After 18 hours of research evaluating 50 products, we picked COSRX Pimple Master Patch as our top choice.
Got pimple-prone skin? A whopping 50 million Americans can relate to your acne woes.
While it’s reassuring to know you aren’t the only one battling blemishes, you probably still want to eliminate complexion concerns. Sure, you can mask pesky pimples with foundation or make the most of skin-smoothing Snapchat filters, but you need a real solution.
That’s why you should make pimple patches part of your skincare routine. The right pimple patch zaps zits without leaving behind rough, flaky patches, and you can even wear one in public. This budget-friendly acne treatment looks like a small sticker, but trust us when we say pimple patches work — and they work well.
Great…but what are they, really?
Pimple patches are hydrocolloid stickers that grab gunk from your pores before it has a chance to transform into pus-filled pustules or other acne. Think of it as a vacuum for your face.
Some pimple patches have salicylic acid, a powerful ingredient that reduces redness and buffs away dead skin. You can use it to stop pimple formation and treat existing blemishes. Simply put, it’s good stuff.
Alright, I’m ready to test-drive the best pimple patches.
We’re here for you! Check out our list of faves below.
#1 Best Pimple Patch Overall
COSRX Pimple Master Patch
- Waterproof material makes them perfect for wearing at the gym or during hot weather
- Reduces scarring
- Eliminates impurities
Pros
Remove infection-inducing impurities while you sleep with these waterproof pimple patches. They effectively hydrate skin, soothing parched pores and reducing redness.
Product Ratings
Ingredients
#2 Best High-End Pimple Patch
Peter Roth Thomas Acne-Clear Invisible Dots
- Tea tree oil destroys bacteria
- Absorbent ingredients soak up sebum
- Keeps skin hydrated
Pros
Effective ingredients like tea tree oil and hyaluronic acid stop bacteria from spreading, which in turn blasts blemishes before they fully form. Works on some serious skin issues, including cystic acne.
Product Ratings
Ingredients
#3 Best Cruelty-Free Pimple Patch
The Original Mighty Patch
- Made with vegan ingredients
- No harsh chemicals
- Highly absorbent to soak up oil and pus
Pros
Leaping Bunny certified, plus vegan and cruelty free. Award-winning patches that gently yet effectively tackle skincare concerns while you sleep.
Product Ratings
Ingredients
9.4/10
If you’re into natural skincare solutions, this is the best pimple patch for your lifestyle. It’s Leaping Bunny certified, which means it’s officially a cruelty-free product.
The Original Mighty Patch is also vegan, natural, and drug-free. You can even use it while pregnant or nursing.
Performance
9.2/10
High-grade hydrocolloid captures pus and bacteria, thwarting pimples before they have a chance to thrive. Once applied, each patch forms a protective cover, making it difficult to pick at blemishes.
Value
9/10
The Original Mighty Patch costs more than most pimple patches we’ve tried, but it has natural, cruelty-free ingredients. It’s worth the price.
Overall Editor Score
9.2/10
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#4 Best Pimple Patch for Severe Blemishes
Peace Out Acne Dots
- Soothing aloe vera relieves irritation
- Reduces redness
- Vitamin A helps prevent clogged pores
Pros
This is one of the few pimple patches we’ve tried that combines salicylic acid with hydrocolloid, making it perfect for both treating and preventing acne formation. Great for a variety of acne issues, including hormonal acne and whiteheads.
Product Ratings
Ingredients
#5 Best Invisible Pimple Patch
Mighty Patch Invisible Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patch
- Tapered edges hide that you’re wearing a patch
- No harsh chemicals
- Made from natural ingredients
Pros
Invisible formula makes these pimple patches perfect for daytime use. Vegan friendly and drug free, this innovative product scored the 2018 Refinery29 Beauty Innovators Award for Acne Care.
Product Ratings
Ingredients
9.2/10
Want to battle breakouts without sharing your skincare solutions with the world? These invisible patches with hydrocolloid technology are just what you need. They’re vegan, cruelty-free, and made from natural ingredients.
As an added bonus, they go on invisible and have a matte finish. You can get away with wearing them to work or school.
Performance
9.2/10
Bid fluid-filled formations farewell with this effective pimple patch from The Mighty. It captures hidden bacteria that lurks in pus-filled pimples and other acne formations, making it difficult for blemishes to take over your face.
And we aren’t the only ones who love this product – it received the Refinery29 Beauty Innovators Award for Acne Care in 2018.
Value
9/10
These pimple patches aren’t exactly budget-friendly when compared to other brands, but they aren’t overpriced either.
Overall Editor Score
9.1/10
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#6 Best Therapeutic Pimple Patch
Rael Acne Healing Patch
- Transparent patches let you discreetly treat blemishes in public
- Works on pimples that haven’t broken through skin’s surface yet
- Strong adhesive keeps patch securely in place
Pros
Easy to apply and remove. Works in as little as 10 minutes, but you can leave it on for 20 if you prefer. Some users confess they even sleep in it.
Product Ratings
Ingredients
#7 Best Inexpensive Pimple Patch
Nexcare Acne Cover
- Lightweight patch stays comfortable for hours
- Soaks up oil
- Heavy-duty material holds up to all-day/all-night use
Pros
Gently combats complexion concerns with effective ingredients. Conveniently turns white so you know it’s working.
