The Best Pimple Patches

Buying Guide for Pimple Patches

Why buy pimple patches?

There are numerous products aimed at reducing and eliminating acne on the market, and pimple patches are a popular modern method. They’re made of hydrocolloid, a material that absorbs moisture, and are placed over the offending pimple. The idea is that the hydrocolloid dressings will soak up liquid and toxins in order to dry out the zit or zits below to eliminate them faster. Since pimple patches are meant to cover zits entirely, they can not only hide or disguise them but also prevent them from coming into contact with external bacteria and sunlight and stop you from touching or picking at them. All of this is meant to accelerate the healing process so that you don’t have to worry about a zit ruining an important week.

What should you look for in a pimple patch?

• Skin Type: Before you buy a pimple patch, check the label or listing and see what skin types it’s listed as suitable for. Some are better suited for drier skin, others for oily skin, while others will work on most skin types. If you have oily skin, avoid models that contain external oils. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, try to avoid pimple patches with salicylic acid or tea tree oil. These ingredients might cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
• Size: Different people are prone to different types of acne, from small whiteheads to big pustules and everything in between. Since not all pimples are the same size, pimple patches aren’t, either. There isn’t a huge variation in their sizes, but there is some variety out there. Consider the type of acne you’re prone to, and pick your patches accordingly. If you aren’t sure which patch size is best for you or want to be prepared, look for a set containing multiple sizes in one pack.
• Quantity: Different brands and models will offer different quantities of pimple patches per box. Consider how often you tend to have acne flare-ups and how often you plan to use the pimple patches. If you simply want to keep them handy just in case a pimple pops up before a date or interview, you can probably get away with a smaller quantity of patches. If you have acne-prone skin and plan to use pimple patches regularly, look for a higher volume.

How often can you use pimple pitches?

You can use them as often as you need since the patch only targets a small portion of your skin at a time. It localizes a particular area affected by acne, which ultimately prevents any kind of rash from breaking out around your neck or face. If necessary, you can apply multiple patches on the same area of skin consecutively to eliminate pesky pimples.

Our Picks for the Best Pimple Patches

Pros: These pimple patches made with medical-grade hydrocolloid are vegan-friendly and unscented to help prevent irritation. They’re also ultra-thin and transparent, so you won’t feel uncomfortable while wearing them, and they’ll blend in with pretty much all skin tones, even in bright sunlight. Thanks to the double-powered adhesive, they can be worn during the day or overnight. Each pouch comes with 40 patches in three different sizes; 12 small (10 millimeters), 16 medium (12 millimeters), and 12 large (14 millimeters) for covering different types and sizes of pimples. The pouch is re-sealable for better on-the-go use in case of an emergency breakout.

Cons: Even though the manufacturer says that this patch is suitable for sensitive skin, some dermatologists advise that it isn’t. So if you do have especially sensitive skin, you’re better off opting for a different set of pimple patches.

Bottom Line: Whether you have normal, dry, combination, or oily skin, these pimple patches are well-suited to adhere to your skin. Thanks to the premium hydrocolloid, they’re a mess-free and effective way to shrink zits overnight. As long as you don’t have too sensitive skin, they should work quickly and effectively on your acne.

 

Pros: These patches contain hydrocolloid and can pull the pus out of whiteheads with less irritation and thus heal them faster. The adhesion is designed to be strong enough to stay on all night long, even if you’re a restless sleeper. It won’t irritate or turn your skin red overnight, either. The patches are ultra-thin and invisible with a matte finish, so they’ll blend right in with your skin and won’t feel uncomfortable or obvious. Each patch is nontoxic and UV-sterilized to make them safe for your skin, and they’re free of paraffin, alcohol, parabens, and formaldehyde. Since they only contain one ingredient, they’re safe and non-irritating to use on almost all skin. Each box contains 36 medium-sized (12-millimeter) patches on perforated sheets for easy peeling.

