If you thought acne was something you’d only have to deal with as a teenager, only to still be getting pimples well into adulthood, you’re not alone. Somewhere between 12 to 22% of American adult women struggle with acne, compared to only 3% of adult men.
Luckily, anti-acne technologies have come a long way, and there are many ways to combat those pesky zits. One of those ways is the pimple patch. What is a pimple patch and what does it do? We answer these questions, plus round up 8 of the best pimple patch brands of 2023.
What are Pimple Patches?
Pimple patches (also known as acne patches) are hailed as a skincare revolution, and are an essential tool in the arsenal of busy moms combatting those pesky post-motherhood breakouts. These thin, discreet stickers are designed to target and treat individual blemishes with precision and efficacy.
Crafted with hydrocolloid technology, pimple patches create a protective yet breathable barrier over the blemish. This barrier absorbs excess oil, fluids, and impurities from the pimple, promoting faster healing while preventing further infection or irritation. You can simply apply a patch on a clean and dry pimple, and let it work its magic throughout the day or via overnight use.
What sets pimple patches apart is their convenience and inconspicuous nature. Whether you’re changing diapers, attending parent-teacher meetings, or simply enjoying some family time, an invisible pimple patch works tirelessly beneath the surface, allowing you to face the world with confidence.
Benefits of Pimple Patches
- Targeted treatment: Pimple patches provide localized treatment for individual blemishes, delivering active ingredients directly to the source of the problem.
- Hydrocolloid technology: These patches are made with hydrocolloid, a moisture-absorbing material that helps draw out impurities and excess oils from the pimple.
- Faster healing: By creating a protective barrier over the pimple, pimple patches promote faster healing by preventing the spread of bacteria and reducing inflammation.
- Reduced scarring: Patches help prevent picking or touching the pimple, which can lead to scarring. They also keep the area clean, minimizing the chances of post-blemish dark spots.
- Non-Invasive: Pimple patches are non-intrusive and don’t require squeezing or popping the pimple, reducing the risk of infection and irritation.
- Invisible wear: Many patches are transparent and ultra-thin, making them virtually invisible on the skin, no matter your skin tone. This allows you to wear them throughout the day without drawing attention.
- Convenience: Pimple patches are easy to apply and require minimal effort. Just stick one on and let it work its magic while you continue with your daily activities.
- 24/7 Treatment: Whether you’re sleeping, working, or spending time with your family, pimple patches provide continuous treatment, maximizing their effectiveness.
Our Best Pimple Patches
Best for: Hormonal acne
The ZitSticka Killa Kit stands out as an innovative solution in the realm of acne care. Specifically designed for those dealing with stubborn hormonal acne, this kit offers a targeted approach to tackle even the most deep-rooted blemishes.
The Killa Kit combines two key components: cleansing swabs infused with exfoliating ingredients and micro-darts infused with potent active compounds like salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. These micro-darts are painlessly applied to the blemish, allowing the active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin, addressing the issue at its source. The kit’s effectiveness lies in its ability to deliver potent ingredients directly to the heart of the blemish, promoting rapid healing and minimizing scarring.
Best for: Preventing scars
The Mighty Patch Original is a cult favorite pimple patch, renowned for effectively addressing zits while also being a valuable tool in preventing scarring. These medical-grade hydrocolloid patches are discreet yet powerful, and while they won’t do much for more inflammatory breakouts, they cater perfectly to whiteheads, blackheads, and smaller blemishes with precision.
Versatile for a wide array of skin types, the Mighty Patch Original adheres comfortably, working by absorbing excess oils from the blemish. This approach not only accelerates the healing process, but also reduces the risk of scarring. Plus, its matte, ultra-thin composition ensures you can confidently wear it throughout the day without drawing extra attention to your pimple.
Best for: Fast-acting relief
The Peace Out Acne Healing Dots contain both hydrocolloid and salicylic acid, which make them extra effective at removing oil from clogged pores. The ingredients list also includes aloe vera extract, countering the acne-fighting actives with something more soothing and anti-inflammatory. They come in packs of 20 or 60, and will leave you with clear skin without any redness or irritation.
In addition to the aloe vera, these patches are extra gentle because the salicylic acid is encapsulated. This not only makes the salicylic acid more effective, but also protects your skin barrier to minimize dryness.
But where this product really shines is in just how quickly the patches work. In a consumer study, 91% of participants said their blemish was less red, less uncomfortable, and significantly less annoying within 6 hours of applying the patch.
Best for: Cystic acne
When your pimples are big and deep (as is often the case with cystic acne), you’ll want to go for the PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches, which are thicker than your average pimple patch. They can absorb more fluids, plus offer your bigger blemishes extra protection. For best results, put one on before going to sleep and leave it overnight, allowing the patch plenty of time to heal your peskiest blemishes.
We also love this product because it’s free of latex, parabens, fragrances, sulfates, dyes, and fragrances, making it a safe choice for sensitive skin or those with allergies to any of these ingredients.
Best for: Fun!
Like most pimple patches, the Starface Hydro Stars are formulated with hydrocolloid, designed to absorb fluid and reduce the appearance of inflammation. While they deliver on this promise, what really sets this product apart is the cuteness of the patches and packaging! The patches are yellow and shaped like stars, making them a fun and quirky addition to your look if you want to wear a patch when you’re out and would rather make a statement than be discreet. And they come in a refillable big yellow compact with a mirror inside, perfect to throw in your purse.
Plus, the star shape is more than just cute–it serves a purpose. They’re designed to really stick, and their tiny arms can contour to parts of your face that might be tricky for circular patches, like the corners of your nose or sides of your lips.
Best for: Oily skin
Made in Korea, the Good Light Luna Pimple Patches are clinically proven to shrink your blemishes, leaving behind clear, smooth skin. They’re also a green pick, as they’re attached to rippable PET plastic, a completely recyclable material.
Reviews of these patches reveal that they really stick, and can withstand stomach sleeping, running around all day, or applying sunscreen or makeup. They’re translucent and discreet, so no worries about drawing attention to your zits if you’re trying to keep a low profile. Plus, if you’re looking for extra healing, Good Light offers a set that pairs these patches with their nourishing New Moon Balm, to be applied after using a patch.
Best for: Sensitive skin
The COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches are perfect for those with sensitive skin, as they rely solely on hydrocolloid gel, without any excess ingredients. They’re a super affordable, highly rated option that come in three different sizes, allowing you to tackle problem areas from the tiny to the tremendous.
These patches also work to maintain humidity, which can help prevent future breakouts and reduce the risk of scarring. The only downside to these patches is they don’t have as much staying power as some of the other ones listed, so you’ll have to be strategic about when you use them (i.e. after cleansing and before applying other products, when you’re not super active).
Best for: Dry skin
Salicylic acid can be a drying ingredient, so those with dry skin might find the Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots to be perfect for them–while it does contain salicylic acid, it’s in a relatively low concentration, and is working alongside soothing tea tree oil and hydrating hyaluronic acid.
These acne patches come in two different sizes and the package comes with 72 dots, ensuring you’ll have plenty on hand for when breakouts occur. They effectively penetrate pores and heal and reduce active acne in as few as 8 hours, so you can quickly address new pimples and regain your confidence.
