I've Tried Everything, and These 5 Pore Strips Act Like a Magic Wand to Erase Blackheads
Buh-bye.

Jamie Schneider
This may sound controversial and ridiculous, but I have to admit that I'm not the biggest fan of pores. Yes, they're essential to live, but why must they be so large and in charge? My nose, in particular, is a big-pore paradise and ground zero for blackheads. The best nose strips act like little miracle workers, purging those blackheads and getting out all the gunk. (Gentle reminder: Pores cannot actually shrink, but good skincare can reduce their appearance.)
I'm old enough to remember when pore strips were the hottest thing, so they give me total late-'90s nostalgia. I vividly recall the first time I experienced that gross yet satisfying moment of peeling one off and examining the tiny forest of debris left behind. Pore strips get a bum rap sometimes, but when used correctly and sparingly, they can tackle clogged pores and oily buildup alongside a proper exfoliating routine.
Pore-strip technology has also improved over the years, including the options out there. There are ones that specifically target certain skin types or contain beneficial ingredients, and they available for budgets big and small. Ahead, you'll find a list of five pore strips that my big pores swear by plus expert insights from double-board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare Purvisha Patel, MD.
The Best Pore Strips at a Glance
- Best Overall: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose
- Best Budget: Starface Lift Off Pore Strips
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Peach Slices Nose Pore Patches
- Best for Oily Skin: Bioré Charcoal Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
- Best Multipurpose: Rael Miracle Patch Blackhead Control
The Best Pore Strips of 2025
1. Best Overall: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose



Pros: Traps gunk and absorbs oil overnight
Con: Some reviewers complain that it doesn't lay completely over their nose
Type: Sheet
Key ingredient: Hydrocolloid
This isn’t your average pore strip, which is a big reason it's at the top of my list. Hero Cosmetics took its cult-favorite pimple patch technology and turned it into a nose strip. Packed with hydrocolloid, these strips gently absorb oil and impurities while minimizing irritation.
Who What Wear senior beauty editor Jamie Schneider also considers it her all-time favorite pick. "I shouldn't be surprised, given that the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patches are my ultimate holy grail," she shares, "but I was floored by how effectively these sheets lifted up gunk I didn't even know was lurking. The adhesive is snug (no slipping or sliding overnight), the product is simple (nothing but medical-grade hydrocolloid), and I like that the strip is clear, so I can see all my progress in the a.m. Gross but satisfying."
Customer review: "These patches really work! I leave it on overnight, and in the morning, it is filled with cloudy stuff from my dirty pores. My nose pores will stay clean for 2 weeks or more before I decide to do another patch. Very happy with this purchase and I will be buying these from now on instead of any blackhead strips."
2. Best Budget: Starface Lift Off Pore Strips
Pros: Stylish and affordable
Con: Not as heavy-duty as other pore strips
Type: Sheet
Key ingredients: Aloe vera, witch hazel, and allantoin
When it comes to skincare that's both super cute and functional, Starface always delivers. These yellow smiley face pore strips are as adorable as they are effective. While they may not be as heavy-duty as other ones, they still lift away dirt and oil from your pores, and you can't beat that price! Schneider agrees, noting that she could even see herself wearing a strip in public. "If you're hoping to disguise clogged pores in the cutest way possible, Starface is the brand for you."
Customer review: "I got introduced to these when I got them as a gift. After using, I immediately repurchased! So many pore strips feel like they're tearing off your skin. These Starface ones are much more gentle while still removing the nose gunk. Highly recommend!"
3. Best for Sensitive Skin: Peach Slices Nose Pore Patches
Pros: Nondrying and gentle for all skin types
Con: Some have issues keeping the strip on
Type: Sheet
Key ingredient: Hydrocolloid
For my friends with sensitive skin, these are the pore strips you want in your arsenal. Like other products by Peach Slices (and sister brand Peach Lily), these pore strips are great for sensitive skin yet still effective. They won't leave your skin feeling raw, and they're made with hydrocolloid to pull out the nastiness. "Unlike traditional pore strips, these don't stiffen into paper mâché as they work," adds Schneider. "They remain soft and flexible, so you won't be left with raw, angry skin upon removal. That alone earns an A+ from me!"
