Our best overall pick is the Glamglow SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment Mask
While blackheads aren’t necessarily a cause for concern, they can be hard to ignore when staring at yourself in the mirror. Even if you’re well past your teen years and have otherwise clear skin, there’s always a chance they’ll rear their ugly heads.
“Blackheads form when a pore becomes clogged with dead skin cells and oil,” explains NYC-based dermatologist Hadley King, MD, FAAD. “When this material becomes oxidized by exposure to air, it appears black—hence the name blackhead.” Luckily, there’s an entire skincare category focused on tackling the issue, one of the most effective solutions being masks.
According to Claire Wolinsky, MD, the goal of a mask should be to lightly exfoliate. The derms we spoke to recommend AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids), and enzymes, as well as absorbent ingredients, such as clay.
We conducted hours of research to find the best blackhead masks on the market, evaluating each pick on their active ingredients and reviews from real-world testers. After speaking with experts and considering dozens of formulas, we landed on these standout options.
Best Overall: GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Charcoal Instant Clearing Treatment Mask
Our number one pick is none other than GlamGlow Supermud. This iconic all-in-one facial pulls out all the stops to clear your pores. We’re talking BHA all-star salicylic acid, AHA superhero lactic acid, plus activated charcoal and kaolin.
“Masks containing kaolin clay are good choices for oily skin,” notes Dr. Wolinsky. She explains that these absorbent ingredients decrease excess oil, which can lead to clearer skin and reduce the appearance of pores. But this blackhead-clearing treatment isn’t just for the oily-skinned set.
It’s gentle on sensitive skin and can be used to target only the T-zone if you have otherwise dry (combination) skin. Thanks to GlamGlow’s Pore-Matrix technology, you’ll be able to see little dots where it’s extracting gunk from your pores. We also like that you can use Supermud as a spot treatment for pimples.
Best Budget: Bioré Instant Warming Clay Charcoal Face Mask
OG blackhead-clearing brand Bioré is an excellent choice for babes on a budget. This clay and charcoal mask comes in single-serving packets, warms on contact with your skin, and gets the job done in a minute flat.
Best Drugstore: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay has a well-deserved following. This single-ingredient drugstore icon contains 100 percent bentonite clay—nothing more, nothing less—to soak up the oil that’s causing blackheads.
Best Splurge: Kypris Deep Forest Clay Detoxifying Mask + Exfoliant
If you’re super-serious about battling blackheads, it might be worth splurging on an Elsa-esque tub of Kypris Deep Forest Clay. Strongly recommended by licensed esthetician Dana Murray of Babe + Beauty, this brilliant mask calls on clay, oceanic salt, and botanical exfoliants to dissolve sebum, plus algae to soothe inflammation.1
Best BHA: Herbivore Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
“Hands down, salicylic acid (aka BHA) is the most effective,” says Murray. That’s why she loves Herbivore’s Blue Tansy Mask. This blackhead treatment gets its BHAs from white willow bark and goes above and beyond with fruit enzymes for gentle exfoliation and soothing aloe for good measure.2
Best AHA: Then I Met You Rosé Resurfacing Facial Mask
From Soko Glam founder Charlotte Cho, Then I Met You Rosé Resurfacing Mask is a game-changer for those with blackheads. Containing 6 percent AHAs, including glycolic and lactic acid, this exfoliating tincture does an excellent job of clearing congested pores.3
Best AHA and BHA Combo: Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner Purifying Mask
What’s more powerful than both AHA and BHA? Them combined, of course. This exfoliating mask works to unclog blackheads and shrink the appearance of pores by using salicylic acid and glycolic acid together. After five to 10 minutes of use, you’ll be able to notice skin that looks balanced and smooth.
Best Clay: innisfree Volcanic AHA Pore Clearing Clay Mask
Murray is also a fan of clay masks for blackheads, like Innisfree’s Pore Clearing formula. This affordable treatment contains exfoliating lactic acid and actual volcanic lava clusters to absorb oil and minimize the appearance of pores. It’s no wonder former Byrdie editorial director Faith Xue says she can’t get over how much gunk this mask removes from her pores.
Best Peel-Off: No B.S. Charcoal Detox Peel-Off Mask3
Prominent blackheads can give you a real hankering for a peel-off mask. If that’s your cup of tea, we recommend this charcoal-infused option from No B.S. In addition to absorbing oil, it moisturizes with squalane for an all-around balanced complexion. We also like that removing it is pain-free.
Best Hydrating: buttah Charcoal Detox Mask
Blackhead-fighting treatments, particularly clay and charcoal masks, can sometimes be too potent and end up drying out the skin, leaving you with a dull and lackluster complexion. That’s why we love this ultra-gentle charcoal-powered mask from Buttah. It not only purifies and clears congested pores, but it also leaves skin noticeably softer, smoother, and more hydrated, thanks to the addition of argan oil, shea butter, and sodium hyaluronate.
