Let’s be honest: blackheads happen to all of us. That’s simply a fact of life. However, some of us just can’t handle seeing those pore-clogging plugs. That being said, there’s always something you can do about it. In recent years, pore strips have gained a lot of popularity—so much so that Nivea, one of the best cosmetic products companies, came out with their own pore strips.
But which are the best pore strips on the market? Well, luckily for you, I’ve compiled a list of several products, ranging from cheap to expensive.
Before we get to the best pore strips on the market, though, let’s explain how they work. Simply put, pore strips contain ingredients that, when mixed with water, create a dense, glue-like adhesive. The pore strip then hardens as it dries, and the adhesive collects the top layer of your dead skin cells, including dirt, oil, and, of course, blackheads. In a way, pore strips help you clean the surface area of the skin.
Are pore strips harmful?
First things first: pore strips clean the surface area of your nose. But that’s it. Don’t expect deep cleansing from pore strips, but you will definitely feel that your nose is smoother and appears cleaner.
However, there are some claims that pore strips cause irritation and that they can break capillaries. Some dermatologists will tell you that’s not true, but some do believe it. The reality is that pore strips “don’t adhere tightly enough to induce the degree of force necessary to interfere with blood vessels.” That means there’s no risk of breaking capillaries.
However, pore strips can cause breakouts when used incorrectly. For example, one incorrect way to use pore strips is to forget to wash the adhesive residue.
So let’s take a look at the best pore strips on the market.
Mefactory 3-Step Collagen Pig Nose Strips
We can put these pore strips in the middle of the price range category. You can find them for $13 on Amazon. These pores use a three-step system that takes care of all the blackheads on your nose. The strip heats up your pores for 15 minutes, and then the second layer pulls up blackheads for 10 minutes. All that’s left is the third step, which is a pore-tightening essence strip that you need to leave on for 5 minutes.
Tonymoly Seedless Strawberry Seeds Nose Pack
This is another three-step pore strip system. And no, they don’t taste like strawberries. They’re not for eating. Tonymoly’s strips cost $13 as well, and they follow a similar system. It works by cleansing clogged pores first, removing skin impurities second, and finishing with a pore-tightening strip. If you suffer from clogged pores, this might be the product for you.
The Face Shop Volcanic Clay Blackhead Aloe Nose Strip
We’re moving into the less expensive category here. These pore strips cost only $9, and they’re able to pull dirt, oil, and blackheads out of your pores. Inexpensive and fantastic, they work well in just 10 minutes. We all know clay is great for your skin, so give them a try.
Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
Another inexpensive product, you can find these for just $8. If that’s not a good enough reason to try them, let me give you another one: history and tradition. Bioré has been on the market for as long as one can remember, dating back to the late 90s.
LuckyFine Blackhead Remover
Think of it as a pore strip for your entire face. Yes, you heard that right. You can use this blackhead remover anywhere on your face, not just on your nose. And it costs just $8. You can use the remover twice a week, and you’ll notice beautiful results.
Formula 10.0.6 Down to the Pore Blackhead Banishing Strips
One of the cheapest, best pore strips on the market, these strips cost just $6 per pack. They contain tea tree oil, making the product even better for your skin (tea tree oil helps with irritation that might occur). They might not pull out as much as other products, but they get the job done.
Boscia Pore Purifying Black Strips
Boscia’s formula comes with the addition of charcoal powder, helping your skin to detox. You’ll be able to completely remove oil and sebum from your skin. The only downside is the price: $28 per pack.
Nature Republic Blackhead Clear Nose Pack
You get 30 pieces in one pack for $24. I call that a great deal. Use them three times per week, and you have enough material for eight weeks (two months). They get the job done, and in addition to removing blackheads, they remove dead skin that has accumulated at the sides of your nose.
Dewytree Blackhead Out Nose Patch
Made with volcanic ash and charcoal extracts, these pore strips cost $11. They will clear your clogged pores in just 15 minutes.
Boots Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Nose Pore Strips
We’re now at the least expensive, best pore strips you can find. For a price of only $4, these are perfect for irritated, sensitive skin. With tea tree oil and witch hazel, these strips make sure you feel refreshed after removing them.
Benefit the POREfessional Pore Minimizing Masks
The name is catchy, and they work really well. You don’t have to wet your face before application (yes, you need a clean face, but that’s just a standard requirement). The price might be a little steep at $32, but these strips pull out the most blackheads. You might even be surprised how many blackheads you’ll see on the strip!
Nivea Visage Clear-Up Strips
I mentioned at the beginning that pore strips have become so popular that even Nivea has made one. Well, it’s only fitting that we finish off the best pore strips list with Nivea’s product. The cleansing strips from Nivea cost $14, falling into the middle price range. Nivea offers various sized strips, so you can find one for your nose and some for your entire face as well.