The 5 Best Whitehead Treatments For 2022

Searching for the best whitehead treatments can be devastating. Whiteheads are a type of acne. They form when dead skin cells, excessive oil, debris, and bacteria get trapped within skin pores and hair follicles.

Blocked skin pores due to hormonal changes are the main cause of acne breakouts. Besides, at certain stages, the amount of oil produced by your sebaceous glands increases such as puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy.

In addition, progesterone-only contraceptive pills increase hormone levels and may lead to acne breakouts in women. Moreover, genetics can play a role in the appearance of whiteheads. In other words, if one of your family members has whiteheads, there is a chance that you might develop them at some point. (1)

Whiteheads can appear anywhere, but the most common areas include:

• The T-zone (forehead, chin, and nose)
• Chest
• Back
• Shoulders
• Arms

Furthermore, they appear in both men and women equally and at any age.

We have done the search for you and collected the 5 best whitehead treatments for you. Also, we will explain why we have chosen these products and how they work. 

Read our in-depth article on what under-eye contour depression is; their causes, prevention and surgical treatment here.

1. Bolden Clear Skin Clay Mask

Bolden Clear Skin Clay Mask is highly recommended for treating acne and preventing acne breakouts. The main ingredients include:

• Sulfur: It reduces the appearance of blemishes. (2)
• Cleome Gynandra Lead Extract: It prevents the overproduction of sebum and treats skin inflammations. (3)
• Willow Bark Extract: It also prevents the appearance of blemishes. (4)
• Bentonite: It is a type of clay that absorbs any sebum or debris in order to cleanse the skin pores. (5)

According to most customer reviews, it is effective in preventing the blockage of skin pores and soothing whiteheads’ breakouts without causing any skin irritations. On the other hand, some customers complain that it may cause skin dryness. Also, it might not work for all skin types.

2. Differin Acne Gel Treatment

Differin Acne Gel Treatment is one of the best whitehead treatments on the market nowadays according to many dermatologists. It has more than 40,000 customer reviews on Amazon, which makes it one of the most popular. The active ingredient in this product is retinoids.

Retinoids do not only normalize skin cell turnover but also have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Adapalene, the active ingredient in Differin, is one of the most common forms of retinoids.

Adapalene is one of the most perfect acne treatments. It makes the skin desensitized to inflammations, prevents the accumulation of debris and excessive oil in skin pores, and inhibits the excessive growth of skin pores lining.
Besides, adapalene can be used at any time day or night since it is photostable. (6, 7)

Over time, it can treat and prevent the appearance of whiteheads, improve skin texture, and enhance skin tone.
On the other hand, some customers complain that it may cause a burning sensation and/or rashes. Also, it may not be suitable for all skin types.

3. Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser

Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser is another popular whitehead and acne treatment. The main active ingredients in this cleanser are glycolic acid and Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA).

Glycolic acid creates a peeling effect. It dissolves the strong bonds between the superficial skin layer and deeper skin layers, which exfoliates the skin pores and prevents the accumulation of debris, bacteria, and debris. Over time, it will treat and prevent acne including whiteheads.

Glycolic acid also promotes the outer skin barrier, which improves skin hydration and prevents its dryness. If you have acne-prone skin, this is a huge advantage since other products usually include drying ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. (8, 9)

Moreover, the main benefit of AHA is its exfoliating properties. It removes dead skin cells, which allows the skin to create new skin cells. (10, 11)

So, this cleanser can treat your whiteheads. On the other hand, its formula is too harsh, especially when you use it at night. Many dermatologists recommend using a lighter cleaner from time to time, especially if you have sensitive skin.

4. COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid

COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid Serum is our fourth choice in our best whitehead treatments list. It has a strong blend of ingredients including glycolic acid, apple water, and niacinamide. This formula is harsh, but it is effective for most people.

Due to the presence of glycolic acid, it has powerful exfoliating effects. With regular use, it treats and prevents whiteheads. In addition, niacinamide reduces the size of skin pores, regulates oil production, and can protect your skin against sun damage. (12)

However, some people say that it does not work for them at all. It might even make acne worse, especially for people with sensitive skin.

5. Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patch

With more than 84,000 customer reviews on Amazon, Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patch is one of the best whitehead treatments of all time.

The idea behind this product is simple. You stick one on the targeted acne and within 6 to 8 hours, it will be gone. Most people use it before going to bed and wake up with clear skin.

This hydrocolloid patch absorbs oil, bacteria, debris, and any other junk in your skin pores.
It is an easy to apply, comfortable choice if you want to get rid of a few blemishes. They stick to the targeted area as long as needed. It is also easy to remove and does not cause any redness, itching, or irritation for most people.
On the other hand, some customers reported that they suffered from burning sensations and rashes while using them. One customer wrote:

Seemed great at first. Worked on a few blemishes I had. Until the third day using them: I went to sleep with a small white head, covered with a mighty patch, and woke up to this. A giant red mark in the exact size and shape of the patch. The pimple was still there. It’s been two weeks and the spot has barely faded. I contacted the company and gave them time to reimburse or remedy the situation and they never got back to me.