14 Acne Patches That Will Take Care of Zits Overnight

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While spot treatments might be necessary to diminish pesky zits, they aren't exactly described as "cute" — hence why we reserve them for our nighttime routines. However, acne patches can be an exception. Acne patches are made with hydrocolloid, a medical dressing that provides a moist and insulating environment to promote wound healing. They can absorb excess fluid like oil and pus and help reduce inflammation. Whether you're looking for something discreet and skin-like or something colorful that puts the fun in "functional," these hydrocolloid patches can suck the gunk out of your whiteheads and zits in mere hours of application.

Dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, M.D., told PS that these treatment-laced dressings have been used in dermatology for wound healing for years. "They help draw out excess oil, pus, and debris in a clean environment," he said. "In the case of acne patches, they deliver ingredients like niacinamide or other anti-inflammatories and actives like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to speed up clearance of the acne bump."

Bhanusali said an added bonus — one that is a favorite among dermatologists — is that pimple patches create a barrier that keeps you from picking at your zits, which can lead to lesions or acne scarring. However, if you have sensitive skin, he has one caveat: "Putting anything on your skin under occlusion increases penetration," he said. "If you have sensitive skin and apply too much benzoyl peroxide — or any other somewhat strong ingredients — you can get mild irritation, so it's best to let the skin breathe a bit in between applications."

Whether you choose to wear them overnight or to run errands, you'll see a decrease in the size of your pimple in hours. If you need proof, just check out the gunk that builds up on the back of the bandage. There are plenty of hydrocolloid patches on the market, so we rounded up the best pimple patches for shrinking zits ahead.


Expert Featured in This Article

Dhaval Bhanusali, M.D. FAAD is an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist, researcher, and laser surgeon practicing at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery.


Best Overall Acne Patch
PS Photography | Naomi Parris

Best Overall Acne Patch

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Variety Pack ($13)

If you're looking for a more discreet pimple patch, opt for this cult-favorite from Hero Cosmetics. It comes with 12 original translucent tan-colored patches, 12 invisible pimple patches, and two surface patches for larger areas. The tiny, clear hydrocolloid patches have a matte finish that makes spot treatment great at hiding in plain sight. Read our editor's in-depth review of the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original to learn more.

Patches per pack: 26

Editor Quote: "From its unmatched staying power to the undeniable results, I can say that the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Acne Patch truly lives up to the hype. Thanks to its gel formula, the patch gently clings to the skin for hours while effortlessly absorbing all of the gunk in the pimple. This is great, whether you're a heavy sleeper or on the go all day." — Naomi Parris, contributor

Best Translucent Acne Patches
PS Photography | Kyley Warren

Best Translucent Acne Patches

Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots ($5)

Throw one of these translucent acne patches onto a blemish or zit before bed and watch it work its magic. The medical-grade acne spot is designed to reduce irritation and inflammation, while sucking out built-up secretion. One PS editor said that they've become a "staple" in her beauty routine in this review of Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots.

Patches per pack: 30

Editor Quote: "I really appreciate that these acne spots are available in three different sizes. With other spot treatments I've tried, the patches have either been too large for otherwise minimal blemishes or too small for cystic pimples. I also love that unlike other acne spots, these are translucent and designed to match the appearance of skin. The spots don't stick out like an eyesore on my skin, so I feel comfortable wearing them during Zoom calls or in-person meetings." — Kyley Warren, assistant editor, Shopping

Best Acne Patch For Dark Spots
ulta.com

Best Acne Patch For Dark Spots

The Crème Shop Dreamy Skin Hydrocolloid Dark Spot Acne Patches ($5)

Take care of that zit with these dark spot acne patches. They're infused with salicylic acid and witch hazel to terminate pimples and heal blemishes from within. Plus, these fun pimple patches can reduce inflammation as well, and help brighten dark spots. The hydrocolloid patches also come in a variety of fun shapes like clouds, stars, and hearts.

Patches per pack: 24

Best Acne Patches For Cluster Breakouts
PS Photography | Renee Rodriguez

Best Acne Patches For Cluster Breakouts

Rael Beauty Miracle Acne Pimple Patch Invisible Spot Cover + Spot Control Cover Duo ($8)

If you're prone to breakouts or get clusters of pimples in one area, this acne pimple duo comes with three patches that will take care of that. Target your chin, cheek, forehead, and even your nose with one patch, rather than using multiple smaller patches. This kit also comes with 12 smaller patches for individual pimples. Read our in-depth editor review of the Rael Beauty Miracle Pimple Patches for the full product details.

Patches per pack: 15

Editor Quote: "Whenever I have a whitehead that pops up practically overnight, I reach for the Invisible Spot Cover. These hydrocolloid patches are best for surfaced acne and whiteheads, which I've been getting all the time lately. The patches come in two different sizes, and they're clear and matte, so they truly are invisible on the skin." — Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer

Best Pimple Patches With Varying Sizes
amazon.com

Best Pimple Patches With Varying Sizes

Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patches ($9)

These are a game changer when it comes to spot treating. Stick one of these translucent hydrocolloid patches onto a whitehead, and watch it draw out all the pus and liquid from your pimple like a magnet. These pimple patches come in three sizes including small, medium, and large, so you can find the best fit for each and every breakout.

