What Are Pimple Patches and How Do They Work?

No matter your skin type, chances are good that you’ve dealt with a stubborn pimple at one point. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), roughly 85% of people experience acne during adolescence and early adulthood, and up to 15% of adult women struggle with breakouts. Put simply, acne is a prevalent skin concern, regardless of age. And in our experience, one of the best ways to tackle a surprise breakout is with a pimple patch. 

You’ve likely seen packs of these small, unassuming-looking stickers on the shelves of your local drugstore. Maybe you even have some stashed in your bathroom cabinet. If you’re wondering how they work — and whether they work on different types of breakouts — keep reading. Ahead, we’re telling you everything you need to know about pimple patches and sharing a look at some of our favorites worth stocking up on. 

What Are Pimple Patches Made Of?

According to the American Chemical Society (ACS), there are three types of pimple patches: nonmedicated patches, medicated patches, and microneedle (sometimes referred to as microdart) patches. 

• Nonmedicated pimple patches: Nonmedicated pimple patches are made out of hydrocolloid, a thin, flexible material made from gelatin or cellulose and polymers that help draw fluid out of the pimple. Hydrocolloid pimple patches also have an impermeable outer layer that helps shield the blemish from air, water, and bacteria. According to licensed master aesthetician and Blue Water Spa founder Rachel Lozina, this unique material “is a superior wound healer that provides a warm environment and allows the [blemish] to breathe and heal.” 

• Medicated pimple patches: Like nonmedicated pimple patches, these blemish-sized stickers are typically made from hydrocolloid material. However, they also include acne-fighting ingredients, such as salicylic acid, to further target acne-causing bacteria. 

• Microdart pimple patches: Microneedle patches contain acne-fighting ingredients and feature tiny, ultra-fine needles on their surface. These microscopic spikes help deliver the acne-fighting ingredients further into the skin, which makes them particularly ideal for deep pimples. They can be made out of hydrocolloid material, but this isn’t always the case. Because they have active ingredients, Lozina says that medicated pimple patches and microdart patches “should only be used when there’s a lot of inflammation and bacteria present.”  

Do Pimple Patches Work on All Types of Breakouts? 

Pimple patches can be used on most types of acne, though you’ll want to choose the right type of patch for your specific breakout. Standard hydrocolloid patches are ideal for whiteheads and pustules, as these types of blemishes contain fluid inside of them that the hydrocolloid can help draw out. Medicated patches work well on large whiteheads and pustules, too, as well as papules (non-fluid-filled acne bumps). 

You can also use microdart patches on any type of pimple, but they’re best suited for deeper, under-the-skin breakouts. Keep in mind, however, that deep blemishes —such as cysts and nodules — can be tricky to treat. If you frequently get these types of breakouts, it’s best to visit a dermatologist. They may be able to prescribe more powerful topical or oral medication to help manage your acne. 

How Do You Use Pimple Patches? 

When a surprise pimple rears its unwelcome head, it can be tough to resist the urge to pop it, even when you know you shouldn’t. That’s where pimple patches come in handy. In addition to treating the pimple, these patches cover the spot and protect it from pop-happy fingers, which can help speed up the healing process. 

Using these adhesive stickers is pretty straightforward. First, you’ll need to wash your face to remove any dirt, bacteria, or excess oil from the surface of your skin. (If you want to give your breakout a one-two punch, try an acne cleanser, like the DIME Creamy Foam Cleanser: Glycolic + Salicylic Acid). Then, moisturize the rest of your face (except the breakout area) and place the patch directly over the pimple. It should adhere to your skin without slipping or sliding around. You’ll want to leave it on for several hours or overnight for the best results. If you’re using a medicated pimple patch, keep in mind that less is more: According to Lozina, using medicated patches several days in a row “can cause irritation and prolong the healing process of the pimple.” 

As helpful as pimple patches are for the occasional breakout, they aren’t a solution for acne. If you have more than one pop-up pimple, chat with a dermatologist about developing a full acne-fighting skin care routine that, yes, can include pimple patches.  

Shop the trend: 

If you’re interested in trying pimple patches next time you’re dealing with a breakout, consider one of these editor-approved options. 

1. COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

Korean beauty brand COSRX’s simple yet effective pimple patches are among our favorites for targeting surprise breakouts. The 100% hydrocolloid patches are drug-free and come in three sizes to address different-sized pimples. Plus, each pack comes in at under $10 and includes 24 patches, making them among the most budget-friendly acne patches you’re likely to find. 

2. ZitSticka Undercover Acne Blemish Patches

Sometimes, overnight just doesn’t cut it, and you’ll find yourself needing to reach for a pimple patch during the daytime. ZitSticka’s invisible patches are perfect for those occasions, as the ultra-thin film appears virtually undetectable on the skin and blends well under makeup. We also love that the patches contain skin-soothing cica and azelaic acid. 

3. Starface Hydro-Star XL Pimple Patches

There’s a good chance you’ve seen these colorful, star-shaped hydrocolloid acne patches on TikTok — they’re widely loved for both their efficacy and cute design (even Hailey Bieber is a fan). The brand offers smaller versions of the stickers, but for bigger spots, we love the XL pimple patches. They’re 20 mm (roughly three-quarters of an inch) wide, and the unique star shape helps grip the contours of your face to ensure the patch stays put.

4. Peace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots

These patented hydrocolloid patches are formulated with encapsulated salicylic acid, retinol, and aloe vera to help shrink pimples in as little as six hours without irritating the skin. While they’re slightly pricier than some of the other options on our list — $19 for 20 patches — we think the patches’ efficacy and ease of use makes them well worth the slightly higher price. 

5. Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts

If you have a blemish that doesn’t have any fluid inside of it (think: a papule or even stubborn blackheads), these microdart patches are a must-try. The sticky patches are made with a slew of acne-fighting ingredients, including salicylic acid, willow bark extract, tea tree oil, and niacinamide. They also contain hyaluronic acid, which helps prevent dryness. Apply one of the patches to your area of concern and leave it on overnight to rapidly diminish both emerging and deep blemishes.

6. Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Surface Acne Pimple Patches

Oftentimes, pimples are like ants: Where there’s one, there are many. Papering your face in tiny blemish-sized patches can be tedious (and frankly, expensive), which is why Hero Cosmetics made these extra-large hydrocolloid patches. At 2 ¾ inches long by 1 inch wide, they’re more akin to acne sheets — and in our experience, they’re perfect for targeting large breakout clusters (on your face or body) in one go.