Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving Gel ($35) uses an AHA (salicylic acid) and a BHA (lactic acid) to deep-clean and clear skin — and 98 percent of Sephora shoppers would recommend this product to a friend. Those active ingredients penetrate hair follicles to clear out any sebum, dead skin cells, and other debris that form blackheads, then aloe vera, shea butter, and green tea soothe your skin.