If you deal with sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin, the best pimple patches should become your new blemish-zapping BFFs. While spot treatments are great for targeting blemishes, sometimes a physical barrier is helpful. Out of sight, out of mind. So, how exactly do they work? “The concept comes from occlusive wound healing. We’ve used hydrocolloid dressings in medical dermatology for decades to speed up skin repair,” says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut. Apply that same logic to pimple patches, and you’re left with an acne sticker that soothes redness and inflammation, and removes impurities overnight.
To help you find the best ones, Glamour editors put top-rated and dermatologist-approved options to the test. Below are the ones we recommend for different types of breakouts, including hormonal breakouts, cystic acne, and small, angry zits. Pair them with a benzoyl peroxide face wash and pimple-friendly moisturizer to speed up healing.
Our top pimple patches
- Best Overall: CosRx Acne Pimple Patch Absorbing Hydrocolloid Patches, $9
- Best for Pustules: Starface Hydro-Star + Salicylic Acid Pimple Patches, $15
- Best for Cystic Acne: ZitSticka Killa Microdart Pimple Patches, $19
- Best for Oil Absorption: CeraVe Blemish Barrier Patches, $7
- Best for Inflamed Pimples: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original Patch, $13
Best Overall: CosRx Acne Pimple Patch Absorbing Hydrocolloid Patches
CosRx Acne Pimple Patch Absorbing Hydrocolloid Patches
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Ultra-thin, making it easy to apply on face or body | Skin must be completely dry before applying |
| Absorbs oil | |
| Hypoallergenic |
These totally transparent beauties grip zits all day and night to provide real relief. Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm in New Jersey, particularly loves these acne patches for their variety of sizes. “These adhere really well to the face and keep a tight barrier around your pimple so that no makeup, dirt, or external irritants can enter and increase your risk of infection. This makes them great for overnight or for wearing under your makeup during the day,” she says. These made it to the top of our list because of their medical-grade material and intense absorption.
Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle says:
“I have hormonal acne and tend to break out around my jaw and neck area. I have acne scars because of how much I pick my face, especially during my period. These CosRx pimple patches have been helping me avoid the urge to damage my skin. I had a couple of pimples recently that were red and inflamed, and after just two hours of wearing the patches, they calmed down. I recommend wearing it overnight for the best results, but if you need something quick to stop you from popping, this is great.” —Jenifer Calle, Glamour senior commerce editor
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary says:
“I’ve been dealing with cystic acne on my chin for about 10 years now, so pimple patches have become a non-negotiable part of my nightly skin deva routine. While I’ve tried many different types of patches, I find that some don’t stick or aren’t effective. That is, until I put these to the test—they’re harika grippy, so you don’t have to worry about them slipping or sliding, and they really manage to clear away up gunk. I apply them before bed and wake up to a less inflamed and whitehead-free pimple. They’re quite gentle too, and don’t leave behind any sticky residue or adhesive. For the price and efficacy, these are a no-brainer.”—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour commerce writer
Glamour beauty contributor Sarah Y. Wu says:
“This was the first K-beauty pimple patch I ever tried, and it still holds up. The thin hydrocolloid patches stay on all night (or day) and do an excellent job sucking out gunk from active breakouts. I also appreciate that these packs come in several sizes: small patches for my calmer breakouts and large dots for my monthly cystic chin acne. Everyone’s covered.” —Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour beauty contributor
Fast facts:
- Key ingredient: Hydrocolloid
- Shape and color: Round and transparent
- Number per pack: 24
Best for Pustules: Starface Hydro-Star + Salicylic Acid Pimple Patches
Starface Hydro-Star + Salicylic Acid Pimple Patches
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Star-shaped makes them fun to wear | The packaging the sticker comes in sometimes comes apart, desanitizing the actual sticker |
| Removes gunk and dirt | |
| Stays put |
