To choose the best pimple patches, we asked experts what key factors to prioritize when shopping. Here is what they say to keep in mind:
We consulted dermatologists about their top pimple patch recommendations, plus considered options with high ratings from NBC Select staff members and reviewers who have used them.
Both King and Markowitz recommend Zitsticka patches, which come with priming cleaning swabs to use before applying the patch. “I like that they have micro darts filled with salicylic acid, niacinamide and oligopeptide-76 to treat pimples,” says King. “It enables these ingredients, all of which help reduce acne, to really get in there.” They also contain hyaluronic acid, which balances out the potential drying effect of salicylic acid so your zit doesn’t start to flake and scab as it heals, according to Markowitz.
These acne patches are ideal for dry or sensitive skin since they skip potentially drying agents, like salicylic acid. The translucent, hydrocolloid patches come in three sizes — 7mm, 10mm and 12mm, which you can use as needed to cover a single small zit or a cluster. “The smallest is one of the smallest options I’ve seen, and they are also thinner than most hydrocolloid patches — so this makes them easier to wear without it being obvious,” says King. To use these, cleanse your skin first, apply the patch and then remove after eight hours, according to the brand.
“The patches are very effective at extracting a pimple, but it may take a couple rounds of patches depending on how deep or large of a pimple it is,” says NBC Select’s editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez, who tried them for NBC Select’s Wellness Awards. “I like that they’re a little more translucent than other patches I have tried because they blend well with my skin tone and don’t scream ‘hey I’ve got a pimple.”
Unlike other patches that have additional acne-fighting ingredients, these solely rely on the hydrocolloid gel to draw out any sebum or debris from your skin, which makes them gentle for sensitive skin.
Former NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez uses these pimple patches, some of the thinnest ones she’s tried, to disguise blemishes during the day. “As much as I love wearing fun and bright alternatives, these blend so well into my skin that even I don’t notice I’m wearing them,” she says. By day’s end, she notices her acne spots are significantly less inflamed, and the inside gunk is out and on the patch.
These patches are another favorite of King’s because of its ingredients: they have salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, plus niacinamide, which can help improve skin tone and texture. NBC Select’s reporter Zoe Malin is a fan of these because of how thin they are. “They are practically invisible when you put them on,” she says. “So you can totally wear them during the day when working from home — I doubt anyone would be able to tell you were wearing them on a video call.”
Made from medical grade hydrocolloid, this pack of patches includes two different sizes (10mm and 12mm) to fit different sized pimples. They are clear, matte and have an extra thin edge to better blend into your skin, according to the brand. For maximum effectiveness, Rael suggests wearing these patches for at least four to six hours.
King is also a fan of these pimple patches, which are available in packs of 20 and 60. The patches combine hydrocolloid and salicylic acid to help remove oil and debris from clogged pores. They also contain aloe vera leaf extract, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and calm redness, according to King.
King likes these because each package contains small, medium and large hydrocolloid bandages, giving you options for pimples of different sizes. These Cosrx patches rely solely on hydrocolloid gel to remove excess oil so they’re an ideal option for anyone with sensitive skin, according to King.
These fragrance-free, star-shaped patches add a little fun to your acne-fighting journey. “Getting a pimple can be such a bummer,” says NBC Select contributing editor Bethany Heitman. “These bright yellow stars add an element of fun to the entire experience. Because of the shape, I find they are best for smaller zits. I mostly wear them at home. But, I did wear a few to a recent Taylor Swift concert — they covered my breakout and felt festive.” A 100% hydrocolloid option, Markowitz also says they are helpful for reducing zit-related inflammation on sensitive skin.
Another 100% hydrocolloid option, these patches from Nexcare come in a pack of 36 or 108 patches and are another favorite of Markowitz’s. Like the Mighty Patch option from Hero Cosmetics, these turn white once any oily secretion is absorbed, according to the brand. Do not combine these patches with other acne medications or treatments though, according to Nexcare.
These patches are infused with hydrocolloid. They also are infused with tea tree oil, which Markowitz says can dry out pimples. Reviewers say these stick on easily to the skin, are gentle and are effective when it comes to reducing the size and redness of pimples.
