7 Best Blackhead Strips We Tested 2025, Dermatologist-Approved

Dr. Yadav loves these patches because they use a three-step approach to purify the skin. “This product has a biocellulose patch that treats the skin with botanical extracts, including BHA-rich willow bark to help loosen up pore-clogging debris and cica to soothe,” she explains. “It also has a spatula to gently unclog any congestion.” Finally, the finishing serum helps to further improve the appearance of large pores with tea tree, plump up skin with hydrating sodium PCA and sodium hyaluronate, and quell any redness with more cica.

“I’d say that these were one of the most interesting blackhead strips that I’ve ever tested—mainly because they required a three-step system. The strips don’t physically pull out blackheads, nor do they have any sort of hydrocolloid effect on the skin. While I did find the three-step system effective, I feel like it would have worked better for me if I had placed a hot or warm washcloth on my nose area either before step one or before step two, just to open up my pores a bit more for easier extraction,” says Glamour contributor Daley Quinn.

Best for Smoothing Texture: Peace Out Pores Nose and Face Strips

• Pros: Targets blackheads while smoothing and firming skin with retinol
• Cons: Retinol may irritate sensitive skin types; pricey compared to others on this list

These strips are unique in that they feature a popular anti-aging ingredient—retinol. “These hydrocolloid patches feature a form of retinol, one of the best ingredients for treating acne (including blackheads), as well as collagen-stimulating DMAE to help firm up skin, making pores appear smaller and less dilated,” says Dr. Yadav. One thing to note is that retinoids can sometimes be irritating for sensitive and dry skin, so use with caution.

“I really enjoyed these pore-clearing strips thanks to their pliable material and the way they pulled out some gunk that was really deep in my skin. These strips are pretty comfortable to wear as well, not overly stiff and easy to manipulate around your nose and tuck into crevices. My skin definitely looked a lot clearer and felt supersoft after application, though it was a bit red for a while. I would recommend these for those dealing with stubborn blackheads, but if you have sensitive skin, it’s best to probably avoid them,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Patchology On The Nose Gunk-Absorbing Hydrocolloid Nose Strips

• Pros: Great for breakout-prone skin
• Cons: Better for prevention than instant removal

Not only does this pick contain hydrocolloid, but it also features other acne-fighting ingredients too. “These are deep-cleansing pore strips from a solid skin care brand harnessing hydrocolloid technology with the addition of salicylic acid and tea tree oil to banish the bacteria and absorb oil and fluid for a clear, gunk-free nose,” says O’Connor.

“I was hesitant to try a pore strip because of my experience with the harsh ones from my teen years, but these Patchology strips were so gentle on my skin. I wore it overnight, and it didn’t bother me at all while I slept. When I removed it in the morning, I noticed my nose seemed so much more clear. I wish I had a better-quality camera to show the difference, but trust me, it really works,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.

Best Drugstore: Starface Lift Off Pore Strips

• Pros: Affordable; easy to use; giftable
• Cons: Contains alcohol which might be drying on the skin

If you’re shopping for a blackhead strip at your local Walmart or drugstore, we highly recommend reaching for these Lift Off Pore Strips. They have witch hazel to help decrease redness and inflammation, plus allantoin to hydrate and soothe the skin. They’re also perhaps the cutest strips on this list—and would even make a great gift for the teen girl in your life who’s just starting to dip her toe into skincare.