Editor’s tip: The large treatment tip is perfect for sweeping over your face, cheeks, and jawline, while the smaller one gets into the nitty-gritty spots like your nose and chin.
Key ingredients (GloFacial Concentrate): salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | Fragrance-free: no
Best Face Exfoliator: Lancer The Method: Polish
Why we love it: When pores feel particularly clogged from excess oil, sweat, and grime, it’s time to break out (pun intended) the Lancer Skincare The Method: Polish. “I love that this formula combines physical and chemical exfoliants to gently clear clogged pores and excess oil,” says Dr. Cheung, who says that it’s gentle enough for daily use for most skin types. “The fine mineral crystals are environmentally friendly, while the fruit enzymes work to exfoliate without over-drying.”
Editor’s tip: The magnesium and sodium particles are perfectly the same shape and size, so you get a nice, even exfoliation without irritating the skin.
Key ingredients: pumpkin enzymes, pomegranate enzymes, magnesium, sodium | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Face Mask: Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask
Why we love it: Who says skin care can’t be fun? Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask has a lotion-like texture at first, but the moment it hits your skin, it bubbles up—like a little science experiment for your pores. “The fizzing action helps open pores, while sulfur fights bacteria and soothes skin, and kaolin clay absorbs excess oil,” says Dr. Cheung. “It’s also packed with calming botanicals to prevent irritation.” For most people, twice-weekly use will do the trick.
Editor’s tip: Sulfur fights off acne-causing bacteria while calming down redness and inflammation at the same time.
Key ingredients: sulfur, kaolin clay, peppermint oil | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Face Serum: Alastin Skincare Skin Renewal Retinol Face Serum
Why we love it: If you want a blackhead-clearing treatment that does more than just unclog pores, Alastin Skincare Skin Renewal Retinol Face Serum has you covered. It not only clears congestion but also boosts collagen, smooths fine lines, and evens out skin texture—basically, an overachiever in a bottle. “It speeds up cellular turnover, creating a fresh, smooth canvas and helping to stop blackheads before they even start,” says Dr. Khalifian. Most retinol products are all about exfoliation, but Alastin takes it a step further by pairing retinol with peptides and antioxidants to soothe, protect, and strengthen the skin. That means fewer breakouts, more glow, and less irritation.