Blackheads in the ear: origins, causes and solutions

The skin naturally produces sebum, a lipid film that helps to keep it comfortable and protected. When it builds up with dead skin cells or impurities, it can block the pores and form a comedone. On contact with the air, this sebum plug oxidises: this is what gives the blackhead its dark colour, visible on the surface of the skin.

Inside the ear, these small blackheads can appear on the outer ear, in the outer crease or around the entrance to the ear canal. This area, which can sometimes be more difficult to clean, can trap sebum, residue from hair care products, dust or even traces left by wearing earphones. Blackheads in the ear can therefore affect both teenagers and adults.

As the ear is a delicate and sensitive area, it is best to avoid piercing or squeezing out a blackhead yourself, as this risks irritating the skin or causing local discomfort. Ideally, you should follow gentle hygiene practices suitable for this area and seek professional advice in the event of pain, persistent redness or a spot located inside the ear canal.

A blackhead in the ear is usually recognisable by a small dark spot visible on the surface of the skin. It is caused by a pore blocked by a mixture of sebum and dead skin cells, the dark colour of which appears on contact with the air. It can form on the outer ear, the lobe, the cartilage or around the entrance to the ear canal.

A spot in the ear, on the other hand, usually presents as a small red or white blemish, or one that is sensitive to the touch. It may be accompanied by local discomfort, redness or a slight inflammation, particularly if the skin has been irritated. In any case, it is best to avoid touching the area, especially if the spot is painful or located near the ear canal.

Inside the ear, blackheads can be caused by several factors: increased sebum production, residue building up in the folds of the skin, or repeated friction. Often overlooked during personal hygiene routines, this area can trap impurities, sweat or traces of hair care products.

Increased sebum production

Hormonal changes, particularly during adolescence but also in adulthood, can stimulate sebum production. When sebum accumulates in the pores, it can lead to the formation of blackheads. Combination to oily skin is generally more prone to this, including around the ears.

Frequent use of earphones or accessories

Earphones, headphones, hats or even certain types of spectacle arms can cause friction and trap heat, sweat or impurities. If they are not cleaned regularly or are worn for long periods, they can contribute to the blockage of pores around the outer ear or at the entrance to the ear canal.

Residue from skincare products or impurities

Shampoos, styling products, creams, make-up, dust… Certain residues can become trapped in the earlobe, cartilage or outer folds of the ear. If not rinsed out or removed properly, they can mix with sebum and contribute to the formation of blackheads.

Insufficient or overly aggressive cleaning

Cleaning too quickly can allow sebum and dead skin cells to build up. Conversely, overly abrasive or repeated actions can damage this delicate area. The best approach is to opt for gentle hygiene, without trying to scrub or squeeze out the blackheads yourself.

A high-glycaemic index diet

For some people, a diet with a high glycaemic index can affect the skin’s balance and sebum production. This factor alone does not explain the appearance of blackheads in the ear, but it can contribute alongside other factors, such as skin type, hormonal changes or hygiene habits.

Directions for use and precautions for the food supplement: The Clear Skin Complex combines plant extracts, from burdock to zinc, and is a natural solution to support the skin’s balance on a daily basis. Take 2 capsules a day, to be swallowed with a glass of water. Not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. For adults only. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or in cases of oedematous heart or kidney failure. Not recommended for those with an allergy to salicylate derivatives or a known cross-allergy, particularly to plants of the Asteraceae family. Keep out of reach of children.

To find out more, discover our blackhead-fighting routine.

Blackheads in the ear require a more cautious approach than those on the face. The area is delicate, difficult to reach and close to the ear canal: treatment should therefore be applied only to the external parts of the ear, such as the auricle, the lobe or visible folds. It is best to avoid manual extraction, abrasive scrubs or overly exfoliating ingredients too close to the entrance to the ear. However, certain skincare products can help to purify the skin, regulate excess sebum or improve the appearance of pores, provided they are used very locally.

Purifying treatments to target blocked pores

When blackheads are caused by a build-up of sebum and impurities, purifying active ingredients can help keep the skin clearer. In the case of the ear, they should be used sparingly, only on the affected external area, and not applied inside the ear canal.

