The best blackhead removers and pore vacuums, tested on 65 congested noses

“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.

“While the concept of removing impurities may seem beneficial, the problem with pore vacuums is that pores are delicate structures. Overuse or excessive suction can cause trauma to the skin, potentially leading to bruising, broken capillaries and irritation. In individuals with darker skin tones, this trauma can increase the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), while those with rosacea-prone skin may experience worsening redness and sensitivity.

“Another concern is that repeated mechanical stress on the pores may lead to their enlargement over time. As we age or accumulate sun damage, the natural support structures of the skin – such as collagen and elastin – begin to weaken, making pores appear larger. Using devices that place additional mechanical stress on the pores could accelerate this process, making them more prominent rather than smaller in the long run.

“Pores are essential structures in the skin that serve as openings for sweat and oil to reach the surface,” explains Dr Thompson. “There are two main types: sweat gland pores and sebaceous (oil) gland pores. Sweat gland pores are connected to eccrine sweat glands, which play a role in regulating body heat by releasing sweat directly onto the skin’s surface. These pores don’t become clogged in the same way as oil-producing pores.

“Sebaceous pores are part of a unit, which includes a hair follicle and an attached sebaceous gland. These pores release sebum (oil), which is essential for maintaining the skin’s barrier, preventing dehydration, and offering mild antibacterial protection. These are the ones that get congested on our T-zones.

“Sebum naturally collects within these sebaceous pores and, in some individuals, may be more visible in the form of sebaceous filaments. These are often mistaken for blackheads but are not the same. Sebaceous filaments are a normal feature of the skin, helping to transport sebum from the sebaceous gland to the skin’s surface. Unlike blackheads, which result from clogged pores and oxidised debris, sebaceous filaments don’t represent a blockage and will always replenish after removal. Extracting them is temporary and does not prevent them from reforming.”

“Pore vacuums are devices that use suction to extract oil, dead skin cells, dirt and other debris from sebaceous pores,” Dr Thompson explains. “Pores can become clogged when excess sebum, dead skin cells and environmental pollutants accumulate inside them. This is particularly common in individuals with oily or acne-prone skin, where natural skin cell shedding may be disrupted, leading to blockages. These blockages can result in blackheads, whiteheads, or more inflammatory forms of acne such as papules, pustules and nodules.

“Pore vacuums aim to address clogged pores by using negative pressure to suction out debris, providing a short-term improvement in the appearance of congestion. However, they don’t prevent clogged pores from returning, as they don’t regulate oil production or address the underlying causes of congestion.”

Want a blackhead-beating skincare routine? We've also tested the best retinol serums, shortlisted the best SPFs for your face, and found the best niacinamide serums.

“The effects of pore vacuums are temporary,” Thompson tells us. “While they can remove surface debris and provide an immediate improvement in the appearance of clogged pores, they don’t address the underlying causes of congestion, such as excess oil production or irregular skin cell turnover (one of the root causes of acne).

“Since the skin continuously produces sebum and sheds dead skin cells, pores can become clogged again within a few days, meaning regular use would be needed to maintain results.”

“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.”