18 gross but satisfying hygiene products you need to try

— Our editors review and recommend products to help you buy the stuff you need. If you make a purchase by clicking one of our links, we may earn a small share of the revenue. However, our picks and opinions are independent from USA TODAY’s newsroom and any business incentives.

From popping pimples to blotting away excess oil off your face, we all have our favorite weird but totally gratifying beauty rituals. Think about it: Even Charlotte from Sex and the City liked to stare at her pores in the mirror for hours. So instead of trying to hide your beauty guilty pleasures, embrace them. We’ve put together a list of some of the most gross but satisfying hygiene products on Amazon to help make your secret routines even more rewarding.

1. These blackhead remover tools to help you minimize the appearance of pores

If you’re in the habit of popping your blackheads with your hands, it’s time to upgrade with this popular kit, which comes with six different tools, all made from stainless steel. In addition, each feature anti-slip handles, so you have ultimate control. This will help prevent things like scars, redness and cuts since you control the pressure.

Get the JPNX Blackhead Remover Tools on Amazon for $6.99

2. A facial hair remover that’s a great alternative to waxing

It looks nothing like wax or razors, but this Bellebe Facial Hair Remover is super effective at removing hair. This remover does so by trapping the hair in its coils and lifting them from the root. From there, the company claims that the hair grows back finer and softer, so you’ll have less unwanted hair. I have a few different kinds of these and while, yes, it can be painful, it’s also super satisfying to see the hair pulled. Plus, there’s no better feeling than smooth skin, you know?

Get the Bellabe Facial Hair Remover on Amazon for $16.99

3. This foot peel that leaves you with baby soft skin

Dead skin, peeling, and baby have never been in the same sentence until the Baby Foot Peel was invented. It’s pretty darn gross—essentially, your skin peels away like a snake’s does—but people say the end results are immensely satisfying.

All you have to do you is wear the booties, and within a week or two, you’ll start to notice some skin peeling, since this helps remove dead skin cells made your feet rough and calloused. We’re still testing this product now, but plenty of reviewers say it’s perfect for sandal season and beyond.

Get the Baby Foot Peel Original Exfoliant Peel at Target for $20.49

4. A charcoal toothpaste that whitens teeth

Almost 20,000 people agree that this Active Wow charcoal powder is helping them attain pearly white smiles. Sure, it does mean that your teeth will look totally gross covered in the black charcoal substance for a few minutes, but the benefits—namely, fewer surface stains from coffee and wine—can make it worth it.

Get the Active Wow Charcoal Powder on Amazon for $19.89

5. This dry shampoo that banishes grease without an actual shower

Stop icky, greasy hair in its tracks with one of the most popular dry shampoos out there. It one of the best dry shampoos we’ve ever tested since it really works wonders when it comes to absorbing grease and oil right at the roots. Your hair feels like it’s freshly washed—no shower required.

Get the Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo (Original Scent) for $23

6. This foot file that buffs away calluses

If you’re looking for more control when buffing away calluses on your heels, then skip the grinder and use this foot file instead. While it’s sort of like cheese-grating your feet (excuse us while we gag), the end results are really enjoyable, as it feels good to buff away dead skin. A lot of reviewers say that they tried everything to get rid of their cracked heels—creams, lotions, expensive foot files, you name it—and nothing worked until they used this product.

Get the Colossal Foot Rasp Foot File on Amazon for $8.99

7. The face mask that’s everyone’s beauty secret

Sometimes, beauty takes sacrifices, like putting what looks like goop on your face. Thankfully, it’s this Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, the cult-favorite mask that beauty lovers seriously rave about.

People (including our own staff) love it because they say it’s helped them treat acne, blackheads and more. It even works on sensitive skin. Besides the face, you can use it on the feet, in body wraps or even in clay baths. You know, if sitting in clay is your thing.

Get the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay on Amazon for $10.95

8. These blotting papers that blot away excess oil

If you have really oily skin, chances are that you need these blotting papers by Boscia. They’re made with 100 percent natural abaca leaf fiber and in addition to controlling excess oil, also remove makeup. This makes them perfect for those touch-ups throughout the day. Thanks to the infused green tea extract, it also provides soothing relief to the skin.

Get the Boscia Green Tea Blotting Papers for $10

9. A water flosser that’s easy to use

If you don’t know how to use a water flosser, the results can be pretty hilarious (and revolting), since food and water can sometimes fly everywhere. This water flosser is especially easy to use for beginners, since it has a one-minute timer and a 30-second pacer. It comes with seven different tips, including specialty ones that are meant to be used on things like braces or morning to use this. As an added benefit, this product has been accepted by the American Dental Association, so you can feel good knowing that this is a product your dentist would probably recommend, too.

