Patch, Don't Pop: These Derm-Approved Acne Products Clear Breakfasts ASAP (2024)

There's no shortage of over-the-counter products for 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 spot treatment that zaps acne without drying or irritating the rest of your skin.According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sheilagh Maguiness, M.D., acne patches typically contain hydrocolloid gel, which is often used in wound care. Hydrocolloid patches keep the spot moist to accelerate healing and protect it from external irritants.

In addition to healing blemishes, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Claire Wolinsky, M.D., recommends using pimple patches frequently because they eliminate the urge to squeeze or pick a pimple, reducing the risk of infection and bacteria. And with less trauma to the skin, Dr. Wolinsky says you're less likely to experience acne scarring or discoloration.

We conducted hours of research on the best acne patches, evaluating ingredients (paying particular attention to ones that target acne and redness), ease of application, and sticking power. After considering dozens of brands and consulting with celebrity aesthetician Joshua Ross, aesthetics expert Kristina Kitsos, Dr. Maguiness, and Dr. Wolinsky, we found the best acne patches money can buy.

Our Top Picks

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What We Like

  • Reduces redness and soothes inflammation

  • Contains skin-clearing ingredients

  • Recommended by skin experts

What to Consider

  • Only one size

Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid, salicylic acid, aloe, retinol | Amount: 10-40 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Ross is a fan of the Peace Out Acne Healing Dots. "They employ hydrocolloid technology that helps extract impurities and guards against external elements by creating a barrier between pimples and your bacteria-laden fingers,” he explains. Kitsos is also a fan of these patches, citing that the salicylic acid penetrates pores and targets different types of acne, from pustules and papules to blackheads. Additionally, Kitsos appreciates that these patches contain soothing aloe vera to minimize redness and skin-clearing standby vitamin A (aka retinol). She says that since they're formulated with hydrating ingredients, the skin heals quicker than with a drying formula.

What We Like

  • Two size options at a wallet-friendly price

  • Long-lasting adhesive

  • Invisible and almost undetectable

What to Consider

  • Must be ordered online

Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Amount: 42 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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. We love that these super-thin patches are almost invisible—perfect whether you're in a virtual meeting or on a walk, and they'll keep your skin shielded from bacteria (and your fingers). Our only gripe is that they’re only available online or in select stores, so you won’t be able to stop at the drugstore on your way home from work to pick them up.

What We Like

  • Budget-friendly and easily accessible

  • Works overnight

  • Nondrying

What to Consider

  • Only one size

Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Amount: 18 patches | Cruelty-Free: No

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 improvements in the size and redness of your blemishes. These patches have thinner, smooth edges, so they can adhere to the skin better without budging. We love that these are available at most drugstores and pharmacies, so you can run out to get one the second a blemish pops up.

What We Like

  • Contains skin-clearing and moisturizing ingredients

  • Includes two nearly invisible sizes

  • Comes with protective tin container

What to Consider

  • Doesn't contain hydrocolloid

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree oil, hyaluronic acid | Amount: 32 patches | Cruelty-Free: No

Peter Thomas Roth's take on the acne patch is the super-moisturizing Invisible Dots. In addition to acne-clearing mainstays salicylic acid and tea tree oil, they lean on hyaluronic acid to deliver much-needed moisture to the bumps that lie beneath. These aren't hydrocolloid patches, so they won't absorb the gunk out of a pimple that's already come to a head, but they’ll protect the blemish from external irritants and prevent the urge to pick.

What We Like

  • Heals breakouts quickly without compromising hydration

  • Come in packs of 32-96 patches in three sizes

  • Dermatologist-recommended

What to Consider

  • More effective on pimples that have come to a head

Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Amount: 32-96 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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. Associate commerce editor Caitlyn Martyn swears by these when her skin acts up, citing that they, impressively, don’t budge while she sleeps (even when applied over nighttime serums). “Whiteheads are noticeably smaller come morning,” she says. “Plus, seeing the gunk come out of the pore and onto the sticker will never not be satisfying.”

Patch, Don't Pop: These Derm-Approved Acne Products Clear Breakfasts ASAP (6)

What We Like

  • Penetrates deeper blemishes with skin-clearing ingredients

  • Comes with cleansing swabs

  • Contains hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid for balanced treatment

What to Consider

  • Small amount of patches

Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid | Amount: 4-8 patches | Cruelty-Free: 8 patches

There's not much you can do about a deep pimple brewing underneath your skin, but placing a ZitSticka on it can help things further along. The self-dissolving microdarts get to the root of the problem and prevent bumps from getting any bigger. With continued use, the blemish will become smaller without scarring. We recommend these patches for those with cystic acne that refuses to come to a head, as the mini microneedles can target the ones that sit under the skin.

