The 18 Best Acne Patches to Treat Breakouts and Pimples

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As the saying goes, the only two things guaranteed in life are death and taxes. However, we’re pretty sure everyone on Earth has experienced at least one pimple in their lifetime, followed by the impatient desire to get rid of it ASAP. The best acne patches speed up the healing process.

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Acne and pimples look different on everyone — some may have surface-level whiteheads and others may experience deep cystic bumps. But at their root, most blemishes have clogged pores to blame. “Acne is caused first by pores becoming clogged with oil and dead skin cells, which can then become inflamed,” says Rhode Island-based board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, Dr. Tiffany Libby.

If you deal with breakouts, you know how frustrating it can be to get rid of those pesky bumps. Acne treatment runs the gamut from over-the-counter face serums to laser treatments (AviClear is the latest in the category — it zaps your sebaceous glands to decrease the intensity and frequency of future breakouts). But of all the acne solutions out there, none have had as meteoric of a rise as pimple patches.

These little solution-oriented stickers go by many names: Hydrocolloid patches, acne patches, and zit stickers, to name a few. They originated as a wound healing treatment in 1980s Korea before becoming the Instagram-friendly beauty accessory they are today. The secret to their long-lasting success? They work remarkably well. In short, acne patches protect pimples from dirt and debris while drawing out excess oil. This helps zap breakouts.

Of course, pimple patches are just one way to treat and prevent breakouts. Those with acne or oily skin can also enlist the help of face masks for acne-prone skin, spot treatments, one of the best facial cleansing brushes for a good scrub, and even a pillowcase, to target ongoing acne. Pimple patches deserve a spot in your acne-fighting regimen: Shop expert-approved options below.

Top Pimple Patches of 2023

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Good Light Luna Pimple Patches

  • Number of patches: 24 patches per pack, available in two different sizes

  • Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid

  • Best for: Reducing active zits

  • How long it takes to work: Six hours

The beauty of Good Light’s hydrocolloid patches is their ability to be both fast-acting and non-drying. They’re best for absorbing pimple fluids to help shrink blemishes in mere hours, while leaving the skin undisturbed and still hydrated, which is vital for the healing process. “When placed on the skin, our Luna Pimple Patches gently draw out fluid and impurities from the blemish, without irritating the wound or damaging the surrounding skin,” says David Yi, the co-founder of beauty brand Good Light, and founder/editor of the beauty platform, Very Good Light.

What reviewers say: “I had the biggest, meanest pimple right between my brows. And when I placed a small ‘luna patch’ on it, it was smaller than ever next morning, and whatever was inside the pimple was also gone.” 

Good Light zit sticker
Good Light zit sticker

Good Light Luna Pimple Patches

Price: $8.50

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Good Light Luna Pimple Patches

Price: $8.50

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Curology Emergency Spot Patch

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  • Number of patches: 40 patches 

  • Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid patch

  • Best for: Active blemishes

Curology is known for their personalized prescription formulas, which are prescription creams that are made for you under the guidance of a licensed dermatology provider. But the brand also purveys over-the-counter acne products, including these Emergency Spot Patches, which are newly available at Target. The stickers draw out oil and pus to make your breakouts less noticeable, and the hydrocolloid material creates a healthy environment for your blemish to heal.

Editor testing and review notes: “These patches are amazingly thin and lightweight — I forgot I had the patch on while wearing it for five hours during the day. After use, I noticed that my active pimple looked less inflamed and red.”

What reviewers say: “The patches are waterproof, sweat resistant and super thin, which makes it beneficial for wearing them out and about. I can apply these before a workout, while I’m lounging around the house, running errands or even under my makeup. I highly recommend these patches because they are super convenient yet highly effective with helping to immediately remove blemishes.”

Related: Curology Just Simplified My Skin Care Routine in the Smartest Way

Curology Emergency Spot Patch
Curology Emergency Spot Patch

Curology Emergency Spot Patch

Price: $9.99

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Curology Emergency Spot Patch

Price:

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CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch

  • Number of patches: 24

  • Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid patch

  • Best for: Protecting active breakouts from environmental pollutants

If you’re after a simple solution to acne, try CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patches. The adhesives are made with hydrocolloid and zero active ingredients — but they still draw out debris and protect your skin while it’s inflamed and in the healing process. If traditional acne treatments leave your skin red, itchy, or flaky, give these a go. You’ll love the soothing effect it delivers while clearing your skin.

