Whether you're currently obsessing over oddly satisfying skincare treatments or attempting to recreate your go-to facials at home, a pore vacuum might be the tool your routine is missing. These devices all over the internet, so there's a good chance you've thought about trying one out before, but wondered if they really work. That's why we reached out to the pros to find out if dermatologists actually recommend pore vacuums. 

"Pore vacuums are a quick and reliable way of removing open comedones or blackheads," says Dr. Lian Mack, board-certified dermatologist at GlamDerm in New York, NY. "There are devices like HydraFacial that need to be operated by a licensed aesthetician or medical professional and over-the-counter handheld devices available. They work by removing oil, debris, and dead skin cells from pores." 

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But before diving right in, it's important to note that you should always start out at the lowest setting. "A higher suction level does not mean a more effective treatment," says Dr. Ife Rodney, board-certified dermatologist at Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, MD. "Pore vacuums may damage the skin on higher settings, causing bruising and even long-term discoloration. Look for devices with more than three adjustable suction levels and different replacement suction heads. That means they will have milder settings and you can gradually work your way up to the right balance of suction."

Since there are so many different types of pore vacuums available online, it can be hard to figure out which ones are worth buying. We scoured thousands of reviews to find the pore cleaners that shoppers say actually deep-clean skin and remove blackheads. Some of the most high-end options on this list also function as at-home microdermabrasion tools, and the more affordable ones typically only have vacuum suction. 

These are the 9 best pore vacuums in 2021:  

While these devices are ideal for small blemishes, it's important to note that they can't fix all of your skincare problems. "[They're] great if you need to treat a pesky blackhead before a special event or simply to maintain your glowing skin," says Dr. Rodney. "[But] if you have larger, deeper whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples, you should get professional-grade treatment from your dermatologist."

No matter which pore vacuum you go with, don't forget to read the instructions for your specific model before use. (For example, many brands recommend continuously moving the device across your skin instead of keeping the suction in one spot.) And don't forget to prep your skin with warm water before each use, because they work best on "hydrated, moist skin," according to Dr. Mack. "Cleaning and steaming the face prior to applying the suctioning action of the vacuum will make the treatment more effective and will reduce the need to use higher more aggressive settings."

Keep reading to learn more about the best pore vacuums you can buy online, from top-rated brands like PMD and Dermaflash.

We've written about this popular blackhead remover before, and the number of five-star ratings (over 9,400) keeps growing. The June Julien pore vacuum has five different suction strengths and comes with four different tips for removing blackheads, dead skin, oil, and more. The battery lasts about 150 minutes, but it's easily rechargeable with a USB cable. So many customers say they're "shocked" by the amount of gunk it sucks out of their pores. "This thing has absolutely changed my skin," wrote a reviewer. "It has not only cleared my blackheads, but has given me the best skin I've ever had. I wish I would have found this product 15 years ago! My pores are practically invisible now."

This at-home microdermabrasion device from PMD uses spinning crystal heads to exfoliate skin and vacuum suction to boost elasticity. There are four different levels of exfoliation, ranging from ultra-sensitive to moderate, so you can use the tool on various skin types and gradually work up to the higher options. It's available in six different colors (including various shades of pink and purple), and each comes with two cap sizes: a small one for your face, and a large one for your body. "I [used to] get regular facials, but haven't been able to with COVID," wrote one customer. "This is just as good, if not better than, the [treatments] I was getting done professionally. It pays for itself honestly. My skin is so baby soft after using it, and it has been helping a lot with my acne scars."

At just $29, the Spa Sciences Mio is an incredibly great value because it's practically two devices in one. Unlike most of the other affordable options on this list, the Mio functions as a five-speed pore vacuum and microdermabrasion tool. The diamond tip smooths out the surface of your skin and the various suction tips vacuum your clogged pores. It also comes with 20 foam filters, which the brand recommends replacing after each use. (You can order another pack of filters on Amazon when you run out.) "I have always been skeptical of products like this, but it does everything that is advertised and it feels extremely high quality for the cost," a reviewer wrote. "I liked it so much, I used it on both my roommates and my boyfriend."

