The best blackhead removers, tested on 65 congested noses (2025)

Score: 79/100

Our panellists said their skin looked brighter and their pores seemed immediately less obvious after using this device. As the 7-in-1 in its name suggests, it combines a range of functions alongside its standard suction setting, including red light regeneration tech, skin scanning and guidance (via the accompanying app), an exfoliation mode and more.

Our panellists were pleased with how well it cleared clogged pores and left skin feeling smooth and clean after use. The app is also easy to use, according to our testers. “There’s a video for you to follow along with and it gives you a tailored skincare regime to accompany your treatment,” one told us. This shows the brand also understands the value of treating congested pores with targeted ingredients, with pore suction providing a short-term, as-and-when solution.

Our panellists' only niggle is that the magnetic charger attachment can be temperamental, so you need to be careful that it's actually charging.

Score: 77/100

Although our winner is also a certified multi-tasker, this Fancii tool was a particular favourite with our testers for its range of functionality. It has three LED light therapy settings: one to help reduce acne, one to minimise redness and one to promote collagen production and reduce fine lines.

The other side of the device head features gentle microdermabrasion tips to exfoliate dead skin cells before your pore treatment. One tester told us: “Over the years, my Caribbean skin has suffered with hyperpigmentation, especially around the sides of my face – even more so as I get older. After just one use, my skin already looks way less patchy!”

Everyone told us that the shape and design of this tool makes it comfortable and convenient to use, too. And they loved the hot/cold function that works to open your pores before treatment and close them again after, keeping skin clean and protected from environmental aggressors.

Score: 76/100

Although, we must admit, the ‘diamond-encrusted’ tips seem a little unnecessary, this tool took testers by surprise because of how much clearer and brighter it left their complexions.

The built-in cooling function de-puffed tired faces and the two tip options meant those with sensitive skin could use the exfoliation mode without irritation. “This product really works! I have a blackhead and whitehead-prone face and the first time I used this, I noticed clearer pores and glow-y skin,” said one panellist. Sign us up!

There were some grumbles about how long it took to set up, and it was comparatively noisy in our lab tests, which lost it a few points, but we can probably live with that for unclogged pores.

Score: 73/100

This self-professed ‘triple threat’ of a tool doesn’t actually use suction technology, but it does work to clear clogged pores. There’s a cleansing mode, which uses ultrasonic and negative ion technology to help clear pores once the skin is cleansed – just gently glide the metal tip against your skin, and the device will do the rest. Testers were impressed with how instantly they could see excess sebum extracted from pores with this tool.

After washing, you can use the microcurrent and lifting modes to help your serums and moisturisers sink into skin more deeply. For the most part, our panel loved it. They found it super lightweight and compact, making it easy to throw in your hand luggage for holiday.

It lost marks for its limited instructions, although when panellists did work out how to use it, it was relatively straightforward. “The cleansing results were immediately noticeable and only continued to improve with repeated use,” said one tester.

Score: 73/100

This sleek purple device left a great first impression, as the rubber head cover makes it more comfortable to use compared to some of the others. What grabbed our attention most, however, was the ability to watch our pores being suctioned through a built-in camera and app on your phone. If you’re someone with a penchant for Dr Pimple Popper videos, you won’t be able to put this down.

Panellists said they’d probably use this occasionally – “perhaps after using a facial steaming device,” one told us. It worked straight away for many, but others said the suction was weaker than they’d expected. Because of this, it lends itself well to those with sensitive skin who want a gentler extraction experience.

“Pore vacuums work by creating negative pressure on the skin, which draws out the contents of the pores,” explains Dr Thompson. “This mechanism is similar to manual extractions performed during facials, where pressure is applied to push out pore blockages, but instead of physical manipulation, the vacuum device relies on suction. The popularity of pore vacuums has grown largely due to social media, where viral videos show satisfying – though sometimes exaggerated – extractions of debris from pores.

“Rather than relying on mechanical extraction, the best approach for long-term pore health is a skincare routine that regulates oil production and prevents blockages at the cellular level,” Thompson explains. “The best retinol serums and retinoids, which are vitamin A-based ingredients, help normalise skin cell turnover, reducing the likelihood of dead skin cells accumulating inside pores. This makes them highly effective for preventing blackheads, whiteheads, and congestion.

“Even people without acne can benefit from using a retinoid regularly to refine the appearance of pores and improve overall skin texture. Ingredients such as niacinamide and zinc PCA can further enhance this process by regulating sebum production, reducing oiliness, and supporting the skin barrier, making them particularly beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

“Another effective option is beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid. Unlike alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which primarily exfoliate the skin’s s surface, BHAs are oil-soluble, meaning they can penetrate deep into the pores. Salicylic acid works as a chemical exfoliant, breaking up the buildup of dead skin cells and excess oil, allowing the pores to clear naturally.”

This approach is much gentler and more sustainable than mechanical extraction methods, but these devices can be used as and when build up gets bad as a stop gap.

“In addition to using retinoids and BHAs, sun protection is essential for maintaining pore health,” says Dr Thompson. “Chronic sun exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, which provide structural support to the skin. As collagen degrades, pores lose their support and begin to dilate, making them appear larger and more noticeable over time. Daily sunscreen use (broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher) helps protect collagen and prevents this process, preserving the skin’s firmness and reducing pore enlargement.

“For best results, a combination of regular pore-refining active ingredients, sun protection, a gentle cleansing routine and proper hydration will help maintain clear and healthy pores. Unlike pore vacuums, which offer only a temporary fix, skincare solutions actively improve skin function over time, making them the preferred choice among dermatologists for managing blackheads and clogged pores.”