The easiest and most effective way to get rid of whitehead pimples on your lips is by using a sulfate-free cleanser and salicylic acid correctly. With the right products and proper use, you can reduce lip pimples by up to 90%.
What can I learn from this blog?
- The right solution for your lip pimple
- Real example
- Right Product recommendation.
- What Causes Whitehead Pimples to Appear?
- What Should You Avoid to Prevent Whitehead Pimples?
- Some rules
- When to See a Doctor or Dermatologist
- FAQ
- Conclusion
On r/SkincareAddiction, a user shared a safe and hygienic 11-step method for popping whiteheads:
The advice shared on Reddit offers some help, but it’s not a complete solution. To achieve a lasting and effective result, there are a few more important steps you should know.
Before you can treat it effectively, it’s important to first identify whether you’re dealing with a pimple on your lip or a cold sore.
How to Tell If It’s a Whitehead Pimple or a Cold Sore?
A whitehead on the lip usually appears as a small, round bump that’s white or light in color. At the center, you’ll notice a white tip — this is a buildup of oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria trapped beneath the skin.
These pimples are typically not painful and don’t cause itching or burning. You will see little or no redness around this area
Whiteheads tend to form near the corners of the lips, on the surrounding skin, or just below the lips — but they rarely appear directly on the red part of the lip.
When you notice these symptoms, it’s a clear indication that it’s a pimple, not a cold sore.
- Cold sores often start with a tingling or itchy feeling around the edges of the lips. Shortly after, tiny, painful blisters appear, which then break open and form a scab. This viral condition spreads easily from person to person.
When these symptoms appear, it’s a clear sign that you’re dealing with a cold sore, not a pimple
How to solve lip pimples?
1. First of all, you need to focus on keeping your lips clean. To clean your lips, choose a mild, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and pH-balanced cleanser.
For example: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
It’s gentle and has no fragrance. It contains Ceramides + Hyaluronic Acid, which helps keep the skin moisturized.
Here’s a simple rule to follow:
- Start by rinsing your face with cool or lukewarm water.
- Take some cleanser in your palm and rub to make foam
- Apply it gently around the pimple on your lips
- Massage for 15–20 seconds and then rinse off
- Gently blot your skin dry—don’t rub
Always use lukewarm water, not hot water. Warm water opens your pores without drying or irritating the skin.
Next, use a clean, soft towel to lightly dab the area dry. I’ll say it again—do not rub. Rubbing can irritate your skin and make the pimple worse.
2. There are some simple and effective ways to treat lip pimples. First, understand your skin type and choose the right solution for you.
🔹 1. Salicylic Acid
It clears away dead skin cells and excess oil that can clog your pores.
Good for:
People with slightly oily skin
Mild or small pimples
Note: Be careful near the lips, as it can cause dryness. Use only a small amount.
🔹 2. Tea Tree Oil (Diluted)
Fights bacteria and reduces redness and swelling.
Good for:
Sensitive skin
Those who prefer natural remedies
- Always dilute it with water or a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. Never use this product straight on your skin without mixing it first.
🔹 3. Honey (Raw or Organic)
A natural way to kill bacteria. It also cools and soothes the skin.
Good for:
Dry or sensitive skin
People who avoid chemicals
Note: It works slowly with regular use, but it’s gentle and safe.
🔹 4. Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5% only, with doctor’s advice)
Kills bacteria and dries out bigger pimples.
Good for:
Large, painful, or swollen pimples
When nothing else has worked
Note: This can irritate the lip area. It’s important to get a doctor’s advice before you start using this.
🔹 5. Warm Compress
Helps soften the pimple, making it easier to heal or release naturally.
Good for:
Whitehead-type lip pimples
When you want to open up clogged pores
Tip: Dip a clean cloth in warm water, squeeze out the excess, and softly place it over the pimple for 5 to 10 minutes. Do this 2–3 times a day.
🔹 6. Cold Compress
Helps reduce swelling, redness, and pain.
Good for:
Swollen or painful pimples
Quick relief from discomfort
Note: Wrap some ice in a clean cloth and gently press on the area for a few minutes. Avoid placing ice directly on your skin.
🔹 7. Some foods can help heal whitehead pimples on your lips. Here is a list of foods that keep your skin healthy and help reduce pimples:
🍎 Fruits: Apples, oranges, strawberries, and blueberries have vitamin C, which is good for your skin.
🥦 Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, and carrots are full of nutrients that help your skin.
🥑 Avocado: Keeps your skin soft and smooth.
🐟 Fish (especially salmon): Contains omega-3 fats that lower swelling and redness.
🌰 Nuts: Almonds and walnuts have healthy fats that help your skin.
💧 Stay well-hydrated by drinking enough water, which helps maintain healthy skin and may reduce breakouts.