What We Like

  • Helps prevent hyperpigmentation

  • Great adhesion

  • Includes day and night patches

What to Consider

  • Not ideal for cystic acne

Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Amount: 36 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes

When it comes to pimple patches, Dr. Maguiness and Dr. Wolinsky both agree on the power of 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 acne scarring. They work quickly (in about six hours) to noticeably flatten the spot so that a scar doesn't have time to appear.

What We Like

  • Contains plant-based skin-clearing ingredients

  • Works for deep pimples

  • Dermatologist-recommended

What to Consider

  • Might not be as powerful as patches with actives (like salicylic acid)

Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid, tea tree oil, calendula, centella asiatica | Amount: 40 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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 such as tea tree oil, cica, and calendula. If you have skin that gets irritated easily or you just simply don't like using a lot of products, these patches are great to keep on hand because they're able to soothe and heal a blemish completely—all while preventing bacteria from touching it.

What We Like

  • Potent formulation tackles breakouts fast

  • Pack of 48 comes with two sizes

  • Works on whiteheads and blackheads

What to Consider

  • Not ideal for deep pimples

Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid, salicylic acid, retinol, clove oil | Amount: 48 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes

You definitely want beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) on deck when you have a breakout, specifically in the form of salicylic acid. As you probably know, salicylic acid is an exfoliating agent that can remove dead skin and reduce the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads. The Dime Power Patches contain this ingredient plus retinol and naturally antibacterial clove essential oil to take on blemishes at full force. Each pack comes with 48 patches in two different sizes so every pimple can meet its match.

What We Like

  • Gentle microneedles penetrate bumps and deposit healing ingredients

  • Includes three sizes

  • Waterproof

What to Consider

  • One pack contains only six patches

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid | Amount: 6 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Instead of poking at a pimple, cover it with Miss Spa's Banish Treatment. Each patch has microneedles, which gently penetrate bumps with salicylic acid and everyone's favorite hydrating humectant, hyaluronic acid. We think these patches would work well for those who don't notice a difference when using standard pimple patches, as the microneedles included will be more effective and show better results.

What We Like

  • Star-shaped patches that heal skin while looking cute

  • One pack comes with 32 patches and a carrying case

  • Conspicuous nature promotes acne positivity

What to Consider

  • Not as long-lasting

Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Amount: 32 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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. These are both stylish and protective—you may even decide to wear them out of the house as an intentional part of your overall look. Just keep in mind that these don't last as long, so you may want to carry extras with you in case they slip out of place.

What We Like

  • Works quickly on whiteheads and blackheads

  • Affordable and accessible

  • 3 sizes offer versatility

What to Consider

  • More noticeable than other clear options

Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Amount: 30–60 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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. Because it comes in a number of sizes, this is a great choice if you have different types of acne and just want one pack of patches that can treat them all. You can use these for any kind of whitehead (pustule, papule, etc.) or blackheads.

What We Like

  • Absorbs oil and sebum quickly

  • Reduces dark spots over time

  • Stick to the skin well

What to Consider

  • May be too potent for sensitive skin

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree extract, vitamin C, niacinamide | Amount: 60 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If your skin is on the oily side, Mario Badescu Drying Patches are the way to go. They stick really well, making them especially useful for those who have oily skin that can become greasy. These call on salicylic acid and tea tree extract to soak up excess oil and sebum, while antioxidants such as vitamin C and niacinamide help minimize dark spots after your pimples heal.

What We Like

  • Two-step process to tackle cystic and hormonal blemishes

  • Formulated with potent ingredients to fight acne

  • Works quickly

What to Consider

  • Comes with a small number of patches

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree extract, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | Amount: 6 swabs, 6 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes

These patches are the ones that you'll want to reach for when dealing with hormonal acne. It has a two-step process: swipe the pad (which is infused with tea tree oil and salicylic acid) on clean skin and then apply the patch directly to the blemish. It's made with superfine microneedles so that the ingredients penetrate the skin better, and the patch is also formulated with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides to hydrate and heal the affected area and effectively flatten the pimple.

What We Like

  • Virtually invisible on the skin

  • Very flat

  • Stays put all day

What to Consider

  • We wish it came with more sizes

Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Amount: 96 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Pimple patches are usually clear, but you can still often see the thick material—especially on darker skin tones or under makeup. If you have a blemish that you feel the need to conceal during the day, we recommend reaching for these patches from Rael. They have super thin edges that stick onto the skin seamlessly and lay as flat as possible for a hydrocolloid patch, so you can wear them while out with friends or at work. Even though they're less noticeable than others on the market, they're still just as effective at protecting from bacteria and removing impurities from the spot overnight.

What We Like

  • Color-changing patch indicates its working

  • Ultra-thin material

  • Reduces the appearance of pimples

What to Consider

  • Not the best for large pimples

Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Amount: 24 patches | Cruelty-Free: No

There’s nothing worse than trying a new skincare product and wondering, Is this really working? That’s why we love these Neutrogena Stubborn Acne Pimple Patches—you’ll get a sign that they’re doing their thing. After you apply the patch to cleansed skin, it will start to turn white after it absorbs fluid from your acne blemish.

