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Somewhere between vitamin C eye creams, red light devices, and retinol creams lies pore vacuums. This nifty device has officially entered the skin care group chat. Pore vacuums surged in popularity over the last few years as a non-invasive way to deeply cleanse your pores. They remove impurities and excess oil that leads to breakouts, and they minimize the appearance of pores, especially when you get up close and personal to your face in the mirror. What once was left exclusively for professionals to use during luxury facials can now be used in the comfort of your own home.
“They are designed to be applied to the skin with light pressure and force the blackhead out of the follicle,” says dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner. Unlike a traditional pore strip, vacuums are electric and use suction to extract blockages within the pores. They are more precise than your nails but should be used carefully and gently. “Anything that you’re using to press or squeeze the skin with can create some inflammation or swelling,” Dermatologist Dr. Doris Day says. “All of that can lead to scarring or damage, and possibly a higher risk of the blackhead or pimple coming back in the same spot, if application is done incorrectly.
From adjustable suction levels, to ergonomic designs, and additional skincare benefits like exfoliation, there are a variety of pore vacuum cleaners available on the market. Armed with this knowledge, our editors have tested a range of products, received expert recommendations, and traced the Internet for reviews to curate a roundup of pore vacuums that deliver results. Whether you are a skincare novice or a seasoned enthusiast, the pore vacuums ahead will help you achieve clearer, smoother skin without booking an appointment.
Most Customizable
PMD Personal Microderm Elite Pro
Pros
- TrueTier technology combines variable vacuum suction and tri-speed capabilities
- Extended range of discs
Cons
- Higher settings may put sensitive skin at risk for bruising and peeling
Technically, this is a microdermabrasion tool. While it won’t eliminate your blackheads, it helps prevent them by buffing away pore-clogging dead skin cells amid a myriad of other benefits like reducing hyperpigmentation and helping your skin absorb products better. This device uses spinning crystal discs to get rid of flakes for a smoother appearance. It also has a suction function to get rid of impurities. The intensity speeds range from ultra-sensitive to moderate, and the suction heads come in slim, medium, and large.
Intensity levels: 3
Suction heads: 2
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I’m really in love with this device. Really deep cleans my pores and I notice just in few day how my pores are much smaller and my skin with a natural glow I don’t even feel like wearing makeup at all.”
Pros
- Hot/cold feature helps open pores
- HD camera and connected app
- Gentle on the skin
Cons
- Customer ratings are not available
This deep vacuum cleaner sweeps away blackheads, acne, and grease. It has an HD camera that connects to your phone so you can monitor the device-skin interaction in real time for precision and control. It uses temperature control (hot/cold adjustments) to help open and close the pores before and after the procedure for a gentle clean that avoids inflammation and redness.
With a drainage tube and six unique attachments, you get a custom efficient system that suctions gunk and pores in a gentle, massage-like motion. soothing, with the device executing gentle massage-like motions. Your skin will become visibly cleaner, firmer, and more radiant after just one session.
Intensity levels: Multiple
Suction heads: 6
Praimy rating: Not available
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Pros
- LED modes
- 180° rotating head helps avoid skin breakage and bruising
Cons
- Some reviewers report bruising
This under-$100 pore vacuum is a great value because of how effective it is. With five different intensities and five different suction head sizes, it caters to all skin types. What makes this product unique is the customizable LED technology. Red light enhances skin elasticity, while blue light is meant for rejuvenation, and green will help with oil control. Lastly, it uses a 180° rotating head, which can adjust the direction of the head to suck out the dirt, unclogging pores from all angles without hurting the skin.
Intensity levels: 5
Suction heads: 5
Amazon rating: 3.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “The suction on this vacuum is awesome. Even when we get older, we get blackheads and this works great. There are different levels of suction. This was easy and cleaning it was an easy task as well. The head of the vacuum rotates to make it easier to use. Well made for the price. I highly recommend.”