Best for Oily Skin: Beneath Your Mask Illuminate Clarifying Face Mask
Oily skin? Beneath Your Mask has you covered. The brand’s Illuminate Clarifying Face Mask contains absorbent clay, antimicrobial honey, vitamin-rich coconut milk, and soothing aloe vera. In other words, this award-winning treatment goes above and beyond to balance oily complexions. King explains, “Areas with larger pores and more oil production are more likely to have blackheads. Those who are genetically determined to have oily and acne-prone skin will be more likely to have blackheads.”
Best for Sensitive Skin: Golde Papaya Bright Face Mask
Dr. King is a fan of fruit enzymes for blackheads. With this in mind, we suggest Golde Papaya Bright for sensitive skin. The ultra-gentle yet effective exfoliants work hard to clear clogged pores, while marshmallow root extract calms inflammation.4
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask
To keep both blackheads and breakouts at bay, your best bet is the Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Mask. In addition to sulfur, it uses kaolin clay to absorb oil and aloe to hydrate and calm the skin.
Best for All Skin Types: Caudalie Vinergetic C Instant Detox Mask
Celebrity cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, CMO and founder of PFRANKMD and the author of “The Pro-Aging Playbook,” stands behind Caudalie Vinergetic C. “This will extract and dry up what is clogged in the skin,” he tells Byrdie. “Make sure you don’t put this on dry or dehydrated skin, and moisturize after.”
Best Preventative: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Blemish Solutions Clarifying Mask
The best defense against blackheads is preventing your pores from clogging in the first place. With this in mind, the Dr. Dennis Gross Clarifying Mask blends colloidal sulfur, kaolin, and bentonite clay to absorb excess oil without overdrying the skin.
Best K-Beauty: Skinfood Egg White Pore Foam
Our favorite K-beauty blackhead treatment is Skinfood’s Egg White Pore Mask. In addition to egg whites, it’s formulated with lactic acid and niacinamide to keep sebum in check and minimize the appearance of pores.
Best Multi-Use: Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser/Purifying Mask
Believe it or not, even EstĂ©e Lauder’s target market deals with blackheads now and then. The brand’s Perfectly Clean mask-cleanser hybrid can be used as a three-minute mask or a daily clarifying face wash. Either way, you can count on unclogged pores and a healthy-looking complexion.
Best for Congested Skin: Tata Harper Purifying Mask
Made with natural fruit enzymes and vegetable extracts, this detoxifying mask is great if your skin is feeling overall congested and in need of a good deep clean. It exfoliates to loosen blackheads and clogged pores for skin that looks revitalized and feels fresh.
Final Verdict
The best blackhead mask overall is GlamGlow Supermud. Containing AHAs, BHAs, charcoal, and kaolin, this effective treatment covers all the bases to clear pores. For something a little easier on your bank account, go with Bioré Charcoal Instant Warming Clay Mask, an oil-absorbing solution that gets the job done in 60 seconds.
What to Look For in a Blackhead Mask
Exfoliating Ingredients
The dermatologists we interviewed all said exfoliating ingredients are the best defense against blackheads. Beta-hydroxy superstar salicylic acid came up the most, as it breaks down excess oil and dissolves dead skin cells.5 “Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that’s derived from sugarcane, also helps release and dissolve dead skin cells and debris on the surface, clearing up blocked pores and blackheads,” adds Dr. Frank.
You’ll also find formulas that call on plant-derived enzymes to clear pores. “Fruit enzymes offer a gentle option for exfoliation. [They’re] particularly great for those with sensitive skin who cannot tolerate salicylic acid,” notes Dr. King.
Absorbent Ingredients
Another key component of blackhead masks is ingredients that absorb oil and sebum, like sulfur, charcoal, and different types of clay.6 For instance, as Dr. Wolinsky explains, kaolin clay helps decrease excess oil to prevent blackheads and minimize the appearance of pores.
Application
You’ll also want to consider the application. Since blackhead masks absorb oil, most are supposed to be rinsed off after a short period (usually anywhere from one minute to 20 minutes) to avoid drying out the skin. There are also sheet masks and peel-off options, as well as versatile mask-cleanser hybrids.
FAQ
Do blackhead masks work?
Face masks that contain folliculotropic ingredients (ones that are drawn down into the hair follicle), such as salicylic acid, can be effective in managing and minimizing blackheads, says Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Art of Skin MD in San Diego. However, peel-off formulas can be less so; the majority don’t pull out true blackheads, but rather just small collections of oil and dead skin cells, known as sebaceous filaments, and can be irritating, she says. If you do want to use a peel-off blackhead mask, “opt for a gentler formula that peels off easily and doesn’t require a lot of resistance,” she suggests.
Are blackhead masks safe for acne?
Dr. Palm advises against using peel-off blackhead removing masks if you have an active breakout. “You risk ripping or damaging skin that is already irritated,” she explains. That being said, gentler, exfoliating masks can be beneficial, particularly for helping with acne scarring. Still, she says it’s best not to use them while you’re actively breaking out.
How often can you use blackhead masks?
“While everyone’s skin care needs are different, I generally wouldn’t use a peel-off blackhead mask more than once per week,” says Dr. Palm. “Don’t exfoliate before or after using the mask, as you’ll already get exfoliating benefits from the mask itself.” When in doubt, follow the directions on the particular blackhead mask you’re using.
