We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping The 13 Best Pimple Patches of 2024, According to Skincare Professionals Acne is no match for these hydrocolloid stickers By Cai Cramer Cai Cramer Cai Cramer is a shopping writer at PEOPLE.com with 2 years’ experience in journalism and digital media. She regularly tests the best and buzziest products in the beauty and lifestyle spaces and has researched and written about moisturizers, blow dryers, clothing, and luggage, among many other popular products. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 16, 2024 08:15PM EDT In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsThings to Consider FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Alli Waataja We all know that keeping your paws off your face is an essential part of the acne-healing process, but we also understand how tempting it is to squeeze pesky pustules. Fortunately, pimple patches are an easy and effective way to remove bacteria and heal acne. Skincare professionals agree that pimple patches are a great solution to healing acne. Dr. Rachel Nazarian, dermatologist and faculty member at Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Department of Dermatology, is a pimple-patch enthusiast. “I’m a huge fan,” Dr. Nazarian tells PEOPLE. “The patch allows you to feel like you’re being proactive about taking care of that spot that is driving you bananas without using your fingers and damaging the area.” Many pimple patches are formulated with a hydrocolloid barrier. “Historically, hydrocolloid has been used for wound care, and it works similarly for acne, which is kind of a 'wound' on the skin,” shares Dr. Nazarian. On top of consulting dermatologists, PEOPLE skincare writer Cai Cramer tried several pimple patches herself and researched the top-rated pimple patches for various acne types to compile this list. Our top pick, Peace Out's Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots, helps clear acne and calm inflammation. Here are the best pimple patches currently on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Peace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots at Sephora ($19) Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch The Original at Amazon ($22) Jump to Review Best for Cystic Acne: ZitSticka Killa Kit at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Stubborn Acne Blemish Patches at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best for Dark Spots: Peace Out Microneedling Dark Spot Dots at Sephora ($28) Jump to Review Best Value: KEYCONCEPTS Pimple Patches at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best Invisible: Rael Miracle Patch Invisible Spot Cover at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review Best Design: Starface Hydro-Stars at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best Korean Beauty: COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Multiple Breakouts: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Surface at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review Best Overall Peace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots PHOTO: Sephora $19 at Sephora $32 at Ulta $19 at kohls.com Star Qualities Reduces visible whiteheads thanks to effective ingredients like salicylic acid, aloe vera, and retinol Ingredients calm inflamed spots, reducing any red appearance Super sticky adhesion means these will stick all day or night Red Flags May irritate those with any sensitivity to salicylic acid or retinol Whiteheads are no match for the Peace Out Salicylic Acne Healing Dots. These little gunk-suckers are powered by salicylic acid to penetrate pimples and a hydrocolloid barrier to adsorb all the nasty stuff. These polymer disks go above and beyond with the addition of calming aloe vera leaf extract to reduce visually irritated marks and vitamin A (aka retinol) to prevent future ones. These patches are uber sticky, not at all irritating, and form a protective barrier against environmental stressors that can inflame spots — including your pesky fingers. Salicylic acid is not the irritating ingredient you might think it is and can help calm red, angry acne, explains Dr. Nazarian. “Salicylic acid is one of the more gentle ingredients when it comes to treating acne,” says Dr. Nazarian. “It does help slough the skin, it has what we call a 'keratolytic effect,' so it breaks up the dead skin cells and the keratin. It’s kind of a classic ingredient that’s used in acne treatment.” Of course, if you have a sensitivity to salicylic acid or retinol, you'll want to steer clear of these patches. What sets these patches apart from the pack is their unmatched sticking power that grips onto the skin and won’t flake off while you doze. The effective ingredients stored in each little patch help to visually minimize painful bumps overnight but are most effective on spots with whiteheads. Patches Included: 20 | Type: Hydrocolloid Best for Sensitive Skin Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch The Original PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon $8 at Target Star Qualities Simple ingredients mean they’re suitable for sensitive skin Impressive sticking power so they’re perfect for overnight wear Red