Best for Deep Cleansing
BeautyBio GLOfacial Hydro-Infusion Deep Pore Cleansing Tool
Pros
- Comes with a charging stand
- Comes with a cleaning brush
- LED blue light
- The device beeps when it’s not making proper contact with the skin
Cons
- Some reviewers with sensitive skin report bruising
Just like a facial at the spa, this tool suctions out your skin’s gunk with a visible waste chamber so you can see just how hard it works. It unclogs pores in three different intensities and exfoliates dead skin cells while removing debris and excess oil. With each pass, the device spits out the GloFacial Concentrate, a hydrating and plumping salicylic and hyaluronic acid treatment. It also uses blue LED to result in a clear, glowing complexion.
Intensity levels: 3
Suction heads: 2
Sephora rating: 4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “This tool is perfect for at-home facials. It leaves my skin clear and bright. My skincare soaks in so well and my skin feels very soft. If you want spa results without spa prices, this is the tool to have. The blue light really works on problem areas. It’s a great tool that improves my skin and enhances the products that I use.”
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Best Professional Grade
Lancer Skincare Pro Polish Micro- Dermabrasion Device
Pros
- Can be used on the face, body, lips, and neck
- Professional-grade
Cons
- Not cordless
This product was inspired by the technology featured in the famous Vortex-Peel Microdermabrasion machine used at Lancer Dermatology in Beverly Hills. Through microdermabrasion, it professionally improves skin tone and texture. It has a diamond-tip head that exfoliates dead skin cells while suctioning them simultaneously. You’ll see visible results after just one use.
Intensity levels: 3
Suction heads: 2
Nordstrom rating: 5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I am really bad about writing reviews. My skin has never been this soft. I have been using it for about a month. Everyone asks me what serums I am using. I felt like it would take off the dead skin, but I didn’t think it would give moisture to my skin. It makes it so the products I use are able to penetrate my skin. My skin was better after one use.”
Best Two-in-One Tool
FOREO Derma Diamond Microdermabrasion & Pore Vacuum
Pros
- T-sonic massage
Cons
- Some reviewers say the suction does not remove stubborn blackheads
This two-in-one microdermabrasion and pore vacuum tool works overtime to exfoliate dead skin cells and encourage healthy skin renewal. The vacuum is gentle and extracts excess oil, blackheads, and impurities from deep within skin. At the same time, it provides a T-Sonic massage to improve microcirculation and lymphatic drainage to help with inflammation and redness.
Intensity levels: 6
Suction heads: 3
Bloomingdale’s rating: 4/5 stars
A Bloomingdale’s reviewer says: “I have a fair few Foreo items and absolutely love them all. The Kiwi Derma is the latest purchase in my skincare arsenal. The first time i used it around my nose- a notorious area for blocked pores the sight of lots of little worms coming out was a yucky but satisfying sight! The exfoliation leaves my skin feeling super clean and fresh. I now have a lovely “ME” moment each week where I Luna cleanse, Kiwi followed by Bear finishing with UFO mask and my 60 year old skin is really reaping benefits!”
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Pros
- Easy to clean
- Minimal space
Cons
- No exfoliating features
This tool might not have any electric capabilities, but for $15 and taking up little to no bathroom space, it can do the trick. With a steady hand, you’ll have to apply some pressure to maneuver the blackhead out of your skin. There’s a bit of a learning curve to this, but it’s designed to be handled comfortably at an angle to effectively press out blackheads without damaging skin. Sometimes, simplicity is the way to go. Pro tip: a hot washcloth will help the blackheads slide out more easily.
Intensity levels: None
Suction heads: 2
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This tool feels so sturdy and high quality in my untrained hands. Within days my pores were cleaner after using it and the amount of gunk it got out of my nose was astonishing, and also kinda gross. The bent head is a nice touch, it makes it easier for me to clean the crease between my nose and my cheeks. I’ve seen a lot of complaints about generic products or it breaking and I haven’t had that problem with this.”
Pros
- Good for sensitive skin
Cons
- Pricey for the features
This esthetician-recommended device is small but mighty and very gentle compared to others. It’s a two-in-one device that gently extracts stubborn clogged pores while deeply infusing skincare through two different device settings. The shape is curved to mimic a pore spatula that helps nudge out blackheads with minimal irritation. With each pass, you can see the skin gunk build up. It does’tt suction it to a chamber, but acts more gently to massage and move out the impurities through sonic vibrations.
