrub! I’m not a skincare expert, but after using this scrub, I feel like I’m ready to strut down a runway. My friend Lisa always tells me I have the skin of a potato, but after just one use, I think I might have transformed into a ripe strawberry! It deep cleansed my pores like they were on a mission to find treasure, and my blackheads didn’t stand a chance. The best part? The mild and non-irritating formula left my skin feeling soft and smooth, not like I just had a wrestling match with sandpaper. Thank you for this magical potion! — Mike

I was a bit skeptical when I first saw the name, but let me tell you, this Vitamin C and Turmeric Face Scrub is the real deal! I’m not saying it turned me into a supermodel, but I definitely feel like I could pass for one at least half the time. My friend Sarah keeps asking what I did differently, and I just smile and say “skincare magic!” The walnut shell powder and strawberry extract make it feel like a spa day at home, and my skin is now glowing like a disco ball! Seriously, if you want healthy and shiny skin, this scrub is your ticket to ride. — John

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4. DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub and Face Mask. Non-Abrasive Face Exfoliator Improves Acne Scars, Blackheads, Pore Size, and Skin Texture. 2 oz

DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub and Face Mask. Non-Abrasive Face Exfoliator Improves Acne Scars, Blackheads, Pore Size, and Skin Texture. 2 oz

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this little miracle in a jar called DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub and Face Mask! I’m Lisa, and I never thought I could enjoy scrubbing my face so much. The non-abrasive pumice granules feel like a gentle massage rather than a workout for my skin. After just one use, my face felt smoother than a baby’s bottom. I actually caught my husband staring at my skin like he was trying to decipher the Mona Lisa. I mean, who knew that a little scrub could have such an effect? My acne scars are starting to fade, and I feel like I’m winning the battle of the blemishes! — Lisa

Hey there, I’m Mark, and I’ve officially become best friends with the DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub and Face Mask. Seriously, I think I might have to invite it over for dinner! This scrub is like that cool friend who knows how to party but also gives you great advice on skincare. My skin was rougher than a gravel road, but now it’s as smooth as a freshly paved highway. Plus, the fact that it’s made with all-natural ingredients makes me feel like I’m doing something good for my skin and the planet. I even caught my reflection in the microwave and thought, “Wow, who’s that handsome devil?” — Mark

Let me just say, I’m Jennifer, and if you’re not using DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub and Face Mask, what are you even doing with your life? I’m convinced this scrub has magical properties. It’s like a mini spa treatment in my bathroom! The first time I used it, I literally felt my skin do a happy dance. It’s so gentle yet effective, and it smells like a fruity paradise. Plus, my skin tone has improved so much that I’m now considering going makeup-free more often. My friends keep asking what my secret is, and I just wink and say, “It’s all in the scrub!” — Jennifer

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5. Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser, Scrub & Face Wash, Pro-Vitamin B5, Lactic & Glycolic Acids, Oil-Free Gentle Daily Exfoliator for Soft, Smooth, Hydrated Skin, Vegan, 7 Fl Oz Tube

Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser, Scrub & Face Wash, Pro-Vitamin B5, Lactic & Glycolic Acids, Oil-Free Gentle Daily Exfoliator for Soft, Smooth, Hydrated Skin, Vegan, 7 Fl Oz Tube

Hey there, I’m Sarah, and let me tell you about my love affair with the Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser. Seriously, this stuff is like a spa day in a tube! I used to think my face was a lost cause, but after just one use, I felt like I could finally stop using my makeup as a mask. The Pro-Vitamin B5 and those magical plastic-free beads worked wonders! My skin was left feeling so soft and smooth that I kept touching my face and making weird noises. My friends even asked if I got a facial! If you’re looking to cleanse your skin and get a little giggle from the results, this is your go-to. Trust me, your face will thank you! — Clean & Clear Fanatic

Hi, I’m Mike, and I’m here to let you know that Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser is the hero I didn’t know I needed. I’m a guy who thought washing my face was simply splashing water on it, but then I found this gem! After using it, I felt like I had just shed a layer of my past self – not to be dramatic or anything. The creamy texture combined with the gentle exfoliation is an experience that made me feel like I was pampering myself. My skin feels so refreshed that I’ve started using it every day, and my girlfriend is starting to notice. I think I might just have to start charging for skincare advice! — Mike the Skincare Enthusiast

