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12 Game-Changing Pimple Patches We’re Obsessed With

By Lindy Segal

Published on Jan 19, 2021

Close-up of a model wearing floral shirt pointing to a star pimple patch on her chin Mobile

Close-up of a model wearing floral shirt pointing to a star pimple patch on her chin Desktop

Let’s set the scene: You’re scrolling through skincare TikTok when all the sudden a teenage girl starts putting hydrocolloid bandages—as in the kind you put on a cut or scrape—all over her face to allegedly clear up her acne. And although her method may be unconventional, it works, and it’s the exact science behind Instagram’s favorite new acne treatment: pimple patches, a.k.a. hydrocolloid dressings that cover and treat zits.

Originally popularized in Korean beauty, these tiny stickers have officially become the spot treatment of choice both on and off social media thanks to their effectiveness and, in many cases, adorableness. But the science behind this beloved skincare product is no joke. “Hydrocolloid patches are essentially bandages that help heal wounds,” says New York City-based dermatologist Orit Markowitz, MD. “They work by absorbing liquid and fluids from wounds while keeping the skin around it moist, which is key for a speedy healing process.” The wound in this instance? Acne. And the fluids? Acne gunk. (Sorry.)

Pimple patches work in multiple magical ways. “First, they target the acne by absorbing the pus-like liquids and oils, flattening the pimple,” explains Dr. Markowitz. “Second, for pimples that are already burst or have been picked at the hydrocolloid helps speed up the healing time and prevents scarring. At the same time wearing a pimple patch protects your skin from external bacteria which can also accelerate healing.” The patches also act as a physical barrier for those whose fingers tend to gravitate towards their pimples. (Plus, during the era of face masks, they act as an added barrier for maskne). Furthermore, “Wearing a pimple patch will prevent picking, which is definitely not recommended,” says Dr. Markowitz. “Picking our own pimples can lead to scarring, so anything we can do to avoid picking pimples is a plus.”

Although hydrocolloid patches are excellent at extracting impurities and protecting blemishes on their own, some brands have added acne-fighting ingredients, such as salicylic acid or aloe. Not sure which ones are right for you? Read on for our 12 favorite pimple patches, and prepare to be amazed.

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Orit Markowitz, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of OptiSkin in New York City.

1. Most popular:

STARFACE Hydro-Stars

Courtesy of STARFACE

You’ve likely seen these everywhere, and for good reason. The adorable star shape isn’t just fun and ‘grammable, it’s also functional: The star’s “arms” give the patch a just-right fit, so it stays put.

2. Best basic patches:

NEOGEN DERMALOGY A-Clear Soothing Spot Patch

Courtesy of NEOGEN DERMALOGY

These simple hydrocolloid patches are thicker in the center and thinner on the outer edge, which helps them adhere better and makes them less visible.

3. Best for dark spots:

HERO COSMETICS Mighty Patch Micropoint for Dark Spots

Courtesy of HERO COSMETICS

This patch is specifically made for those stubborn dark spots that remain long after a zit has come and gone. Each one is packed with skin brighteners like niacinamide and vitamin C, and uses microdart technology to help those ingredients penetrate the skin more deeply. And no, they don’t hurt, just be sure you wait until the pimple has fully healed before applying.

4. Best for large areas:

RAEL Spot Control Cover

Courtesy of RAEL

Think of these oversized patches as a skin-friendlier upgrade to the hydrocolloid bandage trend from TikTok. The larger size—they are 31mm x 46mm, while most patches are 10-12 mm—can be applied to an entire acne cluster, or even as a nose strip.

5. Most innovative:

SKYN ICELAND Blemish Dots with Salicylic Acid

Courtesy of SKYN ICELAND

In addition to salicylic acid, these little guys are infused with tea tree oil, willowherb (an anti-inflammatory), bakuchiol (a retinol alternative), and more active ingredients to shrink and soothe acne spots.

6. Best day and night duo:

JULEP Patch Me Up Waterproof Pimple Patches

Courtesy of JULEP

For the best of both worlds, use the thinner, clearer patches for daytime wear, then swap to the thicker, tea-tree-infused overnight patches for more intense treatment while you sleep.

7. Best under makeup:

COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch

Courtesy of COSRX

Pretty much any acne patch can be worn while you’re out and about, but if you and your acne prefer to go incognito, these extra-thin and transparent patches are about as invisible as it gets.

8. Best all-in-one:

PATCHOLOGY Breakout Box 3-In-1 Acne Treatment Kit

Courtesy of PATCHOLOGY

Not all types of acne require the same type of pimple patch, and this handy box has (almost) all of it covered. With 24 whitehead-absorbing hydrocolloid patches, 24 blemish-shrinking patches with salicylic acid and tea tree oil, as well as three charcoal nose strips for pesky blackheads, breakouts beware.

9. Cutest:

TONYMOLY Minions Blemish Patch

Courtesy of TONYMOLY

Minions get pimples too! These heart-shaped patches from the K-beauty brand may be too cute for words, but the patches themselves contain no bells and whistles for the hydrocolloid purists.

10. Most soothing:

THE CRÈME SHOP Cotton Candy Skin - Hydrocolloid Acne Patches

Courtesy of THE CRÈME SHOP

We’d be remiss if we didn’t admit that the pastel colors and pretty shapes are dreamy. But the added aloe vera and tea tree oil make these patches great for calming irritation, too.

11. Best for the price:

HANHOO Blemish Patch

Courtesy of HANHOO

No frills, no added ingredients, and—most importantly—no extra cost. For just $5, you get 36 effective hydrocolloid patches (in two different sizes!). A great option if you’ve never tried pimple patches before, or you know you prefer ingredient-free hydrocolloid.

12. Best overnight:

PACIFICA Pore Warrior Overnight Rescue Spot Dots

Courtesy of PACIFICA

The powers of salicylic acid, niacinamide, wild cherry, and aloe combine to make these patches both effective and soothing, so you wake up with a smaller (or even nonexistent) pimple.

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