To help cure your whitehead lip pimples, follow these important rules:
❌ Avoid licking your lips too much.
❌ Avoid consuming excessive spicy or greasy foods.
❌ Refrain from sharing lip balm or makeup with others.
❌ Avoid using lip balm too often.
❌ Don’t touch your face with dirty hands.
❌ Cut down on sugar and junk food.
❌ Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
❌ Stay out of strong sunlight for too long, as it can dry your lips and cause more pimples.
❌ Wash your face with lukewarm water, not very hot or very cold water, to keep lips from drying or getting irritated.
❌ Avoid products with too many chemicals, like heavy lipstick, lip gloss, or strong perfumes.
❌ Manage stress and try to get regular sleep, because stress and lack of sleep can make skin problems worse.
❌ Drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
❌ Keep good hygiene—change pillowcases regularly and clean your phone screen often to avoid spreading bacteria.
❌ Be careful when trying new foods or cosmetics, as they might cause allergies.
What are the best products for whitehead lip pimples recommended by a dermatologist?
1. Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment
Why it’s good: Works fast and helps reduce small pimples.
Who it’s for: Normal to oily skin, and those with mild to moderate pimples.
2. Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment
Why it’s good: It contains benzoyl peroxide, which kills bacteria.
Who it’s for: People with slightly oily and pimple-prone skin.
3. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Why it’s good: Cleans pores and stops new pimples from forming.
Who it’s for: Oily and combination skin that needs gentle exfoliation.
4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo – Acne Treatment with Dual Action Formula
Why it’s good: Works in two ways — reduces pimples and lightens blemishes.
Who it’s for: Sensitive and oily skin, especially for those wanting to treat pimples and blemishes together.
5. Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Why it’s good: Removes dirt and blackheads deep in the skin.
Who it’s for: People with blackheads and whiteheads, especially oily skin.
6. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
Why it’s good: Dries pimples quickly.
Who it’s for: Those who suddenly get small pimples or whiteheads.
7. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Liquid Exfoliant with 2% BHA
Why it’s good: Gently exfoliates and cleans pores.
Who it’s for: All skin types, for regular exfoliation.
8. Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Foam Wash
Why it’s good: Controls oil and keeps skin clean.
Who it’s for: Oily skin and those prone to eczema.
9. Benzac AC Gel (Benzoyl Peroxide 5%)
Why it’s good: Strong antibacterial that reduces pimples.
Who it’s intended for: Individuals struggling with severe acne or persistent pimples.
10. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel
Why it’s good: Dries pimples fast.
Who it’s for: Those who suddenly get large pimples.
In short:
For sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, Paula’s Choice BHA
For oily or blackhead-prone skin: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid, Cosrx BHA, Cetaphil DermaControl
For fast-acting relief: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, Neutrogena Rapid Clear, and Benzac AC Gel.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What causes whitehead pimples on the lips?
Whitehead pimples form trapped beneath the skin, often worsened by poor hygiene, oily or spicy foods, and touching lips with dirty hands.
2. How can I tell if a bump on my lip is a whitehead pimple or a cold sore?
Whiteheads are small, white or light bumps with no pain or itching, mostly near lip corners. Cold sores start with tingling, then painful blisters that crust over and are contagious.
3. What is the best way to clean lips with whitehead pimples?
Use a mild, fragrance-free, pH-balanced cleanser like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser with lukewarm water. Massage gently and rinse thoroughly without scrubbing to prevent irritation.
4. Which treatments are effective for whitehead pimples on the lips?
Treatments include salicylic acid (for oily skin), diluted tea tree oil, honey for sensitive skin, benzoyl peroxide (with doctor’s advice), warm and cold compresses for swelling and healing.
5. Are there foods that help reduce lip pimples?
Yes, foods rich in vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants like fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and plenty of water help keep skin healthy and reduce pimples.
6. In which situations should you reach out to a healthcare professional or skin specialist?
If pimples become large, painful, swollen, or if home treatments don’t work, or if you suspect cold sores or infections, consult a healthcare professional.
7. Can I use benzoyl peroxide on my lips?
Only use benzoyl peroxide (2.5% or 5%) on the lip area with doctor’s approval, as it may cause dryness and irritation.
Conclusion
Whitehead pimples on the lips can be effectively treated with the right skincare routine and products.
Identifying the issue correctly — distinguishing between pimples and cold sores — is crucial for proper care.
Gentle cleansing, using appropriate treatments like salicylic acid, natural remedies, and dermatologist-recommended products, can reduce pimples significantly.
Additionally, following preventive measures such as avoiding lip licking, spicy foods, and maintaining good hygiene will help keep your lips healthy.
For persistent or severe cases, seeking medical advice ensures safe and effective treatment.
With patience and proper care, you can say goodbye to whitehead pimples and enjoy smooth, clear lips.