Let's share the best and worst pimple patches! We know that pimple patches are often overpriced. So, we’re going to talk about the most popular, affordable, and effective ones. We'll also describe the ones that need improvement.
Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Microneedling Patches
This is $16 for only four pimple patches. They claim that these microneedling pimple patches have granactive retinoids and hyaluronic acid. But, to be truthful, Cassandra doesn’t even know if there’s enough of these ingredients to be effective, and they don’t even have microdarts to help these ingredients penetrate or dissolve. So while the ingredient list seemed good, they did not deliver, and there are better pimple patches.
Smartmed Cover-Dot Acne Care = $10.99
These are supposed to be waterproof, overnight patches. Upon trying them though, they were not waterproof. Cassandra even tried going swimming with these on, and they fell off. Additionally, they’re supposed to absorb oil and promote faster healing. But ultimately, they are just hydrocolloid patches good for covering wounds. In fact, Cassandra wouldn't even call these “pimple patches.”
What is a hydrocolloid patch?
Hydrocolloid bandages have an ingredient that turns into a gel when it absorbs fluid, like a leaking pimple. So, hydrocolloid patches provide an effective healing environment.
There are also pimple patches with ingredients like salicylic acid that will treat the pimple. However, neither would be helpful for a cystic pimple. Cystic pimples are normally hormonal and much deeper within the skin.
Next, we have the patches from Starface. These are very cute, and the cute design does make you feel better when breaking out. But, they’re not very effective. They’re just hydrocolloid patches. On the other hand, they do have some with salicylic acid, and we’ve listed them below. Cassandra likes these slightly better.
Starface Hydro-Stars + Salicylic Acid - $12.99
The salicylic acid in these pimple patches kills acne bacteria, and they work for oily-prone skin. This ingredient goes into the pimple and dissolves the oil. It also kills acne bacteria and exfoliates it.
Starface also has limited edition pride stickers, and Cassandra loves them because they make acne fun instead of something we’re made to feel negative about. So, in regards to acne positivity, Starface ranks at the top. But, in regards to efficacy, they’re towards the bottom.
Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots - $4.99
These are adorable, but they are expensive. They are one of Cassandra’s favorites. There’s nothing in them that kills acne bacteria, but they’re very absorbent. They’re invisible, and they do stop you from picking. There are better options though.
I Dew Care Timeout Blemish Patch Happy Paws - $16
These are amazing, and they have active ingredients like salicylic acid and tea tree oil. The reason Cassandra loves these is that they’re much bigger than the Starface one, and plus, they stick to the skin better.
Furthermore, they’re antimicrobial and antibacterial, meaning they help to kill the bacteria that’s in the pimple. These aren’t the most efficacious patches that Cassandra has ever used, but they are very good. Also, the package is made with forestry recycled packaging.
Blume Buds Power Patches for Acne - $15
The Blume Buds are very similar but somewhat better. These are a 24-pack, and they are shaped like little flowers. But, they are more than just cute stickers. These actually have ingredients to treat acne.
In fact, Cassandra feels like this has more salicylic acid than some of the others, even the Starface ones. These are still super basic though because they’re just salicylic acid on a hydrocolloid bandage. These are bigger, and Cassandra does find that these stick very well. So, if you want something that doesn’t come off of your face, this is it.
Mario Badescu Drying Patch - $18
Cassandra never thought Mario Badescu would make it on the list, but these were actually very good even though they’re tiny. There are 60 of these, and they’re called a drying patch.
A lot of people don’t like Mario Badescu, but they do make some good products, and Cassandra does feel like they stand out among the others. Not only is it a pimple patch, but it has hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C along with salicylic acid.
However, using a niacinamide or vitamin C serum is still going to take you a lot further. Nevertheless, the fact that these patches include both niacinamide and vitamin C for under 20 bucks is very good.
Cassandra was very impressed with these, and she thinks she will purchase them again. Also, if you’re more prone to pigmentation like red or purple marks, this could be one of your go-to’s.
ZitSticka GOO GETTER™ Hydrocolloid Pimple Patch - $13.99
Cassandra feels like these ones do a slightly better job. They have vitamin C, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and tea tree. These remove a lot more fluid than the Mario Badescu ones. The vitamin C is more potent, and overall, it did give her skin less redness.
