23-07-2025
Behold, The Pimple Patches That Quietly Heal My Most Stubborn Breakouts
Whenever I'm faced with a pesky under-the-skin pimple, I wonder how I ever survived without pimple patches. Then, I quickly remember it was a life filled with picking, popping, and unwanted scarring. Talk about dark times, but I've learned my lesson. Now, if a blemish appears, I simply put a sticker on it. The targeted treatment—which comes in every shape and form, from bright yellow stars to nearly invisible dots—uses an ingredient called hydrocolloid to draw out the gunk hiding inside acne.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sheila Farhang is a huge fan of pimple patches. 'I have been recommending them for years and use them myself,' she says. The magical dots are gentle on the skin, hard to see on the face, act as a barrier against makeup, and speed up the healing process by absorbing fluid, oil, and impurities. The best part? 'The patch also helps prevent touching or picking the acne spot, which is the worst thing to do as it causes scarring.'
Contrary to popular belief, not all pimple patches are created equal. Some contain active ingredients, such as salicylic acid and tea tree oil, to further reduce inflammation and target acne-causing bacteria; others feature hundreds of tiny micropoints that penetrate the pimple's core.
If you're not sure which version of the classic patch is right for you, I'm here to help. I've tested dozens of options, consulted Dr. Farhang for her expert recommendations, and reviewed customer feedback to find the best pimple patches that effectively heal even the most stubborn breakouts. Keeping reading for the full breakdown.
The Mighty Patch from Hero Cosmetics is the OG pimple patch. It's transparent enough for daytime wear, and strong enough to stay put overnight. Each patch is formulated with medical-grade hydrocolloid to suck the gunk out of your pimple and slow growth over a few hours. It's so good, I've lost count of how many packs I've gone through.
Patches per pack: 36
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
Our expert says: 'This is my favorite non-medicated patch. It is a simple hydrocolloid patch that works well without added ingredients. It's great for sensitive skin and is a little bit thicker of the patch so stays on throughout the day/night.'—Dr. Farhang
The Bliss Clear Genius Blemish Patches are Dr. Farhang's go-to. 'I love that this patch has effective yet gentle active ingredients that target the acne two ways: treat and prevent,' she says. 'Salicylic acid helps absorb the excess oil that is clogging the pore, and tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory.' It's also formulated with zinc sulfate, aloe, and vitamin B5 to help calm, protect, and moisturize.
Patches per pack: 66
Amazon rating: 4.3/5
An Amazon reviewer says: 'Love these! I've tried a bunch of different brands, and these are by far the best! They are thin, actually help to clear up the pimple, and stay on well!'
There's truly nothing worse than a painful under-the-skin blemish. That's why Rael created the Microcrystal Spot Cover—a patch affixed with microcrystal spikes that penetrate the pimple to deliver healing ingredients like succinic acid and hyaluronic acid into its core.
Patches per pack: 9
Amazon rating: 4.2/5
An ELLE editor says: 'Not only do the Rael Microcrystal Spot Cover patches magically shrink my biggest breakouts, but they visibly speed up the healing process—bringing the whitehead to the surface sooner. Plus, they stay on so well.'—Emma Aerin Becker, associate beauty e-commerce writer
The Peace Out Acne Healing Dots are the ultimate blemish multitasker. They use hydrocolloid to draw out impurities, along with salicylic acid, vitamin A, and aloe vera, to help reduce oil production and calm redness. The result is smaller, less inflamed, and completely pus-free pores.
Patches per pack: 20
Sephora rating: 4.2/5
A Sephora reviewer says: 'Never have I experienced quicker and better results than with these acne dots! Especially with those pesky under the skin pimples are flat and that patch is FULL in no time at all! It makes healing a breeze too!'
If Hailey Bieber says it's cool to put yellow stars on our pimples, then that's exactly what we'll do. Starface's Hydro-Stars do the heavy lifting for you by drying out blemishes and speeding up healing time, all while concealing your acne with fun and playful patches.
Patches per pack: 32
Ulta rating: 4.8/5
An Ulta reviewer says: 'There may be a wide variety of pimple patches, but my all-time favorites are the Hydro Stars! I simply love them, and I would buy them over and over again. I love their design, they look so pretty on my skin, and they really help heal my pimples.'
In need of an extra-powerful patch? Look no further than the PanOxyl Overnight Spot Patches, which take a more aggressive approach to treating acne. Dr. Farhang loves them for their star ingredient. 'This patch is formulated with benzoyl peroxide to be used overnight, which kills acne-causing bacteria and unclogs pores,' she explains.
Patches per pack: 40
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
An ELLE editor says: 'As an acne-prone girl, these pimple patches are my absolute favorite. They effectively bring every whitehead to the surface and fast. I also notice that my post-popped pimples heal so much faster thanks to the benzoyl peroxide inside.'—Emma Aerin Becker
Pimples come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you're dealing with a large cystic blemish or trying not to pick at a tiny zit, the Cosrx Master Patch Set has a dot for it. These hydrocolloid patches come in three sizes, with 90 in a pack to treat and conceal every kind of breakout.
Patches per pack: 90
Ulta rating: 4.2/5
An Ulta reviewer says: 'I have tried so many brands of pimple patches, and this is the one brand that actually works! It speeds up healing time significantly, actually draws out so much fluid, and reduces redness significantly. I love the different sizes, they stick on the best, and are tough to get off because the seal they form is tight. Put one on before bed, and see a noticeable difference in the morning.'
The Practical Alchemy Just In Case Bundle is a travel essential. It includes 57 ultra-thin patches in multiple sizes, and a sleek case with tabs to secure your patch sheets and a built-in mirror for easy, on-the-go application. Consider it your emergency fix—just throw it in your purse and you're prepared.
Patches per pack: 57
Practical Alchemy rating: 5/5
A Practical Alchemy reviewer says: 'The best pimple patch I've ever used - and the chicest case for emergencies on the go!'
According to Dr. Farhang, pimple patches should be applied as soon as you feel a blemish forming beneath the skin. 'Definitely before popping it,' she advises, adding that the patch should go on freshly cleansed, dry skin.
However, if you just can't help yourself (I get it), you can still apply a patch to an already-popped pimple—though it's not ideal. 'A non-medicated hydrocolloid patch can help absorb remaining fluid, protect the open skin, and reduce the chance of infection or scarring,' she says. 'Once the patch turns opaque or white, that's a sign it has absorbed fluid and it's time to remove.'
Dr. Sheila Farhang is a board-certified dermatologist, double-fellowship trained cosmetic surgeon, and reconstructive Mohs micrographic based in Arizona.
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Emma Aerin Becker interviewed a dermatologist and tested different variations to find the best pimple patches.
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