13 best acne patches 2023: How to choose and FAQ

A quick look at the best acne patches:

• Best with salicylic acid: Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots
• Best for early pimples: Rael Miracle Patch Microcrystal Spot Cover
• Best with hyaluronic acid: Acropass Trouble Cure
• Best microdart patch: ZitSticka KILLA Kit
• Best affordable: Rael Acne Pimple Healing Patch
• Best bulk buy: COSRX Acne Pimple Patch
• Best overnight: Mighty Patch Original
• Best for all skin tones: Avarelle Acne Pimple Patch
• Best ingredients: Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts
• Best for clogged pores: Nexcare Acne Cover
• Best gluten-free: Peace Out Acne Healing Dots
• Best for sensitive skin: Starface Hydro-Stars
• Best breathable: Hanhoo Blemish Patch

This article talks about acne, acne patches, and some products that are available for purchase online. It also explores other treatment options that may be helpful for people with acne.

How acne patches work

Some people buy acne patches to treat their skin. These patches are stickers that typically contain hydrocolloid gel — a wound-healing gel that can draw oil and dirt away from a pimple.

An individual sticks the patches onto their skin and leaves them there for a few hours. Sometimes, a person may apply them before going to bed, and some products are suitable for use during the day as they are not noticeable.

Acne patches work on dry skin and open wounds. A person may notice after removing the sticker that the affected area is smaller and less inflamed.

Additionally, wearing the patches helps prevent people from touching their acne, which can worsen it. The patches also help prevent UVB light from reaching the skin. According to an older study, this reduction in UVB light can help decrease any pigment changes left by acne.

Top acne patches

Best with salicylic acid: Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots

These acne patches contain 0.5% salicylic acid, which helps reduce the appearance of blemishes on the skin’s affected area.

Other ingredients include tea tree oil and hyaluronic acid to promote hydration.

Pros:

• The patches work on the face and body.
• They may treat cystic acne.
• They may reduce skin sensitivity.

Cons:

• The patches may not stick well, according to some reviews.
• Some people developed a skin rash.
• They are expensive.

The Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots are available to purchase online for around $32 for a box of 72 patches.

Best for early pimples: Rael Miracle Patch Microcrystal Spot Cover

The main ingredients in these acne patches are tea tree oil, willow bark extract, and hyaluronic acid.

The patches may suit people of all skin types, including those with cystic acne. They act as a protective barrier, keeping irritants and germs away from the skin.

Pros:

• The patches should work on all skin types.
• The manufacturer claims they are cruelty-free.
• The patches are suitable for sensitive skin.

Cons:

• The patches have adhesion issues.
• They are noticeable on the skin.

The Miracle Patch is available to purchase online for around $36.99 for a box of 36 patches.

Best with hyaluronic acid: Acropass Trouble Cure

The main ingredients in the Acropass Trouble Cure are hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and sodium hydroxide.

The product claims to help reduce acne, inflammation, and scarring.

Pros:

• The patches claim to penetrate deep into the skin.
• They claim to prevent breakouts.
• They can prevent a person from touching their skin.

Cons:

• Some reviews mention the patches did not work, other than to prevent touching.
• It may take a week or more to notice results.
• More expensive than other options.

The Acropass Trouble Cure patches are available to purchase online for around $27.99 for nine acne patches, nine cleaning pads, and 15 daycare patches.

Best microdart patch: ZitSticka KILLA Kit

The main ingredients in these patches are salicylic acid and niacinamide.

These patches contain microdarts which may help target deeper pimples, and people can use them to soothe swelling and reduce pain.

Pros:

• They suit those with hormonal acne.
• They work on inflamed acne.
• They are vegan-friendly.

Cons:

• Some customers say they do not stick.
• They may take a long time to work.
• More expensive than other options.

Individuals can purchase the ZitSticka KILLA Kit online for around $29 for four patches and four swabs.

Best low-cost: Rael Acne Pimple Healing Patch

Rael’s Acne Pimple Healing Patches are hydrocolloid dressings. The patches provide invisible coverage, as they can blend in with all skin tones.

They also claim to be hypoallergenic, non-drying, and vegan-friendly.

Pros:

• They are cruelty-free.
• They are easy to remove.
• They suit sensitive skin

Cons:

• They may increase redness.
• They may cause swelling.

The box contains 24 patches that come in two sizes: 10 millimeters (mm) and 12 mm. Rael Acne Pimple Healing Patches are available to purchase online for around $6 for a pack of 24.

Best bulk buy: COSRX Acne Pimple Patch

COSRX Acne Pimple Patches are hydrocolloid dressings. They are for oily, combination, sensitive, and dry skin types.