What reviewers say: “I got one of those under-skin zits that does not develop into a white head but just a bump, and you usually just have to wait out. On both of those occasions I did my normal evening skin routine of washing, toner, serums, & moisturizer. I waited awhile while everything soaked in and before bed I put one of these little patches on my zit and went to sleep. The patch stayed in place and the next morning the zit was considerably improved. Will 100 percent keep a pack of these on hand at all times.”

CosRx Acne Patch
CosRx Acne Patch

CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch

Price: $6

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Starface Micro-Cloud

Best Micro-Dart Patches

  • Number of patches: 12

  • Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide

  • Best for: Emerging breakouts and cystic acne

You may know Starface for its star-shaped hydrocolloid patches spotted on celebrities like Justin Bieber. The brand’s latest launch, Micro-Cloud, is designed to stop breakouts before they surface. These cloud-shaped patches are lined with tiny darts that create channels to send active ingredients into the skin. Hyaluronic acid helps prevent dryness that’s associated with many acne treatments, while salicylic acid purges excess oil. Niacinamide targets post-breakout discoloration, too. Read our testing review here.

Editor testing and review notes: “These patches made a noticeable difference in an emerging pimple on my chin. I applied the Micro-Cloud onto clean skin before bed, and by the morning the area was noticeably calmer, and the bump had flattened out.”

What reviewers say: “I have tried other brands micro-darts but these just seem to work better on my skin. I have cystic acne at least once a week and it’s always a nightmare. But these legit stopped it from progressing and shrunk them.”

Starface Micro Cloud
Starface Micro Cloud

Starface Micro-Cloud

Price: $18

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ZitSticka Killa Kit

Best Preventative Acne Patches 

  • Number of patches: Four patches 

  • Key ingredients: Niacinamide, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and tea tree oil 

  • Best for: Early-stage zits

  • How long it takes to work: Two hours minimum 

Each Zitsticka patch is layered with 24-self dissolving micro-darts that melt within two hours of application, releasing zit-fighting ingredients deep into pores. It also comes with a pre-swab, which is soaked in exfoliating ingredients, for you to disinfect and prime the zit area before applying the patch, making it a great option for stubborn, hard-to-reach zits. To use the system, wipe the area with the medicated swabs and apply the patch, allowing it to sit for at least two hours (but for best results overnight). 

What reviewers say: “I had a giant cyst in the middle of my forehead and I used this product religiously for four days and my cyst has pretty much disappeared. This product is worth every penny and the best thing I’ve ever used.”

ZitSticka Killa Kit
ZitSticka Killa Kit

ZitSticka Killa Kit

Price: $29

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ZitSticka Killa Kit

Price: $29

Buy Now

ZitSticka Killa Kit

Price: $29

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Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts

  • Number of patches: Nine patches

  • Key ingredients: Niacinamide, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil 

  • Best for: Absorbing excess sebum; early-stage acne

  • How long it takes to work: Minimum of two hours 

These patches from Peach & Lily’s teen-focused line, Peach Slices, have loads of micro-darts. How many, you ask? 176, to be exact, which they say is more than any other brand on the market. They get to work immediately to radially diminish and calm pimples with a clarifying trio of salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and willow bark extract. In addition to this cocktail of clarifying ingredients, the patches also include soothing and hydrating niacinamide, cica, and hyaluronic acid to keep skin fresh (and not flaky). As with most micro-dart patches, the darts will dissolve within two hours, but work at full strength after eight hours.

What reviewers say: “My skin is mostly clear but I do get some pretty deep, stubborn, cystic-like acne that always take forever to heal and leaves behind hyperpigmentation. I bought these on a whim and out of desperation when I had cystic acne coming. By the next morning they were significantly better. I honestly did not expect to see the results that I had. The redness and inflammation was gone and the blemish was literally half the size it was.”

Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts
Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts

Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts

Price: $9

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Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts

Price: $9

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Neogen Dermalogy A-Clear Aid Soothing Spot Patches

  • Number of patches: 24 patches, available in two different sizes

  • Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid

  • Best for: Angry, active zits

  • How long it takes to work: Minimum of six hours 

Neogen Dermalogy is a Korean beauty brand known for their effective products at reasonable price points. Made from hydrocolloid, these patches absorb excess sebum and create a healthy environment for healing. These patches are super sticky to keep the edges down, waterproof and very discreet, so you can wear them while you’re out and about without thinking twice.

