Acne patches are the best skin product for those of you picking at and popping your breakouts for hours.
I’ve been using acne patches for the last four years, and here’s what I can say: when chosen well, acne patches will save your skin, confidence, time, and money.
In this article, I’ll share my research and curated list of acne patches, all reviewed by dermatologists.
Without further delay, these are the best 11 acne patches for perfect skin.
1/11
COSRX
Best Hydrocolloid Acne Patches
Hydrocolloid acne patches are a low-risk and cost-effective way to spot-treat small, inflamed acne bumps or early inflamed cysts.
Most hydrocolloid patches are designed to create a seal that traps moisture and speeds up wound healing.
Hydrocolloids have been used since the 1970s to treat slow-healing wounds, but it wasn’t until the early 2010s that they also became a popular fix for acne.
Most hydrocolloid acne patches contain extra acne-fighting ingredients formulated to help treat all kinds of pimples.
Dermatologist Review
According to Dr. Kaitlyn Rose, COSRX hydrocolloid bandages can help speed the healing of blemishes by absorbing pus and oil from the inflamed spot while maintaining moisture.
In addition, the COSRX hydrocolloid Pimple Patches help reduce inflammation, protect the area from contamination by microorganisms, and minimize scar formation.
Not to mention that they prevent you from picking or popping!
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2/11
BAND-AID
Best Bandaid Acne Patches
Cheaper and safer alternatives to hydrocolloid acne patches, acne Band-Aids are very efficient at removing oil and dead bacteria from your pimples.
Band-Aid acne patches are very suitable as a protective barrier and overnight treatment.
Used to extract oil and bacteria, Band-Aids are cheaper and safer than expensive hydrocolloid acne patches.
Beneficial in the long run – to your face and wallet – hydrocolloid bandaids are found in the first aid aisle at most grocery stores.
Instead of buying a sheet of expensive branded pimple patches, buy a pack of hydrocolloid Band-Aid and cut your patches to the size you need.
Dermatologist Review
According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Band-Aid acne patches help treat red, angry pimples.
The hydrocolloid forms a protective seal over the skin to protect it from the environment and absorb excess fluid that drains from the wound.
While the dressing has no active ingredient, it helps pull out pus and inflammation from the pimples.
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3/11
PEACE OUT
Best Cystic Acne Patches
Cystic acne patches are ideal for large cysts right after they form, given their unique property of drawing fluids and reducing the swelling of the cyst faster than most acne patches.
Given their unique property of drawing fluids and reducing the swelling of the cyst faster than most acne patches, cystic acne patches are, as the name suggests, ideal for large cysts.
Some of the best cystic acne patches in 2023 are made from a particular category of hydrocolloid material that’s extra absorbent to help flatten the cyst.
In addition, some cystic acne patches are infused with known antibacterial ingredients such as salicylic acid and tea tree oil to treat the pimple while concealing it.
Dermatologist Review
According to Dr. Rachel Nazarian, Peace Out acne patches reduce zits overnight in a protective rather than abrasive way.
The acne patches are helpful if you deal with the occasional stubborn breakout.
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4/11
MIGHTY PATCH
Best Large Acne Patches
Large acne patches and jumbo-size hydrocolloid acne strips cover large skin surfaces for multiple spot control at once.
Just make sure you use them at night for aesthetic reasons.
Sometimes, an ordinary acne patch, a mini hydrocolloid sticker, or an invisible patch just won’t cut it.
If you’re going through one of those days or suffer from an acne flare, know there are jumbo-size hydrocolloid acne strips out there.
Designed to cover extra large acne breakout areas and flatten lots of pimple clusters in one go, the best large acne strips you can order right now are below.
Speaking of large acne, alcohol consumption is known to aggravate acne flares and headaches – for the latter, these hangover patches are excellent.
Dermatologist Review
According to Dr. Lavanya Krishnan, Might Patch acne patches are best for treating superficial acne, like pus-filled bumps, blackheads, and whiteheads.
However, for more severe types of acne such as cystic acne, it is recommended to use a stronger acne patch or other alternative treatments.”
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5/11
MISS SPA
Best Microneedling Acne Patches
Microneedle acne patches are not transparent, so any ‘under-treatment’ pimples would be visible, at least for a while.
However, the microneedles technology penetrates the deeper layers of skin to work at the core of the issues, which most acne patches can’t.
Microneedle acne patches aren’t as scary as the name sounds.
