June 26, 2023

Spot On! The Best Pimple Patches At Every Price Point

In terms of on-the-spot acne treatments, there’s one product from the past few years which has honestly changed the game. The pimple patch – a hydrocolloid mini-bandage that sucks out pore-goo while preventing scabbing and picking – has made the odd breakout infinitely easier to deal with. What used to be a niche item on the market has truly taken off. Now it seems there’s an option offered by almost every brand. So which ones are the best out there? Well, we have you covered – with a selection of the very best pimple patches at every price point.

The Cheapest Pimple Patches

If you’re truly on a tight budget but want to experience (at least some) of the pimple patch magic, I point you towards the Derma Rehab Spot Repair Hydrocolloid Patches. These are crazily affordable and, for the most part, get the job done. They’re a little trickier to work with and tend to have less sticking power, but for the price, they’re hard to beat.

A little pricier but still super affordable are the Alba Acnedote Pimple Patches. These are less focused on the sucking out of the spot and more on treating inflammation – but they’re very effective and pleasant enough to use. And an absolute classic – and still one of the best bargains out there – are the CosRX Acne Pimple Master Patches, which will essentially deflate any trapped pore in a matter of hours.

The Best Two-in-one Patches

If you’re looking for something a little more luxe, the Peace Out Acne Healing Dots offer a sort of two-in-one – both effectively clearing the pore and treating the blemish with soothing and healing ingredients. 

Strangely expensive for a typically bargainous brand, I still want to shout out the Clearasil Overnight Spot Treatment Patches. These are thicker than your average patch, which makes them great for longevity. If you have a day at home, put on one of these and leave it until you next leave the house. The results are impressive – and the fact it sticks around until you take it off is highly pleasing. 

Pimple Patches Royalty is Here

Onto the more highly-priced pimple patches out there. Now, you didn’t think I wasn’t going to mention the Starface Acne Patches, did you? Not only are these fantastic at treating and healing pimples, but they’re also a true joy to wear. Like, why wear a clear circle when you can wear a brightly coloured, holographic, or glow-in-the-dark star?

I’m also partial to the more luxurious Peter Thomas Roth Acne Patches. Using these is essentially bringing out the big guns. Suppose you’ve got a big event coming up and a big, deep, painful spot about to erupt; fear not. These can take down swelling and redness fast. But even I will admit they’re a little too pricey to introduce into the daily skincare routine.

My final pimple patch recommendation is for when you need to go the extra mile, acne-treatment-wise. The Zitsticka Killa Spot Clarifying Patch Kits are a whole different kettle of fish from other pimple patches. Each patch is covered in tiny micro darts that slightly pierce the skin and inject the zit with anti-inflammatory ingredients. If you feel something huge and painful brewing, an overnight session with one of these can nip even the most aggressive pimple in the bud.

Shop the Edit

Derma Rehab Spot Repair Hydrocolloid Patches
Alba Acnedote Pimple Patches
CosRX Acne Pimple Master Patches
Peace Out Acne Healing Dots
Clearasil Overnight Spot Treatment Patches
Starface Acne Patches
Peter Thomas Roth Acne Patches
Zitsticka Killa Spot Clarifying Patch Kits

Annie Walton Doyle is a writer based in Manchester, UK. She typically writes about beauty and other "personal aesthetics," with a healthy dose of both social commentary and stupidity. When not touching makeup, she enjoys pubs, knitting, nature, and mysteries. Find her on Instagram @anniewaltondoyle.