What reviewers say: “I’m skeptical on blemish control patches — never seemed like they made a difference but this one works great! I put it on as soon as I feel a zit coming and after two days, I don’t feel the painful bump anymore.”

Neogen zit stickers
Neogen zit stickers

Neogen Dermalogy A-Clear Aid Soothing Spot Patches

Price: $6

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Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Surface

Best Extra Large Acne Patches

  • Number of patches: 10 large strips  

  • Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid

  • Best for: Absorbing excess sebum

  • How long it takes to work: Minimum of six hours 

The Mighty Patch by Hero Cosmetics is one of the best-selling pimple patches ever, with one box selling every 3 seconds. The brand has since expanded, developing a range of pimple-busting products, including the Mighty Patch Original, Mighty Patch Invisible+, Mighty Patch Nose, Micropoint for Blemishes, and Micropoint for Dark Spots. We love to keep the jumbo size on hand in case of a sudden breakout. They’re also incredibly easy to use: simply place a patch over a congested area on either the body or face, and watch even the most rounded zits become noticeably flatter within hours.

What reviewers say: “Love the size of these. I cut them in half and use on my chin area which gets a bit congested. I have sensitive, dry skin and find these really effective for cleaning out general gunk overnight without any irritation — big fan.”

Mighty Patch pimple stickers
Mighty Patch pimple stickers

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Surface

Price: $18

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Mario Badescu Drying Patch

  • Number of patches: 60 patches 

  • Key ingredients: Niacinamide, salicylic acid, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid

  • Best for: Active zits

  • How long it takes to work: Minimum of six hours 

Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion was formulated in the 1960s as a revolutionary solution to dry up blemishes overnight, but without over-drying the skin. The original solution is composed of salicylic acid, sulfur, and zinc oxide, and while their Drying Patch still has the tough actives, it also adds in nourishing niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and brightening vitamin C. “Great innovation for a tried and true product in a world where so many things are just gimmicks,” says one reviewer. “Mario Badescu is the real deal.”

Editor testing and review notes: “Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion is one of my all-time favorite acne-fighting products, and these patches function similarly, sucking out all the excess oil underneath them. They work best on active breakouts, not ones that have yet to surface.”

What reviewers say: “I had a pretty large (hormonal) pimple starting on my cheek and just like the drying lotion, one patch made my pimple completely clear up overnight. It didn’t cause any sensitivities, it was super easy to apply, great size for the target area, and you get a generous amount of patches in the box.”

Mario Badescu zit patches
Mario Badescu zit patches

Mario Badescu Drying Patch

Price: $17

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PanOxyl​​ PM Overnight Spot Patches

Best Drugstore Acne Patches

  • Number of patches: 40 patches, available in two different sizes

  • Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid

  • Best for: Active zits

  • How long it takes to work: Minimum of six hours

Dr. Libby is a big fan of PanOxyl’s acne patches. “I typically recommend starting with these pure hydrocolloid bandages, which come in 2 different sizes, and are a little thicker than the average acne patch to better help absorb pus and fluid from the acne lesion to speed along healing,” she says. The two sizes mean they’re effective at treating pimples both big and small, and Dr. Libby suggests wearing them overnight for maximum impact.

What reviewers say: “These ones really do work. I’ve tried quite a few brands and these are, by far, the most effective. I use them on active pimples, ingrown hairs, and freshly picked spots. As someone who has a skin picking issue (that I am working on), these are a lifesaver to have around for quick healing. They reduce inflammation fast and heal pimples completely in a couple days.”

Pan Oxyl zit stickers
Pan Oxyl zit stickers

PanOxyl Overnight Spot Patches

Price: $9

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Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots Blemish Treatment

Best Salicylic Acid Acne Patches

  • Number of patches: 72 patches 

  • Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and hyaluronic acid

  • Best for: Active zits

  • How long it takes to work: Minimum of eight hours

If you’re a fan of salicylic acid, these patches from Peter Thomas Roth are for you. The adhesive acne dots contain .5 percent salicylic acid, which may not sound like a lot, but is actually a very generous dosage to effectively and rapidly reduce the appearance of a blemish in as few as 8 hours. Tea tree oil, a powerful botanical, is another star ingredient to purify the area.