If you’re dealing with pustules (bumps with a white or yellow center), you’ll need a hardworking pimple patch. This Starface one is just as cute as it is effective, and is a favorite among Glamour editors. The TikTok-viral tiny blue stars combine active ingredients of hydrocolloid and salicylic acid to shrink and smooth spots for a less inflamed appearance. We like that these can be worn overnight or during the day if you want a fun little accessory added to your look. They also come in a pack of 32 that neatly fit in the brand’s compact case, perfect for throwing in your bag when you’re on the go.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“I’ve been using these pimple patches for years, and I always go back to them every time I see a big, pus-filled pimple creeping up. I’m a huge fan of the salicylic acid formula in particular because it helps soak up excess sebum in the area and quickly flattens breakouts in just one to two uses. I never fail to put one of these on before bed, and they’re so good, even my boyfriend is hooked!”—A.M.K
Glamour commerce editor Jake Henry Smith says:
“Their star shape is actually pretty important, too, since the pointy-arm shape allows it to grip skin more effectively than a circle. I know I’ll be dealing with breakouts for the rest of time, so these adorable patches means I no longer mind it. They’re simply excuses to accessorize a little more—and within a day or two, they’ll be gone. It’s no wonder they won a Glamour Reader’s Choice Beauty Award,”—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour commerce editor
Fast facts:
- Key ingredient: Salicylic acid
- Shape and color: Blue stars
- Number per pack: 32
Best for Cystic Acne: ZitSticka Killa Microdart Pimple Patches
ZitSticka Killa Microdart Pimple Patches
Amazon
Target
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Microdart adhesive grips skin and quickly penetrates | Needs to be applied on clean skin |
| Contains niacinamide to help minimize large pores and calm redness | May hurt a little if you have very sensitive skin |
You know those painful pimples that form beneath the skin? The kind that, no matter how much you poke, prod, or treat, just won’t budge or stop growing? Well, we love these acne stickers help combat this very issue. The micro-dart format helps penetrate skin for quicker absorption of ingredients. Anti-inflammatory niacinamide helps minimize pores, salicylic acid exfoliates and clears dirt, peptides improve texture, and hyaluronic acid nourishes and hydrates. While you can apply them on active breakouts, you can also use them on dark spots or areas of hyperpigmentation to help even out skin tone.
Glamour contributor Danielle Sinay says:
“I don’t often use microdart pimple patches because I find them to be a little irritating on my sensitive areas. These were a bit more gentle than others I tried, and I mühlet needed it due to some cystic breakouts I’ve been dealing with along my jaw and chin. I have to say that these are probably the most sanitary pimple patches I’ve ever tried (they literally come individually packed) and they made a huge difference in flattening and soothing a stubborn pimple on my jawline in just one night.”—A.M.K
Fast facts:
- Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid, niacinamide, salicylic acid
- Shape and color: Round and transparent
- Number per pack: 4
Best for Oil Absorption: CeraVe Blemish Barrier Patches
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CeraVe Blemish Barrier Patches
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Ceramides help soften redness and skin | These sometimes don’t stick on muhteşem well, so make müddet to apply them on dry skin |
| Shrinks pores and absorbs oil |
It’s the skin-loving extras in CeraVe’s Blemish Barrier Patches that set them apart, and makes them a great pick if you deal with excess oil. Alongside classic hydrocolloid, you’ll find niacinamide that helps zap oil and sebum, thus minimizing large pores and making skin look softer and smoother. It’s also packed with ceramides to soothe and hydrate while tackling breakouts.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“I was extremely impressed with these little patches after the first few times I tried them. They’re just the right amount of sticky where they stay in place, but don’t leave behind residue when you take them off hours later. I love that they can be worn overnight or subtle enough to be worn under makeup. I noticed a massive difference in a breakout after using them for two nights—the area was flattened, and less inflamed and red.”—A.M.K
Fast facts:
- Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid, ceramides, niacinamide
- Shape and color: Round and transparent
- Number per pack: 22
Most Comfortable: Rhode Spotwear
Rhode Spotwear
Rhode
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Cute shapes that are comfortable | A little too small for big pimples |
| Absorbs excess oil |