Cons: Many dermatologists advise that these patches aren’t suitable for cystic acne. You also only receive 36 patches with your purchase, fewer than most sets offer, and they are a bit more expensive than many comparable models. So you’re paying more money for fewer patches.

Bottom Line: These pimple patches are great for those times when you wake up with an unexpected zit that you need to get rid of ASAP. They’re effective for daytime or overnight use. And best of all, it doesn’t matter if you have dry, sensitive, oily, or combination skin—these patches are compatible with all of those skin types.

 

Pros: These hypoallergenic and waterproof pimple patches are made with moisturizing tea tree and calendula oils to help prevent drying out your skin, as well as provide anti-inflammatory properties. These pimple patches are made with premium hydrocolloid and adhere directly onto your skin, flatten surfaced acne and whiteheads, and draw out the pus and impurities that cause the acne to flare up. They will work within a few hours, though you can also leave them on overnight if needed. Perhaps most notable is that you can put these patches on underneath makeup, and it won’t affect their ability to function or make your foundation look wonky. There are 120 patches per box, and they come in three different sizes (8, 10, and 12 millimeters). The price is nice and affordable, especially considering the high quantity of patches you receive.

Cons: As great as these pimple patches are in most regards, none of the patches come in larger sizes, so they won’t be the best option if your skin is prone to bigger zits. They’re also not explicitly vegan or cruelty-free, so you may want to opt for different pimple patches if you’re against animal testing.

Bottom Line: These budget-friendly pimple patches will effectively combat acne without drying out your skin or irritating it. They work quickly for most people, and you can wear them underneath your favorite foundation without worry unless you’re a vegan or avoiding products tested on animals.

 

Pros: These pimple patches come in three different sizes, so you have multiple options for covering blemishes of various sizes or for reducing multiple zits at once. The A.D.F. hydrocolloid material not only reduces pimples but also protects the afflicted area, speeds up the healing process, calms redness, and keeps your skin moisturized. They’re vegan-friendly, unscented, and come in hygienic packaging to ensure they’re safe for your skin. They’re effective for daytime and overnight wear alike and come in several different quantity options. You’ll be able to only buy a handful if you plan to keep the patches on hand for emergencies or a larger amount if you have quite acne-prone skin and foresee using them fairly regularly.

Cons: If you have extra-oily skin, this patch likely won’t adhere quite as effectively as you would want. This patch is more viable for skin types that are mildly acne-prone. They’re also a bit on the pricey side for pimple patches, even if you opt for one of the smaller quantity boxes.

Bottom Line: Whether you just want some pimple patches to keep on hand or have acne-prone skin that requires a lot of attention, these overnight pimple patches are viable to use. For the best results, clean around the afflicted area before application, and use a patch bigger than the zit you want to eliminate. As long as you don’t have oily skin, they should work nicely with your skin type.

 

Pros: These pimple patches are waterproof and virtually undetectable when you put them on, no matter your skin tone. The hydrocolloid dressing effectively treats your acne and minimizes the adverse effects that it has on your skin. They provide you with 24 hours of protection, ensuring that your skin can heal from breakouts once the patches have absorbed the secretion of the whiteheads and pimples. And they have a nice low price tag, especially considering that you receive 144 total patches in a single box.

Cons: In terms of size options, these patches are a bit more limited compared to the other products listed in this article. The adhesive on them isn’t as strong as some others, either. Though they provide protection for up to 24 hours, they’re more likely to lose their stickiness and fall off when you’re sleeping compared to some other pimple patches.

Bottom Line: These pimple patches provide optimal anti-inflammatory relief for acne. They promote healing while also preventing potential skin infections, all for one extremely nice price. Just keep in mind that the adhesive isn’t as strong, especially if you have oily skin, so they’re not the best option for overnight pimple patches.

Final Thoughts

Pimple patches are an impressive modern invention that can help reduce and heal your acne. Take control over your skin care with these pimple patches.