Like hydrocolloid pimple patches, micro-needling patches are painless and suitable for all skin textures.
Microneedle acne patches contain dissolving microneedles — super fine, tiny needles — on one side of the sheet.
They treat specific types of acne, such as cystic or nodular acne.
Dermatologist Review
According to Dr. Lily Talakoub, the Miss Spa’s acne patches have microneedles, which gently penetrate bumps with complexion-clearing salicylic acid.
The acne patches also contain hyaluronic acid, my favorite hydrating humectant.
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6/11
DR JART
Best Acne Scar Patches
Best acne scar patches are infused with tea tree oil, a natural ingredient known for calming and anti-inflammatory powers, ideal for protecting from follow-up bacterial infections and irritations.
Acne scars and dark spot patches are caused by skin damage, and the hyperpigmentation of pimple-prone complexions face.
Acne scar patches and dark spot treatments work by replacing all-over brightening serums and hyaluronic acid.
Applied as tiny darts for targeted treatments (no, they don’t hurt), acne scar patches are filled with skin repair and brightening ingredients you can leave behind.
Dermatologist Review
According to Dr. Jeffrey T.S. Hsu, you can’t expect this patch to clear 100 percent of your pimple magically; however, you will see an improvement in redness, inflammation, and overall shrinkage with one patch.
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7/11
STARFACE
Best Cute Acne Patches
Some of the best cute acne patches are begging to be seen and bring positivity to your daily acne routine — from star shapes to Hello Kitty’s kawaii face and more.
In an age where skin positivity is a much better look than acne shaming, pimples don’t have the same power over us that they used to.
So far, I have managed to have my skin under control, yet there are days I have a chronic flare of chin acne.
However, I won’t let a breakout of surface or even more stubborn pimples stop me from living my best life.
On the contrary, I embrace acne patches that make my pimples look cute while zapping the life out of those suckers.
Dermatologist Review
According to Caroline Hirons, Starface acne patches help younger people embrace blemishes with their fun design rather than hide them, and the good news is that they work!
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8/11
FLORENCE
Best Acne Overnight Patches
Designed to be used overnight – for at least six hours – nighttime acne patches will significantly reduce inflammation and accelerate the healing speed of the acne lesion.
Most acne patches are used pre-emptively, at nighttime, as the perfect time to heal blemishes in privacy from the comfort of your home.
Regardless of skin type, overnight acne patches are most effective for treating early whiteheads.
Designed to be used overnight – for at least six hours – nighttime acne patches will significantly reduce inflammation and accelerate the healing speed of the acne lesion.
However, overnight acne patches might not help if you’re dealing with cystic or hormonal acne.
In most cases, the inflammation of a cystic acne lesion is more profound, and this technology may not penetrate deep enough to improve cystic acne fully.
Dermatologist Review
According to Dr. Jeanine Downie, Florence by Mills Spot a Spot Acne Patches have a potent blend of exfoliating salicylic acid and antibacterial tea tree oil that keeps pores and inflamed skin in check.
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9/11
OLIVE YOUNG
Best Korean Acne Patches
Korean acne patches are filled with active ingredients that kill acne-causing bacteria and soothe inflammation.
Thanks to TikTok influencers bragging about the latest Korean beauty trends, Korean acne patches come in various gunk-absorbing formulas, sizes, and prices at peak popularity.
A staple among K-pop celebrities, Korean acne patches are ideal for targeting whiteheads, blackheads, and picked zits.
Most Korean acne patches are easy to apply and don’t wash off in the shower.
Ideal for reducing bumps, pain, and redness, these Korean acne patches are super effective at treating inflamed acne, like papules, and reducing the size of lesions caused by nodular or cystic acne.
Dermatologist Review
According to Dr. Lily Talakoub, Olive Young acne patches absorb the excess sebum and increase the healing speed.
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10/11
RAEL BEAUTY
Best FSA Eligible Acne Patches
FSA Eligible acne patches are ideal for face, neck, chest, back, and shoulder bumps, pimples, and skin imperfections caused by dead skin cells, dirt, and oils clogging hair follicles.
Many readers asked us about Flexible Savings Account (FSA) acne patches.
Acne medicine is not eligible for reimbursement with a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).
However, most acne medicine is eligible for reimbursement if you have a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).
Dermatologist Review
According to Dr. Debra Jaliman, Rael Beauty acne patches are very effective due to their high-grade hydrocolloid formula, strong adhesive, and transparency.