Sometimes pimple patches can be a little uncomfortable or tight on the skin, but these cute spot patches won’t leave you feeling stripped or dry in the slightest. They’re harika malleable to the touch and stick to the skin easily without sliding off. They contain hydrocolloid to help minimize pimples and soothe inflammation for a red-free, fresh finish. Honorable mention that they come in cute shapes, like a daisy and a jelly bean.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“I was actually pretty impressed with these patches because they’re one of the most comfortable I’ve tried. They come in a ton of cute shapes (the daisy and jelly bean are my favorites), and stick firmly onto the skin without moving. I applied these at night and am happy to report that by morning, my skin in the area didn’t feel tight or irritated, which sometimes happens with pimple patches. I peeled it away and not only was my pimple reduced in size, but my skin also remained hydrated and bouncy underneath.”—A.M.K
Fast facts:
- Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid
- Shape and color: Multi-colored and 5 different shapes
- Number per pack: 36
Best for Inflamed Pimples: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original Patch
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Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original Patch
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Grips to skin easily | Leaves a mark on skin after taking it off |
| Minimizes large pimples and calms redness |
Toss on these Hero pimple patches on any inflamed spots. They block against picking, prodding, or poking at pus-filled areas. They contain hydrocolloid to treat whiteheads and help reduce redness. Our testers say it does a great job of shrinking them quickly. The material itself isn’t overly sticky and won’t leave behind a residue (which can sometimes happen when using other patches, causing irritation to sensitive skin types). You can flatten a pimple in just one to two applications overnight, and they won’t slip and slide either, even if you tend to sleep on your stomach.
Glamour senior social media manager Jazmin Gathers says:
“These pimple patches were really easy to apply without being too sticky if I needed to readjust it, and I didn’t feel like they were drying out my skin. I could see the oil on the actual patch when I took it off, which was oddly satisfying but also reassuring that it was actually working. I put them on before I went to bed, & when I woke up, the swelling had gone way down, and the soreness. I’ve used some pimple patches in the past that made my acne worse or left dark spots, but I didn’t experience that with these. They’re also transparent enough that I’d feel comfortable wearing them out in public.”—Jazmin Gathers, Glamour senior social media manager
Fast facts:
- Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid
- Shape and color: Transparent, round
- Number per pack: 36
Other pimple patches we tried, but didn’t include
- We tried the popular Peace Out Acne Healing Dots, which feature salicylic acid, a key ingredient if you’re dealing with particularly gunky or pus-filled pimples. While we liked that these were able to shrink and calm our pimples and help heal dark spots, the formula features retinol, which was a little too harsh on sensitive skin.
- The Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Hydrocolloid Blemish Patches also came recommended to us by dermatologists because of their efficacy and price point. We think they did a good job of shrinking our pimples, but it took about three nights in a row to see a massive result, which is why we removed it from our list.
- We put the Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots to the test, which we recommend for sensitive skin types. The formula is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and won’t dry out skin, but we found that they easily fell off overnight, so we ultimately cut them from our final picks.
Frequently asked questions
How do pimple patches work?
“Pimple patches are essentially small adhesive bandages placed over pimples to encourage them to resolve as quickly as possible,” says Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of New York City’s Mudgil Dermatology. “They’re made using hydrocolloid material, which draws moisture out of the underlying area, while some contain benzoyl peroxide and/or salicylic acid, classic acne-fighting ingredients that help exfoliate the underlying pimple.”
While they can help shrink pimples, they’re not a miracle solution for all acne concerns, says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm in New Jersey. “While patches offer targeted spot treatment for individual blemishes, truly effective acne management requires a board-certified dermatologist’s expertise to diagnose your specific type of acne, prescribe appropriate medications, and create a personalized acne treatment plan addressing the root cause that no patch alone can provide.” Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC, echoes this sentiment and shares that pimple patches are most effective on superficial acne. “They are less likely to be helpful for deeper, more cystic lesions,” she says.