What reviewers say: They’re most effective if worn for at least eight hours, so I put them on at night after washing my face but before putting on moisturizer, and sleep with them on,” says one reviewer. “In the morning, I search around my face for a bit to get them off because they really are near invisible.”

Peter Thomas Roth pimple stickers
Peter Thomas Roth pimple stickers

Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots Blemish Treatment

Price: $32

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Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots Blemish Treatment

Price: $32

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Starface Rainbow Hydro-Stars

  • Number of patches: 32 star-shaped patches 

  • Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid

  • Best for: Active zits

  • How long it takes to work: Minimum of six hours

Starface pimple patches have Justin Bieber’s backing — he’s often seen wearing them out and about. These Rainbow Hydro-Stars are made of hydrocolloid to soak up pimple grime and help reduce inflammation. The shape is specifically designed to grip onto the face better than the standard circular design, thus shielding spots from outside bacteria even more effectively. Even better, all net proceeds go to the Black Led Movement Fund and the Hetrick-Martin Institute for LGBTQ+ youth.

What reviewers say: “They’ve got a fun pattern, they’re easy to apply, and they really do help with pimples.”

Starface Rainbow Hydro Stars
Starface Rainbow Hydro Stars

Starface Rainbow Hydro-Stars

Price: $11

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Peace Out Acne Dots

Best Overnight Acne Patches

  • Number of patches: 20 patches 

  • Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and hyaluronic acid

  • Best for: Painful zits and cystic acne

  • How long it takes to work: Minimum of six hours

These Peace Out Acne Dots are beloved amongst beauty editors for the unique and highly effective blend of actives that eradicate a zit overnight. The hydrocolloid-based formula also includes retinol and encapsulated salicylic acid to penetrate even deeper into the dermis, along with calming aloe vera. In 6 hours, your zit will be less obvious, less red and on its way to recovery.

What reviewers say: “This product is a highly effective short term solution for acne. I’ve dealt with acne since I was a teenager and after two courses of Accutane I still get occasional breakouts. The Peace Out Acne Dots are effective at reducing acne overnight and at healing blemishes.”

Peace Out acne stickers
Peace Out acne stickers

Peace Out Acne Dots

Price: $19

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Peace Out Acne Dots

Price: $19

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Dr. Jart Focuspot Blemish Micro Tip Patch with Vitamin B3

Best Acne Patches for Cystic Acne

  • Number of patches: Six patches

  • Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3, and peptides 

  • Best for: Painful zits and cystic acne 

  • How long it takes to work: Minimum of two hours

Dr. Jart’s Blemish Micro Tip Patches do more than just zap zits — they’re made of 65 percent hyaluronic acid, plus a polypeptide that soothes and repairs skin’s overall health. This brilliant patch is terrific at treating painful pustules, while also taking good care of the skin around it. The micro-darts are painless and dissolve while you wear them.

What reviewers say: “I deal with some hormonal acne on my chin and I’m pretty impressed with these little blemish patches. They reduce pain and help get rid of the blemish quickly. I’ll definitely be rebuying.”

Dr. Jart zit stickers
Dr. Jart zit stickers

Dr. Jart Focuspot Blemish Micro Tip Patch with Vitamin B3

Price: $20

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Disco Overnight Pimple Sticker 

Best Acne Patches for Men

  • Number of patches: Nine larger-than-average patches

  • Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and willow bark extract

  • Best for: Active zits

  • How long it takes to work: Ideally between six to nine hours

This Disco pimple patch is refreshingly devoid of any gendered packaging, and rightfully so, as it’s designed for anyone with a zit or large pores. Each patch features dermatologist-backed ingredients, including salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, willow bark extract and eucalyptus, and dissolving microneedles to allow for greater ingredient absorption.

What reviewers say: “My boyfriend and I literally fight over these stickers. I love that you can feel the little microneedles push deep into your acne, and these are discreet enough that you can even wear them out into public.”

Disco pimple stickers
Disco pimple stickers

Disco Overnight Pimple Sticker

Price: $18

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Squish Beauty Flower Power Acne Patches

  • Number of patches: 20 flower-shaped patches 

  • Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid

  • Best for: Active zits

  • How long it takes to work: Minimum of six hours

Some users want their pimple patches to be seen, and why not, right? There’s nothing shameful about a pimple! And this fun flower design from UK-based Squish Beauty are about as cool as acne patches can get. Co-created by writer and model Charli Howard, Squish says it was developed with inclusivity at its core. These playful patches are made of hydrocolloid, and double as a beauty statement, too. We really can have it all, folks.