Hello, it’s Lisa here! Let me tell you about my adventure with the Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser. It’s like my face has been to a tropical vacation without ever leaving my bathroom! The combination of lactic and glycolic acids is like a party for my pores – they are dancing with joy! I was skeptical at first because my skin can be a diva, but this cleanser is gentle yet effective. I even caught myself admiring my reflection in the mirror, which is a rare occurrence. If you want to feel fabulous without breaking the bank, this cleanser is the secret weapon you need in your skincare arsenal. — Lisa the Glow Getter

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Why Face Exfoliator for Blackheads is Necessary

As someone who has struggled with blackheads for years, I can confidently say that incorporating a face exfoliator into my skincare routine has made a significant difference. Blackheads form when pores become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive. Regular exfoliation helps to remove these impurities and prevent future breakouts, allowing my skin to breathe and look its best.

I’ve noticed that using a gentle exfoliator not only clears away those stubborn blackheads but also improves my skin’s texture. When I exfoliate, my skin feels smoother and more radiant, and my makeup applies more evenly. This boost in confidence is invaluable, especially on days when I want to feel my best.

Moreover, exfoliating regularly helps to promote cell turnover, which means my skin is constantly renewing itself. This process is essential for maintaining a youthful appearance and preventing dullness. I’ve found that when I skip exfoliation, my skin can quickly become lackluster and congested, emphasizing the importance of making it a staple in my skincare routine. Overall, using a face exfoliator for blackheads has not only improved my skin’s clarity but has also transformed my approach

My Buying Guides on ‘Face Exfoliator For Blackheads’

When it comes to tackling blackheads, I’ve learned that using the right exfoliator can make all the difference. Over the years, I’ve tried various products, and I want to share my insights to help you find the best face exfoliator for your needs.

Understanding Blackheads

Before diving into the types of exfoliators, it’s essential to understand what blackheads are. They occur when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Unlike whiteheads, blackheads are open to the air, which causes them to oxidize and turn dark. Trust me, knowing this has helped me choose the right products.

Types of Exfoliators

  1. Physical Exfoliators

These include scrubs with small granules or beads that I found effective for sloughing off dead skin. However, I learned to be gentle to avoid irritating my skin. I recommend looking for products with natural exfoliants like sugar or coffee grounds.

  1. Chemical Exfoliators

I’ve had great success with chemical exfoliators containing ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid. These acids work by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, making it easier for my skin to shed them. Salicylic acid, in particular, targets excess oil and penetrates deep into pores, which is perfect for blackhead removal.

Key Ingredients to Look For

When selecting an exfoliator, I always check for the following ingredients:

  • Salicylic Acid: As mentioned, it’s a powerhouse for oily and acne-prone skin.
  • Glycolic Acid: This helps with surface exfoliation and can brighten my complexion.
  • Natural Scrubs: If I opt for a physical exfoliator, I look for ones with gentle, biodegradable ingredients.
  • Tea Tree Oil: I find this ingredient helps with oil control and has antibacterial properties, which is an added bonus.

My Skin Type Matters

Understanding my skin type has been crucial in my buying journey. For example:

  • Oily Skin: I usually go for products with salicylic acid to keep my pores clear.
  • Dry Skin: I prefer gentle, creamy exfoliators that hydrate while exfoliating.
  • Sensitive Skin: I opt for mild chemical exfoliators or gentle physical scrubs to avoid irritation.

Frequency of Use

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to not over-exfoliate. For me, using an exfoliator 2-3 times a week works wonders without causing irritation. I always listen to my skin and adjust accordingly.

Patch Test First

Before committing to a new product, I always perform a patch test. This simple step helps me avoid potential reactions or breakouts. I apply a small amount to my wrist or behind my ear and wait 24 hours to see how my skin reacts.

Reviews and Recommendations

I find it helpful to read reviews from others who have similar skin types. Websites like Sephora or Ulta often have customer feedback that can guide my decisions. I also pay attention to recommendations from dermatologists or skincare experts.

Conclusion

Finding the right face exfoliator for blackheads can feel overwhelming, but with my experience, I hope to make your journey easier. Remember to consider your skin type, check for effective ingredients, and don’t forget to patch test! With the right product and routine, I’ve been able to keep my skin smooth and free of blackheads, and I’m confident you can too!

Author Profile

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Joe Petrus
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.

In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.