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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
There's no shortage of over-the-counter products for clearing breakouts. But when you only have one or two zits at any given time, there's no need to treat your entire face. Enter: the pimple patch, a targeted way to zap acne without exposing the rest of your skin to undue drying or irritation. According to board-certified dermatologist Sheilagh Maguiness, MD, acne patches typically contain hydrocolloid gel, which is often used in wound care. In addition to healing blemishes, Dr. Maguiness notes, "The hydrocolloid in the acne sticker can help absorb sebum and dirt."
Claire Wolinsky, MD, a New York dermatologist specializing in facial rejuvenation, says she loves pimple patches and recommends them frequently. "One reason they are particularly helpful in treating acne is because once covered, patients can't pick or squeeze their pimple, which reduces the risk of infection and bacteria," she Byrdie. And with less trauma to the skin, Dr. Wolinsky says you're less likely to experience scarring or discoloration.
We conducted hours of research on the best acne patches, evaluating each on active ingredients to target acne as well as ingredients to soothe skin and prevent redness. We also looked at things like how easy they are to apply and stay on. After considering dozens of brands and consulting with two celebrity dermatologists, we landed on the following best in show.
Best Overall
Peace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots
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Sephora
Reduces redness
Soothes inflammation
Contains skin-clearing ingredients
Only one size
Celebrity aesthetician Joshua Ross of SkinLab stands behind Peace Out Acne Healing Dots. "They employ hydrocolloid technology that helps extract impurities and guards against external elements," he explains. What's more, the patches create a barrier between pimples and your bacteria-laden fingers while delivering a time-released infusion of ingredients.
Cosmetic injector Kristina Kitsos is also a fan of Peace Out. "They contain salicylic acid, which penetrates pores to target acne blemishes and blackheads," she tells Byrdie. Additionally, Kitsos appreciates that these acne patches contain soothing aloe vera to minimize redness and skin-clearing standby vitamin A (aka retinol).
Price at time of publish: $47
Active Ingredients: Hydrocolloid, salicylic acid, aloe, retinol | Amount: 10 to 40 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What Our Experts Say
"Many people put alcohol and other drying agents on the top of the skin, thinking that it will penetrate and clear up the acne. This approach is futile because doing so just dries out the top layer of the skin, making it even more fragile while the pimple lingers beneath unscathed. Healthy, hydrated skin heals acne much better than dried-out, fragile skin. The hydration provided by these patches helps to prevent this." — Kristina Kitsos, Skincare Authority and Expert Cosmetic Injector
Best Budget
Soko Glam The Klog Soft Shield Pimple Patch
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Soko Glam
Budget-friendly
Long-lasting adhesive
Includes two sizes
Thinner patch than other options
While most pimple patches aren't very pricey, The Klog's Soft Shield is one of the budget-friendliest of the bunch. Containing vegan hydrocolloid, the protective yet breathable barrier draws out impurities and helps your zits heal as quickly as possible.
Price at time of publish: $6
Active Ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Amount: 42 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Drugstore
Clearasil Ultra Overnight Spot Patches
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Amazon
Budget-friendly
Works overnight
Non-drying
Only one size
A few drugstore brands have hopped on the pimple-patch bandwagon, but the best iteration comes from acne-fighting all-star Clearasil. Stick on the Spot Patches before bed, get your beauty sleep, and wake up to noticeable improvement in the size and redness of your blemishes.
Price at time of publish: $12
Active Ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Amount: 18 patches | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Splurge
Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots
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Sephora
Contains skin-clearing ingredients
Includes two sizes
Comes with tin container
Pricier than other options
Doesn't contain hydrocolloid
Peter Thomas Roth's take on the acne patch is the super-moisturizing Invisible Dots. In addition to skin-clearing mainstays salicylic acid and tea tree oil, they call on hyaluronic acid to deliver much-needed moisture to the bumps that lie beneath.
