The 14 Best Acne Spot Treatments, According To Editors And Dermatologists

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Picture this: You just got out of bed after a long night’s rest and you’re feeling super refreshed and ready to take on the day. However, your morning takes a turn when you make your way to your bathroom mirror and spot a not-so-subtle pimple. While it’s not the ideal surprise, it happens to everyone. Still, you may be asking yourself what the quick fix is.

Sure, you can dab on some foundation or concealer, but what about something that can help eliminate your blemish altogether? That‘s where acne spot treatments come in (not to be confused with acne scar treatments!). “Acne spot treatments work to quickly address breakouts by reducing inflammation and helping to unclog the pores,” explains dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. “They are designed to be applied directly to existing breakouts, but are not intended to be used preventatively.”

Like any acne-fighting product (que the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin), these formulas don’t work like magic erasers. However, they definitely help with red papules, pustules, blackheads, and whiteheads (just ask our editors who have tested some themselves). “It’s important to not rely on spot treatments as a primary form of treatment for acne,” says Dr. Garshick. According to her, a spot treatment can supplement an existing skincare routine, or it can be used in urgent situations, such as waking up with a big breakout before a big event or meeting.

Between viral acne patches, drying lotions, gels, and creams, there are plenty of options out there to choose from. Keep scrolling to find the 14 best acne spot treatments recommended by Women's Health editors and skin experts, below.

Drying Lotion

Mario Badescu is well-known for its skincare products, so it's not surprising that dermatologists love it. This drying lotion draws out impurities while you sleep and can be rinsed off in the morning.

"This overnight acne spot treatment contains salicylic acid, sulfur, and zinc to remove excess oil, unclog pores, and reduce the appearance of unwanted blemishes," says dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD. It also contains calamine, which soothes skin and can relieve itching, adds Dr. Garshick.

Acne Spot Dots

While some acne-fighting products can be a bit pricey, these are super budget-friendly. For only nine dollars, you can get 60 vegan patches designed to reduce inflammation and the overall size of your blemishes.

Dr. Camp loves these patches because they contain hydrocolloid. "Hydrocolloid draws water out of the pimple to reduce its size and appearance and create a healing environment for the skin," he explains. Major bonus: these can be used on all skin types, and they're alcohol-free.

Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel

If you're a sucker for sleek packaging, you'll adore the Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel. The small green bottle contains a formula that clears pores of debris to specifically target blackheads. It's a great option for those who have oily skin because it prevents acne by absorbing excess oil.

"This transparent gel contains 1.5 percent salicylic acid to fight blackheads and blemishes, making it an effective spot treatment that can be used during the day and overnight," says Dr. Camp.

2% Salicylic Acid Early Stage Acne Dot

Made with two percent salicylic acid, these dots from Peace Out will penetrate your pores to fight acne. Meanwhile, other ingredients, such as niacinamide and succinic acid, boost elasticity and prevent excess oil. It's also good for all skin types. As it turns out, it's also a favorite of WH editors too.

"These patches brought underlying pimples to the surface that I didn't even know I had and cleared out my pores," says Amanda Lucci, special projects director at WH. "You can really feel them working, and peeling them off in the morning is so grossly satisfying (sorry it's true)."

Go Away Acne Spot Treatment

If you're looking to reduce the appearance of your acne while improving your glow, this spot treatment is for you. It has probiotics that pair well with its other ingredients to provide results fast. BTW, this is better for those with oily skin who are not sensitive.

"This spot treatment contains benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, and azelaic acid to address not only the inflammation and redness of pimples but also the residual discoloration they can leave behind on the skin," says Dr. Camp.

Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Spot Treatment

Those who have sensitive skin may find large amounts of benzoyl peroxide in their skincare to be too harsh or drying. With this five percent option from La Roche-Posay, you can rest easy knowing it's getting rid of acne while helping you achieve soft skin. Sure, it's a bit pricey, but skin experts say it's worth every penny.