What reviewers say: “I have had cystic acne for along time and have struggled to find a product that actually works. I wore one of these on my cystic acne for a couple of hours and I could already see the inflammation reducing. Not only do they work, they are also very cute.”

Squish zit stickers
Squish zit stickers

Squish Beauty Flower Power Acne Patches

Price: $14

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Florence by Mills Spot A Spot Acne Patches

  • Number of patches: 36 patches in various shapes

  • Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, peppermint oil, and tea tree oil

  • Best for: Early-stage acne

  • How long it takes to work: Minimum of six hours

Loaded with peppermint oil, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil to tackle pimples head-on, these Spot A Spot patches pull out sebum, oil, and other impurities to minimize acne in hours. Its hydrocolloid base helps keep the area safely sealed for faster healing and recovery. Don’t be fooled by the adorable whale, butterfly, and cloud-shaped stickers — these little things absolutely crush zits.

What reviewers say: “I mostly wear them at night but I’ve used them a few times during the day. The first time I tried them I was concerned about whether they would stay on all night through me sleeping but I have never had a problem with them coming off. I love the designs and they’re honestly a little bit bigger than I thought they were gonna be which is great.”

Florence by Mills zit stickers
Florence by Mills zit stickers

Florence by Mills Spot A Spot Acne Patches

Price: $15

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Jason Wu Saved By The Patch

  • Number of patches: 36 patches 

  • Key ingredients: Salicylic acid and tea tree oil

  • Best for: Active zits

  • How long it takes to work: Three to four hours 

Most people think of fashion when they hear the name Jason Wu, but his brand also offers a wide range of makeup and skin care products, like these Saved By The Patch pimple patches. Soaked with tea tree oil, salicylic acid, and fireweed — an anti-inflammatory botanical — these patches will eradicate blemishes in just a few hours. As salicylic acid and tea tree oil hone in on excess sebum and bacteria, the fireweed and grape seed extract reduce redness and encourage the blemish to heal faster.

What reviewers say: “I ordered the Jason Wu Saved by the patch for my teenage son. I was incredibly surprised on the packaging. The patches came in a little organza bag with stickers, wrapped inside black tissue paper. Jason Wu has put an amazing amount of detail into this product. The patches come in 2 different sizes and are super thin. These patches actually help clean the pimple vs just covering it.”

Jason Wu zit stickers
Jason Wu zit stickers

Jason Wu Saved By The Patch

Price: $12

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What Do Pimple Patches Do and Do They Work?

“Pimple patches or acne stickers are small, circular hydrocolloid sheets that act as bandages and help draw out moisture, excess oil, and drainage from a pimple,” says Dr. Libby. What makes them so brilliant is not only do they help de-gunk zits, but they also seal the pimple head, preventing contact from touching or picking, which can lead to infections, discoloration, and even permanent scarring. Some super strong patches contain active ingredients, like salicylic acid, to further treat the pimple while you wear it. 

“Pimple patches work,” says Dr. Libby, who adds that they are more effective on mild breakouts and superficial pimples, like small whiteheads and pustules. “For those deeper, more cystic acne lesions, they will not be as helpful, and may require oral therapy or an injection at the dermatologist’s office.” 

Pimple stickers were developed based on the idea that wearing them both during the day as well as overnight would radically improve the appearance of a zit by the time your day ends or you wake up. Similar to concealers for acne, stickers are made with ultra-thin and inconspicuous materials so that they can hide in plain sight. Others like Starface feature bold colors, patterns and designs. Depending on a sticker’s active ingredients, they begin to work within a few hours while full efficacy usually lands between six to nine hours. “They require a few hours in order to work, so I recommend applying on clean skin at bedtime and removing in the morning,” says Dr. Libby. 

“The more mature the pimple — i.e., when the inflammatory pus is visible and ready to come out — the faster it’ll work,” says says Ju Rhyu, co-founder and CEO of Hero Cosmetics.When the pus is deeper within, it can take a few patches or a few nights to coax it out. When it works, you’ll know; you’ll see the hydrocolloid patch turn opaque white (that’s the pus suspended on the patch). Your breakout will be flattened or you’ll see less of a bump and it’ll be on the road to recovery.” 

