The Ordinary for Blackheads: Routine That Actually Clears Congestion

Blackheads are open comedones: a mix of sebum and dead skin sitting in a pore, darkened at the surface. They are not dirt. Squeeze-heavy routines and pore strips usually make them look worse. If you want the full background, start with how to get rid of blackheads on your nose.

This page is the BHA-first The Ordinary schedule for congestion. For a shopping shortlist of pore products, use The Ordinary for pores, ranked. For a wider pore-appearance routine (including retinol nights), use the large pores regimen.

What actually clears blackheads

Oil-soluble salicylic acid (BHA) is the workhorse. It gets into the pore and helps loosen the plug. Niacinamide helps with oil so new plugs form more slowly. Retinol helps long-term cell turnover, but it should not share acid nights if you are new to actives.

Do not expect empty pores in a week. Congestion usually needs 4 to 8 weeks of consistent BHA, not daily acid stacking.

The Ordinary blackheads routine

Keep the day quiet. Put the BHA at night.

Morning

1. Gentle cleanse if you need it. Squalane Cleanser is fine, or a mild gel if you are oily.
2. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% for oil and the look of pores.
3. Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA or another light moisturiser.
4. SPF every day. Acid nights make sun protection non-negotiable. If you are oily, see best SPF for oily skin.

Skip glycolic in the morning if you are using BHA at night. One exfoliant family at a time is enough.

Night (BHA nights, 2 to 3 times a week)

1. Cleanse. Double cleanse if you wore sunscreen or makeup (how to double cleanse).
2. Salicylic Acid 2% Solution on congested areas (nose, chin, T-zone). Start two nights a week.
3. Moisturiser. If your skin feels tight, add Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 on damp skin first.

Night (non-BHA nights)

Niacinamide and moisturiser only, or add Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% if redness and marks bother you more than pure blackheads. Do not layer azelaic and salicylic in the same routine until you know your tolerance.

Optional later add-on

Once BHA feels boring (no sting, no peel), you can use Retinol 0.2% or 0.5% in Squalane on separate nights from salicylic acid. Jumping straight to 1% retinol on top of BHA is how people end up with a damaged barrier. See The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane only after you have built up.

What not to do

• Do not use glycolic toner and salicylic solution on the same night "to clear faster".
• Do not scrub blackheads out. That stretches the pore opening.
• Do not skip moisturiser on oily skin. Dehydrated oiliness makes congestion worse. Dry vs dehydrated covers the difference.
• Do not expect a primer to treat blackheads. Silicone primers blur; they do not clear.

Product swaps if 2% BHA is too sharp

• Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution (squalane base): often gentler.
• Salicylic Acid 2% Masque: once a week on oily zones only.
• If you want the wider pore toolkit (niacinamide, lactic, azelaic), see the pore product ranking.

For the general problem of packed pores, how to unclog pores and niacinamide with salicylic acid sit next to this routine.

How long until blackheads look better

• Week 1 to 2: possible purge or dryness if you overdo BHA. Scale back, do not quit moisturiser.
• Week 4: fewer new plugs on the nose for many people.
• Week 8+: clearer look if you stayed consistent and kept SPF.

If blackheads are deep, painful, or scarring, see a GP or dermatologist. This is not medical treatment.

FAQs

Which The Ordinary product is best for blackheads?

Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is the direct pick. Pair it with Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% in the morning for oil control.

Can I use The Ordinary niacinamide and salicylic acid together?

Yes. Easiest split: niacinamide AM, salicylic PM. Details in niacinamide and salicylic acid together.

Should I use glycolic acid for blackheads?

Glycolic helps surface texture. For plugs inside the pore, BHA is the better tool. Use glycolic on separate nights if you need it at all.

Do pore strips help?

They pull debris for a day and often irritate the pore lining. Skip them. Better explanation in why you should stay away from pore strips.

Sources

• Salicylic acid as a comedolytic BHA in acne care: peer-reviewed dermatology reviews via PubMed.
• Niacinamide and sebum regulation: clinical studies summarised in dermatology literature via PubMed.