But once again, Cassandra wouldn’t recommend these or any pimple patches for cystic acne.
But, these work for period breakouts or little whiteheads. She loves ZitSticka because they’re a brand made for people with acne specifically. They use unfiltered photos or people with acne. At the same time, they might be a little more expensive depending on where you’re shopping from.
There’s 18 hydrocolloid packages in here. So, for two packs, you’d be paying for 38 patches.
I DEW CARE Meet Your Patch Blemish Patch Trio - $16.50
This one knocks the last two out of the park, especially since they have a multi-pack. The pack comes with the original, invisible blemish pack, the blemish patch happy paws, and the blemish dark spot patches. They come in different sizes too.
So, depending on how big or tiny the pimple is, you have a literal entire pack to treat every single pimple that pops up. You have the invisible ones, and then, there are the paw ones too. Overall, each version offers a lot of value and great ingredients.
If you get a lot of pimples, and you want something that’s forestry-certified, you won’t want to spend a ton of money. So, these are effective and inexpensive, and they are really invisible.
SLMD Skincare Spot Check Acne Patches with Salicylic Acid - $11.98
This is one of Cassandra’s favorite, inexpensive pimple patches. It’s from Dr. Pimple Popper. These are hydrocolloid patches with salicylic acid, and for a single-ingredient hydrocolloid patch, these are some of the most potent that Cassandra has used. These work so well so you don’t have to pick at your pimple, and it decreases the size of them.
These have salicylic acid at .5%, and for $12, these are potent. She feels like these are better for sensitive skin. Salicylic acid patches can be more potent. But, these are sensitive skin’s best friend if you want something medicated.
If you want a non-medicated patch, it’s better to go for the pimple patches that are just hydrocolloid patches. But, for those who get routine whiteheads, these are probably one of your most effective and gentle options.
Pacifica Pore Warrior Overnight Rescue Spot Dots - $6.99
These don’t dry out the skin. The ingredients in here disperse, and they help to treat Cassadra’s skin. They’re very hydrating, and they help to soothe breakouts.
Cassandra has used these for more than 5 years. They have hydrocolloid polymer technology, and this actually includes salicylic acid and a retinoid. The retinoid is fantastic, and it’s technically retinal acetate, which is very effective. To have a pimple patch that successfully delivers a retinoid, is wonderful.
The aloe vera is also helpful. It’s very hydrating. They don’t dry out the skin, and Cassandra loves these. These don’t have microneedling technology, but if you’re looking for a flat, invisible pimple patch that truly works, these are amazing.
If you get whiteheads or blackheads that turn into whiteheads, these have a very significant chance of helping.
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Variety Pack - $13.99
These are some of the best pimple patches Cassandra has ever used. Hero Cosmetics is made for sensitive skin. They are efficacious, good at what they do, and you can get them at Target. This variety pack has the original, the invisible, and the surface ones. Some of these do have active ingredients that help with acne.
More specifically, the surface ones work wonderfully for blackheads. They are probably the most efficacious for the price. The variety pack does not include microdart patches, but Hero Cosmetics does have them.
These almost completely got rid of Cassandra’s pimples overnight. She wouldn’t say the pimple completely disappears, but it significantly takes down the size because of the acne treatment it provides.
This kit includes a treatment plus a patch. You have to swipe the area clean, and then, apply the pimple patch which has microneedling dots. These work so well for Cassandra’s blemishes because they get rid of oil with the salicylic acid.
They also have niacinamide that helps with dark spots and pigmentation. There’s also oligopeptide-76 which can help speed up wound healing. None of the other patches have peptides that speed up wound healing.
Plus, there's hyaluronic acid, and Cassandra finds that when she uses hyaluronic acid, her skin does heal faster. Moreover, it brings moisture into the skin instead of drying it out.
Next, the microdarts deliver these ingredients into the skin. You don’t feel it, but it goes into the skin and dissolves into the pimple. This doesn’t work for cystic acne, but these in particular can definitely work for larger, more profound pimples. The darts go deeper than the other microdart patches, and to Cassandra, they’re the best. They're her go-to for emergency breakouts!