You’re just a person, standing in front of the mirror, asking your blackheads to vanish – no biggie, right?

Well, when you have a box of pore strips handy, it really is no problem. And though it can feel as painful as getting a wax done, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing your used pore strip – and your clear, blackhead-free nose looking squeaky clean.

The thing is, if you’ve used a pore strip before, you’re probably wondering if they actually do what they claim to, which ones are the best to use, and how often you should even be using them on your face.

Let's peel back the layers on pore strips and get to the truth behind this blackhead removal method.

Do Pore Strips Work?

You may have heard that pore strips effectively pull out dirt and oil from your pores, but do they really work? The simple answer is yes! Pore strips can be a great option if you’re looking for immediate blackhead removal. They’re not 100% effective, but they will pull out some of that pesky buildup that causes blackheads in the first place.

We all know that our pores secrete sebum as part of our bodies’ natural moisturizing process. But sometimes, too much sebum can get trapped inside our pores, causing them to become blocked and inflamed. This can result in acne breakouts when infected material begins to push out through the follicle opening (pores). In addition to dead skin cells and other debris, this substance contains bacteria that react with oxygen while attempting escape, resulting in its dark coloration we associate with blackheads.

Pore Strips Before and After

@beautybay We felt this one ???????? @sheryl.lopez61 #porestrip #porestripremoval ♬ original sound – BEAUTY BAY

This pore strip before and after is so oddly satisfying! We know that gross pore strips are just one of those things we all can’t look away from sometimes, and thanks to dermatology pros like Dr. Pimple Popper, these are all over TikTok and YouTube. This is a great example of how much can be pulled out of your nose and how effective a pore strip can be!

@abbeyyung Not sponsored- gifted in PR from@Hero Cosmetics #porestrips #hydrocolloidpatch #spottreatment #breakouts ♬ QUEEN x LIZZO – Mariah Amato

Here’s another oddly satisfying video that gives you a glimpse of some used pore strips, and how effective chin pore strips before and after can be! These are hydrocolloid patches that are less painful to remove and abrasive than regular pore strips and are made from a soft jelly-like pad that helps heal. The hydrocolloid patch draws the contents of your pores, leaving a satisfying layer of gunk behind on the strip when you pull it away.

8 Best Pore Strips

There are plenty of different brands of pore strips on the market, but not all of them work equally well. Some leave your skin more irritated, while others don’t eliminate a satisfying amount of gunk. To help you find the right one for your needs, we’ve put together this list of our picks for the best pore strips.

1. Biore Pore Strips

If you’ve ever used a pore strip, it’s pretty safe to say it was probably a Biore pore strip. A mainstay for teens looking to banish blackheads as much as a classic cult favorite, Biore knows their stuff and offers several solutions for clearing your pores out via strips. They use different formulations to target different problems and are the perfect thing to keep in your bathroom when a bout of clogged pores strikes.

Some of the pore strips in their lineup include Biore charcoal pore strips, Biore witch hazel pore strips, and other options, as outlined in the table below.

Type	What It’s Best For
Biore Witch Hazel Pore Strips	These strips contain witch hazel, which tightens pores and is astringent, removing blackheads on nose, refining pores, and preventing future breakouts.
Biore Charcoal Deep Cleansing Pore Strips	The natural ingredients in these charcoal Biore pore strips clean deep-down dirt, oil, and blackheads, leaving skin less oily and fresh-feeling.
Biore Pore Strips Original	The original in Biore’s pore strip line up removes deep-down dirt to reduce the appearance of pores and provide a deep clean.
Biore Face Deep Cleansing Pore Strips	When you want to remove dirt and clogged pores from other areas of your face than your nose, you need a strip that fits! These Biore pore strips are designed to be used on your forehead, nose, chin, or other areas where you have blackheads.

2. Lanbena Pore Strips

Looking for a slightly different take on the classic pore strip? Check out Lanbena nose plants pore strips. These are a little different from some of the other options on this list in that you apply a blackhead mask like product to your nose rather than a pre-applied strip.

How exactly do Lanbena pore strips work? Suggested steps for application are as follows:

1. Make sure to wash your face thoroughly.
2. Apply a thin layer of the mask to your nose or T-zone.
3. While it is still wet and slightly tacky, press the sheet of paper into your skin.
4. Let it dry for five to ten minutes before peeling off.

The benefit of this product is that it lasts for a long time, and the jar can go on and on, according to reviewers. The one drawback is that you’ll have to restock your papers sooner than later, and it can be annoying to have to follow a multi-step application process. That said, the results are definitely worth it for many reviewers.

3. Peace Out Pore Strips

Say ‘peace out’ to your clogged pores and blackheads with these cute pore strips! These two-in-one strips absorb oil from the nose and pores using absorptive hydrocolloid polymer technology. They’re lauded on TikTok and Instagram, and for a good reason. Vitamin A and DMAE, among other ingredients, help refine skin texture and minimize future pore blockages.

Reviewers love the results they can get from Peace Out Pore Strips but do note that they end up on the pricier end of things compared to other products in this category.

4. Starface Pore Strips

Get ready to take your pores to new heights with Starface’s Lift Off Pore Strips. Not only is the packaging and product itself totally Instagrammable and cute AF, but this product really works! You’ll love that blackheads are instantly freed by gently removing dirt and oil from pores. With calming aloe vera extract and inflammation-reducing witch hazel, these strips are easy on your skin and don’t harm your natural moisture barrier.

Reviewers mention that these are a 5-star product, but it’s imperative to ensure your face is wet enough when you use them. Otherwise, it leaves your face covered in dry chalky residue at the end or doesn’t peel off properly.