Flags Not an invisible pimple patch Won’t effectively target cystic acne What could be more satisfying than peeling off a pimple sticker covered in all the goo it removed from a blemish? If you’re also a sucker for that gross yet gratifying feeling, we think you’ll love the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch as much as we do. The original Mighty Patch is made with medical-grade hydrocolloid, a gel used to absorb and trap oil and bacteria without damaging the skin — hydrocolloid is often used in bandages to absorb discharge from wounds. These patches are also cruelty-free, chemical-free, allergy-tested, and vegan-friendly, so you can feel confident using them on sensitive skin. These little disks work wonders on pimples with visible whiteheads but miss the mark on cystic acne, those painful, deep-in-the-skin acne marks that haven’t yet poked above the skin’s surface. These patches aren't invisible, so let them do their work overnight. Patches Included: 72 | Type: Hydrocolloid I Tried the Original Mighty Patch for Two Weeks, and My Skin Looks Clearer Already Best for Cystic Acne ZitSticka Killa Kit PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon $25 at Ulta $23 at verishop.com Star Qualities Treats deeper acne with microdarts Microdarts deliver acne-fighting ingredients deep into the skin Red Flags Better for pimples that hide beneath the surface, rather than whiteheads Most pimple patches miss the mark on clearing out those deep, painful cysts that are too shy to show their whiteheads. That’s where microdart patches come in. Made from similar ingredients to other patches but with a unique spiky delivery system, Zitsticka’s Killa Spot Clarifying Patch Kit was made to send acne-busting salicylic acid and calming niacinamide to the hard-to-reach spots at their source. Applying these patches can cause a bit of discomfort but shouldn’t be more painful than the feeling of pressing on a deep spot with your bare finger. We recommend applying the Zitsticka Killa Spots with a light touch to ease tenderness. If your pimples normally come to a head, you can stick with the less-expensive hydrocolloid patches. Patches Included: 8 | Type: Microdart Vocab Lesson Microdarts: “These little spikes are tiny, tiny, tiny, so you don’t really feel anything,” says Dr. Nazarian. “It’s such a superficial penetration so that you’re barely making it past the stratum corneum, the top outer layer of the skin, which is essentially dead tissue. But microdarts target the source a little bit better.” Best Drugstore Neutrogena Stubborn Acne Blemish Patches PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon $10 at Target View on Neutrogena.com Star Qualities Different sizes and shapes are great for various breakout zones Red Flags They take around eight hours to work, so they're not a quick fix for unwanted spots These hydrocolloid blemish patches from Neutrogena come in two shapes — dots and triangles — to help deal with acne just about anywhere. Apply the patch to clean and dry skin on your face or body, and wear them for at least eight hours or overnight. You’ll notice that the patch will begin to turn white as it absorbs liquid and impurities from your blemish. Patches Included: 16 | Type: Hydrocolloid Best for Dark Spots Peace Out Microneedling Dark Spot Dots PHOTO: Sephora $28 at Sephora $28 at kohls.com Star Qualities Can help fade acne scars thanks to active ingredients Microdarts deliver ingredients deeper into the skin Red Flags Not for healing active pimples You’ve finally sent that nasty pimple packing — now you just have that annoying dark mark leftover to deal with. Don’t despair, we’ve got you covered (literally) here, too. These patches from Peace Out contain sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid in the form of teeny tiny microneedles to deliver dark-spot-correcting treatment deeper into the skin. These patches were made to be gentle on the skin but tough on acne scarring. While they definitely help fade dark spots, they’re not necessarily a magic fix-all solution to acne marks and aren’t as effective at the crater-like marks that zits can sometimes leave behind. These patches are also not intended to be used to heal active pimples, just the marks they leave behind. Patches Included: 12 | Type: Microneedle Best Value KEYCONCEPTS Pimple Patches PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon Star Qualities Tea tree oil acts as a calming ingredient Soothing formulation will prevent hyperpigmentation and scarring Red Flags May irritate those with tea tree allergies (which aren’t uncommon!) Always have patches at the ready with this 120-sticker pack that includes hydrocolloid and tea tree oil. Tea tree is a calming ingredient that helps to soothe irritation and is an important part of the skin-healing process, according to Dr. Nazarian. “If you can decrease inflammation or do things that calm the skin, you’re going to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” she shares. “You’re trying to minimize how much damage a pimple leaves behind.” While some might find these patches soothing, those with tea tree allergies (a more common concern than you might think) should stay away. Patches Included: 120 | Type: Hydrocolloid Best Invisible Rael Miracle Patch Invisible Spot Cover PHOTO: Amazon $17 at Amazon $8 at Target $7 at Walmart Star Qualities Ultra-thin sticker makes this the most invisible choice Great value at $0.16 per patch Red Flags No active ingredients other than hydrocolloid These pimple patches are a magic wand for your spots — now you see them, now you don’t! They are by far the most invisible choice that we’ve tested, due to their unique ultra-thin beveled edges. Though the ingredient list may be simple, compared to some other options, the hydrocolloid layer is effective at removing impurities and is gentle on the skin. And with a very impressive value for the price, you’ll have patches to spare and share with your friends. Patches Included: 96 | Type: Hydrocolloid Best Design Starface Hydro-Stars PHOTO: Starface $15 at Amazon $15 at Target $15 at Walmart Star Qualities Cute stickers add some fun to acne treatment Red Flags Not the stickiest pimple patches, so they're not ideal for overnight wear No matter who you are, you’re a star, and these adorable stickers from Starface are your daily reminder — and celebrities like Hailey Bieber agree. Inside a convenient carrying case sits 32 star-shaped hydrocolloid patches, so you can give yourself a gold star wherever you go. These peppy pimple covers effectively calm and shrink breakouts but don’t stick on as well as some of the other picks on our list (probably in part due to their unique shape that’s more fashionable than functional), so we recommend these for daytime use rather than wearing while sleeping. We love that these cheery patches feel like a celebration of our skin, not in spite of our bumps, and not because of them either — but for the joyful process of showing all parts of ourselves the gentle compassion we deserve each time we stick on a yellow star. Patches Included: 32 | Type: Hydrocolloid Best Korean Beauty COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch PHOTO: Amazon View on Sephora $6 at Ulta Star Qualities Three different sizes for a more customized fit Red Flags Not invisible, so they’re better for overnight wear With more than 24,100 five-star reviews, these patches from K-beauty experts Cosrx are a certified classic. Inside the resealable pack comes 96 circular hydrocolloid patches in three different sizes: small (7mm), medium (10mm), and large (12mm). Keep in mind that they're not invisible, and some shoppers with sensitive skin noticed small red marks under the patches upon removal. Patches Included: 96 | Type: Hydrocolloid Best for Multiple Breakouts Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Surface PHOTO: Ulta $18 at Amazon $18 at Target $29 at Walmart Star Qualities Can cover a larger area of the face or body without multiple stickers Extra sticky for overnight wear Red Flags Not for pimples that stand alone Strong adhesion means a more painful removal When one little dot won’t cover your breakout(s), reach for these gunk-sucking strips from Mighty Patch. Each hydrocolloid rectangle is over two inches long, making these the ideal solution for patches of breakouts on the face or body. (They’re even great for ingrown hairs!) If your pimples tend to stand alone, opt for smaller pimple dots instead. Customers note that these patches are extra sticky, which is great for staying power overnight on the face and body but might cause a bit of discomfort when you peel it off (especially if you’re peeling it off a hairy area). Patches Included: 10 | Type: Hydrocolloid The Best Acne Body Wash of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Gentle Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots PHOTO: Amazon $9 at Amazon $5 at Walmart $5 at Ulta Star Qualities Made with a single ingredient, hydrocolloid Ideal for all skin types Red Flags Not for those seeking multiple acne-treating ingredients K-beauty brand Peach Slices is known for their gentle yet effective formulas — and these pimple patches are no exception. The Acne Spot Dots were formulated to be non-drying, which minimizes disrupting the skin barrier during the all-important healing process. This pack comes with 30 patches in three different sizes: 7mm, 10mm, and 12mm circles to cover every spot with a gentle hydrocolloid, creating an effective barrier. And while these patches claim to help remove blackheads, pimple stickers aren’t always the best method for removing those because they “oftentimes don’t have the same level of bacteria” as pimples, says Dr. Nazarian. These pimple patches contain just one ingredient, hydrocolloid, which is ideal for those with sensitive skin, but if you don’t have sensitive skin and are looking for other functional ingredients, something like the Peace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots may be a better choice. Patches Included: 12 | Type: Hydrocolloid Best for Oily Skin Mario Badescu Drying Patches PHOTO: Amazon View on Amazon $18 at Target $18 at Walmart Star Qualities Thin and nearly invisible, so they're perfect for daytime wear Dries up acne-causing oils, so ideal for oily skin types Red Flags Not ideal for anyone with dry or sensitive skin If you have oily skin and are in the market for a pimple patch, look no further. While the majority of