What We Like

  • Doubles as a razor bump and ingrown hair treatment

  • Contains micro darts for targeted healing

  • Blend of exfoliating and hydrating ingredients

What to Consider

  • Only nine patches in a pouch

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Amount: 9 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Acne isn’t the only thing that can be painful, so are razor bumps and unwanted ingrown hairs. The micro darts in these tiny patches dissolve to dispense salicylic acid, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid deep under your skin to combat swelling and inflammation. It’s similar to a targeted treatment, which may explain the higher price point.

What We Like

  • Works on most types of acne

  • Won’t budge once on

  • Can be layered under makeup

What to Consider

  • Can leave a residue

Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Amount: 60 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes

When you think of a traditional pimple patch, your mind may immediately go to hormonal acne. However, whiteheads and blackheads can be just as cumbersome to deal with, and these Good Molecules Pimple Patches can help with both. Clarifying ingredients such as cellulose gum and pectin help remove gunk from the skin so you can have a fresh, blemish-free face overnight.

What We Like

  • Helps address post-acne hyperpigmentation

  • Treats pimples and prevents scars at once

  • Works double duty while you sleep

What to Consider

  • Can take longer to see results

Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Amount: 40 | Cruelty-Free: No

These patches are made with hydrocolloid dressings which act as a natural spot treatment. One bright spot (literally) is that the patches can help reduce dark spots that can sometimes be left over as a result of treating a pimple. While it may take more than an overnight session to see results, these work beneath the surface to ensure zits won’t return. The PanOxyl Patches are also thicker than others on this list, but this means added protection and more effective absorption.

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 are made with nothing more than hydrocolloid, which does an excellent job of taking care of pimples on its own.
  • Active Ingredients: You'll find options containing a range of acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid (which Dr. Wolinsky notes can 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.
  • Size: Since pimples and breakouts 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. You'll also find extra-large patches, which are meant to cover multi-bump breakouts.

FAQ

  • How do acne patches work?

    "Most acne patches work by providing a moist, occluded environment so that the acne lesion can heal underneath," says Dr. Maguiness. They typically contain hydrocolloid, which, as Dr. Wolinsky explains, speeds up healing. "The added bonus is that they keep fingers off and prevent picking," notes Dr. Maguiness.

  • How do you apply acne patches?

    Starting with freshly washed hands and clean, dry skin, carefully peel the patch off the sheet. Then, gently stick it on the pimple in question, aligning the center of the patch with the center of the pimple. Leave it on for 12 to 24 hours or until it turns opaque.

  • How often should you use acne patches?

    Generally speaking, you can use acne patches as often as needed. Since they target only a very small portion of your skin, you shouldn't have to worry about irritating the rest of your face or neck. In some cases, you might need to use two or three consecutive patches to get rid of a particularly stubborn pimple.

  • Can you use acne patches on popped pimples?

    According to a clinical trial completed by Johnson & Johnson in 2021, you can use a pimple patch on either popped or un-popped pimples and after one week of use, testers saw results.

Meet Our Experts

For this article, we interviewed two dermatologists and two skin experts for product picks and insight into how acne patches work. Those experts include:

  • Dr. Sheilagh Maguiness, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist. She has been a part of the Minnesota Dermatological Society since 2014 and teaches at the University of Minnesota.
  • Dr. Claire Wolinsky, M.D., a New York dermatologist specializing in facial rejuvenation. Dr. Wolinsky is known to be able to treat even the most difficult cases of acne.
  • Joshua Ross, a celebrity aesthetician and the founder of SkinLab in Los Angeles. He has worked in the beauty industry for more than 15 years.
  • Kristina Kitsos, a multispecialty trained Registered Nurse with over 15 years of experience working in the field of minimally invasive aesthetic medicine.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a skincare devotee and commerce writer specializing in beauty, lifestyle, and wellness. From the above brands, she has personally tried Peace Out, The Klog, CosRx, and Rael. Theresa covers skincare, makeup, and haircare at Byrdie.

Austen Tosone is a beauty writer and content creator based in NYC. She has long been a fan of acne stickers (and the oh-so-satisfying results when you wake up and peel them off) and she has personally been a long-time user of both the Hero and Rael pimple patches. She writes about skincare, makeup, haircare, and fashion.

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.

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

  1. Pott, Franciele Soares et al. The effectiveness of hydrocolloid dressings versus other dressings in the healing of pressure ulcers in adults and older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Revista latino-americana de enfermagem vol. 22,3 (2014): 511-20. doi:10.1590/0104-1169.3480.2445

Patch, Don't Pop: These Derm-Approved Acne Products Clear Breakfasts ASAP (2024)
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