Customer review: "I tend to stay to a skin routine and don't often get acne, but my nose has noticeable pores and feels kind of rough sometimes. The first time using it, only the tiny patches of white were noticeable. But my skin felt so soft and smooth and clean and it stayed that way for a week. My pores are no longer visible. Highly recommend."
4. Best Multipurpose: Rael Miracle Patch Blackhead Control
Pro: Hits clogged pores three different ways through K-beauty technology
Con: Some users find the black cotton swab unnecessary
Type: Sheet
Key ingredients: JeJu mugwort extract, peppermint extract, and succinic acid
This is basically the king of pore strips—it has a three-step system that is serious business and good for anyone who wants to tackle congested pores any way possible. The three-step system comes with a nose strip for those pesky nose blackheads, cotton swabs to wipe away impurities, and another nose strip sheet that has the calming mugwort extract infused in it.
"Note, this is not a pore strip you leave on overnight," advises Schneider. "It works in just 30 minutes—15 for the pore-melting nose strip and 15 for the subsequent soothing sheet—for noticeably clearer skin. That first strip also comes infused with salicylic acid, which treats blackheads at the source to keep them from cropping up down the line."
Customer review: "After I have spent $$$ cheap and high-end stuff, I finally found something that works! Hated the white filaments on my nose every time. Since pregnancy, I cannot use anything irritating, or it will dry up my skin or break out. Found this one very effective, easy to use, pores are clean!"
5. Best for Oily Skin: Bioré Charcoal Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
Pro: Controls excess oil
Con: Contains menthol, which some people don't like
Type: Sheet
Key ingredient: Charcoal
Bioré is practically the OG of pore strips, and its charcoal-infused option is a must for those with oily and combination skin. The activated charcoal acts like a magnet to blackheads and clogged pores, drawing out even the deepest grime. "These strips do not mess around," Schneider adds. "They're probably the strongest I've tried in terms of adhesion, which is great for pulling out stubborn grime. That said, make sure to pull it off very, very slowly—no matter how tempting it may be to rip it off like a Band-Aid."
Customer review: "I found these pore strips to be very effective. They really work on my skin, helping to remove blackheads and control oil, which is great. They're easy to use, and the deep cleansing power feels satisfying after each use. Overall, I like how they leave my skin feeling clean and refreshed, and the charcoal makes a noticeable difference."
Product | Key Ingredients | Adhesive Strength | Quantity | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose | Hydrocolloid | Medium | 10 | $17 |
Starface Lift Off Pore Strips | Aloe vera, witch hazel, allantoin | Light | 8 | $6 |
Peach Slices Nose Pore Patches | Hydrocolloid | Light | 7 | $10 |
Rael Miracle Patch Blackhead Control | JeJu mugwort extract, peppermint extract, succinic acid | Medium | 6 | $16 |
Bioré Charcoal Deep Cleansing Pore Strips | Charcoal | Strong | 18 | $14 |
What to Look for in a Pore Strip
- Ingredients: Most pore strips are made of hydrocolloid, a material that naturally sucks up all the gunk from your skin. That's really all you need for an effective pore strip, but some options do include additional purifying and/or calming ingredients, such as charcoal, witch hazel, aloe vera, and green tea. Consider these ingredients extra perks, as opposed to essential components (like hydrocolloid). "If you have extremely oily skin, pore strips with charcoal can help dry the oil a little," notes Patel.
- Adhesive strength: "The effectiveness depends on how well the strip adheres," Patel adds. That said, stronger isn't always better. You don't want the pore strip slipping and sliding off your face, but you also don't want to tug off any layers of skin.
- Shape and size: Most pore strips have an oval-shaped design to fit over the bridge of your nose, but some brands do offer other shapes for different contours of your face (like your forehead and chin, for example). That way, you can easily address precise areas of clogged pores.
Do Dermatologists Recommend Pore Strips?
It depends! Patel, for one, isn't against pore strips entirely. "They help remove the oil and debris that collect in pores and form blackheads. They can be satisfying to use and can improve the appearance of the skin temporarily," she shares.
