When it comes to skin problems, blackheads and acne are often at the top of the list. These common skin concerns affect people of all ages and skin types. While they can be frustrating, there's good news: the right cleanser can make a huge difference. Before we look at the most effective products, it's important to understand why these problems arise in the first place—and how consistent cleansing restores clear skin.

Understanding the causes of blackheads and acne

Blackheads and acne are usually caused by clogged pores . When the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, it mixes with dead skin cells and blocks the pores. When this blockage is exposed to air, it oxidizes and forms a blackhead. In other cases, bacteria such as C. acnes multiply in the clogged pore, leading to inflammation and pimples. External factors like dirt and pollution can further exacerbate the problem.

Top recommendations for skin prone to blackheads

If you regularly struggle with stubborn blackheads, a cleanser with BHA (salicylic acid) or other pore-cleansing ingredients can revolutionize your routine. These three products are particularly recommended:

• Arencia Fresh Green Rice Mochi Cleanser – A gentle yet thorough cleansing foam with rice and green tea extract. It soothes the skin, removes residue, and is particularly suitable for combination to oily skin with clogged pores.
• COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid – A cult favorite with salicylic acid that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve build-up. It can also be used as a toner, leaving skin with a smoother, more refined appearance.
• Medicube Zero Pore SA Clear Capsule Cleansing Foam – Formulated with salicylic acid and microfine cleansing capsules, this foam targets blocked pores directly. Particularly effective against blackheads on the nose and chin.

The best cleansers for acne-prone skin

Acne-prone skin needs products that reduce inflammation while gently exfoliating. Overly harsh formulas can weaken the skin barrier – so choosing the right one is crucial. These cleansers impress with their balanced formula:

• Somebymi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam – With a combination of three exfoliating acids, this cleanser promotes cell renewal, reduces impurities and brightens the complexion – without drying out the skin.
• Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam – Formulated with heartleaf extract, it soothes irritation and deeply cleanses pores. A gentle yet effective solution for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
• Celimax The Real Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser – A refreshing foaming cleanser with noni extract, known for its antioxidant and soothing properties. It removes impurities, regulates sebum, and prevents new breakouts – without drying out the skin.

Build a routine for clearer skin

Choosing the right cleanser is just the first step towards healthy skin. Products with BHA and pore-cleansing ingredients are particularly effective for blackheads, while acne-prone skin benefits from formulas with anti-inflammatory and barrier-strengthening properties. For persistent or severe cases, it's advisable to consult a dermatologist.

What comes next?

This concludes our guide to the best cleansers for blackheads and acne . Stay tuned – in the next blog post, we'll introduce you to the best cleansers for oily and dry skin , so you can find the perfect skincare for your skin type.