Intensity levels: 2 (extract and infuse)
Suction heads: 1
Amazon rating: 3.9/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says:“I was nervous to try this product but I am SO glad I did. My skin feels so clean, bright, and rejuvenated. I have never had an acne problem, I have normal skin (not dry or oily), and I have never felt the need to go for a facial. I am prone to have blackheads on my nose, but I wouldn’t necessarily say they were a huge problem. However, after using this product, I can’t find one blackhead. I cannot believe how well this product cleaned all my pores. It was really satisfying to see what this was pulling out of my pores. I feel amazing. I will never not use this product.”
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Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- Some reviewers wish the suction was more intesnse
- Diamond tip for exfoliating is sold separately
This best-selling pore vacuum is effective yet gentle on the skin. With a one-touch function and two different suction heads, it’s user-friendly without bells and whistles of functions. However, with two suction heads and three intensity levels, it remains super precise and compact. The entire device is waterproof and durable. It also has exfoliating capabilities through a diamond-encrusted tip that fits the head and is sold separately.
Intensity levels: 3
Suction heads: 2
Walmart rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Walmart reviewer says: “I have been using Microderm GLO Mini for about 2 weeks now and have fallen in love with it already. I can definitely see an improvement on my face and my husband complimented how it glows after each use. This tool is super easy to use at home without spending $$$ in spas.”
Pros
- LED screen
- Multiple cleansing heads
Cons
- Some reviewers report it stops working after 4-5 months
This exfoliating tool and pore extractor stand out from the pack because of its comprehensive LED screen. There’s no confusion here since the screen very clearly spells out the intensity level, time you’ve been using it, battery life, and cleansing mode. With an IPX7 waterproof rating, it can be fully submerged and used in the shower or bath. It has four different suction heads and four different cleansing heads to cater to your unique skin type.
Intensity levels: 3
Suction heads: 4
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I was researching something to deep clean my face and I found it. Between the Brushes and vacuum my face looks better than it has in years. Recent illness had me not taking care of myself as I should have and I had previously owned a complexion brush which helped. But I’ve had more positive results with this than I can elaborate on. After one use, my skin was noticeably brighter and after a week there is a dramatic reduction in acne and dark spots as well as fine lines are vanishing. This was worth the money and I have been marketing it to other friends and relatives.”
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Pros
- Built-in guide
- Smart screen technology
Cons
- Some reviewers say the charger does not last long
Vanity Planet makes some of the most popular and viral products in the skincare tech game, and the Exfora lives up to the hype. It is a microdermabrasion wand that exfoliates and suctions at the same time. It has three customizable settings plus an interchangeable massage head that helps with lymphatic drainage and just feels nice. It features smart screen technology, which can be used on auto-mode for a four-minute guided treatment for each zone of your face (cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, eye area, and neck). It tracks time per zone while monitoring the suction strength.
Intensity levels: 3
Suction heads: 1
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m AMAZED at the professional results I get from this tool from in the comfort of my own home and in my pajamas! I LOVE this tool so much that I recommended to my sister, who also uses it weekly with amazing results. She bought one for her daughter too! We all love it!”
Best for Travel
Spa Sciences Bella Wet/Dry Diamond Microdermabrasion & Pore Extraction Tool
Pros
- Lightweight
- Cordless
Cons
- Some reviewers say the suction power is not strong enough
Bella uses diamond-cut tips for extreme precision when buffing away dead skin cells. Additionally, it comes with three suction tips for pore extractions of all sizes. But what makes this device stand out is the nano mist technology, which allows you to perform on wet or dry skin.
Intensity levels: Multiple
Suction heads: 3
Amazon rating: 3.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Made a noticeable difference in my lines on my face. Like anything must continue use to see benefits. Used to get microdermabrasion from a med spa… this is an awesome and cheaper alternative!!! Love it!”