Temporarily is the operative word here, though, as pore strips don't exactly address the root cause of blackheads. Sure, they lift up gunk overnight (extremely satisfying), but if you don't treat clogged pores at the source, they'll only fill back up. "Many dermatologists prefer chemical exfoliants or prescription treatments [like retinol] that address the underlying causes of blackheads," Patel adds.
Not to mention they can cause more harm than good if you use them improperly. "They’re not for everyone," Patel adds. "People who are allergic to adhesive, those that have sensitive skin, and those that are on a prescription retinoid are not good candidates for pore strips, as more irritation and even skin damage could occur."
How to Use Pore Strips Correctly
Given those potential downsides (read: irritation and skin damage), it's important to make sure you use your pore strip safely and correctly. Always read the instructions on your individual product, but Patel recommends giving your face a good wash before applying. You want to create a clean canvas free of excess oil or makeup so the adhesive can stick. Dry skin is usually best. Although, some pore strips adhere best on damp skin—again, read your labels carefully! Go ahead and apply your subsequent serums and moisturizers after the pore strip is locked firmly in place.
After letting the strip work its magic for the allotted time ("Always follow the directions carefully," advises Patel), you can slowly pull it off your skin. Don't rip it right off, as that can cause irritation.
How We Chose
When it comes to our testing process atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , personal recommendations always come first. Freelance beauty editor Marie Lodi and WWW senior beauty editor Jamie Schneider initially selected the pore strips they found the most success with, making sure to include a variety of price points. We also made sure to scour the review sections of our favorite retailers when compiling our list to ensure we had a well-rounded picture of each product's user experience.
Finally, we consulted trusted experts. Double-board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD, offered her pro advice on what to consider when shopping for pore strips, which ultimately helped us whittle down our list to the exclusive five you see here.
Why Trust Us
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
Meet the Expert

Purvisha Patel is a board-certified dermatologist, MOHS and cosmetic surgeon, and the founder/owner of Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates in Memphis, Tennessee; Arlington, Tennessee; and Olive Branch, Mississippi. While treating patients of all genders, ethnicities, and ages, Patel noticed a need for simple, safe, multiuse intentional skincare products that delivered results to be made available to the general public. She wanted to make the skincare routine simple yet effective for more than one skin issue. To the delight of her patients, friends, family, and the general public, Patel combined her dermatological expertise with her love of science and created Visha Skincare, a patented and U.S.-made brand of skincare lines that can be used intentionally to address and treat multiple skin issues.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Marie has covered beauty, fashion, and lifestyle for almost 16 years. She contributes to the beauty section here atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . Previously, she was the Looks Editor for Bust Magazine, built the beauty vertical at HelloGiggles as its beauty editor, and was a founding staff writer at Rookie mag, giving fashion advice to teens. Her bylines have appeared in The Cut, Allure, Glamour, The Hollywood Reporter, and more. She was born and raised in Southern California and is based in L.A. Marie is a self-proclaimed costume design nerd and a co-host of Makeover Montage, a podcast about fashion in film and costume design.
- Jamie SchneiderSenior Beauty Editor
-
Celebrities Swear By My Instant Body Sculpting Treatment—These are My 15 Favorite Beauty Products
If anyone knows bodycare, it's her.
-
Meet Madecassoside—the Trending Ingredient That Soothes, Hydrates, and Protects Sensitive Skin
It's beauty's next big thing.
-
I Needed a Skincare Reset in My 40s—Here’s What a Celebrity Esthetician Recommended
I'm trusting Renée Rouleau with my over-40 skin.
-
Retinol Irritates My Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin, so I Tried This Shockingly Good Alternative Instead
My sensitive-skin girlies will love it.
-
F1 Academy Driver Lia Block Spills All Her Beauty Secrets
As it turns out, fast cars and skincare go hand in hand.
-
TikTok's Caveman Method Might Seem Extreme, But Hear Me Out: It Changed My Skin
When done right, it can work wonders.
-
Celebrity Aesthetician Sofie Pavitt Says This "Boring" Skincare Routine Can Clear Acne in Record Time
No 12-step routines here.
-
Hot Take, But This Trendy Wellness Supplement Belongs in Your Skincare Routine—Here's Why
Think calmer, stronger, more moisturized skin.