Top 10 Best BHA Exfoliants for Blackheads (2026)
Hand-picked list of the best BHA exfoliants for blackheads to unclog pores, smooth texture, and minimize congestion.
Top 10 BHA Exfoliants
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid – 4% Betaine Salicylate
Lightweight leave-on exfoliant with 4% betaine salicylate that targets blackheads by dissolving excess oil and compacted debris inside pores. Ideal for oily or acne-prone skin that needs effective but gentle, gradual exfoliation.
- 4% betaine salicylate clears pores and helps prevent new blackheads
- Hydrating, low-irritation formula suits beginners and sensitive skin
- Results build gradually (several weeks of consistent use needed)
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Classic 2% salicylic acid liquid that quickly softens clogs, smooths texture, and visibly tightens enlarged pores. Best for normal to oily skin that can tolerate potent daily BHA.
- High-performing 2% salicylic acid for noticeable pore reduction
- Fragrance-free leave-on treatment for oily, breakout-prone skin
- Can feel strong or drying on very sensitive skin
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Minimalist 2% salicylic acid solution that helps decongest pores and smooth rough, blemish-prone areas. Great choice if you want a focused BHA step at a low entry cost.
- Budget-friendly way to add a true 2% BHA to your routine
- Simple formula that layers easily with most hydrating serums and moisturisers
- Can feel drying if your skin is already dehydrated or compromised
Paula’s Choice Clear Extra Strength 2% BHA Exfoliant
Intensive 2% salicylic acid exfoliant developed for frequent breakouts, blackheads, and congested T-zones. Designed for those who need strong but still leave-on pore decongestion in a fluid format.
- Targets active acne and blackheads at the same time
- Lightweight texture that fits easily under moisturiser and sunscreen
- May be too intense if your skin is dry, thin, or easily irritated
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Pore-Refining Serum
Multi-acid serum that combines BHA with other exfoliating acids to refine uneven texture and visible pores. Works well if you want more complete resurfacing than a single-ingredient BHA.
- Addresses blackheads, congestion, and roughness in one step
- Backed by a derm-brand known for oily and acne-prone skin care
- Multi-acid approach may be too strong when combined with other actives
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Gentle mist toner with low-level acids designed to keep pores clearer between stronger BHA sessions. Best as a daily maintenance step for slightly congested skin rather than deep blackhead removal alone.
- Very light exfoliation that suits simple, everyday routines
- Mist format makes it quick to cover larger congested areas
- Too mild as the only treatment if you have deep, persistent blackheads
medicube Zero Pore Clear Blue
Rinse-off foaming cleanser with salicylic acid that helps lift excess oil and loosen pore buildup. Ideal as a supporting product if you prefer washing off your BHA rather than using leave-on toners.
- Easy to slot into existing routines as a second-step cleanse
- Short contact time can feel more comfortable than leave-on acids for beginners
- Less intensive pore clearing than leave-on BHA products
Gentle K-Beauty BHA Serum (Low-Strength)
Low-strength BHA serum inspired by Korean skincare that combines soothing extracts with mild exfoliation. Good for BHA beginners who mainly want to refine texture and keep pores clearer over time.
- Gentle blend that balances light exfoliation with hydration
- Layers well under moisturiser and daily sunscreen
- Lower strength means slower progress on very clogged pores
Pre-Soaked BHA Exfoliating Pads
Convenient pads pre-soaked with BHA solution for wiping across blackhead-prone zones like nose, chin, and forehead. Best for quick, travel-friendly pore maintenance between full routines.
- Pre-measured pads make application fast and consistent
- Great option for on-the-go T-zone touch-ups
- Often more expensive per use compared with bottled liquids
BHA + Niacinamide Pore Refining Serum
Serum pairing salicylic acid with niacinamide to address blackheads, visible pores, and uneven tone at once. Works well if you want to streamline texture, pore, and brightness care into a single step.
- Combines exfoliation and brightening in one product
- Niacinamide supports smoother, more even-looking skin tone
- Multiple actives can be too much when layered with other strong serums
Compare the Top BHA Exfoliants
| Product | Strength | Best for | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid | 4% betaine salicylate | Oily & sensitive blackhead-prone skin | Amazon |
| Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid | 2% salicylic acid | Stubborn blackheads & enlarged pores | Amazon |
| The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% | 2% salicylic acid | Budget-friendly blemish care | Amazon |
| Paula’s Choice Clear Extra Strength | 2% salicylic acid | Breakout-prone, oily skin | Amazon |
| La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum | BHA + other acids | Texture & pore refinement | Amazon |
| COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Toner | Low-level AHA/BHA | Daily maintenance exfoliation | Amazon |
| Medicube Zero Pore Clear Blue | Up to 2% salicylic acid | BHA in cleansing step | Amazon |
| Gentle K-Beauty BHA Serum | Low-strength BHA | BHA beginners & maintenance | Amazon |
| Pre-Soaked BHA Exfoliating Pads | BHA pads (1–2%) | Quick T-zone swipe | Amazon |
| BHA + Niacinamide Pore Serum | BHA + niacinamide | Pores & tone together | Amazon |
Click any column header to sort. Prices update in real-time via Amazon affiliate links.
BHA Exfoliant FAQ
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BHA (usually salicylic acid or betaine salicylate) is oil-soluble and penetrates pores to dissolve sebum and debris that forms blackheads. Regular use also slows re-clogging, making it ideal for nose and T-zone congestion.
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Start 2-3 times weekly, increasing if tolerated. Always pair with moisturizer and sunscreen to prevent dryness or sensitivity. Monitor your skin and adjust frequency as needed.
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Yes, with gentler forms like betaine salicylate at lower strengths. Patch test first, hydrate well, and avoid combining with other strong exfoliants like retinoids or AHAs.
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BHA (salicylic acid) is oil-soluble and works inside pores to clear blackheads. AHA (glycolic, lactic) is water-soluble and works on surface exfoliation for smoother texture. Use both strategically but not together daily.