Acne
These near-invisible stickers bring on the healing.
By Deanna Pai and Annie Blackman
Collage: Laneen Wells; Source images: Allure editors
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The beauty of the best pimple patches? Instead of popping and picking at your blemishes (and creating acne scars in the process), you can slap on a handy skin-care sticker to do the hard work for you. These tiny but mighty patches always act as a physical healing barrier, oftentimes treat the affected area with ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and niacinamide, and sometimes even create micro-channels to deliver said ingredients deeper into the skin.
Our Top Picks
- Best Pimple Patch Overall: Peace Out Acne Healing Dots, $19
- Best for Adult Acne: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original, $13
- Best Staying Power: Cosrx Master Patch Intensive, $13
- Best for Whiteheads: The Inkey List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches, $9
- Best for Nighttime: Rael Miracle Patch Advanced Strength Retinol Spot Cover, $21
- Best Microdart Patch: ZitSticka Killa, $25
- Best for Cysts: Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts, $9
- Best for Inflammation: Florence by Mills Spot a Spot Acne Patches, $15
- Fastest-Acting: Good Light Luna Pimple Patches, $8
- Best Under Makeup: Olive Young Care Plus Spot Patch, $10
Unlike some spot treatments, these acne patches won't result in any dry skin or flakiness, and they offer some low-key (or high-key) coverage depending on the type of sticker you opt for. Whether you're looking for a patch to draw out gunk from deep within your cystic acne or something to nip redness in the bud, there's a pimple patch for you. Shop favorites from Allure editors and read up on dermatologist insight about how these little adhesives work their magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do pimple patches work?
- Should I pop a pimple before putting on a pimple patch?
- What do pimple patches pull out?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Pimple Patch Overall: Peace Out Acne Healing Dots
Jen Hussein wearing a Peace Out Acne Healing Dots
Why it's worth it: Peace Out's Acne Healing Dots are flecked with 0.5%salicylic acid, which we all know by now is a breakout's worst nightmare. While the classic acne-fighting ingredient rids pores of acne-causing bacteria and dirt, calming aloe vera leaf extract reduces the appearance of redness. Another notable ingredient is retinyl acetate (a very gentle derivative ofvitamin A), which helps even skin tone.
You won't be tempted to pop your pimples as long as these acne-fighting stickers—which won aReaders' Choice Awardtwo years in a row (2022 and 2023)—are around. Peace Out also offersAcne Day Dots(a sheerer version of the original dots for daytime wear), microneedingDark Spots, and evenAnti-Wrinkles Retinol Patches.
Tester feedback: "I'm not acne-prone (shout out to my parents for the prime genetics), but on the rare occurrence when a blemish pops up on my face, I slap one of these little patches on it overnight," explains commerce writer Jen Hussein. "These patches never fail to suck out all the excess oil clogging my pores, and unlike other nighttime patches I've used, this no-budge pick is guaranteed to stay in place throughout the night."
Key ingredients:hydrocolloid, salicylic acid, aloe vera extract, retinyl acetate |Best for: everyone | Patch count: 10, 20, 40
Best for Active Breakouts: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original
Angela Trakoshis wearing a Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch.
Why it's worth it: If you haven't heard of the Mighty Patch, sorry, but have you been living under a rock? Even though this humble acne patch has been around since 2017, our editors still clearly adore it. Let us list the reasons: It's non-drying, effectively keeps you from picking at your face, and absorbs excess oils and whitehead-derived pus. Oh, and each box comes with 36 patches, so you'll be stocked for quite some time.
These patches have a matte finish, too, so they look less noticeable if you wear them during the day. (Fun fact: They're made withvegan hydrocolloid, which means they're not made with gelatin—as some stickers may still be.) Still, if you're concerned about visibility, try the Best of Beauty-winningMighty Patch Invisible+for undetectable wear.Want more size and finish options? Opt for aMighty Patch Variety Packto get three different variations.
Tester feedback: "Can you tell I'm wearing a pimple patch in this photo? Probably not if I wasn't pointing to it," says Angela Trakoshis, shopping market editor. "There's nothing more satisfying than wearing one of these all day or overnight and seeing all the gunk it sucked out from your pimple—when it turns white, you know it's ready to come off. The best part: a flattened zit that's on its way out sooner than you thought."
Key ingredients:hydrocolloid |Best for:when your zit has come to a head | Patch count: 36, 72
Best Staying Power: Cosrx Master Patch Intensive
Sarah Han wearing a Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Intensive and holding a packet.
