Yes, You Can Use a Blackhead Extractor at Home—Here's What an Esthetician Recommends (2025)

Whenever we encounter plenty of sweat—whether through exercise or hot weather—clogged pores won't be far behind. If you deal with blackheads regularly, you don't need us telling you how frustrating they are to get rid of. The good news: Handy tools called blackhead extractors work wonders in bringing these pesky spots to the surface.

The bad news: Using blackhead extractors (aka comedone extractors) incorrectly might do more harm than good. Below, we've tapped an esthetician for advice on how to use these tools safely at home. Plus, we're sharing an expert-approved collection of the best blackhead extractors to use for instant success.

What Is a Blackhead Extractor?

First things first: Blackheads are a type of acne, also called open comedones—but they are not technically pimples. "Rather than white/yellow fluid-filled bumps, blackheads look flat and dark, hence their name," explains esthetician Morgan Rackley. "Blackheads are very common and occur when follicles in your skin get clogged due to excess oil and irritation."

A comedone or blackhead extractor is a stainless steel tool designed to remove the dirt and oil that cause blackheads and whiteheads. "It works by gently pushing the clogged sebum out of the pore," explains Rackley.

The tool comes in multiple forms, including:

• Traditional stainless steel extractors with two "loops" on either end
• Extractors that look similar to tweezers
• Modern "pore vacuums" that use suction to remove the gunk

Safety Considerations

According to Rackley, a comedone extractor is safe to use, but with the proper precautions. "If using a comedone extractor at home, I recommend using only the rounded side—some come with a pointed side to open the blackhead/whitehead, but unless you're a professional, you run the risk of cutting too deeply and causing injury when using this side," explains Rackley.

"One other important thing to remember is that if you see blood, stop—you got it all out! You might think you can squeeze just a little bit more out, but I promise you that there's nothing else and you risk bruising and/or additional injury."

How to Use a Looped Blackhead Extractor

Rackley recommended starting with a traditional looped extractor if you've never used one before. The technique is relatively simple so long as you properly prep your skin. Here's what you need to do.

Step 1: Prep Skin

First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and follow with a steam treatment. To avoid having to press too roughly, Rackley recommends prepping the blackhead with a warm compress. "This will help soften the skin and open up the pores, allowing for an easier extraction," she says.

Step 2: Select the Loop

Next, select the wire loop you'd like to use. (While tempting, never use your nails to extract blackheads.) The smaller the loop, the better since it will concentrate the pressure on the affected area. Also, before you proceed, clean the comedone extractor with rubbing alcohol to make sure it's sterilized, which will help prevent infection.

Step 3: Apply Gentle Pressure

The next step is easy: Apply pressure. "Make sure your skin and tool are clean, place the tool around the blackhead, and gently press to release the sebum and dead skin clogging your pore," says Rackley.

Step 4: Let Rest and Try Again

If nothing immediately comes out of the breakout, stop pressing and let it rest for a while before trying again. Follow up with a quick cleanse of your face once you're done.

How to Use Tweezer-Style Blackhead Extractors

A looped blackhead extractor works by applying even pressure around a blackhead. Tweezer extractors do the same, but they also have a pointy edge that can force out more gunk. Your prep will be the same with this tool: Sterilize the stainless steel and prep your skin with steam and a warm compress.

Once prepped, position the curved ends of the tweezer just outside a visible blackhead—the pointy parts should not be touching the skin at this point. Then, gently press down until you remove the blockage. If needed, very carefully use the pointed end to pull out the remaining extraction.

This tool can get a little deeper into the pores, which is ideal for more stubborn blackheads. However, too much force can damage the skin, and it's hard to be precise with the pointed ends on your own face. Use this method with care—or, as we said, leave it to the professionals.

Best Blackhead Extractors

If you have a blackhead that needs to be popped ASAP and you can't make it to the derm, these are the best comedone extractors for when you're in a pinch.