the patches we recommend contain hydrocolloid, Mario Badescu’s Drying Patches have salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, tea tree extract, vitamin C, and niacinamide to help dry up acne-causing oils and minimize the appearance of dark spots that come with breakouts. These patches are best for those with oily skin as they may be too drying or irritating to sensitive skin. The patches are also thin and nearly invisible, so they’re easy to camouflage with makeup. Patches Included: 60 | Type: Salicylic and hyaluronic acid Best Soothing Soko Glam The Klog PHOTO: Soko Glam $20 at Amazon $17 at Walmart $6 at sokoglam.com Star Qualities Budget-friendly option at $0.16 a patch Includes two different sizes Great for all skin types Red Flags Not ideal for someone looking for multiple ingredients These ultra-thin budget-friendly patches from Soko Glam are made with vegan hydrocolloid to help heal your skin. These single-ingredient patches are soothing, non-irritating, and safe for all skin types. The Klog Soft Shield pimple patch is nearly invisible, so you can wear it day or night. It also has beveled edges for a secure fit. Each package includes 42 patches in two convenient sizes. Patches Included: 42 | Type: Hydrocolloid What to Know About Pimple Patches Acne Type What we call “acne” can actually be a number of different things. Dr. Nazarian explains that different types of acne need different kinds of treatment. “Little whiteheads and black heads are triggered similarly to pimples but often don’t have the same level of bacteria,” she says. She advises you to apply pimple patches to zits with a pustular head to help remove the bacteria and prevent future scarring but notes that “little blackheads don’t really scar you if you leave them alone — same with little whiteheads.” Cystic or hormonal acne that sits deep under the skin and causes throbbing red spots sometimes never form a whitehead. For those, a patch with microdarts (like the Zitsticka Killa Spot Clarifying Patch Kit) can help to deliver the acne-fighting ingredients deeper into the skin. Ingredients Most pimple patches contain hydrocolloid — which is used in wound care — while others also include acne-fighting ingredients, like salicylic acid and retinol, or soothing ones like niacinamide, tea tree oil, or aloe vera. If you have sensitive skin or are new to pimple patches, you may want to start with products that contain only hydrocolloids, like the Mighty Patch Original. Aesthetic Preference If you’re planning on wearing your pimple patches while you go about your day, you might want to think about what it looks like. Some patches blend invisibly into the skin, like the Rael Miracle Invisible Spot Cover. In contrast, other patches are meant to be shown off. (Cue the Starface Hyrdro-Stars.) Acne is incredibly normal and nothing to be embarrassed about, so go ahead and wear your pimple patch with pride if you want to! Frequently Asked Questions Which pimple patch is best? Our top pick is the Peace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots because of their acne-busting ingredients and impressive sticking power, but the right patch for you also depends on what kind of acne you have and what your skin can tolerate. For deeper pimples that don’t have a whitehead, the Zitsticka Killa Spot Clarifying Patch Kit is your best bet to send your spot packing. Are more expensive pimple patches worth it? Depending on what you're targeting, we think so. Pimple patches that target cystic acne are made with microdarts that deliver acne-fighting ingredients deeper into the skin. These types of patches are usually more expensive per patch than those that are designed to just treat whiteheads. However, if you experience cystic acne and are looking for ways to treat it, these patches are effective. Should I use a pimple patch or pimple cream? Pimple patches, pimple creams, and other acne products all have their benefits, but one of the pros for pimple patches is that they create a barrier to your fingers so that you’re unable to pick at your spots, which pimple cream doesn’t prevent. “So much of acne trauma comes from picking and squeezing,” shares Dr. Nazarian. “Hydrocolloid patches are so fricking gentle, and no matter what type of skin type you have, you can handle a hydrocolloid. It’s really calming, and it helps absorb some of that extra build and calm inflammation.” Why Trust PEOPLE? Cai Cramer is a Commerce Writer at PEOPLE, covering the best and buzziest products across the beauty, fashion, health, and lifestyle spaces. Cai personally deals with hormonal acne and rosacea and has tried just about every product and cream that there is to try. She compared several of the most popular pimple patches based on factors like price, size, ease of application and removal, sticking-power, coverage, and effectiveness. For additional expert insight, she spoke with dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian about the effectivity of pimple patches and their ingredients. Our Expert Panel Dr. Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, is an esteemed dermatologist and a faculty member at Mount Sinai’s Department of Dermatology. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.