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11 Fast-Acting Pimple Patches That Will Stop Acne Overnight

Acne will finally be a thing of the past.

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mighty patch and zitsticka killa kit pimple patches
Best Products; Courtesy Mighty Patch, ZitSticka

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The next time you feel pimples coming up to the surface, don't panic — just patch it! Targeted pimple patches might seem like a gimmicky beauty product, but when you need to zap a pimple away fast, these sticky little patches go straight to the source to defeat pesky blemishes — and they really work. They're small, often transparent, and they can reduce the size and lifespan of a zit with just one use. Plus, most importantly, they'll keep you from picking at your face and causing scarring (seriously, don't do it!).

Best Pimple Patches

  • 1
    The Original Mighty Patch

    Best Overall

    Hero Cosmetics The Original Mighty Patch

    $12 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    Acne Cover Patch

    Best Size Variety

    Avarelle Acne Cover Patch

    Read more
  • 3
    Miracle Microcrystal Spot Cover

    Best for Below-the-Surface Acne

    Rael Miracle Microcrystal Spot Cover

    Read more
  • 4
    Acne Spot Dots

    Fast-Acting

    Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots

    Read more
  • 5
    Acne-Clear Invisible Dots

    Least Noticeable

    Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots

    Read more

What are Pimple Patches?

Pimple patches, sometimes called acne patches or zit stickers, are becoming increasingly popular methods of quick spot treatments for those pesky, stubborn breakouts. But how exactly do they work? According to board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Rina Allawh, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group, “Pimple patches are typically comprised of hydrocolloid, a transparent, biodegradable, and breathable dressing that adheres to the skin to stay in place without having to use any additional tape.”

Benefits

Although hydrocolloid dressings are typically used for treating eczema, ulcers, and bedsores, they also provide a protective barrier for anyone who frequently picks acne. Plus, they're excellent for absorbing acne drainage, like dirt and oil, meaning your inflamed pimples will finally flatten and be a thing of the past.

    Do Pimple Patches Actually Work?

    Yes, pimple patches work — but they're best suited for mild acne popping up instead of deep cystic acne, the sometimes painful, inflammatory pimples that have formed under the skin. For the best results, celebrity aesthetician, Joshua Ross of SkinLab, suggests using pimple patches made with proven anti-acne ingredients, like retinol, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid.

    Retinol and salicylic acid products are the most effective ingredients against cystic acne, according to Allawh. But, it's worth noting that pimple patches, like the Dr. Jart+ Focuspot Blemish Micro Tip Patch and Avarelle Acne Cover Patch, earned plenty of love from reviewers who say they shrink cystic acne. Rael Miracle Microcrystal Spot Cover patches are also designed to treat pimples before they pop up, and Amazon reviewers agree they’re a 5-star skincare product.

    How to Use Pimple Patches

    Ross says you can apply pimple patches at the first sign of a breakout, but be sure to follow manufacturer directions. For example, if a brand suggests wearing pimple patches for up to 6 hours, you'll want to replace the old patch with a new one after 6 hours, as necessary. The Los Angeles-based aesthetician also stresses the importance of pairing your pimple patches with effective skin products — acne face wash, facial toner, oil-free moisturizer, and acne sunscreen — to speed up breakout recovery and reduce long-term acne.

    An added bonus of pimple patches? You can even wear them under your makeup if you have a particularly bad blemish you want to treat during the day. So, why are you still using a messy spot treatment? Just apply one of these genius pimple patches instead.

    To help you experience the magic of pimple patches, our beauty editor, Nicole Saunders, carefully researched each featured product to ensure these acne stickers are genuinely worth your money. The best part? Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots is our cheapest recommendation, and it costs less than $5 a pack on Amazon.

    1
    Best Overall

    Hero Cosmetics The Original Mighty Patch

    Editor’s Choice
    The Original Mighty Patch
    1
    Best Overall

    Hero Cosmetics The Original Mighty Patch

    $12 at Amazon$11 at Walmart$13 at Ulta Beauty
    Pros
    • Works in just 6 hours
    • Best seller with over 70,000 five-star Amazon reviews
    • Allergy- and clinically tested
    • AAPI woman-owned
    Cons
    • Low stock at Ulta

    Feel a pimple starting to form? Stick on a Mighty Patch before bedtime! It uses hydrocolloid technology to draw out fluids, which reduces the size and inflammation of a zit. This type works best on blemishes with a whitehead in the middle.

    "I've tried a seemingly infinite amount of pimple patches, but these are the only ones that actually tackle my breakouts," says Saunders. "Other pimple patches make my whiteheads red and angry, but The Original Mighty Patch eliminates them by the end of my work day."

    Hero’s pimple patches also earned plenty of love from Amazon reviewers who agree it’s a grossly satisfying way to eliminate zits overnight. “They are big enough to handle any blemish, and the adhesive is strong enough to keep them on your face,” says one 5-star Amazon review.