5. Charcoal Pore Strips Livaclean

With 60 strips per box, this is a great deal for pore strip enthusiasts and budget-conscious ballers alike! Charcoal acts as a magnet to lift stubborn buildup from the skin with these Livaclean Charcoal Pore Strips, which are twice the size of the competition. Cleanse your pores by removing dead skin cells and blackheads on your nose. Just apply, tear off and feel the freshness of clean pores.

We love the price of these strips for what you’re getting in the box, but some reviewers noted the residue left behind and overall lower quality than other strips they have tried.

6. Pilaten Blackhead Pore Strips

For fans of peel-off masks, Pilaten’s blackhead pore strip mask is a great option. With an easy-to-apply format of a gel-like mask, you can easily use this in more than one area on your face. You can apply it on your nose, forehead, T-zone, or whatever spot gives you problems.

You simply let the mask firm up, and then once it’s dry (you’ll know when your skin feels tight), peel it off and enjoy clean and fresh pores. And at an affordable price point, you can stock up on these pore strips.

7. Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch

Flex on your blackheads with this gentle hydrocolloid pore strip from Hero Cosmetics. While traditional pore strips can be kind of painful to remove and can sometimes be harmful to your skin’s natural barrier. In just six to eight hours, these patches absorb pore gunk and reduce the appearance of pimples and pores, making them more multi-purpose than other pore strips.

They are a little pricier than some other nose strips on this list, but the ability to use these on acne, pimples, and blackheads makes it worth it in our minds, as well as reviewers’.

8. Patchology Pore Strips Breakout Box

Talk about an all-in-one skin solution in a box!

Patchology Pore Strips Breakout Box is a 3-in-1 kit that includes:

• 3 Nose Pore Strips
• 24 Salicylic Acid Dots
• 24 Hydrocolloid Dots

This allows you to keep nose pores fresh and clean, as well as take care of pimples and other acne-prone skin problems at the same time, all in one kit. Reviewers tout the ability to clear acne and blackheads and love the convenience of an all-in-one kit. But keep in mind that this will set you back a few more dollars than other options, and many reviewers said that stopped them from repurchasing.

Pore Strips DIY

Sometimes you just don’t want to buy pore strips, and like any thrifty, crafty beauty lover, you’re looking for a way to DIY pore strips for yourself, right in the kitchen. These can be easy, cheap, and safe ways to remove built-up gunk and grime in your pores.

The thing is, while most of these are entirely safe ways to address blackheads, there are some drawbacks and warnings to keep in mind with these recipes. Review them in the table below.

Considerations	Why It Matter
Allergens	Some of these recipes use ingredients that are common allergens for many, such as milk and eggs. This may be an issue for some, so read carefully if you have any allergies.
Raw Ingredients	Raw ingredients like eggs are mostly fine but can be a source of foodborne illnesses like Salmonella, so you need to be careful while applying and washing off the pore strips.
Effectiveness	Unlike clinically formulated solutions from manufacturers, there is not necessarily a way to test the true efficacy of these DIY pore strips. And while anecdotally, you may notice benefits, we can’t guarantee anything in particular in terms of results.

Now we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get into how you can DIY pore strips yourself.

Gelatin And Milk Pore Strips

This option is easy to make and can help remove some blackheads from your nose.

You’ll need to grab the following for making your own gelatin and milk pore strips:

• 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
• 1 1/2 tablespoon milk (or plain yogurt)
• Microwave safe cup
• Flat makeup brush or popsicle stick

Here’s how to make gelatin and milk pore strips at home:

1. Pour the unflavored gelatin powder into a microwave-safe bowl. Then add milk and stir with a spoon or popsicle stick.
2. Put the mixture in your microwave and heat in 5-second increments. Stir for a few seconds between each burst.
3. Dip a makeup brush, popsicle stick, or clean finger into the gelatinous mixture and apply it to your nose or the area you want to target. The mixture should be warm, not hot when you’re applying the mask.
4. Wait 10 to 15 minutes for the solution to dry and firm up. Peel off the DIY pore strip gently and slowly.
5. Cleanse the area thoroughly with water and use a skincare routine that’s non-comedogenic afterward.

Egg Pore Strips

Looking for an even easier DIY pore strip, and one that requires just one ingredient and a few pieces of paper towel.

You’ll need to grab the following for making your own egg pore strips:

• 1-2 egg whites
• Paper towel, torn into strips about 4 inches by 2 inches in size

Now, to make these DIY egg pore strips, follow the steps below:

1. Whip your egg whites into a frothy mixture in a small bowl. There should be stiff peaks in the mixture when it’s ready.
2. Wash your face thoroughly before applying egg white to your nose or anywhere else you want blackheads extracted. Then, apply a thin layer of egg to your skin using a clean makeup brush or your fingers.
3. Place a piece of paper towel over the egg white. On top of the paper towel, apply a second layer of egg white.
4. Remove after 30 minutes by gently and slowly peeling.
5. If you have leftover residue on your face, rinse off and pat dry.

Honey and Sugar Pore Strips

Not only are both these ingredients delicious and perfect pantry staples, but they can do wonders for your pores.

You’ll need to grab the following for making your own honey and sugar pore strips:

• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup sugar

To make honey and sugar pore strips, follow these steps:

1. First, combine equal parts honey and sugar in a saucepan. Mix well over low heat.
2. Allow the mixture to cool for several minutes.
3. Let harden for at least 15 minutes in the desired area.
4. After peeling off the strip gently, rinse your face to remove residue.

Solve Your Pore-blems in a Strip

If you need to clear up your blackhead problem as quickly as possible, give pore strips a try. We recommend using pore strips no more than once per week and following up with regular skin care habits, like cleansing and exfoliating.

You can also try some DIY masks and solutions listed if you’re hoping for a cheap and easy option. Either way, we hope this has helped demystify the world of pore strips. Interested in how to get rid of blackheads in your ears? Read on to find out more.