As the main ingredient is a hydrocolloid, the patch creates a moist environment to help the recovery process when a person sticks it to their skin.

The patches do not contain parabens, sulfates, or phthalates, and they are cruelty-free.

Pros:

• They come in different sizes.
• They may prevent scarring.
• They work on cystic acne.

Cons:

• They can be visible if a person applies them underneath their makeup.
• They may not adhere well to oily skin.

A package of 4 boxes containing 24 COSRX Acne Pimple Patches each, totaling 96 patches, is available to purchase online for around $18.

Best overnight: Mighty Patch Original

The Mighty Patch Originals are hydrocolloid dressings that adhere to the skin. Individuals can put them in place before going to sleep.

They come with strong adhesion, so they are less likely to detach if an individual tosses and turns while they sleep.

Pros:

• A person can use them while sleeping.
• They are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.
• They work on all skin types.

Cons:

• The patches may increase breakouts for some.
• They may leave a red mark on the skin.
• They may take more than 24 hours to work.

The Mighty Patch Original is available to purchase online for around $12.99, and each box contains 36 dots that are 12 mm in size.

Best for all skin tones: Avarelle Acne Pimple Patch

The Avarelle Acne Pimple Patches are hydrocolloid dressings that also include tea tree oil, calendula oil, and cica.

Avarelle’s patches are vegan, cruelty-free, and unscented.

They have an easy-peel design, so a person can remove the tear-off strips without causing any wrinkling.

The patches also come in resealable packaging, so individuals can carry them wherever they go.

Pros:

• Safe for pregnancy acne.
• They have an on-the-go design.
• They are not noticeable on the skin.

Cons:

• They may not reduce swelling.
• They may not adhere well to the skin.
• They may worsen already-irritated skin.

A box of 40 Avarelle Acne Pimple Patchesis available to purchase online for around $8.50.

Best ingredients: Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts

The main ingredients in Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts are salicylic acid, tea tree oil, niacinamide, willow bark extract, and hyaluronic acid.

These Peach Slice patches suit oily, combination, dry, and normal skin types.

In addition, the manufacturer claims the patches are cruelty-free and do not contain alcohol or harmful chemicals.

Pros:

• They contain no harmful chemicals.
• They may clear up deep pimples.
• They can reduce redness.

Cons:

• They do not stick well, according to some reviews.
• They may leave a scar on sensitive skin.
• They are visible if a person wears makeup.

Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts are available to purchase online for around $8.99 and come in packs of nine.

Best for clogged pores: Nexcare Acne Cover

Nexcare Acne Covers are hydrocolloid dressings.

The patches come in two sizes and absorb the oil in clogged pores.

The company recommends people avoid using this product if they are currently taking medication.

Pros:

• The patches stick well to the skin.
• They are not visible.
• They reduce the urge to touch pimples.

Cons:

• A person cannot use the patches with medicated products.
• Both sides of the patches are sticky.

A box of 36 Nexcare Acne Cover patches is available for purchase online for around $7.99.

Best gluten-free: Peace Out Acne Healing Dots

These acne-healing dots by Peace Out are gluten-free and have an aloe vera scent. They are said to absorb deeply into the pores and help reduce redness.

The manufacturer claims that the product is gluten-free and that people should notice visible results overnight.

The acne dots also come with nose and pore strips that feature hydrocolloid polymer to get rid of dead skin cells.

Pros:

• The dots are gluten-free.
• Results should be noticeable within a few hours.
• The dots do not peel the skin, according to some customer reviews.

Cons:

• The dots may stick to the wrapping.
• People with a combination skin type may not find them effective.

The 20 acne dots are available for $19.99.

Best for sensitive skin: Starface Hydro-Stars

The Surface Hydro-Stars acne patches contain hydrocolloid to help reduce the appearance of acne spots and inflammation.

The manufacturer claims the patches are dermatologically tested, vegan, and cruelty-free. They may also suit people who have sensitive skin.

Pros:

• The acne patches are vegan and cruelty-free.
• They are easy to use.
• They may work on sensitive skin.

Cons:

• Reviewers state that the patches are visible on the skin.
• They are expensive.

A box of 96 acne patches is available for $26.

Best breathable: Hanhoo Blemish Patch

Hanhoo offers these hydrocolloid acne patches that remove excess oil and help the spots heal faster.

The company states that they are safe for sensitive skin and have a breathable design. They are also non-irritating and non-drying.

Pros:

• The patches are said to be breathable and comfortable.
• Reviewers state that the patches offer fast, noticeable results.
• They are affordable.

Cons:

• Some persons developed redness after using Hanhoo’s acne patches.
• They may not stick well to the skin.

