7 Best Pimple Patches (2021)

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.

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

#1 Best Pimple Patch Overall

COSRX Pimple Master Patch

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Waterproof material makes them perfect for wearing at the gym or during hot weather
Reduces scarring
Eliminates impurities

Pros Cons

Remove infection-inducing impurities while you sleep with these waterproof pimple patches. They effectively hydrate skin, soothing parched pores and reducing redness.

They're hard to hide under makeup. Some people don't notice immediate results, so they have to use a few patches on the same pimples.

Product Ratings

Ingredients

8.8/10

The ingredients aren’t as clean as other products on our list. These patches contain cellulose gum, styrene isoprene styrene block copolymer, polyisobutylene, petroleum resin, polyurethane film, liquid paraffin, and tetrakis methane.

If you can get over the fact that the ingredients aren’t very natural, you’ll probably love these pimple patches.

Performance

9.3/10

Soothe skin while tackling impurities before they have a chance to spread. These pimple patches reduce redness and decrease the risk of infection. You can wear them all day or while you sleep.

We appreciate that they’re waterproof, as it’s easy to work up a sweat at the gym or forget we’re wearing them when we jump in the shower.

Value

9.4/10

The COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch is one of the cheapest breakout-banishing products we’ve found. Users say a package, which costs less than $10, typically lasts a month or two.

Overall Editor Score

9.2/10

#2 Best High-End Pimple Patch

Peter Roth Thomas Acne-Clear Invisible Dots

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Tea tree oil destroys bacteria
Absorbent ingredients soak up sebum
Keeps skin hydrated

Pros Cons

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.

These pimple patches aren't cheap, but they work well.

Product Ratings

Ingredients

9.3/10

Hydration-preserving hyaluronic acid makes a welcome appearance in this blemish-blasting product. Volcanic ash, an ingredient not commonly found in pimple patches, also helps battle blemishes. Salicylic acid and tea tree oil round out the ingredient list, helping zap zits without harsh chemicals or toxins.

Performance

9.2/10

Day or night, these Peter Roth Thomas pimple patches effectively treat stubborn acne. Numerous reviewers claim they even help stop hard-to-treat cystic acne before it has a chance to spread.

The patches are lightweight and comfortable – some users even forget they’re wearing them. Some pimple-prone folks notice results in just 8 hours or so, while others require a few treatments to get the complexion they want.

Value

9/10

These pimple patches are expensive compared to our other faves, but most users love them.

Overall Editor Score

9.2/10

#3 Best Cruelty-Free Pimple Patch

The Original Mighty Patch

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Made with vegan ingredients
No harsh chemicals
Highly absorbent to soak up oil and pus

Pros Cons

Leaping Bunny certified, plus vegan and cruelty free. Award-winning patches that gently yet effectively tackle skincare concerns while you sleep.

Pricey compared to many other pimple patches, but in the brand's defense, the ingredients are much better than most competitors'.

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

#4 Best Pimple Patch for Severe Blemishes

Peace Out Acne Dots

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Soothing aloe vera relieves irritation
Reduces redness
Vitamin A helps prevent clogged pores

Pros Cons

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.

Reviewers have no major issues, though they warn sometimes Amazon charges more than Sephora.

Product Ratings

Ingredients

9.3/10

We love that this pimple patch combines sebum-fighting salicylic acid with hydrocolloid technology. The patches also contain skin-soothing aloe vera and pore-protecting Vitamin A.

Performance

9.2/10

Stubborn blemishes don’t stand a chance against Peace Out Acne Dots. These pimple patches effectively tackle everything from tiny whiteheads to full-blown acne eruptions. You can even use them for hormonal acne.

Value

9/10

Reviewers warn that sometimes Amazon charges nearly twice as much as Sephora. However, the price is worth it if you want to avoid a trip to the mall.

Overall Editor Score

9.2/10

#5 Best Invisible Pimple Patch

Mighty Patch Invisible Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patch

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Tapered edges hide that you’re wearing a patch
No harsh chemicals
Made from natural ingredients

Pros Cons

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.

Best for mature acne, not breakouts in progress.

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

#6 Best Therapeutic Pimple Patch

Rael Acne Healing Patch

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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 Cons

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.

If you've got super oily skin, you may want to try another product.

Product Ratings

Ingredients

8.9/10

Like many of our faves, this pimple patch gets its gunk-grabbing powers from high-grade hydrocolloids. It goes on invisible so you can rock it day or night, even in public.

Performance

9/10

Soothe stressed skin while battling blemishes with this powerful pimple patch. It’s ideal for acne-prone adults with numerous spots and redness rather than just a pimple or two.

Value

9/10

It’s not the cheapest pimple patch on our list, nor is it the most expensive.

Overall Editor Score

9/10

#7 Best Inexpensive Pimple Patch

Nexcare Acne Cover

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Lightweight patch stays comfortable for hours
Soaks up oil
Heavy-duty material holds up to all-day/all-night use

Pros Cons

Gently combats complexion concerns with effective ingredients. Conveniently turns white so you know it's working.

These pimple patches are best for mature acne, not pimples that are still developing.

Product Ratings

Ingredients

8.8/10

This is a hydrocolloid patch, so it doesn’t contain blemish-blasting medicine. It sucks out debris and bacteria with help from ethylene oxide. It’s similar to the stuff hospitals use to keep wounds from becoming infected.

Performance

9.2/10

Nearly every skin type can benefit from these budget-friendly pimple patches. They work on new and mature acne, though they’re best suited for acne that’s already formed.

They’re easy to use; just press a few on your trouble spots and go on with your day. They go on clear but turn white as they pull gunk from your pores.

Value

9.2/10

These pimple patches are cheap enough that you probably won’t even mind if they don’t work on your skin. But don’t worry – they likely will get the job done.