Everyone’s had that moment where they look in the mirror and see a red spot emerging. Even with the best skincare routine, pimples are simply an inevitability. But thankfully, these unwanted visitors are very treatable with the right products. Some of the best pimple patches – a skin-safe adhesive loaded with healing ingredients – are a great way to replace what was once a days-long irritation with an overnight fix.
If you’re sick of dealing with acne, you’re not alone. A 2021 survey of 2,000 U.S. women found that the average American woman pops a total of 65 pimples annually. That’s 4,153 zits in the average woman’s adult lifetime! Yet another new poll finds many Americans say their skin issues affect their confidence. Researchers find these issues have long-lasting effects, with 81 percent of people with childhood skin problems saying it still affects their self-esteem today.
The 2020 survey, commissioned by Massage Envy, polled 2,000 Americans regarding the things that make them self-conscious about their looks. The poll finds 59 percent aren’t comfortable in their own skin, with 67 percent specifically citing skin problems as a contributing factor in their insecurities. 40 percent of respondents named acne as an issue, and of all participants, nearly 70 percent struggle to find a suitable, efficient skin routine. Nearly two-thirds of the poll agree they just don’t know how to take care of their skin. Six in 10 believe they need professional assistance, but nearly the same number (58 percent) admit they’re too uncomfortable to make an appointment with an expert.
That’s where StudyFinds can help. We did the research for you by scouring the internet to find expert reviews to find the five best pimple patches receiving the most recommendations across the sites. But of course, if you have a skincare secret weapon that we didn’t list, be sure to share in the comments below!
The List: Best Pimple Patches Ranked by Experts
1. Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patches
Perhaps it should come as no surprise that one of the most recognizable names in the pimple patch game would top our list. Hero Cosmetics has made its Mighty Patch a top seller in the skincare world, with acne-treaters reaching quickly for its products when a pimple strikes. “A home run for all skin types, this pack of acne patches includes a flat, invisible option for daytime and a more conspicuous overnight sticker, each containing hydrocolloid to expedite healing and prevent scarring,” says Byrdie.
“What could be more satisfying than peeling off a pimple sticker covered in all the goo it removed from a blemish? If you’re also a sucker for that gross yet gratifying feeling, we think you’ll love the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch as much as we do,” states People. “The original Mighty Patch is made with hydrocolloid, a gel used to absorb and trap bacteria without damaging the skin — hydrocolloid is often used in bandages to absorb discharge from wounds.”
For vegans and animal-conscious consumers, Allure adds, “these best sellers are made with vegan hydrocolloid, which means they’re not made with gelatin (as some stickers may still be).”
2. Starface
It would be difficult to beat Starface in terms of sheer fun, though that’s not to say that the patches aren’t doing serious healing work beneath their cute exterior. Reminiscent of a sticker you might have received for good work in elementary school, the cheerful look of Starface pimple patches make having a pimple a less dreadful experience — all while cutting down the time it takes to heal. “As one of the first skin-care brands to actually make acne treatment seem fun and enjoyable (a tall order, indeed), the 100-percent hydrocolloid Hydro-Stars are unabashedly bright yellow in color and, well, starry in shape,” Allure notes.
“Wear them loud, wear them proud,” states Byrdie. “Why hide your blemishes when you can heal them with these super-cute pimple protectors? In addition to reframing the narrative surrounding acne, Starface Hydro-Stars help absorb fluids while protecting bumps from bacteria.”
People adds, “we love that these cheery patches feel like a celebration of our skin, not in spite of our bumps, and not because of them either — but for the joyful process of showing all parts of ourselves the gentle compassion we deserve each time we stick on a yellow star.”
3. ZitSticka
If you’re dealing with more than just a little flare-up, ZitSticka has the products for you. With products meant to treat deeper cystic acne, the line-up includes patches that cover much larger areas than many of the others on this list. “Most pimple patches miss the mark on clearing out deep those deep, painful cysts that are too shy to show their white heads,” People claims. “That’s where microdart patches come in.”
“Australian-based skin-care brand ZitSticka’s product debut was a pimple patch covered with dissolving microneedles filled with blemish-busting ingredients, like salicylic acid, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid,” explains Allure.
“There’s not much you can do about a deep pimple brewing underneath your skin—outside of placing a ZitSticka on it. The self-dissolving microdarts get to the root of the problem and prevent bumps from getting any bigger,” Byrdie adds.
4. Peace Out Skincare
Peace Out Skincare boasts all kinds of great products for treating skin issues, but its acne healing dots prove to be a shining star. As Allure says, “the Peace Out Acne Healing Dots are flecked with 0.5-percent salicylic acid, which we all know by now is a breakout’s worst nightmare.”
NBC adds, “the patches combine hydrocolloid and salicylic acid to help remove oil and debris from clogged pores.”
“Salicylic acid is not actually the irritating ingredient you might think it is, and can actually help calm red, angry acne,” explains People. “These patches are uber sticky, not at all irritating, and form a protective barrier against environmental stressors that can inflame spots — including your pesky fingers.”
5. COSRX
Korean skincare brand COSRX is a master at fighting even the most stubborn pimples. “Serving up a heaping dose of hydrocolloid underneath each hygienic sticker, you can target even the most stubborn bumps with little effort,” Byrdie says.
“This K-beauty favorite has become one of the most popular acne patch picks, and its acclaim is rightly deserved. The hydrocolloid circles cling to skin no matter where you end up wearing them,” adds Allure.
“COSRX Pimple Patches are the holy grail. Drop everything and buy them,” urges an NY Mag reviewer. “If you pop or pick a zit, put this on immediately afterward, go to bed, and in the morning, you’ll see what I’m talking about and thank me.” People adds, “with 21,960 five-star reviews, these patches from K-Beauty experts COSRX are a certified cult classic.”
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links.