"Combining micronized benzoyl peroxide and lipo-hydroxy acid, which offers gentle exfoliation, this treatment works to quickly target breakouts and blemishes," says Dr. Garshick. She adds that the glycerin in the formula will also help hydrate the skin, making it suitable to use all over the face or as a spot treatment.

Acne-Prone Skin Patches

If your skin tends to get red or irritated when you try to exfoliate, these will be your best friend. Differin designed these patches to gently exfoliate the skin without increasing redness or irritation. "These also contain salicylic acid to actively treat blemishes," says dermatologist Stacy Tull, MD. "It's made of a hydrocolloid gel that gently absorbs moisture from the pimple."

Worried about them falling off? These are makeup-friendly, waterproof, and sweat-proof. In other words, whether you're going out for the night or hitting the gym, these will have you covered.

Read More: Best Acne Scar Treatments

Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Treatment Gel

One of the benefits of acne spot treatments is that many of them are designed to work quickly. And this one from Neutrogena works faster than you might expect. "It uses 10 percent benzoyl peroxide to help reduce redness and the size of moderate to severe breakouts in as little as two hours, which is why it's a good option for very stubborn pimples," explains Dr. Garshick.

Because of the high percentage of benzoyl peroxide, she suggests only using this once daily, but you can increase it to twice if your skin can handle it. Dr. Tull adds that this is one of her top picks due to the low price point, making it easily accessible.

Miracle Patch Microcrystal Spot Cover

Sometimes you just know when a blemish is about to pop up. Maybe you're starting to see a bit of redness in one area, or your skin feels sensitive in others. With this Miracle Patch Microcrystal Spot Cover, you can catch acne early thanks to hydrocolloid, hyaluronic acid, and succinic acid. It'll help treat your skin while keeping it hydrated.

"I love using these pimple patches for when those red dots are starting to come in but haven’t fully formed yet," says Jasmine Gomez, commerce editor at WH. "They’re so undetectable, I sometimes forget I have them on the next morning."

Sulfur Spot Treatment

Some products may cause stinging after application, but Face Reality's award-winning spot treatment is soothing and effective. "This spot treatment offers a combination of six percent sulfur and a peptide to help reduce red and inflamed acne spots without leaving a white or sticky residue," says Dr. Garshick. She adds that it also has allantoin, making it gentle on the skin and great for all skin types. No surprise here—WH editors love it too!

"The Face Reality spot treatment is legit magic in a bottle," says Lily Wohlner, associate fashion & commerce editor at WH. "Whenever I use it, my pimple is truly gone the next day. I love that it's not drying like other acne products I've tried." One side note: Wohlner calls out that the sulfur in it causes a not-so-pleasant scent, so it might take some getting used to.

Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment Gel

Those with sensitive skin know that finding the right products can be a real struggle. Next time you need a fast-acting acne treatment, consider this option from First Aid Beauty. It's free of alcohol, fragrances, parabens, and propylene glycol, making it a solid pick if your skin gets easily irritated.

"The salicylic acid spot treatment helps to reduce blemishes, whiteheads, and blackheads as the salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, helps to unclog the pores," says Dr. Garshick. She adds that it also contains glycolic acid and fruit enzymes to help discoloration and aloe to soothe skin.

Note: while you can use this three times a day, Dr. Garshick suggests starting out just once or twice a day to avoid initial irritation.

Read More: Best Moisturizers For Acne-Prone Skin

Mighty Patch™

Another editor-approved pick is Hero Cosmetics' Mighty Patch. This well-known acne spot treatment contains hydrocolloid, which absorbs gunk that comes out from your blemish. They also go on with a matte finish for a barely-there look. Results start to show in as little as six to eight hours, so feel free to throw these on while you get some beauty sleep.

"Anytime I see a pimple appear out of nowhere, the Hero patch literally comes to my rescue," says Tianna Soto, associate health and wellness editor at WH. "It's wild how noticeable the results are—I put a hydrocolloid patch directly on the spot before bed, and when I wake up in the morning, it's completely gone, and inflammation has gone down."

