11 pimple patches that genuinely work
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Maya Jama recently gave her Instagram followers a glimpse into her “cute night routine," complete with pimple patches - proof that even celebs aren’t immune to the occasional breakout, and they also turn to these tiny spot treatments for help.
Having originally started as a Korean beauty trend, the best pimple patches not only prevent us from picking and squeezing our spots, but they reduce the appearance of blemishes, too. And, given their huge resurgence on TikTok, it was high time we tested and reviewed the best for every skin type.
Sure, zits, pimples, blackheads and the sort are all perfectly normal – and we encourage you to embrace them if you so wish. Equally, you won't find us blaming you if you did want to deal with them quickly and effectively, especially if you have a big event coming up on your social calendar.
Enter: our favourite K-beauty skincare product to date. Acne patches – or spot stickers, as they're sometimes otherwise referred to – are an easy and fuss-free way to treat the spots, acne and blemishes that arise at the absolute worst time. Y'know, the night before you're about to give a big presentation at work or if you're set to slip on your wedding guest dress for your bestie's vows. Here's everything you need to know.
Best pimple patches at a glance:
- Best For Acne-Prone Skin: Emergency Pimple Patches
- Best For Blemish-Prone Skin: Pathology Breakout Box 3-in-1 Acne Treatment Kit
- Best For Early Stage Pimples: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original 24
Meet the experts:
- Celebrity facialist, Sarah Chapman.
- Dermatologist, Dr. Sonia Khorana
Do pimple patches really work?
The short answer is yes, And they work quickly. Rather than drying spots out like many other fast-acting acne treatments, pimple patches are usually hydrocolloid bandages, which means they absorb fluid from the affected area and help reduce inflammation.
Pimple patches are usually see-through, which means you can see the drama unfold in the mirror (they turn white as they work to absorb the pus and flatten out your spot). And the best part is that the thinnest and most discrete of hydrocolloid patches could actually be worn during the day. No wonder they’ve become a dermatologist-approved bathroom cabinet staple.
And there's another major bonus: acne stickers do a great job at stopping you from picking or squeezing your blemish, preventing the transfer of bacteria and acting as an extra layer of protection for your skin.
Facialist Sarah Chapman says, “Hydrocolloid pimple patches are hygienic – they stick to your skin and create a shield from other irritants like daily dirt and pollution. Used on spots, they also calm redness and irritation, encouraging the skin to heal.”
What type of blemishes do they work for?
What about if you've already picked a pimple and you've been left with a weeping wound? Fret not, we've all been there. Adding a drop of tea tree oil to the acne spot and then covering it with a pimple patch works miracles. It stops it from scabbing over and helps prevent any acne scars. Not an excuse to keep picking, but this can help when you’re left with a bit of a situation.
“If you have a deep cyst that’s sitting under the surface of your skin or a closed comedone, putting a hydrocolloid patch over it won’t do an awful lot,” flags Hero expert dermatologist, Dr. Sonia Khorana. “But if you’re dealing with a red, angry, oozing spot or one that you’ve somewhat picked – a hydrocolloid patch is great for this.”
For those early-stage pimples, you can dab on some aloe vera - which is known not only for its hydrating properties, but for its soothing and anti-bacterial abilities as an acne-fighting ingredient too.
How do you use a pimple patch?
According to both experts, you should always apply them to clean, dry skin so they adhere properly to the spot. If you're using one in the day and want to wear makeup, Dr. Sonia recommends applying a patch before applying makeup on top. “I wouldn’t recommend applying makeup and then putting the patch on.”
In terms of skincare - “to make sure they stay in place, I wait about half an hour after applying my skincare before sticking them on. I always find that the less residue you have on your skin, the better they adhere and stay put,” adds Dr. Sonia. Every pimple patch differs, but most will advise that you leave them on for a minimum of 6 hours.
Intrigued? To help, we've put together a full edit of all the best acne patches available to buy now. We've made sure to include a wide variety of options to suit all skin types, budgets and personal preferences. Hopefully you won't need them, but it definitely won't hurt having them around just in case.
In the mood to upgrade your skincare routine? Check out our guides for the best eye creams, hyaluronic acid serums, vitamin C serums, retinol serums, face cleansers, face toners and sunscreen for face. We can also help you pick the best moisturiser and lotion, the best moisturiser for dry skin and the best moisturiser for combination skin. For more from Glamour UK Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx and for more from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Ahead, the best pimple patches, spot stickers and acne patches in stock right now.
Why we love it: Suitable for all skin types, these emergency pimple patches contain active microdarts (also known as microneedles) that dissolve into the epidermis along with salicylic acid, madecassoside and niacinamide, which help target spots and breakouts. Each bestseller pack comes with 16 patches, which is perfect for keeping by your side at all times.
Looking to save on the best cruelty-free pimple patches? Check out these Beauty Pie discount codes.
Pathology Breakout Box 3-in-1 Acne Treatment Kit
Why we love it: Formulated with bacteria-banishing, anti-inflammatory ingredients, this set of blemish patches is guaranteed to help heal unwelcome eruptions and clear congested pores in a matter of hours. Each pack comes with different sizes of spot treatments too, depending on your needs. What more could you want?
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original 24
Why we love it: Got an early-stage zit and need it gone? Say no more. These overnight pimple patches are loaded with medical-grade hydrocolloid, which allow it to absorb impurities within 6-8 hours while you snooze.
Why we love it: Oily skin often results in clogged pores, which is a breeding ground for zits and blackheads. These patches work to suck up all the ‘gunk’ by absorbing excess sebum and clearing out angry inflammations before they can get out of control.
Why we love it: Suitable for all skin types, these hydrocolloid pimple patches are vegan, non-irritating and fragrance-free. Not only that, but they're infused with tea tree and calendula oils which help foster a healthier complexion and will help rid you of pesky pimples.
Enjoy extra savings when shopping for the best pimple patches with active ingredients that can tackle cystic acne using these Amazon discount codes.
Why we love it: Picking your pimple can lead to scarring. Thankfully, these patches prevent this from happening by shielding your irritated skin from external factors as well as scratching fingers. Each patch contains hydrocolloid, which is clinically proven to improve the appearance of pimples overnight.
Why we love it: When it comes to absorbing impurities and smoothing over blemishes, there's not many better than Zitsticka. These pimple patches come with vitamin C and salicylic acid, which brighten your dark spots and remove dead skin cells. For more serious cases of acne, you can also check out the popular Zitsticka Killa kit.
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
Why we love it: Have a spot that needs dealing with ahead of a big day? These pimple patches eliminate redness and inflammation overnight. And the best part is that you can even wear them underneath your foundation.
Make sure to check out these LookFantastic discount codes to save money when shopping for the best star-shaped spot dots and pimple patches for every skin tone.
Why we love it: Say goodbye to unwanted dark spots and blemishes and hello to softer, more even-looking skin. The Peace Out Acne healing dots are particularly effective thanks to a blend of potent ingredients and bacteria-blocking hydrocolloid polymer technology to help clear spots before they can get too unruly.
Save more when shopping for the best invisible pimple patches and spot patches to tackle whiteheads using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Holika Holika AC MILD Red Spot Patch
Why we love it: Worried about your oily and sensitive-prone skin? Not a problem. These gentle pimple patches feature soothing components that moisturise and nourish the skin while also providing antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects to alleviate redness and sensitivity. They will help remove excess oil from your skin, which should also speed up the overall healing process.
Sarah Chapman Skinesis Spot SOS Sticker
Why we love it: Adorable shaped pimple patches are great, but sometimes you're in a rush and want to cover up a zit discretely. And that's where this set comes in. Powered by salicylic acid and infused with vitamins, this product is subtle and undetectable, allowing you to freely wear it during the day.