Malin loves wearing these pimple patches because they successfully blur the appearance of and flatten blemishes; plus, they help reduce redness and irritation. “These patches are thin and pretty transparent, so I can wear them during the day without drawing attention to them, and sometimes I totally forget I have them on,” she says.
These round unscented patches contain tea tree oil to help shrink pimples. They’re also infused with calendula, which is known to soothe irritation, according to the brand. In the packet, you’ll get 40 patches in small, medium and large sizes.
“These patches are specifically designed for pimples that haven’t totally reached the surface of your skin yet, so I use them when I feel a blemish forming or start to see early signs of one,” says Malin. The NBC Select-staff favorites use 430 self-dissolving microneedles on each patch to allow the ingredients of the patches to penetrate the blemishes and combat them before they break the surface, according to the brand. “It doesn’t hurt at all when you place them on a pimple, and it helps solve the problem before it becomes even bigger and more noticeable,” says Alvarez. Both say they also notice decreased healing time when using these at the start of a pimple forming.
NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio loves using these heart-shaped, cloud-shaped, and flower-shaped pimple patches on her acne because they come in fun shapes that never peel off or fall off while wearing them. The tri-colored spot treatments absorb the impurities while simultaneously exfoliating and soothing the skin.
Picking the best option is all about considering your skin’s specific needs. Simple hydrocolloid patches are ideal for sensitive skin, says Glodny. If you don’t have sensitive skin, you can consider patches that either have micro darts (little points that help ingredients get deeper into a zit by creating small pricks in the skin) or the following acne-fighting ingredients:
As long as you’re not allergic or sensitive to an ingredient found in the patches, pimple patches should not make acne worse, according to our experts. As mentioned, patches with salicylic acid or tea tree oil can be more irritating — if you have sensitive skin, skip patches with these ingredients in them.
Worried peeling the patch off will hurt or cause damage? Don’t be. Pimple patches aren’t like bandages for cuts or wounds. The hydrocolloid gel makes them less sticky, so they gently sit on top of your pimple and then easily (and gently) peel off when you’re ready. In fact, they can actually prevent scarring. These patches prevent you from picking at your blemish or trying to pop it on your own,which is what can lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation , says Glodny.
Pimple patches can be very effective on mild breakouts and superficial pimples like small whiteheads and pustules that are just popping up or that recently came to a head, says King. They can also work on cystic acne. “This type of acne sits deeper underneath the skin, making it more challenging for acne-fighting ingredients to get to,” says Glodny. “The prolonged contact that a pimple patch has (you usually keep them on for six to eight hours) means that the ingredients have time to really penetrate.” However, deeper pimples may require multiple nights of treatment with a pimple patch before they’re fully gone.
Another pro of over-the-counter pimple patches is that hydrocolloid patches generally don’t dehydrate your skin or leave it flaky, compared to more harsh acne spot treatments featuring salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, according to King. She adds that pimple patches are most effective on sensitive skin and mild acne patients, although those with oily, combination, normal and even dry skin can also use them and see results.
To avoid transferring bacteria to your pimple, wash your hands before applying a patch. Make sure your skin is clean and dry as well and skip any spot treatment creams, according to Glodny. By doubling up, you risk irritation or drying out your skin, plus, the patch won’t stay put if your skin is sticky with cream.
To adhere the patch to your pimple, peel it off the sheet and center it over your zit. Press down gently and it will stick to your skin. Then, if you need to apply other face products (like moisturizer or makeup), just avoid the area directly around the sticker, according to our experts.
Yes, hydrocolloid bandages can be an effective replacement for pimple patches, says Dr. Amy Huang, a board-certified dermatologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor at Lab Finder. “They provide a clean, moist environment for healing, and also deter pimple picking,” she adds. Most pimple patches are made from hydrocolloid. By using a hydrocolloid bandage, the only thing you may be missing out on is the ingredients (like salicylic acid or tea tree oil) that are sometimes infused in the patches.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Nicole Saunders is a former associate commerce editor for NBC Select.
Christina Colizza is a former editor for NBC Select. Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select who regularly covers skin care, wellness and more, including stories on night creams and hyaluronic acid products.
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