We Tested 14 Pore Strips—These 7 Actually Helped to Remove Blackheads

Final Verdict

Earning perfect scores in all categories, our top choice is Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose, an effective, non-irritating, single-ingredient solution to clogged pores. If you're looking for something more affordable or just want to give pore strips a try, go with TonyMoly's Tako Pore One Shot Nose Pack.  While the price per patch is a bit higher, we also really liked the effective and painless Peace Out Pores Strips.

How We Tested

The Byrdie team carefully researched today's top-rated, best-selling pore strips before selecting 14 to try out first-hand. After inspecting the ingredients lists, intended uses, and guidelines, each option was applied according to the instructions.

They were awarded scores from one to five for effectiveness (how well they stuck and how many sebaceous filaments they pulled out), comfort (how they felt on the skin), and irritation (whether they caused pain or redness). The pore strips with the highest overall scores were selected for this roundup. All tests were performed in The Lab, Byrdie's in-house product-testing facility located in Manhattan.

Other Options We Tested

Bioré The Original Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

Bioré was the first brand to launch pore strips back in 1997, and while we respect and appreciate the trailblazing product, it wasn't as effective as others we tried. Our tester said the strip didn't stick very well and pulled out very few blackheads. (However, she noted that it may have worked better if she had started with a wet nose instead of simply dampening it with a cleansing wipe.)

Pacifica Cosmic Vanish Pore Strips

We found these pore strips to be exceptionally comfortable. They stayed in place and didn't cause any irritation or visible redness. But while our tester's skin felt clean afterward, she didn't notice much in terms of blackhead removal.

Yes to Tomatoes Two-Step Nose Strip

Though it pulled out some sebaceous filaments, the edges of this strip curled up, which reduced the coverage area. Our tester said it didn't seem particularly absorbent, and unfortunately, it left her with slight irritation and some redness on the bridge of her nose.

What to Look For in Pore Strips

Ingredients

Many pore strips are made of hydrocolloid, a healing substance that seals the skin absorbs fluids, and draws out impurities. Others contain a blend of hydrocolloid and other absorbent ingredients, like kaolin and lava clay. Some patches are infused with natural soothers, such as aloe vera and witch hazel.

Dr. Patel says that those with particularly oily complexions might benefit from charcoal, which can help minimize greasiness. However, she tells Byrdie that "a lot of added ingredients are just marketing."

Adhesive

No matter what ingredients are on the strips, they won't do their job without a good adhesive (the tacky underside that clings to your skin like a Band-Aid). Hydrocolloid is inherently sticky, which is why many pimple patches and pore strips are made from this substance alone.

"People who are allergic to adhesives, those that have sensitive skin, and those that are on an Rx retinoid are not good candidates for pore strips," says Dr. Patel, warning that substantial irritation or potential skin damage could occur.

Shape

You'll also want to pay attention to the shape of the strip. Many are contoured with little slits to help them fit securely around the curves of your nose. Rectangular patches can be placed on flatter, smoother parts of your face like your forehead or chin.

What Is Byrdie Verified?

Did you notice the Byrdie Verified seal of approval at the top of this story? This seal means that our team has researched and tested every product on this list using a unique methodology that’s designed to focus on what our readers really want to know—and to deliver insights that you can’t find anywhere else. Occasionally, beauty brands and PR agencies will send us samples for coverage consideration, but our thoughts and opinions are fully our own. If you visit links within our content, we may receive commissions from your purchases, but we never receive any compensation or consideration for the content of our recommendations. In short, the Byrdie Verified seal stands for product recommendations you can trust.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a freelance beauty writer, editor, and product reviewer. For this story, she compiled expertise from two dermatologists and insights from our in-house testers to craft thoughtful, trustworthy recommendations. She has tried many pore strips and pimple patches over the years, including options from Patchology, TonyMoly, Hero Cosmetics, and Bioré. Theresa covers skincare, makeup, haircare, and at-home cosmetic treatments at Byrdie.