How to get rid of blackheads on your nose (safely)
Short answer: Blackheads on the nose are pores clogged with oil and dead skin cells that turn dark when exposed to air. The most reliable way to clear them is a salicylic acid (BHA) product used consistently, a clay mask once or twice a week and a thorough evening cleanse. Nose strips and pore vacuums give a quick, temporary clean-out, but they don’t stop new blackheads from forming.
Key takeaways
- Blackheads are oxidized oil plugs, not dirt, so scrubbing harder won’t fix them.
- Many “blackheads” on the nose are actually sebaceous filaments, which always refill.
- BHA, clay masks and retinoids work long-term; strips and vacuums work instantly but temporarily.
- Don’t squeeze: it can inflame the pore and leave marks.
In this article
What causes blackheads on the nose?
Your nose has more oil glands than most of your face. When oil (sebum) and dead skin cells build up inside a pore, they form a plug. If the pore stays open, the top of that plug reacts with air and darkens. That is a blackhead, or “open comedone.” It isn’t dirt, which is why scrubbing harder doesn’t fix it.
Blackheads or sebaceous filaments?
Many “blackheads” on the nose are actually sebaceous filaments: small gray or tan dots that sit flat in the pore and refill within a few days after you clear them. They are a normal part of how skin moves oil to the surface. You can make them less visible, but you can’t remove them permanently. True blackheads are darker, slightly raised and stay put until the plug is cleared.
7 ways to get rid of blackheads on your nose
1. Cleanse thoroughly every evening
An oil cleanser dissolves sebum and sunscreen before your regular face wash. Try the Centella Cleansing Oil, then follow with a gentle foaming cleanser. See our guide on how to use a cleansing oil.
2. Use salicylic acid (BHA)
BHA is oil-soluble, so it can work inside the pore to loosen plugs. A cleanser, toner or pad used a few times a week is enough to start.
3. Add a clay mask 1–2 times a week
Clay absorbs excess oil from the surface and leaves pores looking clearer.
Weekly clay mask
A deep-cleansing clay mask for all skin types. Also try the Pore Cleaning Mud Mask with AHA, BHA and PHA.
4. Consider a retinoid
Retinoids such as adapalene help keep pores from clogging over time. In some countries adapalene is available without a prescription; elsewhere, ask a pharmacist or doctor.
5. Use nose strips or a peel-off mask occasionally
They lift the top of the plug for an instant result. They work best after a warm shower, no more than once a week. The Bamboo Charcoal Peel-Off Mask is an alternative to strips.
6. Try a pore vacuum carefully
An electric blackhead remover can lift loosened plugs. Start on the lowest suction and keep the device moving.
At-home extraction
A facial pore vacuum. Always start on the lowest setting.
7. Stop squeezing
Pressing with fingers or metal tools can push debris deeper, cause inflammation and leave marks.
Darcy tip: Use strips, peel-off masks or a pore vacuum right after a warm shower. Warmth softens the plug, so it lifts out more easily with less pulling.
Which method works best?
| Method | How it works | How often | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salicylic acid (BHA) | Loosens plugs inside the pore | 3–7 times a week | Gradual, long-term |
| Clay mask | Absorbs surface oil | 1–2 times a week | Less shine, clearer-looking pores |
| Retinoid | Helps prevent new clogs | Nightly, once tolerated | Gradual, long-term |
| Nose strips / peel-off mask | Pulls out the top of the plug | Once a week at most | Instant, temporary |
| Pore vacuum | Suction lifts loosened plugs | Once a week at most | Instant, temporary |
Do pore vacuums work?
Pore vacuums can remove loosened blackheads, especially after a warm shower or oil cleanse. They don’t prevent new ones. Used too strongly or held in one spot, they can cause bruising or small broken blood vessels. Use the lowest setting, glide the tip across the skin and skip them if you have rosacea, very thin skin or active breakouts.
Do nose strips work?
Nose strips remove the top part of blackheads and some sebaceous filaments, so your nose looks smoother right away. The effect is temporary because pores refill within days. Use them on clean, dry skin, no more than once a week, and avoid them on irritated or sunburned skin.
How long does it take to clear blackheads?
With a consistent BHA and cleansing routine, most people notice fewer blackheads after 4–6 weeks. Retinoids can take 8–12 weeks. Quick fixes like strips and vacuums work instantly but need repeating.
See every option in our Blackhead Removers collection.
Frequently asked questions
Why do blackheads keep coming back?
Your skin keeps producing oil and shedding cells, so pores refill. Ongoing use of BHA or a retinoid helps keep them clear; one-off extractions don’t.
Does toothpaste get rid of blackheads?
No. Toothpaste isn’t made for skin and can cause irritation and dryness. Stick to products formulated for the face.
Does steam open your pores?
Pores don’t open and close. Warmth softens the oil plug, which makes it easier for a mask, strip or vacuum to lift it.
Is it bad to squeeze blackheads?
Squeezing can push debris deeper, inflame the pore and leave marks or scars. Gentle chemical exfoliation is safer.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology. Adult acne: tips for managing.
- WebMD. Blackhead treatment.
This article is for general information only and isn’t medical advice. Always patch test new products, and talk to a dermatologist or doctor about persistent or painful skin concerns.