Normaderm S.O.S Acne Rescue Spot Corrector

Many people like a product that has a lightweight feel to it, and that's definitely the case with Vichy's Normaderm S.O.S Acne Rescue Spot Corrector. The triple-action treatment uses niacinamide and glycolic acid to fight present acne while preventing new breakouts. Plus, it'll smooth your skin by locking in moisture.

"This 10 percent sulfur treatment is both gentle and effective," says Dr. Garshick. "The lightweight texture allows it to absorb easily while still being suitable for those with sensitive skin."

Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Pimple Patch

ICYDK, liquid patches now exist, thanks to Kiehl's. The brand's Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Pimple Patch contains two percent salicylic acid to dry out your pimples. Dr. Tull especially likes this product because it contains a small percentage of niacinamide to calm inflammation and licorice root to help prevent discoloration.

Major bonus: You can layer it under sunscreen or makeup because it's such a lightweight formula. All you need to do is dab a little bit onto your finger, then spread it over your blemish before allowing it to dry and moving on to the next step in your routine.

How we chose the best acne spot treatments

For the past month, Women’s Health editors, including editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert, researched the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated acne spot treatments. Our team consulted three dermatologists and evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best acne spot treatments for a wide range of needs and preferences.

What is the most effective acne spot treatment?

At the end of the day, everyone's skin will react to acne treatments differently. The kind of acne you have will also play a role in determining the most effective option.

"A pimple patch may be especially good for somebody who has a tendency to pick or squeeze breakouts by providing a protective barrier it may help to minimize scarring," says Dr. Garshick. She adds that salicylic acid-based products are a great option for those with blackheads or whiteheads since they unclog pores. And for red and inflamed acne, she recommends benzoyl peroxide.

If none of the options above seem to work, Dr. Camp suggests in-office cortisone injections to help reduce redness, swelling, and tenderness.

What to look for in acne spot treatments

With all the acne spot treatments on the market, it can be tricky to decide which one will be best for you. Here are some things to keep in mind before you shop.

Skin type: This might seem like a given, but your skin type can help you sort through your options. "Those with more oily skin may opt for a gel formulation, while those with dry skin may prefer a creamy formula," says Dr. Garshick.

Additionally, if you have oily skin, you may have an easier time handling ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or stronger forms of salicylic acid, says Dr. Tull. She adds that those with sensitive skin may benefit more from milder ingredients like aczone or a non-medicated hydrocolloid patch.

Active ingredients: With all the ingredients listed on these kinds of products, it's worth noting that there are a few key ones to look out for. "Spot treatments may be formulated with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur," says Dr. Garshick. "Regardless, it’s always good to find a spot treatment that also incorporates ingredients that are moisturizing and nourishing on the skin to minimize irritation."

Product type: Whether or not you decide to use a gel, cream, or patch is entirely up to you. However, Dr. Garshick notes that patches can be helpful to those who tend to pick at their acne. "We know picking, squeezing, or popping pimples can lead to worse scarring and inflammation, so it is always best to avoid this when possible," says Dr. Garshick. "For those who can’t keep their hands off, having the sticker may actually help protect their skin."

Meet the experts

• Stacy Tull, MD, is a cosmetic dermatology specialist in St. Peters, Missouri

• Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, NY

• Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist based in New York, Ny

Why trust Women's Health

Sabrina Talbert is the editorial assistant at Women’s Health. As a member of the beauty team, she is constantly keeping tabs on the latest trends and products making waves in the industry. During her career at WH, Sabrina has covered health, wellness, beauty, and more. She's done deep dives on other beauty-related topics such as the best shampoos for hard water, the best eye creams for dark circles, and the best dark spot correctors. During her reporting process, she tests products and interviews beauty industry experts to build her understanding of what makes a product worth the investment.

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