"Cute" and "IG worthy" aren't exactly words one would use to describe a spot treatment, but these acne patches are the rare exception. Aside from being 'grammable (many come in fun shapes and colours), these pimple stickers are made of hydrocolloid or packed with benzoyl peroxide and acne-fighting ingredients [1].
Dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, M.D., told POPSUGAR that these treatment-laced dressings have been used in dermatology for wound healing for years. "They help draw out excess oil, pus, and debris in a clean environment," he said. "In the case of acne patches, they deliver ingredients like niacinamide or other anti-inflammatories and actives like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to speed up clearance of the acne bump."
Bhanusali said an added bonus — one that is a favourite among dermatologists — is that the stickers create a barrier that keeps you from picking at your zits, which can lead to lesions or scarring. He does, however, have one caveat for those with sensitive skin: "Putting anything on your skin under occlusion increases penetration," he said. "If you have sensitive skin and apply too much benzoyl peroxide — or any other somewhat strong ingredients — you can get mild irritation, so it's best to let the skin breathe a bit in between applications."
Whether you choose to wear them overnight or to class, you'll see a decrease in the size of your pimple in hours. If you need proof, just check out the goop that builds up in the back of the bandage. Read on to learn more about the best acne patches for shrinking zits.
Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch
The Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patches [2] ($15 for a pack of four) are a game changer when it comes to spot treating. Stick one of these patches onto a whitehead, and watch it draw out all the pus and liquid from your pimple like a magnet.
Truly Organic Acne Patches
As adorable as the Truly Organic Acne Patches [3] ($6) look, they mean business. Slap one on a pimple before bed, and you'll wake up to find it visibly smaller. Get 36 — yes, you read that right — of the heart-shaped stickers for the low price of $6.
Peace Out Skin Care Acne Healing Dots
Placing one of these Peace Out Skin Care Acne Healing Dots [4] ($19) — which are large in size compared to stickers from other brands — on a whitehead before bed will absorb oil and pus, dramatically reducing the spot in size.
C&C by Clean & Clear Over Zit Spot Patches
C&C by Clean & Clear Over Zit Spot Patches [5] ($16) are stickers adorned with a cute blue and green camouflage design for blemishes of every size.
ZitSticka Killa Acne Treatment Kit
The ZitSticka Killa Acne Treatment Kit [6] ($29) has painless microneedling patches [7] that contain tiny nubs that allow its ingredients to penetrate the pimple quicker.
Squish Beauty Flower Power Acne Patches
Catch us wearing these Flower Power Acne Patches [8] ($14) daily. The 'grammable patches dry out blemishes without harming the skin. Founder of Squish Beauty Charli Howard [9] recommends the patches be worn overnight for the optimal effect.
Mighty Patch Original
If you're looking for a more discreet acne patch, opt for the Mighty Patch Original [10] ($13). The tiny, clear patches are 12 mm in diameter and have a matte finish that makes spot treatment great at hiding in plain sight.
Truly Scar Prevention Star Acne Patches
Truly Scar Prevention Star Acne Patches [11] ($10) tout one of the benefits of using acne patches: they keep you from picking and scratching at your pimples.
Yes to Detoxifying Zit Zapping Dots
Instead of using hydrocolloid, the Yes to Detoxifying Zit Zapping Dots [12] ($9) shrink zits with a blend of charcoal and salicylic acid.
Starface Hydro-Stars
The Starface Hydro-Stars [13] ($22) contain 32 star-shaped stickers that use hydrocolloid to shrink your zit. One POPSUGAR editor said this patch sticks well compared to other brands.
Rilakkuma Blemish Treatment Patch
You'll look forward to using the Rilakkuma Blemish Treatment Patch [14] ($30 for 24), which shapes the pimple-fighting hydrocolloid dressing into a bear-shaped sticker.