Best pore vacuums 2023: Do they really work and what’s the best way to use one? We asked an expert
Ah, pore vacuums. It’s probably fair to say that we’ve got TikTok to thank for the rapid rise – and weirdly popular – in-depth videos of people squeezing pimples, plucking out ingrown hairs and clearing out ear wax. Love them or hate them (we’re in the latter camp, sorry), one thing we can all agree on is that they’re as gross as they are satisfying.
More recently, though, you’ve probably been served an endless stream of videos showcasing people using pore vacuums. Not just to get rid of blackheads but also to suck out all the dirt and debris from inside their clogged pores. Truth be told, there was a time when we'd be advising that these sorts of gadgets were best left well alone, but now, times are changing, and technology is evolving far past the classic pore strips. That means not only are they now just used by professionals in clinics and during facials, but you can even buy them for yourself and use them at home.
We know, it kinda sounds a bit too good to be true, but we’ve spoken to the experts and got the low down. That way, if you are in the market for extracting all the gunk out with a vacuum cleaner for your face, you can make sure you’re doing so properly, safely and doing the right prep pre-deep clean. Here’s everything you need to know…
Do pore vacuums work? | Do pore vacuums cause damage? | How to use a pore vacuum | How often to use pore vacuums | Our full pore vacuum reviews
Best pore vacuums 2023 at a glance:
- Best pore vacuum overall: Sarah Chapman Skinesis Pro Pore Refiner, £132, Cult Beauty
- Best pore vacuum for all skin types: Magnitone London PorePatrol Skin Renewing Pore Extraction System, £40, LookFantastic
- Best pore vacuum to boost skincare results: Dermaflash Dermapore Pore Extractor, £99, Current Body
- Best pore vacuum for travelling: Currentbody Skin Mini Microderm, £49.99, Current Body
- Best pore vacuum for glowing skin: Homedics Remove Microdermabrasion + Cooling System, £149.99, Boots
Do pore vacuums work?
“Pore vacuums aim to remove blackheads and clear stubborn areas of congestion and exist to support cleansing regimes,” says Sarah. “While we can never physically reduce the pore size, and a pore vacuum won’t help with this, with regular use and a thorough cleansing regime, they can help to effectively minimise pore appearance by keeping them clear and free from a build-up of dirt and dead skin cells – however not all technology is created equally, so it is important to do your research before purchasing one.”
Do pore vacuums cause damage?
In short, the answer is no; pore vacuums don’t cause damage – however, it’s important to ensure you’re following the instructions correctly when using one. Sarah concurs, adding: “Pore vacuums are completely safe to use, but each pore vacuum is created differently. As a general approach pore vacuums should only ever be used by those who suffer with congested skin and for blackhead removal. It’s also vital to phase in use of your device slowly, and when using a new device, the aim is to avoid bruising or sensitising the skin. It’s the same as introducing new actives or exfoliants in your skincare routine – go gently!”
How to use a pore vacuum
It all depends on the device you’re using, so always make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. However, Sarah says you can get impressive results when you use a pore vacuum in combination with steaming. “Steaming is an underrated step in a cleansing routine. It helps to warm and soften any debris within the pores, enabling an easier extraction and therefore boosting the results of a pore vacuum because the added boost of steam and heat will help to further open the pores,” she says.
How often should you use pore vacuums?
“If your skin is prone to sensitivity, cap your usage to once or twice a week. You should also pay attention to how you use your device – only use the extraction nozzle or tip on the congested areas, and don’t move it over the same area more than once,” says Sarah. “If your device has more than one extraction level, start on the lowest setting and use it in the evening to allow for any downtime.”
After more dermatologist-approved skincare products? Shop the best facial steamers, the best LED face masks, the best cleansers and retinol serums for fine lines and wrinkles.
Ahead, the best pore vacuums to add to your checkout in 2023 – plus our glowing reviews.
1. Best pore vacuum overall
Sarah Chapman Skinesis Pro Pore Refiner, £132, Cult Beauty
Pros: Created by Sarah Chapman, the Pro Pore Refiner is designed to mimic professional extraction methods (heat, massage, extract) to help you achieve expert results from home. “It works in an intelligent way, using ultra-advanced high tech heat therapy, which softens and warms the skin to 42 degrees, whilst ultrasonic vibrations work to loosen congestion from deep within the dermis, priming the area for optimal extraction,” says Sarah. “Positively-charged ions also draw negatively-charged dirt to the skin’s surface, and the focused suction works to purge the oil and dirt from pores to instantly remove blackheads.”
Cons: The one downside is that it’s on the pricier side, but if you want a does-it-all pore cleansing, derm-approved device, this won’t let you down.
Save when you shop for pore vacuums with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
2. Best pore vacuum for all skin types
Magnitone London PorePatrol Skin Renewing Pore Extraction System, £40, LookFantastic
Pros: Aside from the clever name, Magnitone’s pore vacuum has five different speed settings and it comes with multiple interchangeable heads, including one for deep suction, one for low suction, a supple skin micro lifting head, and two silicone heads that are good for those with sensitive skin. We love the ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the hand and the fact it glides across the skin with ease.
Cons: Some users have said that even on the lowest setting that the suction is still too strong, so use it gently and with caution if it’s your first time.
Save when you shop for pore vacuums with these LookFantastic discount codes.
3. Best pore vacuum to boost skincare results
Dermaflash Dermapore Pore Extractor, £99, Current Body
Pros: As well as working to deeply cleanse skin and unclog both pores and congestion, Dermaflash’s clever pore extractor uses ultrasonic technology to flush dirt, oil and debris out. It also works to prep skin using ultrasonic vibrations that help to boost the absorption of the skincare you’re using to enable it to penetrate deeper and work harder.
Cons: While using you do need to ensure the skin stays wet in order to get the best results.
4. Best pore vacuum for travelling
Currentbody Skin Mini Microderm, £49.99, Current Body
Pros: If you can’t bear to be without your pore vacuum, consider this the best device for you: smaller than its counterparts, it’ll fit into your suitcase without taking up much room at all. It comes complete with an exfoliating tip to gently buff away dead skin cells, while the gentle suction action works to help boost circulation and stimulate collagen production. Despite its small size, it still has three suction levels.
Cons: If you have sensitive skin you may find the microdermabrasion attachment a little bit too powerful.
5. Best pore vacuum for glowing skin
HoMedics Remove Microdermabrasion + Cooling System, £99.98, Boots
Pros: A real one stop shop, Homedics’ have really done the most here: the diamond tip not only deeply exfoliates skin, but it also offers a gentle but powerful suction, and it has four intensity levels for maximum effectiveness. We like that it comes with replaceable filters, too, and there’s even a cooling surface on the device that soothes the skin post-treatment.
Cons: It is the most expensive of the bunch so it may not fall into everybody’s budget.
Save when you shop for pore vacuums with these Boots discount codes.