The Different Types of Acne Patches

The magic of a pimple patch is that you can use it on a wide spectrum of blemishes, from under-the-surface and uncomfortable pimples, to whiteheads that haven’t yet popped, and even pimples that have popped but are still inflamed and look like a giant red mountain on your face. There are also acne patches which are designed to work at specific points throughout a zit’s lifecycle.

Hydrocolloid Patches

Traditional zit patches are made from a hydrocolloid sticker, which can be super effective at sealing and dissolving surface level zits or those that have come to an obvious head. “Straight hydrocolloid acne patches are great for mature pustules, or pimples that have pus in them,” says Rhyu. 

Hydrocolloid patches have been used prominently in the medical community since the 1980s for wound healing. “Since a popped pimple is essentially an open wound, it only makes sense that it was ingeniously applied with that same logic to create pimple patches,” says David Yi, the co-founder of beauty brand Good Light, and founder/editor of the beauty platform, Very Good Light. “These healing patches first became popularized in skincare in Korea and Asia in the late 2000s, and in the past few years have exploded in popularity in the US.” 

Medicated Patches 

Medicated patches have a hydrocolloid base and are usually infused with zit-eradicating ingredients, like salicylic acid and tea tree oil. These patches are great for tender, stubborn whiteheads as well as budding cystic acne that hasn’t yet risen to the surface. Medicated patches deliver a two-fold therapy by first absorbing pus from the inside of a pimple to reduce its size, while delivering powerful, acne-fighting ingredients directly to the head. It’s worth noting that those with sensitive or inflamed skin may find these patches to be a little too strong, which can possibly lead to irritation, says Dr. Libby. 

Micro-Dart Patches 

Newer acne patches are embedded with micro-darts or micropoints that release targeted ingredients into the heart of a deep zit. Often, they feature a hydrocolloid base, combined with other treatment actives. “Microneedling patches will help with cystic acne, as its ingredients are delivered fast into the skin,” says Yi. These types of patches are especially effective for deep or painful zits, as well as cystic acne. Many of the super effective patches below include micro-darts, which work by slowly dissolving into the pores to accelerate the healing time of a blemish. Micro-darts are painless, although you may feel a slight tingling sensation when first applied. 

How to Use a Pimple Patch

If you have dry or sensitive skin, simply follow your traditional skin care routine then wait 30 minutes to allow everything to fully absorb, and then apply your patch, suggests Rhyu. “The idea is that you don’t want the patch to absorb your skincare products, so whether you wait 30 minutes or apply the patch as the first step, doesn’t matter so much as ensuring there’s nothing between the patch and your skin,” says Rhyu. Otherwise, follow the three easy steps below.

  1. Cleanse your skin: Rhyu recommends washing your face before applying the patch directly onto the spot to ensure that there’s nothing between the zit and the patch. This allows the sticker to stay on securely, and encourages the actives seep into your skin. After the patch is securely on, you can finish the rest of your skin care routine.

  2. Apply skin care products: Pat the area gently when you’re applying the rest of your skin care products. Although many patches are designed to stay put when you apply toners, serums, and sunscreen on top, those with oily skin may notice the patch slide around while applying pat the rest of your skin care products.

  3. Be patient: “The longer you leave the patch on, the longer it has to work so we recommend leaving on a patch for at least 6 hours, but ideally overnight,” says Rhyu.

Meet the Experts

David Yi is the founder of inclusive beauty brand Good Light, as well as the beauty platform, Very Good Light. He’s also the author of Pretty Boys, a book focused on the the history of men beauty. Additionally, he is a founder of AIM, Advocates for Inclusion in Media, as well as a GLAAD and Webby nominee. 

Dr. Tiffany Libby is a Rhode Island-based board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. 

Ju Rhyu is the co-founder and CEO of Hero Cosmetics, home of the Mighty Patch product line. 

Meet the Authors

Kristin Limoges is a New York-based beauty and wellness freelance editor. Previously, she created the beauty and wellness vertical for Domino Magazine where she served as the lifestyle editor for both print and digital content. In addition to all things beauty, she also covers travel and fitness. She can usually be found hair masking, face masking, and body masking simultaneously in her Chinatown apartment. Limoges wrote the original version of this article.

Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News. She’s spent over five years researching, reporting on, and writing about the beauty industry for publications like Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She’s tested hundreds of products during her time as a beauty editor, so she’s well-versed in selecting the products, like pimple patches, that make a meaningful difference in your skin. Sullivan contributed to the update of this story.

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