I’ve Tried Everything, and These 5 Pore Strips Act Like a Magic Wand to Erase Blackheads

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

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2. Best Budget: Starface Lift Off Pore Strips

3. Best for Sensitive Skin: Peach Slices Nose Pore Patches

4. Best Multipurpose: Rael Miracle Patch Blackhead Control

5. Best for Oily Skin: Bioré Charcoal Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

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 at Who What Wear, 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

At Who What Wear, 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, MD

Dr. 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, Dr. Patel noticed a need for simple, safe, multi-use intentional skin care 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, Dr. Patel combined her dermatological expertise with her love of science and created Visha Skincare, a patented and US made brand of skin care 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.