Why it's worth it: Chances are you know Cosrx for one of two things: the snail mucin serum and pimple patches—but did you know they have a whole lineup of pimple patches? You can't go wrong with the original Acne Master Pimple Patch, of course. (One former Allure editor wore them to a Korean day spa and reported that they withstood multiple rounds in the sauna.) But if you're hoping for a dose of gentle yet effective anti-inflammatory ingredients alongside the hydrocolloid, the Master Patch Intensive will grant your acne-fighting wishes. A big bonus is that they're thinner and more matte than the original patches, so you can wear them during the day basically undetected. Each sticker is oval-shaped, which more easily adheres to the contours of your face, and is one of two sizes: 16 x 11 mm or 13 x 9 mm. Despite their staying power, they're easy to peel off.
Tester feedback: "I love all Cosrx pimple patches, but on the relatively rare occasion I get a breakout (knock on wood!), I go on major offense and hit it with the Master Patch Intensive," says commerce editor Sarah Han. "Hydrocolloid acts as a barrier to me picking at my breakouts (guilty!) but these patches also have salicylic acid and tea tree oil to speed up the healing process even more. (P.S. I'm wearing a patch on my forehead for demonstration purposes. Pretty seamless, huh?)"
Key ingredients:hydrocolloid, salicylic acid, tea tree oil |Best for: people who want a stickier adhesive | Patch count: 36, 90
Best for Whiteheads: The Inkey List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches
The Inkey List
Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches
Annie Blay wearing The Inkey List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patch
Why it's worth it: Low-key-looking and high-key powerful, The Inkey List's Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches work their magic in four hours. They're super thin and matte for a "No, I'm not wearing a pimple patch; why do you ask?" look, even creating a blurred effect over the blemish. These patches also blend super easily under or over your makeup. You can thank the succinic acid for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that keep the pimple healing process rolling and the ectoin for the hydration needed throughout the recovery process.
Tester feedback: Associate beauty editor Annie Blay puts it simply. "These are the most transparent pimple patches I've ever worn. I'll catch glimpses of myself in the mirror and can't even see it on my face." For the girlies who like to run errands decked out with at least four patches, this is a huge win.
Key ingredients: hydrocolloid,salicylic acid (0.4%), succinic acid (0.4%), ectoin (0.2%) |Best for: blemishes that have come to a head | Patch count: 22
More pimple patches we love:
Best for Nighttime: Rael Miracle Patch Advanced Strength Retinol Spot Cover
Rael
Miracle Patch Advanced Strength Retinol Spot Cover
Why it's worth it: Time-release technology in pimple patches? It's Rael, y'all. (Couldn't help the pun!). Inside each Miracle Patch Advanced Strength Retinol Spot Cover are four layers of ingredients—hydrocolloid, ceramide NP, niacinamide, and retinol—that come into contact with your skin over time, so they keep working hard as you snooze. Plus, they're designed with thicker centers and tapered edges for stronger adhesion, so don't worry about losing them to your tossing and turning. Retinol, the star ingredient here, actively unclogs pores so you hopefully experience fewer breakouts in that area. How sweet is that?
Tester feedback: "Getting a pimple on vacation can be a buzzkill but these tiny patches—infused with retinol, niacinamide, and ceramides—discreetly draw out oil, reduce redness, and soothe irritation in a matter of hours," says Dianna Mazzone Singh, features director. "I wore one on my flight home from Seoul, and by the time I landed, my once-angry breakout was barely a blip on my radar."
Key ingredients: hydrocolloid, retinol, niacinamide, and ceramide NP |Best for: hormonal acne, stubborn/recurring breakouts | Patch count: 24, 72
Best Microdart Patch: ZitSticka Killa Kit
Why it's worth it: For a pimple patch that goes the extra mile, consider ZitSticka Killa—it's covered with dissolving microneedles filled with blemish-busting ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3), and hyaluronic acid. Bonus: Niacinamide can address dark spots in case you're prone to post-acne marks. These blemish patches also come with cleansing swabs that gently exfoliate the target zit first, allowing the patches' ingredients to better absorb into your skin—and bring down zit swelling, redness, and size.
Key ingredients: salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, oligopeptide-76 |Best for: blind or early-stage zits | Patch count: 8, 20
Best for Cysts: Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts
Why it's worth it: Consider these patches for deep or on-the-rise pimples, which deploy 176 tiny, painless spikes to get deep into the skin, penetrating deep, cystic acne. Each infuses a clarifying blend ofsalicylic acid, tea tree oil, and willow bark into the targeted area to kickstart the acne-healing process, whilehyaluronic acid,niacinamide, andcicaoffer hydrating and soothing benefits. And just like that, you can stop a pimple before it dares to reach its peak.