    More: Clear Up Breakouts With These High-Frequency Wands

    Key Specs

    Rating4.5-star average from 98,000 Amazon reviews
    # of patches36
    Sizes available1
    2
    Best Size Variety

    Avarelle Acne Cover Patch

    Best Seller
    Acne Cover Patch
    2
    Best Size Variety

    Avarelle Acne Cover Patch

    Pros
    • Soothing and calms redness
    • Targets whiteheads and cystic acne
    Cons
    • Low stock at Walmart

    Pimples come in different shapes and sizes, and Avarelle makes sure you're prepared with this hydrocolloid variety pack that includes four large square patches, in addition to small and medium round options.

    We also love that they’re infused with tea tree, calendula, and cica to prevent itchy, irritated skin and soothe redness. “I cannot tell you what an insane feeling of gratitude and relief I have for this product. If you are suffering from acne, do not hesitate for even one moment to buy these little suckers,” says one Amazon reviewer dealing with hormonal acne.

    Key Specs

    Rating4.2-star average from nearly 66,000 Amazon reviews
    # of patches40
    Sizes available3
    3
    Best for Below-the-Surface Acne

    Rael Miracle Microcrystal Spot Cover

    Amazon’s Choice
    Miracle Microcrystal Spot Cover
    3
    Best for Below-the-Surface Acne

    Rael Miracle Microcrystal Spot Cover

    Pros
    • Latex-free
    • Cruelty-free ingredients
    Cons
    • Only works on early-stage acne

    These pimple patches combine tea tree oil and willow bark extract to zap underground zits before they pop up. They also contain hyaluronic acid, a clear liquid that holds up to 1,000 times its weight, meaning you won't have to worry about these pimple patches dehydrating your skin.

    These are also one of the fastest-acting pimple patches on the market. You only need two hours to reduce breakouts, although you'll see the best results wearing them overnight.

    “I was shocked that the redness and size were about 50 percent down. I didn’t apply anything that night and woke up the next morning with the pimple even smaller and less noticeable,” says one Amazon reviewer who saw initial results in just 4 hours.

    Key Specs

    Rating4.1-star average from nearly 4,400 Amazon reviews
    # of patches9
    Sizes available1
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    4
    Fast-Acting

    Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots

    Amazon’s Choice
    Acne Spot Dots
    4
    Fast-Acting

    Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots

    Pros
    • Clean ingredients
    • Leaping Bunny certified
    Cons
    • Not sticky enough for some reviewers

    Don't sleep on this fast-working Amazon beauty buy! These hydrocolloid pimple patches from Peach & Lily come in three different sizes (including teeny tiny ones for the smallest of pimples), and they can be worn with or without makeup.

    Amazon reviewers describe them as “miracle workers,” “a necessity,” and “best pimple patches on the market.” One reviewer even declares they love these effective zit stickers so much that they “will not be without them from now on.”

    Key Specs

    Rating4.3-star average from 4,865 Amazon reviews
    # of patches30
    Sizes available3
    5
    Least Noticeable

    Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots

    Amazon’s Choice
    Acne-Clear Invisible Dots
    5
    Least Noticeable

    Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots

    Pros
    • Treats whiteheads and blackheads
    • Great for all skin tones
    Cons
    • Expensive

    What acne patch? These translucent stickers from Peter Thomas Roth are super thin and barely visible and are packed with a blend of salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and tea tree oil to fight unwanted pimples. Unlike most patches, these can help with clearing out blackheads, too.

    Sephora and Amazon reviewers say these pimple patches have excellent staying power and significantly reduce zits. “I stick them on at night and wake up with my pimples greatly reduced or completely gone! I was sick of gel and lotion spot treatments rubbing off and sticking to my pillow, so I am so happy to have found these,” says one 5-star Sephora review.

    Key Specs

    Rating4.3-star average from nearly 700 Amazon reviews
    # of patches24
    Sizes available1
    6
    Budget-Friendly

    Nexcare Acne Cover

    Acne Cover
    6
    Budget-Friendly

    Nexcare Acne Cover

    Now 17% Off
    Pros
    • Comes in 2 sizes
    • Color changes when pimples are drained
    Cons
    • Thicker than other pimple patches

    Along with a budget-friendly price, these hydrocolloid pimple patches have nearly 13,000 five-star Amazon reviews! Several users report they work like magic to heal unwanted blemishes. Just stick one on overnight to soak up excess oil and reduce inflammation.

    “I had one blemish for so long that I assumed it and I would be cremated together when that time came. Two of these guys later, and the blemish is gone,” jokes one Amazon reviewer.

    Key Specs

    Rating4.2-star average from nearly 21,700 Amazon reviews
    # of patches36
    Sizes available1
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    7
    Unique Design

    Ex Killa Kit

    Amazon’s Choice
    Killa Kit
    7
    Unique Design

    Ex Killa Kit

    Pros
    • Includes cleansing prep pads
    • Uses microdart technology
    Cons
    • Excessive packaging

    With the Zitsticka Killa patch, you'll soon be saying RIP to pimples. Each one has microdarts that deliver eight ingredients, like salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid, straight into the center of the blemish.

    There's also niacinamide, aka vitamin B-3, to help improve your skin's uneven texture and tone. Plus, these patches start to work in just a few hours, whereas others require overnight use.

    A bonus: Each kit includes prep pads infused with exfoliating ingredients to reveal fresh skin that's ready to easily soak up anti-acne ingredients.

