Best overall
Paula's Choice
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
8.6Excellent
The cult 2% salicylic acid leave-on exfoliant: reliably unclogs pores and smooths texture, with irritation the main risk.
Toner5$37.00
Clarify · Breakouts
Clogged pores
8 products we review are built for clogged pores — 38% of them exfoliants & masks. The ingredients doing most of the work: salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid and phas. Most are made for combination skin, acne-prone skin and oily skin.
Breakouts, blackheads, oil and pores — the clear-skin department, minus the stripping.
Top rated
The clogged pores podium.
The ingredients behind it
Key actives in the products that deliver clogged pores — tap one for what it does and how strong the evidence is.
Often paired with
Benefits that tend to come along for the ride.
8 products
Every clogged pores pick.
8 products
Best overall
Differin
Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
8.3Great
The formerly prescription-only 0.1% adapalene gel, now OTC: a proven, inexpensive acne retinoid that demands patience through dryness.
Gel5
Derm favorite
CeraVe
Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
8.2Great
A 4% benzoyl peroxide wash cushioned with ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid — an easier-to-tolerate BPO cleanser for breakouts.
Cleanser4$17.99
Best value Trending
The Ordinary
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
8.1Great
The viral red 10-minute at-home peel: strong, cheap and effective on texture, but only for experienced, non-sensitive skin.
Peel5$9.50
Medik8
Crystal Retinal 6
7.9Good
A gentle, well-formulated 0.06% retinal night serum for regular vitamin A users, priced well above budget retinal alternatives.
Serum5$87.00
Viral Trending
Anua
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
7.7Good
The viral heartleaf cleansing oil: a light, rinse-clean first cleanse for makeup and sebum, but fragranced and breakout-prone for some.
Cleansing oil4$22.00
Best value Trending
COSRX
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
7.7Good
An inexpensive low-pH gel wash with a light lather and a tea-tree scent — a solid morning or second cleanse, not a makeup remover.
Cleanser4$14.00
Glow Recipe
Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
7.5Good
A hydrating, low-strength PHA + BHA toner that smooths and refines pores gently, at a premium price for its acid dose.
Toner5$36.00