Get the Waterpik Water Flosser on Amazon for $69.99

10. This liquid latex that helps you apply nail polish like a pro

I don’t know about you, but nothing was more satisfying growing up than putting white glue on my hands, letting it dry and then peeling it off. In fact, I get a rush just thinking about it now. Ahh.

Luckily, you can get that sensation back and do a mess-free job on your nails at the same time with this Nail Art Liquid Latex Barrier. It’s called a “second skin” for a reason, since it acts as a barrier for the skin around your nails from polish. Afterwards, simply peel and admire your handiwork—sounds neat, right?

Get the Nail Art Liquid Latex Barrier on Amazon for $11.99

Yes, you read that right. Snails. This highly rated cream is made using 92 percent snail mucus extract and according to reviewers, has many skin benefits. With regular use, this cream can supposedly fight signs of aging, provide glowing skin and even help reduce the appearance of acne scars. One reviewer couldn’t believe they waited so long to try it.

Get the MIZON All In One Snail Repair Cream on Amazon for $26.11

12. A charcoal mask that’s fun to peel off

Here’s another gross but genius product to add to your beauty routine: the original black mask that was trending for a while about a year ago. Peeling it off can hurt like a you know what, but since it’s made with activated charcoal and vitamin C, this peel-off mask from Boscia will leave your skin glowing. It even minimizes the appearance of large pores and is suitable for all skin types.

Get the Boscia Black Charcoal Mask on Sephora for $9.99

13. An ear wax removal kit that’s a safer alternative to Q-Tips

Did you know that Q-Tips are actually be bad for your ears over time? These tools come highly rated on Amazon and do the exact opposite—they extract earwax rather than pushing it in deeper, like Q-tips. They’re made with 100% medical grade stainless steel, so you can feel like you’re Meredith Grey when removing wax from your ears, but with a much safer alternative to traditional Q-Tips. There’s even a tool that lets you relieve itching and massage your ear during the cleaning process. Yes, please.

Get the ETEREAUTY 6pcs Ear Pick Ear Curette Earwax Removal with Storage Box on Amazon for $9.99

14. These cuticle nippers that help you achieve a salon-worthy manicure at home

You’ll be one step closer to salon-worthy manicures at home with this cuticle nipper. It’s a tool that literally “nips” away at the skin around the nail, leaving the area smooth and cuticle-free. It also comes with a cuticle pusher to make the job easier. Both are made with surgical-quality stainless steel, so the blades won’t dull for a long time, either.

Get the Cuticle Nipper with Cuticle Pusher on Amazon for $7.99

15. This bath bomb that brings the ocean to your tub

Bring the ocean right to your own tub with this Big Blue bath bomb from Lush. Sitting in seaweed and sea salt may feel weird (especially since it can get pretty messy to clean up after), but your skin and body will thank you, since these mineral-rich ingredients help soften the skin and relieve tight muscles. As you probably guessed it, it will turn your tub blue, but it’s a great way to unwind after a stressful day.

Get the Big Blue Seaweed Bath Bomb at Lush for $6.95

16. This electric callus that buffs away calluses—fast

If you need to remove dead and hard calloused skin from your feet, then you might as well use something that will get the job done quick. That’s where this electric callus remover comes in, since it has three times the power of other brands, meaning it practically does all the work for you.

A single charge lasts a while courtesy of its rechargeable battery, and since it’s so compact in size, it makes it perfect to travel with. Yes, it might be a bit icky to watch dead, hardened skin literally get grinded around you, but the company promises a salon-like pedicure in minutes, without the high cost.

Get the Electric Callus Remover on Amazon for $29.99

17. This dermaroller that literally creates new skin

You’ve probably seen this beauty product all over Instagram. It’s supposed to literally breathe new life into your skin by creating micro punctures to signal the skin to produce collagen and elastin.

It comes with hundreds of 0.25 millimeter needles, and although it looks pretty terrifying, the company claims a painless process. I’ve interviewed dermatologists about this product before and full disclosure: dermarolling at home isn’t always the safest. Doing it wrong can even lead to permanent scarring, yikes. So be sure you know how to handle it safely before using.

Get the Microneedle Face Roller System 0.25mm on Dermstore for $26

18. This Veet hair remover that means no shaving

Want smooth legs but hate to shave? This Veet Gel Hair Remover should do the trick since it removes hair within minutes. Even better? You’ll never have to use a razor.

This cream works by dissolving the hair shaft. The spatula then pulls it all away, which is somewhat disgusting but also super useful, too. Simply use the curved part of the spatula it comes with to apply the gel, leave it on for five minutes and voilà, smooth skin that will look amazing.

Get the Veet Hair Remover on Amazon for $8.47

The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest, deals, product reviews, and more.

Prices are accurate at the time this article was published, but may change over time.