    Key Specs

    Rating4.2-star average from nearly 4,300 Amazon reviews
    # of patches8
    Sizes available1
    8
    Nourishing Formula

    Dr. Jart+ Focuspot Blemish Micro Tip Patch

    Focuspot Blemish Micro Tip Patch
    8
    Nourishing Formula

    Dr. Jart+ Focuspot Blemish Micro Tip Patch

    Pros
    • Effective against cystic and hormonal acne
    • Self-dissolving
    Cons
    • Sold out on Amazon

    These innovative pimple patches from Dr. Jart+ offer impressive, spa-level results in a patch. They self-dissolve and melt into your skin, delivering a potent combo of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B-3, and peptides to nourish the skin as it treats your acne.

    And if you're dealing with annoying cystic and hormonal acne, these are the patches for you — Online reviewers say they do an excellent job of minimizing redness and flattening pimples.

    One Sephora reviewer called them great for eliminating pesky underground pimples. To quote their 5-star review, "Slap one on at night, and the zit is visibly better in the a.m."

    Key Specs

    Rating4-star average from nearly 100 Sephora reviews
    # of patches6
    Sizes available1
    9
    Powerhouse Ingredients

    Peace Out Peace Out Acne Healing Dots

    Peace Out  Acne Healing Dots
    9
    Powerhouse Ingredients

    Peace Out Peace Out Acne Healing Dots

    Pros
    • Award winner
    • Great for camouflaging large pimples
    Cons
    • Only comes with 20 pimple patches

    Adios, acne! These hydrocolloid patches are infused with salicylic acid to zap pimples, aloe vera to soothe redness, and vitamin A to speed up cellular turnover.

    Ross notes his patients love these pimple patches when used at the first signs of active breakouts. We suggest stashing a sheet in your makeup bag for pimple emergencies.

    Given their relatively larger size, these pimple patches are tailormade for your biggest and juiciest zits. Sephora reviewers like to sport them overnight to suck out all of the gunk and calm inflation while they're sleeping. "I had a pimple that looked like Mount Fuji on my face yesterday, and today it went down almost completely," says one 5-star Sephora review.

    Key Specs

    Rating4.2-star average from more than 4,200 Sephora reviews
    # of patches20
    Sizes available1
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    10
    Face Fixer

    Patchology Breakout Box 3-in-1 Acne Treatment Kit

     Breakout Box 3-in-1 Acne Treatment Kit
    10
    Face Fixer

    Patchology Breakout Box 3-in-1 Acne Treatment Kit

    Pros
    • 2 types of pimple patches
    • Includes pore strips
    Cons
    • Low stock on Amazon

    Treat skin issues from all angles with this 3-in-1 acne kit! It comes with a set of hydrocolloid patches, salicylic acid, and tea tree patches, and blackhead nose strips so you can take care of all your clogged pores at once.

    We love that the salicylic acid and tea tree patches are also infused with volcanic acid and fruit extracts to boost exfoliation and prevent dehydration.

    One Ulta reviewer loves the entire kit and calls it the best option for tackling their hormonal acne. When they feel acne rearing its head, they pop on the hydrocolloid pimple patch, and it diminishes within a day or two max.

    “And if it does become a whitehead, I use the salicylic acid patches overnight as well. They’re clear, stick on your face, and don’t come off. I also like the nose pore strips. They’re hard to get off, but they seem to pull blackheads out easily,” says their 5-star review.

    Key Specs

    Rating4.6-star average from more than 500 Ulta reviews
    # of patches24 salicylic acid dots, 24 hydrocolloid dots, and 3 nose strips
    Sizes available1
    11
    Expert Favorite

    Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch

    Acne Pimple Master Patch
    11
    Expert Favorite

    Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch

    Now 16% Off
    Pros
    • Waterproof
    • Also helps with ingrown hair
    Cons
    • Sold out on Amazon
    • Not ideal for cysts

    This popular pimple patch by COSRX is well-loved for its blemish-fighting abilities. To quote one enthusiastic Amazon reviewer, “I couldn’t believe how rapidly the patches helped the pimples come to a head. The next day I applied the patches again, and most of the whiteheads healed significantly!”

    The best part is that it's waterproof, so you can even treat your breakouts through showers and sweaty gym sessions.

    Key Specs

    Rating4.3-star average from 5,810 Amazon reviews
    # of patches72
    Sizes available1
    Headshot of Nicole Saunders
    Nicole Saunders
    Beauty Editor

    Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. She takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Beauty Awards package.

    Headshot of Ashley Phillips
    Ashley Phillips
    Beauty & Style Editor

    Ashley is the beauty and style editor at BestProducts.com, and her work has been featured on Cosmopolitan and Town and Country. She has an obsession with designer handbags, Liberty prints, 1960s fashion, and owns more shoes than she’s willing to admit. She's been using her learnings from owning a boutique and her shopping addiction for good since 2015. She’ll never accept that black isn’t a color. Away from the computer, you’ll likely find the Texas native binging on a British period drama or theorizing over Game of Thrones. She has yet to find a real cup of queso in NYC.

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