Patches per pack: 48

Best Overnight Acne Patch
target.com

Best Overnight Acne Patch

PanOxyl Overnight Spot Patches ($10)

If you're a side sleeper, the PanOxyl overnight spot patches are the best pimple patch for you. These hydrocolloid spots will adhere to your face and not your pillow. They'll also help to prevent picking so that the spot isn't exposed to any further irritation.

Patches per pack: 40

Best Cute Acne Patch
amazon.com

Best Cute Acne Patch

Flower Power Acne Patches ($14)

Catch us wearing these stylish acne patches out and about. The "IG worthy" pimple patches dry out blemishes without harming the skin. The hydrocolloid patches are shaped like flowers and also feature bright colors like pink, blue, and purple. Plus, each one has a gem accent for a little extra glam. Founder of Squish Beauty Charli Howard recommends the patches be worn overnight for the optimal effect.

Patches per pack: 20

Best Acne Patch For Scarring
target.com

Best Acne Patch For Scarring

Clearasil Rapid Rescue Healing Spot Patches ($15)

Reduce inflammation and the risk of scarring with these healing spot patches from Clearasil. These will seal out bacteria, reduce the risk of infection, and work as a barrier for a healing environment. The hydrocolloid patches are especially great for overnight healing.

Patches per pack: 18

Best Acne Patch For the Nose
PS Photography | Annalise Mantz

Best Acne Patch For the Nose

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose ($17)

If you're dealing with clogged pores and blackheads, especially on the nose area, try out the Mighty Patch Nose. The hydrocolloid patches are flexible enough to stretch over the nose and are also shaped to accommodate its crevices. These will help reduce the appearance of pimples, pores, and oil practically overnight. Read our editor's review of the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose to learn more.

Patches per pack: 10

Editor Quote: "These nose patches did a better job of unclogging my pores than other options like traditional pore strips, liquid exfoliants, and clay masks." — Annalise Mantz, associate director, Branded Content

Best Acne Patches For Face Mapping
amazon.com

Best Acne Patches For Face Mapping

ZitSticka FaceMap Hydrocolloid Surface Area Patches ($18)

A big breakout requires a big solution, or at least a bigger pimple patch. These hydrocolloid patches are perfect for covering larger breakouts and clusters. The pack comes with a variety of patches that are shaped to fit the contours of your face, including your forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks.

Patches per pack: two face maps

Best Early Stage Acne Patch
sephora.com

Best Early Stage Acne Patch

Peace Out 2% Salicylic Acid Early Stage Acne Dot ($19)

Placing these acne spot dots — which are large in size compared to stickers from other brands — on a whitehead before bed will absorb oil and pus, dramatically reducing the spot in size. Plus, these hydrocolloid patches are infused with salicylic acid, retinol, and aloe vera leaf extract to help diminish the pimple and soothe the skin. These pimple patches are also translucent and blend beautifully into the skin, regardless of its shade.

Patches per pack: 8

Best Acne Patch Kit
ulta.com

Best Acne Patch Kit

Patchology Breakout Box 3-in-1 Acne Treatment Kit ($20)

This acne treatment kit has a pimple patch for every breakout you'll encounter. This 3-in-1 box contains hydrocolloid patches catered to your acne needs. It has 24 patches of Whitehead-Absorbing Hydrocolloid Dots, 24 patches of Pimple-Shrinking Salicylic Acid + Tea Tree Dots for treating early-stage zits, and three Blackhead-Eliminating Nose Strips. Acne is unpredictable, so having this kit in your arsenal is a must for unexpected breakouts.

Patches per pack: 51

Best Acne Patch Treatment
amazon.com

Best Acne Patch Treatment

ZitSticka Killa Acne Treatment Kit ($25, originally $36)

This acne treatment kit comes with painless microneedling patches that contain tiny nubs which allow its ingredients to penetrate the pimple quicker. Hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and niacinamide will help block a potential zit from getting bigger and inflamed. These patches are great for catching those those early stage zits and stopping them right in their tracks.

Patches per pack: 8

Best Salicylic Acid Acne Patch
amazon.com

Best Salicylic Acid Acne Patch

Starface Hydro-Star + Salicylic Acid ($30)

This acne spot pack contains star-shaped stickers that use hydrocolloid to shrink your zit. The blue pimple patches are infused with one percent salicylic acid, which helps with unclogging pores and diminishing breakouts. One PS editor said this patch sticks well compared to other brands.

Patches per pack: 96

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Additional reporting by Jesa Calaor and Kyley Warren


Anvita Reddy is an assistant editor for PS Shopping. She has a passion for products and is an avid reviewer of everything including furniture, mattresses, home gadgets, cookware, tech, and more. Having dealt with acne as a teenager and into adulthood, her expertise lies in beauty. She has tried and tested plenty of skin care, makeup, hair care, and countless other beauty products.



Jesa Marie Calaor was a former assistant editor for PS Beauty.



Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.