Concentrated Serum with 2% Plant-Based Salicylic Acid & Zinc

Particularly suited to combination to oily skin prone to blemishes, this serum combines plant-based salicylic acid, mushroom extract and zinc to help regulate excess sebum, unclog pores and prevent the appearance of blackheads. On the ear, it can be applied very locally, in a very small quantity, to the outer ear, the lobe or the outer folds only. It must not be used inside the ear or on irritated or broken skin.

Discover the 2% Plant-Based Salicylic Acid & Zinc Concentrated Serum

10% Azelic Acid Concentrated Serum

Formulated for combination, oily and acne-prone skin, this serum helps to unclog pores, regulate sebum, reduce the appearance of blackheads and mattify the skin without drying it out. It may be beneficial when blackheads in the ear appear on skin that is already prone to blemishes, visible pores or excess sebum. As it is highly concentrated, it should be introduced gradually and applied only to the visible external areas, never near the ear canal.

Discover the 10% Azelaic Acid Concentrated Serum

Sebum-regulating skincare to reduce excess sebum

Excess sebum can contribute to blocked pores, including in less visible areas such as the ear. Sebum-regulating active ingredients are therefore beneficial when blackheads appear on combination to oily skin, or when the area tends to shine, trap impurities or have more visible pores.

10% Niacinamide, Copper & Zinc Concentrated Serum

Highly concentrated in niacinamide, zinc and copper, this serum helps to tighten pores, regulate sebum production and prevent blemishes. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, it also helps to refine the skin’s texture without leaving a greasy residue. On the ear, it can be applied sparingly to the outer part, in very small quantities, where the skin is prone to blackheads or visible pores.

Discover the 10% Niacinamide, Copper & Zinc Concentrated Serum

5% Niacinamide, Zinc & Hyaluronic Acid Toning Lotion

Fragrance- and alcohol-free, this toner can be used to gently cleanse the outer areas of the ear. Its formula combines niacinamide, zinc, hyaluronic acid and organic inulin to help reduce blemishes and blackheads, tighten pores and maintain the skin’s comfort. Apply with a clean cotton pad, without rubbing, and take care to avoid the ear canal.

Discover the 5% Niacinamide, Zinc & Hyaluronic Acid Toner

Absorbent treatments to cleanse the area as and when needed

When blackheads are caused by excess sebum or build-up in the outer folds of the ear, an absorbent treatment can be applied very locally. The aim is not to strip the skin, but to help gently absorb the excess sebum.

Extra-fine green montmorillonite clay

Known for its absorbent properties, green clay can be applied as a highly targeted mask to the outer parts of the ear affected by blackheads. Apply a thin layer, taking care to avoid the entrance to the ear canal, then rinse off gently without rubbing. This treatment should only be used occasionally and is not suitable for irritated or sensitive skin.

Discover ultra-fine green montmorillonite clay

Soothing skincare to maintain skin comfort

After a purifying or mattifying treatment, the skin may need some soothing care, particularly in areas exposed to friction from earphones, headphones or the arms of glasses. A soothing treatment complements your skincare routine without irritating the skin.

Organic Pure Aloe Vera Gel

Fresh, light and non-greasy, the Organic Aloe Vera Gel can be applied in very small quantities to the outer part of the ear after cleansing or using a localised mask. It helps to soothe the skin, particularly when the area has become sensitised by friction or repeated hygiene routines. Again, it must never be applied inside the ear canal.

Discover the Organic Aloe Vera Gel

To minimise the appearance of blackheads in the ear, it’s best to opt for gentle hygiene, focusing on the external areas. The aim is not to strip the skin or clean the inside of the ear, but to prevent the build-up of sebum, sweat and impurities on the outer ear, the lobe, the cartilage and visible creases.

1. Gently cleanse the outer part of the ear : just like the face, the ear can trap sebum, dust, make-up residue or hair care products. When washing, gently cleanse the outer part of the ear with a cleanser suitable for your skin type, then rinse and dry the visible folds thoroughly. If you have applied foundation or cream near your ears, micellar water can also be used on a cotton pad to remove any residue, without rubbing.

2. Avoid using grainy scrubs near the ear : although exfoliation may be useful on certain areas of the face, mechanical scrubs are not recommended near the ear. The exfoliating particles can be difficult to rinse off properly and may become lodged near the entrance to the ear canal. For this area, it is best to opt for regular, gentle cleansing, without any abrasive actions or manual extraction.