Price at time of publish: $32
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree oil, hyaluronic acid | Amount: 32 patches | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best K-Beauty
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
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Amazon
Budget-friendly
Includes three sizes
Dermatologist-recommended
Doesn't stay put on oily skin
Dr. Wolinsky is a fan of CosRx Master Patches, and we're here for it. Serving up a heaping dose of hydrocolloid underneath each hygienic sticker, you can target even the most stubborn bumps with little effort. We also like that these Korean patches come in three different sizes.
Price at time of publish: $6
Active Ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Amount: 32 to 96 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
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Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
What Our Testers Say
"Even with my serums applied, the patch stuck to my skin and didn't budge overnight." — Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
Best for Deep Pimples
ZitSticka Killa Kit
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Amazon
Works for deep pimples
Comes with cleansing swabs
Contains skin-clearing ingredients
Pricier than other options
There's not much you can do about a deep pimple brewing underneath your skin—outside of placing a ZitSticka on it. The self-dissolving microdarts get to the root of the problem and prevent bumps from getting any bigger.
Price at time of publish: $29
Active Ingredients: Hydrocolloid, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid | Amount: 4 to 8 patches | Cruelty-Free: 8 patches | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Scarring
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch The Original
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Amazon
Helps prevent scarring
Not bubbly
Includes day and night patches
Not ideal for cystic acne
When it comes to pimple patches, Dr. Maguiness and Dr. Wolinsky agree on the Mighty Patch. A home run for all skin types, this pack of acne patches includes a flat, invisible option for daytime and a more conspicuous overnight sticker, each containing hydrocolloid to expedite healing and prevent scarring.
Price at time of publish: $13
Active Ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Amount: 36 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Multi-Ingredient
Avarelle Acne Cover Patch Original
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Amazon
Budget-friendly
Works for deep pimples
Dermatologist-recommended
Not ideal for sensitive skin
Dr. Wolinsky also likes Avarelle. Along with hydrocolloid, the brand's all but invisible Acne Cover Patch is chock full of plant-based healing ingredients and skin-clearing favorites like tea tree oil, centella asiatica (aka cica), and calendula.
Price at time of publish: $9
Active Ingredients: Hydrocolloid, tea tree oil, calendula, centella asiatica | Amount: 40 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best With Salicylic Acid
Dime Beauty Co. Power Patch
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Dime-beauty
Includes two sizes
Contains skin-clearing ingredients
Not ideal for deep pimples
You definitely want BHA hero salicylic acid on your side in the battle against acne. But the Dime Power Patch doesn't stop there. It also contains hydrocolloid, retinol, and naturally antibacterial clove essential oil to take on blemishes at full force.
Price at time of publish: $18
Active Ingredients: Hydrocolloid, salicylic acid, retinol, clove oil | Amount: 48 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best With Tea Tree Oil
Lua Lua Healing Acne Patches
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Amazon
Budget-friendly
Includes three sizes
Waterproof
Doesn't stay put on oily skin
For tea tree oil stans, we recommend Lua Lua. These breathable, budget-friendly acne patches are designed to clear breakouts, heal zits, and prevent new ones from forming. We also like that they're waterproof and work well under makeup.
Price at time of publish: $8
Active Ingredients: Hydrocolloid, tea tree oil, calendula oil | Amount: 120 patches | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best With Microneedles
Miss Spa Banish Microneedle Spot Treatment
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Ulta
Budget-friendly
Includes three sizes
Waterproof
Doesn't contain hydrocolloid
Instead of poking at a pimple, cover it with Miss Spa's Banish Treatment. Each patch has microneedles, which gently penetrate bumps with complexion-clearing salicylic acid and everyone's favorite hydrating humectant, hyaluronic acid.
Price at time of publish: $8
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid | Amount: 6 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Conspicuous
Starface Hydro-Stars
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Starface
Star-shaped patches
Acne-positive
Comes with case
Doesn't stay put on oily skin
Wear them loud, wear them proud. Why hide your blemishes when you can heal them with these super-cute pimple protectors? In addition to reframing the narrative surrounding acne, Starface Hydro-Stars help absorb fluids while protecting bumps from bacteria.
