When it comes to quick fixes for clogged pores, the best pore strips have long held a beloved spot in skin-care routines worldwide. There’s something undeniably satisfying about peeling away a strip and seeing the visible evidence of impurities (think: blackheads and sebaceous filaments) lifted from your skin. Beyond their instant gratification, pore strips provide an effective way to deep-clean areas prone to blackheads, such as the nose, chin, and forehead. They act like a magnet, drawing out excess oil and debris that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

In the age of TikTok skin-care experts, pore strips have gotten a bad rep—but you don’t have to toss away the category as a whole. “Using pore strips occasionally isn’t harmful, but frequent use can sometimes irritate the skin,” says board certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman. Plus, the pore strips of 2025 are a far cry from their Y2K predecessors, which tore off skin with a vengeance—evolution in the category has led to gentler hydrocolloid and biocellulose patches that equally, if not more effective. Meanwhile, K-beauty alternatives offer sebum-melting oils and treatments that ditch adhesive patches altogether. Dr. Spearman adds, “While traditional strips provide quick results, K-beauty techniques offer a gentler, long-term way to care for your pores. It really comes down to what works best for your skin.”

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While pore strips aren’t a comprehensive solution for long-term skin health, their benefits as a targeted, affordable, and satisfying cleansing method remaining clear in between proper facial appointments—particularly when combined with consistent skin-care routines. Scroll to discover our favorite blackhead-beating nose and T-zone strips to unclog pores and leave skin feeling fresh.

Best Hydrocolloid: Mighty Patch Nose Strips

• Why We Love It: Think of this pick as a classic hydrocolloid pimple patch, but large enough to cover your entire nose. “The Mighty Patch hydrocolloid nose patch absorbs buildup in the nose, to help with the appearance of righter pores,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman. Sport these overnight while you get your beauty rest, and after the morning shed, you’ll notice the previously clear hydrocolloid patch is spotted white from sebum absorption (meaning: it worked).
• Key Ingredients: Medical grade hydrocolloid
• Best For: A gentler alternative to pore strips
• How to Use: Wear this pick overnight for six to eight hours (likes a pimple patch) for optimal results
• Size: 10 patches