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11/11
BRIGHT JUNGLE
Best Invisible Spot Cover
Invisible spot covers are ideal for masking acne, blemishes, and red spots.
They are very efficient at treating them by letting the hydrocolloid absorb pus and oil while protecting your skin against dirt so it can heal faster.
Small, invisible acne patches are suitable for daytime wear, so you can treat acne breakouts whenever possible.
Unfortunately, there’s no “Delete” button for skin acne, as with many retouching apps on your smartphone.
Yet, you can use invisible acne patches; it is easier, faster, and more effective at healing pimples than popping them.
Popping pimples and spots worsens the situation by spreading acne bacteria to nearby pores and deeper into your skin.
Dermatologist Review
According to Dr. Kaitlyn Rose, BRIGHTJUNGLE invisible acne patches are perfect for daytime use alongside overnight treatment for those with acne-prone skin requiring attention.
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Acne Patches FAQs
Do Pimple Patches Work?
Acne and pimple patches are ideal for dealing with emerging spots and active bumps as preventive and repair treatments.
However, pimple patches do not prevent acne from forming, nor can they clear clogged pores or other precursors to acne flares.
Moreover, pimple patches don’t work on closed lesions, deep lesions, or even deep blackheads and whiteheads called comedones.
What Are the Best Pimple Patches?
There are hundreds of pimple patches, some better than others, depending on what you are planning to use them for.
Below are some of the best pimple patches and what they’re suitable for:
- Best pimple patch for moisturizing skin – Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots.
- Best pimple patch for soothing skin – Rael Miracle Patch Microcrystal Spot Cover.
- Best pimple patch for preventing breakouts – Acropass Trouble Cure.
- Best pimple patch for exfoliating skin – ZitSticka KILLA Kit.
- Best pimple patch for invisible coverage – Rael Acne Pimple Healing Patch.
Are Hydrocolloid Patches Good for Acne?
The best acne patches contain hydrocolloid, a gel often used in wound care, which is ideal for inflamed acne lesions.
In addition to healing blemishes, the hydrocolloid in the acne sticker absorbs sebum and dirt and improves facial rejuvenation.
In simple terms, if your pimple is red or inflamed on the surface, hydrocolloid patches are an excellent treatment.
You can also use hydrocolloid bandages on raised acne lesions, whiteheads, and cystic acne.
Final Words on Acne Patches
I hope you’ve found my curation of the 11 best acne patches useful.
Before we conclude the article, here are some tips on how to choose the best acne patch for your skin:
Before committing to purchase acne patches, consider the following features:
- Skin tone: Check whether the patches are suitable for your skin tone. Most acne patches have colors that blend with any skin tone and become unnoticeable when applied.
- Size and price: Most acne patch brands stock patches of different sizes, so always match the size of the patches (you can cut them at home) with your budget.
- Ingredients: Some people benefit from acne patches that contain hyaluronic, while others are more responsive to tea tree oils. Also, check for benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and salicylic acid if you know you are intolerant to these ingredients.
- Adhesion: Always buy pimple stickers that stick well to your skin, mainly if you apply them before your beauty sleep.
Ideal for inflamed, oily, dry, sensitive, and combination skin, most patches contain an infusion of plant-based healing ingredients with excellent physicochemical properties.
All acne patches in this article contain tried and tested skin-clearing ingredients, ideal for removing stubborn breakouts and deep pimples and leaving you with clearer skin.
Sent over by some of the most popular acne patch brands right now, such as Cosrx, Hero Cosmetics, Peace Out, and Jason Wu Beauty, some of these stickers have become my favorite.
Keep one or more of these best-selling acne patches in your bag at all times, and thank me later.
I’ve also included stickers with extra-slim microneedles designed to deliver acne-fighting ingredients deeper into the skin and confront the most stubborn, hard-to-reach breakouts.
Acne stickers have the added benefit of preventing you from aggravating your skin by picking at pimples.
This is key, as picking a pimple increases inflammation and slows healing.
Instead of popping and picking your red spots and blemishes, apply an acne patch before bed; come morning, your pimple will be flattened, well on your way to a clear, radiating face.
Unlike some spot treatments, acne patches and stickers don’t leave skin dry and flaky.
Also called hydrocolloid bandages, most acne patches are small, circular, thin, and easy to apply.
“Hydrocolloid means that the patch can absorb oil, bacteria, and unwanted fluid from the pimple.”
explains Jason Emer, M.D., a celebrity board-certified dermatologist.