Price at time of publish: $15
Active Ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Amount: 32 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Fast-Acting
Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots
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Amazon
Affordable
Works quickly
More noticeable than other options
These affordable, fast-acting dots help your zits disappear quickly, a perfect option when you have limited hours before a special occasion. While the patches are clear, they're a little more noticeable than other options. If this bothers you, you can leave them on overnight or until you're ready to head out.
Price at time of publish: $5
Active Ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Amount: 30–60 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Design
Dr. Jart+ Focuspot Blemish Micro Tip Patch
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Amazon
Dissolves into skin
Prevents need to pop
High price per patch
Instead of popping your pimples, reach for these clever acne patches. They have teensy-tiny hyaluronic acid needles that penetrate into the top layers of your skin, then dissolve completely. The price per patch is pretty steep, but when it comes to blemish-fighting technology, the innovative design is tough to beat.
Price at time of publish: $20
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3 | Amount: 6 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Oily Skin
Mario Badescu Drying Patches
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Amazon
Absorbs oil and sebum
Reduces dark spots
Contains paraffin
If you're skin is on the oily side, Mario Badescu Drying Patches are the way to go. They call on salicylic acid and tea tree extract to soak up excess oil and sebum, while antioxidants like vitamin C and niacinamide help minimize dark spots after your pimples heal.
Price at time of publish: $17
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree extract, vitamin C, niacinamide | Amount: 60 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Final Verdict
The best pimple patches overall are Peace Out Acne Healing Dots. They contain hydrocolloid, and also a blend of soothing and clearing ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid, and aloe. For a more affordable option, consider The Klog Soft Shield Pimple Patch, a breathable yet protective solution that draws out impurities and speeds up healing.
Meet the Expert
- Board-certified dermatologist Sheilagh Maguiness, MD, has been a part of the Minnesota Dermatological Society since 2014. She currently teaches at the University of Minnesota.
- Claire Wolinsky, MD, is a New York dermatologist specializing in facial rejuvenation. Dr. Wolinsky is known to be able to treat even the most difficult cases of acne.
What to Look for When Buying Acne Patches
Hydrocolloid
"The most important thing is that the stickers or patches are made of hydrocolloid," Dr. Wolinsky tells Byrdie, which is "something dermatologists have used for wound care for a long time." The healing ingredient seals the skin underneath the patch while absorbing fluid, flattening bumps, and minimizing inflammation.
Some options, like Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots, are made with nothing more than hydrocolloid, which does an excellent job taking care of pimples on its own.
Active Ingredients
Most acne patches utilize hydrocolloid, which can be very effective on its own. However, you'll also find options containing a range of other acne-fighting ingredients.
As Dr. Wolinsky notes, "Some of these patches have salicylic acid, which may help further treat a nasty breakout." Additionally, you might see soothing aloe vera extract, resurfacing retinol, complexion-clearing tea tree oil, or hydrating hyaluronic acid on the ingredients list.
Dime Beauty Power Patches are an excellent choice if you're looking for something containing salicylic acid, and Lua Lua Healing Patches are a great option with tea tree oil. Some patches, like Mario Badescu Drying Patches, contain both.
Size
Since pimples come in all shapes and sizes, it's nice to have a couple of different acne patches to work with. While many brands offer only one size, some packs include two or even three sizes to cover large and small zits accordingly. For instance, The Klog's Soft Shield Pimple Patches come with two sizes. You'll also find extra-large patches, which are meant to cover multi-bump breakouts.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a skincare devotee and commerce writer specializing in beauty, lifestyle, and wellness. For this article, she interviewed two dermatologists, an esthetician, and a cosmetic injector for product picks and insight into how acne patches work. From the above brands, she has personally tried Peace Out, The Klog, CosRx, and Rael. Theresa covers skincare, makeup, and haircare at Byrdie.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any acne patches from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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