Key ingredients:salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide,Centella asiatica, tea tree leaf oil |Best for: hormonal or cystic acne | Patch count: 9
Best for Inflammation: Florence by Mills Spot a Spot Acne Patches
Why it's worth it: These uber-cute Florence by Mills Spot a Spot Acne Patches not only prevent you from picking and worsening your blemishes, but their potent blend of exfoliatingsalicylic acidandtea tree oil(both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, goodbye redness!) keeps clogged pores and inflamed skin in check. FYI: Salicylic acid can also help break down the plugs that cause blackheads. The hydrocolloid stickers, which won a2021 Best of Beauty Award, are perfect for absorbing fluids from your pimples and accelerating the healing process.
Key ingredients:hydrocolloid, salicylic acid, peppermint oil, tea tree oil |Best for: inflammatory breakouts | Patch count: 36
Fastest-Acting: Good Light Luna Pimple Patches
Why it's worth it: If you want your zit gone ASAP, look no further than these pimple patches, which can bring down the swelling in as soon as six hours—without drying out skin, no less. They also come in two sizes, are made of vegan hydrocolloids, and have been tested by dermatologists, making for a patch that works without compromises.
The more you know: If you use one of these patches on a high-movement area of your face, like right by your mouth, you may experience a bit of budging.
Key ingredients:hydrocolloid |Best for: anyone who wants a simple option that can work overnight | Patch count: 24
Best Under Makeup: Olive Young Care Plus Spot Patch
Olive Young Care Plus Spot Patch
Why it's worth it: These patches from Olive Young are super adhesive, but won't make you wince when you peel them off after six hours of sticking. Hydrocolloid protects blemishes from contact with dust and water and absorbs excess fluid while you go about your day. The patch features two "rings"—the inside ring containing the active ingredients, and the outside, the adhesive to help the sticker stay in place. Wearers especially love these patches for their translucence and ultra-thin design (starting at just 0.1 millimeters), so you can go about your makeup routine without a worry.
The more you know: The efficacy of the patch maxes out around eight hours, so be sure to remove or replace it after that.
Key ingredients:hydrocolloid |Best for: people looking for a thin, unnoticeable patch | Patch count: 102
Frequently Asked Questions
How do pimple patches work?
For the uninitiated, here's how pimple patches work: Most are small, circularhydrocolloid bandages, meaning theyabsorb fluid and impurities from the pimple, explainsDebra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. They're a beauty staple inspired by the tradition of hydrocolloid dressing to heal wounds.
The thinnest, most invisible patches are ideal fordaytime wear, so you can treat your breakouts whenever, wherever you please. Or, you can opt for overnight wear to heal blemishes orhormonal acnein total privacy while you snooze. There are even stickers designed withextra-slim microneedlesthat deliver acne-fighting ingredients even deeper into the skin to confront your most stubborn,hard-to-reach breakouts.
Should I pop a pimple before putting on a pimple patch?
No, don't even think about it. One of the reasons to wear a pimple patch is to curb your temptation to aggravate your skin with pimple-picking, saysElizabeth Tanzi, MD, the founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care and associate clinical professor in the Department of Dermatology at the George Washington University Medical Center. This is key, she explains, as "picking a pimple increases the inflammation and can slow the healing process down." The chances ofacne scarring, developingpost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and getting an infection rise when youpop your pimple.
What do pimple patches pull out?
You'll know the healing dot is working because you can see it in action—a.k.a. the clear patch will turn white with gunk and expand. But what exactlyisthat gunk?Drawn-out fluid and excess sebum. Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously toldAllure, "Think of these [cystic blemishes] almost like a wound that needs to heal. By reducing the inflammation and fluid, you can help to improve the appearance."
Meet the experts
- Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
- Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, the founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care and associate clinical professor in the Department of Dermatology at the George Washington University Medical Center
- Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best pimple patches, we considered each product's performance across four primary categories: product ingredients, efficacy, product wear, and value. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
More acne-friendly skin care this way:
- 16 Best Acne Spot Treatments for Getting Rid of Pimples Fast
- The 19 Best Korean Skin-Care Products for Acne
- 5 Dermatologists with Acne Share Their Own Skin-Care Routines
Now, watch Alix Earle's 10-minute makeup routine for acne-prone skin:
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Deanna Pai is a freelance writer, editor, and copywriter who's been writing about beauty,health, and wellness for more than a decade — as well as a longtime contributor to Allure. Prior to freelancing, she was the senior associate beauty editor at Cosmopolitan. When she's not experimenting with skin-care products, you... Read more
Annie Blackman is a contributing commerce writer atAllure where she has been covering the best beauty deals for sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime day for the past two years. Previously, Annie was a content update editor atThe Spruce and People Magazine.She studied English Literature at Kenyon... Read more
Keywordsshoppingpimple patchacneacne patchesacne treatmentspimpleadult acnehydrocolloid bandageskin care
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