3. Clean items that come into contact with the ears : mobile phones, earphones, headphones, spectacle arms, pillowcases: these items are often in direct contact with the ear and can trap sweat, dust or product residue. Cleaning them regularly helps to minimise the build-up of impurities on the skin, particularly if you wear earphones every day or have combination to oily skin.

4. Rinse hair care products thoroughly around the ears : shampoo, conditioner, hair masks, oils or styling products can sometimes remain around the edge of the ear after rinsing. To minimise the risk of blocked pores, make sure you rinse this area thoroughly, then gently pat the outer ear and earlobe dry after showering to prevent any residue from remaining in the folds of the ear.

Blackheads can form on various external areas of the ear, where sebum, dead skin cells, sweat or impurities tend to build up. The most common locations are:

• On the cartilage: this area can trap sweat, dust or residue from skincare products, particularly when it is in regular contact with earphones, headphones or hair

• Inside the outer ear: the folds of the outer ear can encourage the build-up of sebum and impurities, especially if they are not cleaned properly or dried thoroughly after washing

• Behind the ears: this often-overlooked area can trap residues of shampoo, hair care products, perfume or cream

• On the earlobe: the earlobe can also be affected, particularly in cases of combination to oily skin, make-up applied near the ears or frequent wearing of jewellery

• At the entrance to the ear canal: blackheads may sometimes appear near the opening of the ear. In this case, you must take extra care and avoid any manipulation or application of skincare products inside the ear canal. If you experience pain, redness or persistent discomfort, it is best to seek medical advice.

In most cases, a blackhead in the ear is nothing to worry about. It is usually caused by a build-up of sebum, dead skin cells and impurities in a pore. This small blemish is generally superficial and has no particular consequences. However, the ear is a sensitive area, which is best left alone. Popping or squeezing a blackhead yourself can irritate the skin, cause local inflammation or lead to greater discomfort. This is even more true if the blackhead is located near the entrance to the ear canal. It is best to seek medical advice if the area becomes painful, red, swollen or feels warm to the touch, if there is any discharge, or if the discomfort persists. In such cases, it may not simply be a blackhead, and a healthcare professional will be able to assess the nature of the condition.

Although it may be tempting, you should not pierce or squeeze a blackhead in your ear yourself. This area is delicate, sensitive and sometimes difficult to reach: applying too much pressure or using the wrong technique can irritate the skin, cause a small wound or lead to local inflammation. Popping a blackhead can also introduce impurities or bacteria into the area, with a risk of discomfort, redness or infection. Near the ear canal, extra caution is required: it is best to avoid any manipulation or application of skincare products too close to the inside of the ear.

To minimise blackheads, opt instead for gentle care: regularly clean the outer part of the ear, rinse out any residue from hair care products thoroughly, clean earphones or any objects that come into contact with the skin, and use suitable products only on the visible external areas.

The ear is a delicate and sensitive area: avoid piercing, scratching or squeezing out a blackhead yourself, especially if it is located near the ear canal. Cosmetic products should only be applied to the external parts of the ear, such as the outer ear, the lobe or visible folds. Avoid exfoliants with grains, overly harsh peels and applying anything inside the ear canal. If you experience pain, redness, swelling, discharge or persistent discomfort, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

A blackhead in the ear often recurs when the cause is not just skin-related, but linked to repeated contact. Earphones, headphones, mobile phones, spectacle arms, hair or haircare product residue can contribute to blocked pores without us realising it. The best approach is therefore to note where the blackheads appear: on the earlobe, in a crease of the outer ear, behind the ear or near the area where earbuds come into contact with the skin. This location often provides a useful clue for adjusting your habits: cleaning your accessories more regularly, rinsing haircare products out more thoroughly or avoiding overly rich products around the ears. It is often this small change, rather than a highly active treatment, that helps to prevent them from reappearing.

Gipsy is a graduate of ESJ Paris. After 10 years working in the general and women's specialist press, she chose to specialise in writing about health and well-being. Now a certified Yin Yoga teacher, she skillfully combines her passion for writing with her love of yoga. Her goal goes far beyond simply informing the reader. She is passionate about helping readers embrace simple, practical habits that support their well-being while encouraging a more mindful approach to the world around them. Every article is an invitation to adopt a healthier, more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.