What do pimple patches pull out?
According to Dr. King, hydrocolloid pimple patches pull out oil and carry dirt away from the pimple. “These impurities are then turned into a gel-like substance that sticks to the patch,” she says. While stuck to the skin, they also have the added benefit of preventing you from picking or trying to pop the pimple, she says: “This is good because picking a pimple increases inflammation and healing time and increases risk for infection, discoloration, and scarring.”
How often can you use a pimple patch?
“Pimple patches can generally be used as needed when active blemishes appear,” says Dr. Rambhia, but for optimal results, she recommends replacing a pimple patch every 6-12 hours or evvel they turn white or opaque, which indicates that they’ve absorbed excess fluid. “Most patches can be worn overnight or throughout the day until the blemish has flattened and reduced in redness. If you’re treating the same spot consecutively, allow your skin brief breaks between applications to breathe and recover.”
The experts say not to use a pimple patch on skin that is broken or severely irritated. “They should also not be used over an anti-acne ingredient like a retinoid or benzoyl peroxide, as the occlusion can increase the potential for irritation,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. They should never be used on pimples that are open or bleeding, and if you have sensitive skin, it’s best to proceed with caution and check with your dermatologist.
How do dermatologists recommend using them?
Long story short: Many dermatologists enthusiastically recommend using pimple patches. “While they won’t treat the root causes of acne like clogged pores, hormones, or excess oil, they are great for healing existing breakouts—especially whiteheads and picked pimples,” Dr. Gohara shares. “Think of them as tiny bandages that create a moist environment to help the skin repair itself while keeping fingers out of the way. We typically recommend using them on already inflamed pimples or spots that have been opened (or picked—hey, it happens).” Be müddet your face is completely washed and cleaned before application to guarantee a sanitary surface. Since the patches are occlusive, any dirt and grime underneath them can cause further irritation or worsen breakouts.
Do pimple patches work on unpopped pimples?
“Pimple patches can work on unpopped pimples—but with caveats,” says Dr. Gohara. Pimple patches are most effective on surface-level acne, like whiteheads or pustules. On deeper, under-the-skin pimples (think painful cysts), they’re less likely to extract anything.
She says that while you shouldn’t expect gooey extractions with those blemishes, the patches can “still reduce irritation and protect the area from bacteria and picking.” She adds that “some versions now include microdarts or infused ingredients (like salicylic acid or tea tree oil), which may help penetrate a bit deeper—but they’re not a replacement for a comprehensive acne treatment plan.”
Is there a downside to pimple patches?
There are a few things to consider when using pimple patches, says Maryam Safaee, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California. First, they may cause allergic contact dermatitis, which is irritation around the pimple, often from the adhesive used in the patch. Second, they could potentially worsen acne, depending on its type. “In some cases, the occlusive nature of the patch can exacerbate bacterial overgrowth and may in turn worsen the acute acne lesion,” she says. If either occurs, stop using the patches immediately and visit your board-certified dermatologist for the best treatment.
How we tested
We tested pimple patches by evaluating the ingredients, how well they stayed on, and whether they effectively reduced our breakouts. We favored dermatologist-recommended formulas with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and hydrocolloid (an absorbent material that draws fluid from a wound). We followed the instructions and wore them for at least two hours or overnight, depending on the patch and our type of breakout. We checked if it left sticky residue after each wear. The ones that made this list helped reduce the inflammation of pimples or zits and made our overall complexion less irritated over one or two uses.
Meet the experts
- Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of New York City’s Mudgil Dermatology
- Pooja Rambhia, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm in New Jersey
- Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology
- Maryam Safaee MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California
- Mona Gohara, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut
- Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC
