The best pimple patches are no longer just a discreet fix but a necessity in a well rounded acne skincare routine—one not to be ashamed of or hidden. Gen Z’s unapologetic embrace of real skin has turned blemishes into something refreshingly au courant, with hydrocolloid dots—like Hailey Bieber’s now-iconic star-shaped duo—becoming as much about self-expression as they are about skin healing.
Not sure how they differ from the spot cream tube on the second shelf of your bathroom cupboard? Board-certified nurse practitioner Vanessa Coppola argues pimple patches offer targeted benefits: they absorb fluid, calm inflammation, and create a clean seal over the blemish to prevent further irritation. “Pimple patches and spot creams serve different purposes. Patches are ideal for surface-level breakouts or after a blemish has come to a head; they protect, absorb, and speed up healing,” Coppola tells Vogue. “Spot creams, especially those with active ingredients like retinoids, sulfur, or benzoyl peroxide, are designed to treat the root cause: oil, bacteria, inflammation, and work best on early-stage or under-the-skin blemishes.”
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Pimple Patches
- Best Overall: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original, $13
- Best for Redness: CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch, $6
- Best for Early-Stage Acne: Peace Out 2% Salicylic Acid Early-Stage Acne Dot, $19
- Best Overnight: PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches, $9
- Best TikTok Trend: Starface Hydro-Star Pimple Patches, $14
- Best Under Makeup: Good Molecules Pimple Patches, $8
- Best Fast-Acting: Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots, $5
In this article
- What are pimple patches?
- How do pimple patches work?
- Do pimple patches actually work?
- How long do you leave a pimple patch on?
- Do dermatologists recommend pimple patches?
- Why do pimple patches turn white?
- Do pimple patches work on unpopped pimples?
- How often should you use pimple patches?
- What should you do if your pimple patch doesn’t completely remove your blemish?
- Meet the experts
The most effective breakout routines embrace a layered approach: a strategic cream to treat the deeper issue, followed by a patch to protect and accelerate recovery. Together, they form a modern blemish protocol. Below, find Vogue’s edit of the eight best pimple patches to wear day or overnight to clear up blemishes anywhere on the body—with insight along the way from dermatologist and skin-care experts on how long you should leave one on, and how often you can use one.
Best Overall: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original
- Why We Love It: Consistently delivering on its promise to “[suck] out more gunk” overnight, this patch made its way onto Vogue’s list of best acne products—and is beloved by dermatologists, too. “This uses hydrocolloid technology to absorb excess fluid and oil from the pimple, promoting faster healing and reducing inflammation,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. “These patches are discreet, easy to use, and help prevent touching and picking at the blemish, which can lead to further irritation or scarring.”
- Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid
- Size: 12 millimeters
- Appearance: Round and transparent
- Count: 36 single size patches
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Delivers visible results within eight hours | Limited patch sizing may not cover larger cystic acne |
| Made from medical-grade hydrocolloid | Those with oily skin complain of adhesion |
| The translucent matte finish blends seamlessly with skin |
Best for Redness: CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch
- Why We Love It: CosRx’s waterproof patch is infused with hydrocolloid to absorb excess oil and reduce breakouts. It gently draws out impurities—think excess oil and sebum—while simultaneously calming inflammation and dialing down redness. The result? A more balanced, even-toned complexion. Its near-invisible finish and snug, waterproof seal make it the ultimate discreet companion for around-the-clock wear.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid
- Size: 0.28, 0.39, and 0.47 inches.
- Appearance: Round and transparent
- Count: 24 patches in three sizes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Offers a variety of patch sizes | Those with cystic acne may find this works best on surface pimples |
| Waterproof design makes adhesion superior | |
| Resealable pouch for slim and convenient storage |
Best Fast-Acting: Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots
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- Why We Love It: Peach Slices, sister brand of K-beauty stalwart Peach Lily, specializes in easy-to-use, clinical-grade solutions for common skincare concerns— including pimples. In its Acne Spot Dots, the brand uses hydrocolloid to absorb pore-clogging debris and protect the skin from picking (not that you would ever!) Ultra-thin and transparent, the patches are suited for any skin type, and they’ve been clinically proven to clear up blackheads, whiteheads, and acne in just a day.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Size: 15 seven-millimeter patches, six 10-millimeter patches, and nine 12-millimeter patches.
- Appearance: Round and transparent
- Count: 30 patches in three sizes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Offers a variety of patch sizes | Not effective of deep or cystic acne |
| Patches clear whiteheads and blackheads, in addition to acne | Those with sensitive skin reported irritation from addhesion |
Best High-Tech Pimple Patches: ZitSticka Killa Kit Deep Zit Microdart Patch
- Why We Love It: Powered by ZitSticka’s proprietary micro-dart technology, these hardworking patches target brewing and active blemishes. “The microdarts on this acne patch are intended to penetrate the pore and deliver acne-fighting ingredients deep in the skin. Salicylic acid is featured in these patches to remove excess oil from deep within the pore,” says New York-based double board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD. The kit also contains a swab to cleanse the skin before patch application. Dr. Coppola agrees, adding these patches can cut down on healing time for those with cystic acne. “It’s like having a targeted injectable without the needle,” she says.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid, salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Appearance: Round and transparent
- Count: 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, and 28 count packs available
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Microdarts dissolve within 2 hours delivering active ingredients into acne | A bit pricier compared to other pimple patch brands |
| Works effectively with under-the-skin, cystic acne in addition to surface acne |
Best Invisible: Rael Beauty Miracle Patch
- Why We Love It: Virtually imperceptible on any complexion, Rael’s ultra-thin patch is the epitome of discreet skincare. Designed to blend seamlessly into skin, it quietly goes to work drawing out impurities and shielding the blemish from environmental aggressors—plus, preventing unwanted picking. The real magic? Results begin to appear in as little as four hours, making it the ultimate fast-acting, under-the-radar complexion care solution. Consider it your blemish’s silent undoing.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid
- Size: 10 millimeters and 12 millimeters
- Appearance: Round and transparent
- Count: 96 patches available in two sizes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Superior discreet application form thinner patches | Affordable price point |
| Multiple patch sizes available | |
| Reviews report fact acting results in as little as 4 hours |
Best Viral: Starface Hydro-Star Pimple Patches
- Why We Love It: These star-shaped patches turn fighting acne into a style statement that Rainbow Bright would approve of. They’re so viral in fact, that you’re just as likely to see someone sporting them IRL, on TikTok, or even spot them on some for your favorite celebrities. Hailey Bieber and Central Cee, for example, haven’t been shy about wearing their star face patches out and about.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid
- Size: 20 millimeters
- Appearance: Yellow and star shaped
- Count: 32 single size patches
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Effective on surface level pimples | Not as effective on deeper cystic pimples |
| Portable and convenient packaging | Single size patches offer limited coverage options |
| Whimsical designs destigmatize pimples |
Best Overnight: PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches
- Why We Love It: While you get your beauty sleep, these transparent patches work the graveyard shift to infuse the skin with hydrocolloid, as well as other acne-fighting actives such as niacinamide and vitamin C. By morning, these patches will have visibly reduced inflammation and accelerated the skin’s natural healing process—turning overnight downtime into an even more powerful moment of renewal for your complexion. Dr. Camp notes that while most PanOxyl products feature benzoyl peroxide, an active with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, these patches are more gentle.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, vitamin C
- Size: 9 and 12 millimeters
- Appearance: Round and transparent
- Count: 40 patches in two sizes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Patches utilize hydrocolloid and active ingredients to treat acne overnight | Thicker patch design isn’t discreet |
| These patches are fragrance-free and latex-free, making them safe for sensitive skin |
Best Under Makeup: Good Molecules Pimple Patches
- Why We Love It: Another invisible solution, these hydrocolloid patches disappear into the skin. Designed to address blemishes, whiteheads, and blackheads, they work by absorbing impurities and promoting healing. Their subtle design allows for effortless layering under makeup, ensuring a flawless complexion without interruption. Whether used overnight or during the day, these patches offer a virtually undetectable yet effective solution for clearer skin.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid, cellulose gum, pectin
- Size: 12 millimeters
- Appearance: Round and transparent
- Count: 60
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Ultra-thin, discreet design | Not suitable for deeper, cystic pimples |
| Gentle, non-active ingredients are suitable for sensitive skin | Some report the lack of active ingredients make these patches less effective on persistent acne |
| Affordable price point |
Everything You Need To Know
What are pimple patches?
First, the basics: “Pimple patches are small adhesive stickers designed to treat acne by covering and protecting the blemish,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
How do pimple patches work?
According to Dr. Garshick, “Pimple patches work primarily by absorbing excess fluid and oil from the pimple, which can reduce swelling and redness. The patches often contain active ingredients like hydrocolloid, which helps to draw out impurities and create a moist environment that promotes faster healing.”
She adds that some pimple patches also contain ingredients like salicylic acid, which helps to unclog pores and reduce oil to keep breakouts at bay. “By creating a physical barrier, pimple patches prevent touching and picking at the blemish, which helps to reduce the risk of scarring and infection,” Dr. Garschick notes. “Overall, pimple patches offer a discreet and effective way to manage breakouts while aiding the skin’s natural healing process.”
Do pimple patches actually work?
According to Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona, the patches’ acne-taming power belies their demure size. “Pimple patches are great, especially for those that just deal with a few rogue pimples,” she says. “They are also great for deterring picking, which increases the chance of a pimple leaving a scar.” She adds one caveat: “If you have painful scarring acne or lots of breakouts, please see a dermatologist and do not just rely on pimple patches.”
How long do you leave a pimple patch on?
Dr. Jeffy recommends keeping pimple patches on for 6 to 12 hours. Dr. Camp explaines this allows enough time for the hydrocolloid patch to effectively absorb fluids from the pimple and deliver additional ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide.
The experts agree, while it’s generally ok to leave a pimple patch on longer than 12 hours, it’s worth noting it just won’t work as well once it’s fully saturated. So when your patch looks white—consider the job done!
Do dermatologists recommend pimple patches?
“Dermatologists recommend pimple patches for those surprise breakouts you get once in a while that need treatment ASAP,” says Kiran Mian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. She stresses that pimple patches don’t erase the need for everyday cleansing, treatments, and hydration “It’s important to have an all-over-face skincare regimen to prevent acne,” she says. “Pimple patches are a great rescue treatment.”
Why do pimple patches turn white?
“Pimple patches work by absorbing the excess oil, pus, and other impurities from the lesion,” Dr. Mian explains. “As it turns white, you know it’s time to replace it.”
Do pimple patches work on unpopped pimples?
Though it’s oddly tempting to put a pimple out of its misery by popping it, the DIY practice is not generally recommended. Not only can it introduce bacteria from your hand onto the pimple, thus causing infection; it can also cause scarring, scabs, or swelling. Therefore, “[Dermatologists] prefer you do not pop your pimples, but instead apply a pimple patch to help draw out the impurities from the skin,” Dr. Mian says. “A great thing about patches is they serve as a protective barrier, to prevent you from popping your pimples!”
How often should you use pimple patches?
According to Dr. Mian, pimple patches should be used on an as-needed basis—i.e., whenever you have a stubborn zit. “Pimple patches are a great way to treat a breakout in a pinch, but they should not be your mainstay treatment for fighting acne,” she says. “Proper cleansing, acne-medicated treatments like retinoids or exfoliants, and proper hydration are all essential when it comes to keeping acne under control. Pimple patches are a great rescue item to have in your medicine cabinet or purse.”
What should you do if your pimple patch doesn’t completely remove your blemish?
Should your blemish persist, you can try other tricks, “like applying a cotton ball soaked in water with dissolved aspirin, or see your dermatologist for a steroid injection or extraction,” Dr. Mian says. “Sometimes what’s left behind is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which will take time to fade.”
Meet The Experts
- Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who sees patients in New York and Long Island.
- Vanessa Coppola, DNP, FNP-BC is a board certified nurse practitioner and founder of Bare Aesthetics.
- Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS in New York.
- Brooke Jeffy, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona, and founder of the youth-skin-care brand Btwn.
- Kiran Mian, MD, is a board-certified medical and aesthetic dermatologist based in New York City.
