Got Blackheads? These Are The Best Cleansers For Your Skin

You’ll struggle to find anyone that hasn’t suffered with blackheads in their lifetime. Characterised by their tiny head that’s black in colour, these small-but-mighty spots can sometimes seem impossible to banish. Blackheads are commonly mistaken for dirty skin when this isn’t the case – it’s a build-up of dead skin cells and excess sebum in open pores, meaning that the oxygen reacting with the open surface gives them their black colour.

When it comes to getting rid of blackheads, salicylic acid is your go-to ingredient for breaking down the debris and clearing the skin. Naturally, the best place to start is with your cleanser, so we’ve got our go-tos together to give you some inspo.

Is there anything that Mario Badescu haven’t got covered? The Acne Facial Cleanser will not only work hard on breaking down sebum and breakouts, but it also soothes and calms your skin too. Formulated with salicylic acid, this gel cleanser penetrates pores to loosen and clear any impurities, dirt, and debris that can turn into blackheads. The addition of a soothing blend of botanicals including aloe vera, chamomile, and thyme ensure that your skin is thoroughly cleansed without feeling tight or stripped.

Put your faith in the Namaste Kitten Cleanser from I Dew Care. Formulated to remove base makeup and clarify blemish-prone skin, without stripping it, is this bright green balancing cleanser. 

For super clean, smooth and blackhead-free skin, reach for the CeraVe Smoothing Cleanser. Developed with dermatologists, this daily gel to foam cleanser helps to gently exfoliate and banish rough and bumpy skin texture, thanks to hero ingredient Salicylic Acid that gently exfoliates the skin- without compromising the skins natural barrier (that we need).

Give your skin the ultimate deep clean with the Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Deep Pore Cleanser. This invigorating 4-in-1 gel cleanser easily lifts away makeup, clears congestion and combats everyday pollution, to reveal tighter, clearer and more hydrated complexions.

Upgrade your skincare routine with the Carbon Theory Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Gel Cleanser. Enriched with salicylic acid to help gently exfoliate the skin and reduce breakouts by keeping pores clear without effecting the skins natural skin barrier, plus moisturising shea butter, this daily cleanser belongs in your next haul.

Get your skin in check with the Clinique Blackhead Solutions 7 Day Deep Pore Cleans & Scrub. This 3-in-1 formula has been specially developed with banishing blackheads in mind. The multi-use formula can be used as a cleanser, scrub, or mask to clear away excess oils and reduce the appearance of pores. Win-win!

Stubborn breakouts are no match for the e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Blemish Clarifying Cleanser. This gentle yet effective gel formula is packed with 1% salicylic acid, niacinamide, zinc pca, and tranexamic acid to actively help treat blemishes, clarify pores, control excess oil, and remove dirt and grime.

Blackheads are no match for the Starface Space Wash. This plant-powered, lightly foaming cleanser works both AM and PM to help gently remove makeup, dirt, and oil. Great for preventing future breakouts and leaving the skin feeling fresh and happy, this oil-free and dermatologist tested face wash helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and minimise excess oil- without stripping or disrupting the skin. 

When it comes to breakouts and troubled skin, COSRX has some of our most trusted formulas. The Calming Foam Cleanser has a dreamy duo of ingredients that work on overhauling the skin at the end of a long day. Hero ingredient salicylic acid clears the skin and removes impurities which can lead to blackhead formation, whilst centella asiatica (AKA cica) calms, soothes, and refreshes, making this spot-busting formula suitable for sensitive skin types too.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, the simple yet effective formula of the Skincare By BEAUTY BAY Prebiotic + Avocado Oil Cleansing Gel works for every skin type. The soothing gel formula works to cleanse pores and remove debris, whilst the prebiotics and avocado oil inside help to balance bacteria, hydrate, and restore the skin.

Not strictly a cleanser, but we couldn’t not mention this blackhead-busting powerhouse. Another firm favourite from COSRX, the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is a toner that helps you say bye to blackheads. The gentle, exfoliating solution uses salicylic acid to reach deep down into the pores and break down any sebum, impurities, and dead skin cells. Combined with willow bark water to calm, this is our go-to hero when it comes to banishing blackheads for good.