A box of 72 Hanhoo blemish patches is available for $7.75

Comparing the best acne patches

The following table compares the top pimple stickers in this article on key features:

How to choose the best acne patch

Before committing to a purchase, a person looking for acne patches should consider some features, such as:

• Skin tone: A person should check whether the patches suit their skin tone. Some products can easily blend in with any skin tone, making them unnoticeable when applied.
• Size and price: Some brands offer packages with different sizes of patches. A person should check how much the patches cost to ensure they align with their budget.
• Ingredients: It may benefit a person to choose an acne patch that contains hyaluronic acid, as according to a 2014 study, it can increase skin hydration. An older study also notes that tea tree oil can treat mild to moderate acne. Some ingredients that can help decrease acne include benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and salicylic acid, although some individuals may be intolerant to these ingredients.
• Adhesion: Individuals should buy patches that stick well to the skin, especially if they plan on applying them before going to sleep.

About acne

Acne is a skin condition that develops when the skin’s pores become clogged. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, this can occur when there is bacterial growth, oil accumulation, and dead skin cells in the pore.

Numerous factors may increase a person’s chance of developing acne, including:

• increased oil gland size from hormone changes during teenage years
• stress, which won’t cause new acne but can worsen existing acne
• not getting enough sleep
• applying oily skin care products
• using certain oily hair care products
• smoking cigarettes

When to speak with a doctor 

If a person is unsure if they have acne, a doctor can help with the diagnosis. Some conditions, such as perioral dermatitis, can resemble acne but require different treatments. Certain acne treatments may make this condition worse.

People with acne that does not improve with treatment or is causing scarring should also seek medical advice.

Those interested in using acne patches should also consult their doctor to determine which product suits their skin.

Other acne treatments

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, doctors may prescribe some drugs to treat acne, such as:

• topical erythromycin and clindamycin combined with benzoyl peroxide
• retinoids, such as tretinoin and adapalene
• oral antibiotics, including minocycline, tetracycline, or doxycycline
• washes or lotions with sulfur or sulfacetamide
• salicylic acid
• topical azelaic acid

For more severe cases of acne, a doctor may prescribe Accutane, and for females with hormonal acne, they may also recommend hormonal medications.

A person may also opt for dermatological procedures such as:

• Steroid injection: This is a common treatment a doctor provides in their office. They will inject the steroid directly into an inflamed acne lesion to reduce the inflammation.
• Phototherapy: This treatment is sometimes helpful when combined with prescription medications. It uses a variety of ultraviolet rays to reduce the number of bacteria that cause acne. Individuals who undergo this procedure experience minimal side effects, such as dry skin.
• Dermal filler injections: A doctor typically uses this procedure in severe cases. A dermatologist injects dermal fillers beneath the skin to replace the natural collagen that the body has lost. Some people also undergo this procedure to treat wrinkles and facial lines.
• Chemical peels: This is another approach a doctor will use for severe acne cases. Chemical peels remove the skin’s top layer to treat sun damage and improve skin texture.

Learn more about acne treatment here.

Frequently asked questions about acne patches

The following are common questions and answers about acne patches:

Do dermatologists recommend pimple patches?

Though pimple patches are safe and potentially beneficial, a person should consult a dermatologist to decide whether acne patches may help them.

Do pimple patches work on deep pimples?

Pimple patches may not benefit deep or ‘blind’ pimples that do not have a head. This is because the pimples are under the skin’s surface, while patches work on a surface level. They work best for pimples with a head on the surface of the skin, such as blackheads or whiteheads.

However, people who want to avoid touching deep pimples may prefer to use patches as a deterrent.

People with large, painful, or deep pimples may wish to see a dermatologist for treatment. For example, they may offer a steroid injection or other in-office procedures for severe deep pimples.

Do acne patches work?

A 2021 study found that acne patches can be a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate inflammatory acne. Participants did not develop any adverse effects.

However, people may read customer reviews before buying acne patches. Some may be only suitable for specific skin types.

When should I use acne patches?

Manufacturers provide instructions on how and when a person should use their acne patches. For example, some products are designed to use during the day, while others may offer more benefits when a person uses them before bedtime.

Which acne patch is best?

The best acne patch can vary from person to person as it may depend on various factors, such as skin tone, skin type, ingredients, and price.

Individuals looking for night patches may opt for a product that adheres well to the skin.

Why do acne patches turn white?

Hydrocolloid patches turn white as they absorb the pimple’s fluids and come into contact with the skin’s moisture.

Summary 

Acne patches are stickers that a person applies to their skin to reduce acne breakouts and inflammation and protect the skin from irritants.

Individuals can choose a product that is suitable for their skin type. However, it is best to consult a doctor before committing to a purchase, as some patches may cause irritation, especially on sensitive skin.