Stubborn blackheads can really be the bane of our existence, and we are always looking for new ways to remove and prevent more blackheads from rearing their ugly heads. Blackheads are actually small bumps on your skin that are caused by clogged hair follicles, and are usually on your nose or chin.

Blackhead extractions should be done by professionals for the best results and for them to be removed effectively and safely, but this can get costly after a while. There are plenty of blackhead removal products that can help with your blackhead woes, but recently there has been a viral TikTok trend that claims to help remove stubborn blackheads with just two ingredients – Vaseline Petroleum Jelly and cleansing oil.

This method involves you using Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, some cling film, and cleansing oil to remove the blackheads, and has been said to be extremely effective for some people. Here’s how it works:

1. Apply Vaseline

Apply a thick and generous layer of Vaseline to your nose, and cover it all with some cling film.

Make sure that the cling film covers your whole nose.

2. Hold a warm towel to your nose

Hold a warm towel over your nose for 30 seconds to a minute. This will help to soften the keratin and extract your blackheads.

3. Wipe off Vaseline

After removing the towel and cling film, use a cotton swab to wipe the Vaseline off.

4. Cleanse and Extract

Lastly, use your fingertips to rub your nose with cleansing oil to get rid of all the Vaseline, and to pull out your blackheads. Use some water to rinse your nose off before using a cotton swab to wipe the blackheads off. Once done, your nose should be free of blackheads and sebum!

The viral TikTok of this trend had actually taken inspiration from an equally viral YouTube video by MisoJeong, in which she removed her blackheads using this method.

TikToker @rogerwh0 tried the hack out for himself, and was quite disappointed by it. The hack did not work for him at all, and he tells his viewers to instead stick to BHA or salicylic acid products.

Others warn that the petroleum jelly will only serve to clog up your pores more, resulting in this hack being counter-productive. Dermatologists agree with this, and warn against trying this trend as the cling film also physically occludes your pores.

All images are credited to MisoJeong on YouTube and @rogerwh0 on TikTok.