This high-tech pore vacuum by Microderm Glo is described as "gentle yet powerful" by shoppers who say they noticed a difference after the first use. The wireless device has a display screen that guides you through each step of the microdermabrasion and suction treatments. And since there are three different suction powers, you can adjust the settings as needed depending on how congested or sensitive the area of your face is. This pore cleansing vacuum is on the pricier side, but the brand also makes a more affordable version with fewer bells and whistles. "I do it once a week after a shower so my pores are nice and open, and there's an 'automatic' setting where the screen tells you what location to do and for how long," a customer wrote. "It's SO GROSS to see everything that's on the filter when I'm done, but my skin texture has never been better."

Dermaflash is probably best known for its dermaplaning tools, but the brand also makes ultrasonic skin spatulas — a.k.a. a type of pore cleaner that facialists use for painless extractions. Even though it doesn't technically have a suction effect, it still unclogs your pores and removes blackheads using ultrasonic vibrations. The brand recommends keeping your face wet throughout the process, so make sure you're near a sink or damp towel. After you try the extraction mode, there's a second vibration mode that's designed to evenly spread serum across your face. "This gadget is magic," one shopper wrote. "It was bringing up all the little blockages in my pores that I would normally just pass over with cleanser. I've noticed a nice difference in the amount of blemishes that I have and love the way it preps my skin for moisturizer!"

What makes Michael Todd Beauty's microdermabrasion pore vacuum stand out is its special misting feature, which gives your skin an extra boost of hydration with water or a facial toner. The wet feature is especially great for anyone whose skin is on the sensitive side, according to the brand. Using diamond tips and vacuum suction, the device operates at three different speed settings. It comes with everything you need to get started: the device itself, three diamond microdermabrasion heads with different exfoliation levels, three pore suction tips in various sizes, 30 disposable filters, and more. Even customers with "really clogged pores on [their] nose and chin" say this pore vacuum "totally solved" their skincare problems. "The mister has to be my favorite part of the whole thing," another added. "Something about the cool mist hitting your face afterward is just so satisfying."

The PMD Elite Pro pore vacuum is an upgraded version of the brand's classic model above. It's the priciest option on this list, but the microdermabrasion and pore-cleansing device has a few key differences that make it worth the splurge: It is cordless, has three different suction and speed settings, and comes with extra attachments (including a cap that specifically targets blackheads). "I am a licensed cosmetologist and I recommend this to all my clients," a reviewer wrote. "I have noticed a huge change in my skin for the better. I was so excited to get this newest version and it has exceeded my expectations! The fact it's wireless is the biggest game-changer for me."

Eunon's under-$40 pore vacuum has a large, easy-to-read LCD screen that clearly displays its battery status, current suction level, and a timer noting how long each treatment lasts. It only takes an hour to fully charge the battery via USB, which lasts long enough for two months of use. Many shoppers were impressed with the strong suction power, so avoid leaving it on one spot of your face for too long to prevent irritation. "This product is amazing! After using it, my nose area and chin are free of blackheads," a customer wrote. "I even used it on my husband and my mother just to see the results! It is so satisfying to see the blackheads coming out!"

This affordable blackhead vacuum comes recommended by Dr. Rodney, who appreciates that it's "cordless with five speeds and multiple suction heads." It even comes with a gentle, silicone-lined option that can be less irritating for sensitive skin. The lower suction levels are suitable for dry or sensitive skin, while the higher settings are meant for super oily or congested skin. Since pore vacuums in general have a bit of a learning curve, multiple reviewers recommend reading the instructions before you actually start using the device — but still, they say it's very easy to use. "I've tried pore strips and masks and scrubs and this was so much better," wrote one person. "You can see it really got the gunk out of my pores… [I] love how well it exfoliates my forehead and makes my skin feel so smooth."