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

Our Top Picks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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