These 11 Treatments Will Get Rid of Whiteheads, No Popping Required (Seriously)

Why we love it: Some pimple patches are filled with tons of zit-killing acids, which is great, but it can leave your whitehead red and flaky. When you want something simple, try these. They’re made with nothing but hydrocolloid, so they're good for both popped whiteheads (they absorb fluid drainage while protecting your open wound) and unpopped whiteheads (to stop yourself from scratching and picking), without any irritation. Just stick one on your zit—ideally before you try messing with it—and let your body do its natural healing thang.

One Cosmo editor says: "There are so many pimple patches out there that don't do it for me, but these were the first ones that I ever really loved. They stick on my skin all day or all night but don't hurt to take off, and when it's time to take them off, the whitehead always comes with it." —CM

Why we love it: Behold: An on-the-go version of the top-rated Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. If you love the liquid exfoliant, get ready to fall in love with these just as much. They're pre-soaked salicylic acid pads that are just like the cult favorite, but just a little more compact. While they can treat current breakouts, as an exfoliant, they also keep skin healthy to avoid future breakouts as well.

One Cosmo editor says: "My skin literally has an instantaneous glow after swiping these on my face. I like to bring them with me when I'm traveling (I hate checking a bag if I don't have to, and these are TSA-friendly), but I also end up using them at home a couple days a week because I love how my skin looks after using them so much. These have never once irritated my skin, but they deliver serious results." —CM

Why we love it: This cleanser uses 4 percent benzoyl peroxide, which is a star ingredient for nixing whiteheads, along with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to soothe and hydrate (and therefore preventing drying out the skin). Just remember: If you already use retinol for acne, alternate the days that you use this cleanser to avoid irritation. And of course, always follow with a non-comedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen.

One shopper says: "After using the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser daily, my skin stays clearer and I get fewer new breakouts. It helps prevent acne instead of just treating it. The quality is excellent — it feels dermatologist-designed and well balanced. Despite the benzoyl peroxide, it’s surprisingly gentle and doesn’t leave my skin tight or flaky. My skin feels clean, calm, and hydrated after each wash."

Why we love it: Salicylic acid = the absolute best whitehead treatment. Why? It's oil-soluble, so it helps penetrate and break down the sebum in your pores. Buttttt, it has a reputation for potentially drying out your skin. Not this toner, though! It uses glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and cactus extract to keep your skin barrier plump and hydrated.

One shopper says: "Literally the best toner ever!! This helped me so much with my dark blackheads and whiteheads. This also helps with oil control. So good!!"

Why we love it: These cult-favorite, at-home chemical peel pads contain both retinol and five (yes, five) different AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids, like lactic and glycolic acid) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids, like salicylic acid), making it effective but also intense, TBH. It's a two-step process: The first pad goes on dry skin for up to two minutes, then the second pad is a neutralizer that deactivates the peel when your time is up.

One shopper says: "Expensive but so worth it! I've tried so many other products but this one actually does all it claims! Two to three uses even after a gap of a month and I have an instant glow and clear skin. I'm someone who break out easily with slight changes in diet and I always travel with these peels to keep my skin clear. It's satisfying to see little white heads disappear overnight. At times though it makes me break out more but I know it's just deep cleansing the blocked pores which is what I really needed."

Why we love it: This unbelievably-priced drugstore serum uses 2 percent salicylic acid to both treat existing whiteheads and help prevent them by keeping your pores clear. You can use it as a first step after cleansing your skin either as a full-face treatment or as a spot treatment wherever you tend to break out.

One shopper says: "I've had minor to severe acne my whole life and this helps me keep my adult version at bay. It's super affordable, gentle, and doesn't strip my skin like a lot of acne products. I've noticed less whiteheads, blackheads, and cystic acne using this product."

Why we love it: Using a clay mask on oily skin is always a good move, especially if you're dealing with some whiteheads. The clay helps soak up excess oils on the surface of your skin while also helping your pores look clearer (love a multitasker). Bonus: This one from French skincare brand Caudalie smells great while doing it.

One shopper says: "This product works great for my whiteheads. Dries fast and I like that you can see where the product pulls from on your face. Great smell and not too harsh on my skin. I like using this at night every week to clear my skin up!"

Why we love it: I know you know, but as a reminder, retinoids are an acne-fighting powerhouse. Prescription retinoids from your dermatologist are the gold standard (think tretinoin), but if you can't get there, this is the next best thing. Differin is made with adapalene and is specifically created to treat acne without a doctor's appointment. This lil guy will help unclog pores, fade hyperpigmentation, and reduce bumpy skin texture.

One shopper says: "This really works better than any other otc product I've used before. If you're struggling with acne, I'd recommend at least trying it. I'm really happy with the results. Helps lighten dark spots and draw up those hard knots and inflamed bumps go down within couple days. I'd get those itchy random bumps that show up out of nowhere around my jawline. It would go down and come back in same spot all the time. This really works to get rid of those and my skin texture has improved."

Why we love it: First of all, it's super normal to get whiteheads on your body and nothing to be embarrassed about. Skip the potentially very irritating scrubs and stick with this chemical exfoliant instead, made with salicylic acid. But not to worry: Sunflower and safflower seed oils keep it from being too drying on your body.

One shopper says: "It gently cleans and exfoliate without feeling harsh or stripping, and my skin feels smoother after showering. It doesn't have a strong scent, which I like. It leaves my skin feeling clean but not dry and it helps even skin color."