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Pros
- Good price
Cons
- Learning curve
With over 35,000 near-perfect reviews, this product is doing something right. For just $20, you get a powerful blackhead remover with six different suction heads, five intensity levels, and an LCD display screen. It has a one-button switch and an easy detachable cleaning method.
Intensity levels: 5
Suction heads: 6
Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This thing is great it! The suction is adjustable and you just have to find the right speed for your needs but it definitely gets the job done and the battery lasts a good while too! It comes with different attachments as well so all in all a great purchase.”
Pros
- Easy to clean
- 3 color options
- LED display
Cons
- Some reviewers report brusing
This set has everything you need and more. With five different suction heads, you get a precision vacuum for any area of the face. It helps remove blackheads, whiteheads, dead skin, grease, and makeup residue without hurting the skin. The comprehensive guide explains precisely what level and suction head to use depending on your skin type.
Intensity levels: 5
Suction heads: 5
Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This performs to my expectations. It works really well on blackheads and is easy to use and clean. I’ve noticed a considerable improvement to my skin. The size is compact making it great for travel.”
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Pros
- Cordless
- Hot/cold plates
- Easy to hold
Cons
- Learning curve
This four-in-one microdermabrasion tool is designed to exfoliate dead skin cells and suction away blackheads and excess oil. It has a built-in hot/cold compress through a plating technology that helps open and close pores before and after treatment. It also uses LED light therapy to target even more specific skin concerns. Red light promotes collagen production and smooth skin; green helps reduce redness and inflammation; blue reduces acne and bacteria and helps shrink pores.
Intensity levels:
Suction heads: 5
Fancii rating: 5
A Fancii reviewer says: “I think it’s so amazing that Clara has four tools in one! It’s crazy how technologically advanced our world is becoming! She has heating and cooling elements, LED light therapy, microdermabrasion and suction to get out all those pesky blackheads. I love having a tool that does so many wonderful things for my skin, all from the comfort of my own home!”
Pros
- No risk of bruising
Cons
- Some reviewers say the strips don’t stick over time
If the idea of a pore vacuum scares you, there are other ways to suction out stubborn blackheads. The Deep Cleansing Pore Strips might have zero technology, but they are effective. Bioré’s patented formula sticks to blackheads and not your skin to eliminate them in just 10 minutes without the risk of bruising. Continual use will help reduce the appearance of blackheads and the size of pores.
Intensity levels: 0
Suction heads: 0
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I used this on my nose as directed. It left my nose feeling very smooth. It removed a lot of impurities from the pores. I’d definitely use this product again.”
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Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Some reviewers say it stops working after 4 months
- Some say it can leave a red mark
If you’re looking to ease into the idea of a pore vacuum, this under-$20 is a good place to start without investing too much. Test the waters with this device with four different intensity levels and suction heads to fit your skin needs.
Intensity levels: 4
Suction heads: 4
Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I admit that I was skeptical at first, but after my first use, I was surprised how dirty my face was. Just be careful not to move too slow or it will leave red marks.”
How to Use a Pore Vacuum
“When using these tools at home, first make sure the tools, your skin, and your hands are properly cleansed,” Dr. Zeichner advises. “Apply gentle, downward pressure around the blackhead itself. If the blackhead does not easily come out using the tool, abort the mission.” Always start on the lowest setting to see how your skin reacts. This will avoid any potential bruising. Be sure to read the directions, but most brands advise capping usage to twice a week.
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Meet the Experts
Dr. Joshua Zeichner is an Associate Professor of Dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He specializes in treating acne and rosacea, and is an expert in cosmeceuticals, skin care, and cosmetic Dermatology.
Dr. Doris Day is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor of dermatology at the New York University Langone Medical Center. She specializes in laser, cosmetic, surgical and aesthetic dermatology. She is a medical educator and a highly respected and sought-after media personality.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Vanessa Powell tested pore vacuums, researched the market, and received tips from multiple dermatologists.
Vanessa Powell
Vanessa is an established editor, stylist and shopping expert covering all things style, gear and wellness. She lives in Los Angeles and is passionate about sharing innovative products, tips and trends for people and the planet.