Moreover, scarring, getting an infection, and longer healing time rise significantly.
In the case of acne treatment, you’ll know the patch is working because you can see the process happening in real time.
Clear acne patches turn white and expand while the skin (where the zit was located) flattens and becomes redness-free.
After a couple of hours (or a good night’s sleep), peel off the protective acne patch to reveal the accumulated gunk — I find it immensely satisfying, in a strange way.
Above all, ensure you apply your acne patches only on clean skin after a thorough cleanse and before applying the rest of your skin-care routine.
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Now it’s your turn…
Which one of these acne patches is your favorite and why?
Are there any other pimple patches or blemish spot treatments that worked for you and that you want to add to this list?
Please leave your comments below; we always appreciate them and use them to learn, improve, and update these articles.
Driven by a deep passion for the environment and a desperate need to do something to save it, Rebecca's true love lies in environmental justice, currently studying for a Master's degree in 'Conservation and Biodiversity' at The University of Exeter. With years of expertise in the worlds of advertising, PR, events, and movie publicity, Rebecca's lifestyle, sustainability, and wildlife content intrigue, inspire, and mobilize.
I have tried many acne-free products, including many of the acne patches reviewed in this article. Unfortunately, unless your pair them with acne creams, the patches worked little or not at all on their own.
I accidentally used acne treatment of dermalmd as a sample someone gave me in 2021. It cured my hormonal acne. Still use it twice a day to this day. I swear by it.
I’ve recently started developing some deep, ugly acne spots. I’ve tried a million acne patches and none of them worked, until I’ve found and tried the Peace Out Hydrocolloid + Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots on this page. Applying these patches helped prevent me from touching and popping any zits and acne heads. Moreover, after 12 -14 hours, usually, in the morning, the bumps are always significantly flatter. The patches stay stuck to my skin all night and are also very efficient against zits that have already popped. Can’t recommend these acne patches enough and no, I am not affiliate with the brand or this site.
I get a lot of acne on my face, some because I am still a teenager and go through a lot of hormonal shit, and part because I drink a lot. Kind of a lot, depends on how you look at it. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I bought most of the acne patches presented in this article, and they all work. But, my favorite of all is by far the Hero Cosmetics XL Mighty hydrocolloid acne patch. It is large, efficient, and cheap.
I’ve had closed comedones all over my chin area and all over my chest for about 2-3 years, my dermatologist kept telling me they are so hard to cure. She put me on Accutane for some time but no luck, it actually did more damage than good. I also tried Minocycline and Spironolactone and the comedones did not go away. What worked for me was changing my diet, I used to eat all sorts of rubbish. Once I stopped eating packaged and labeled food, the whole shit started to change fast, no more acne, no more comedones. Clean skin, some scars here and there, and I get some small pimples from time to time that I fix with patches like these advertised here. I don’t write reviews but I know my comment will help many teenagers like me dragged into the Accutane marketing scam, paying lots of money to destroy their health. Don’t do it, be careful with the food you eat, check for allergies, and drink plenty of water. Yes, water, not juices, soda, or “liquids”. Water, vegetables, eggs, and meat. Stay clean inside out.
Nelson, this is the best advice I’ve seen online this year. Common sense, people. Use common sense.
The first choice for treating acne is a tetracycline (minocycline, doxycycline) or a macrolide (erythromycin, azithromycin). A macrolide might be an option for people who can’t take tetracyclines, including pregnant women and children under 8 years old. Now, some of these acne patches contain trace amounts of antibiotics – even not shown on the label – so do some deep research and see which ones do and try them as a last resort.
the cheapest here, the acne pimple cover & hydrocolloid healing invisible patches are also the best, infused with a dash of azithromycin.
One thing that I’ve discovered recently is that if you wash your face with soap, you’ll develop acne and spots. I’m in my teens and I exercise a lot, my face gets greasy very fast and I used to wash it a few times a day with a soap bar. Big mistake, don’t do that!
I have been struggling with some adult acne on my chin area and Dermalmd Acne Serum cleared my acne within 3 days. The directions state that it is not a “spot” treatment, but I use it as one.
I have heavy acne, and I hope I can make it go away with these patches as I am afraid to try deep medication that might mess up my hormones in the long run. One of my friends was made to believe she needs acutane and while it worked to start with, the final results were horrific. Her hair go so thin that she was on chemotherapy, the skin was old, and he stomach was destroyed that she became bulimic. So patches it is!