10 Best Products To Unclog Pores

Achieving a healthy and glowing complexion doesn’t have to be daunting, even if clogged pores are a common problem experienced by millions of people.

When equipped with the right products, you can easily banish clogged pores and prevent breakouts down the line.

Therefore, in this article, I will walk you through the ten best skincare products formulated to unclog pores and eliminate acne.

It’s simpler than you might imagine, and with consistent use, you’ll be on your way to clear and radiant skin in no time. 

10 Best Products for Clogged Pores

Paula’s Choice – Regular Strength 2% Salicylic Acid

Best for oily, acne-prone skin.

The Paula’s Choice Regular Strength 2% Salicylic Acid Solution is perfect for oily skin that deals with mild to moderate acne breakouts.

It has a pleasant and lightweight texture that sinks into the skin instantly, leaving a slightly mattified complexion behind, and is generally well tolerated by all skin types.

In addition to salicylic acid, it also contains green tea extract, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making this product an excellent option for addressing clogged pores, inflamed acne, and redness. 

Paula’s Choice – Pore-Refining Treatment 2% BHA + Hyaluronic Acid

Best for all skin types.

The Paula’s Choice Pore-Refining Treatment 2% BHA + Hyaluronic Acid is another excellent option for unclogging pores and improving skin texture.

This product combines the exfoliating power of salicylic acid with the hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin.

It also contains soothing licorice extract and panthenol, as well as moisturizing allantoin and cell-communicating peptides that help refine rough and bumpy skin texture and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting healthy skin cell turnover.

Lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin, this product is perfect for anyone looking to keep clogged pores at bay. 

COSRX – AHA + BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

Best for all skin types.

The COSRX AHA+BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner is one of the best affordable exfoliating treatments for clogged pores out there.

The toner is packed with gentle exfoliating and hydrating ingredients, and there is a little bit of everything in here, including alpha-hydroxy acids derived from fruits, as well as a milder form of salicylic acid known as betaine salicylate.

Additionally, it has no shortage of hydrating ingredients, including allantoin and skin-soothing panthenol.

Through consistent use of this toning solution, you will definitely enjoy a brighter, more radiant, and clearer complexion. 

Dr. Dennis Gross – Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel

Best for stubborn clogged pores.

If you’re struggling with stubborn and persistent clogged pores, the Dr. Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel is a game-changer.

This two-step peel treatment contains a powerful combination of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), including glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid.

Together, these acids work to exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The peel also contains anti-aging ingredients like retinol and resveratrol to promote cellular turnover and enhance overall skin health.

It is a more intensive treatment, so it may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin, but for anyone looking to combat stubborn clogged pores and improve the overall texture of their skin, this product is worth trying.

Replenix – Gly-Sal 5-2 Pads

Best for all skin types.

The Replenix Gly-Sal 5-2 Pads are an excellent option for those with combination skin that deals with clogged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads.

These pre-soaked pads contain both glycolic acid and salicylic acid to gently exfoliate the skin and unclog pores, while witch hazel helps to control excess oil production.

They also contain antioxidants like green tea and hydrating urea to nourish and protect the skin while keeping it clear and smooth.

These pads are perfect for on-the-go use, making them easy to incorporate into your daily skincare routine.

Medik8 – Press & Clear

Best for sensitive skin.

If you have sensitive skin but still want an effective product for unclogging pores, the Medik8 Press & Clear is a great option.

This gentle exfoliating tonic contains gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that effectively removes dead skin cells without causing irritation like other exfoliating acids can.

It also contains glycerin, a skin-identical ingredient that helps hydrate and retain moisture in the skin.

Additionally, it is infused with soothing aloe vera juice to calm and reduce redness, making it perfect for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

Glytone – Rejuvenating Mini Peel Gel

Best for mature skin and clogged pores.

The Glytone Rejuvenating Mini Peel Gel is an excellent option for those looking to gently exfoliate and unclog pores without any harsh ingredients.

It contains 10% glycolic acid, which helps to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and unclog pores by breaking down dead skin cells.

The formula is also enriched with a few hydrating components; however, it only has six ingredients, so it’s primarily focused on its main active.

This means that while effective, the Rejuvenating Mini Peel Gel must be used as part of a complete skincare routine, especially one that contains a nourishing moisturizer that would prevent dryness and irritation.

Vivant Skin Care – 8% Mandelic Acid Serum

Best for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

The Vivant Skin Care 8% Mandelic Acid Serum is a gentle yet effective treatment for clogged pores, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Mandelic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from almonds that has larger molecules than other AHAs, making it less irritating to the skin.

It helps unclog pores, reduces the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation, and improves overall skin texture.

The serum also contains niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as urea, a humectant that helps hydrate and retain moisture in the skin.

Together, these ingredients gently exfoliate and nourish the skin, making it an excellent option for those with clogged pores and sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Vivant Skin Care – Derm-A-Gel

Best for oily, acne-prone skin.

The Vivant Skin Care Derm-A-Gel is a gentle yet effective retinoid for oily, acne-prone skin prone to clogged pores and breakouts.

It contains vitamin A Propionate, a vitamin A derivative that helps promote healthy skin cell turnover and unclog pores by preventing the build-up of dead skin cells.

Additionally, the serum also contains lactic acid, niacinamide, and urea, which work together to exfoliate, nourish, and hydrate the skin while reducing the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation.

This product is perfect for those with oily, acne-prone skin or retinoid beginners looking to unclog pores and improve overall skin texture without causing excessive dryness or irritation.

iS Clinical – Active Peel Treatment System

Best for deep cleaning and severely clogged pores.

For those dealing with severely clogged pores, stubborn blackheads, whiteheads, and acne, the iS Clinical Active Peel Treatment System is an intense yet highly effective option.

This professional-grade peel treatment utilizes a blend of powerful acids, including salicylic acid and glycolic acid, as well as natural fruit and sugar acids and enzymes that deeply exfoliate the skin and unclog pores.

It also contains antioxidants, vitamins, and hydrating ingredients to nourish and protect the skin while promoting overall health.

This treatment is best done at a professional skincare clinic with an experienced aesthetician to ensure proper application and safety. However, it can also be used as part of a regular skincare routine for those dealing with severe clogged pores and acne.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clogged Pores

Why Do You Get Blocked Pores?

Blocked pores are primarily caused by the overproduction of sebum, a natural oil secreted by the sebaceous glands in your skin.

This oil, combined with dead skin cells and other cellular debris, can clog the pores, leading to various skin issues such as acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Do Clogged Pores Go Away On Their Own?

Clogged pores won’t go away on their own and will likely turn into inflamed acne if not addressed with the right skincare routine.

What Do Clogged Pores Look Like?

When mildly clogged, pores look dull, making your complexion appear sallowy and discolored.

Additionally, clogged pores always result in blackheads, whiteheads, and everything from mild to moderate and severe acne breakouts. 

How Do You Get Rid Of Deep Clogged Pores?

To unclog blocked pores, you need a good skincare routine that consists of properly formulated products, but the two most important items you need to pay attention to are a cleanser and an exfoliator.

What Products Unclog Pores?

The best products for clogged pores are those that contain active ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids.

These ingredients work to dissolve excess oil and dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. 

How Can I Permanently Shrink My Pores?

While it’s impossible to permanently shrink pores, their appearance can be minimized through a consistent skincare routine and regular exfoliation, which helps balance oil production and prevents pore-enlarging debris accumulation.