12 Acne Patches and Stickers That Will Banish Zits Overnight

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Spot treatments aren't exactly described as "cute." It's necessary to diminish those pesky zits, but they are reserved for our nighttime routines. However, acne patches are 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 white heads and zits in mere hours of application.

Dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, M.D., told POPSUGAR 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.

Additional reporting by Jesa Calaor

Best Pimple Patch: Rael Beauty Miracle Acne Pimple Patch Invisible Spot + Spot Control Duo
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Best Pimple Patch: Rael Beauty Miracle Acne Pimple Patch Invisible Spot + Spot Control Duo

If you are prone to breakouts and getting clusters of pimples in one area, the Rael Beauty Miracle Acne Pimple Patch Invisible Spot Cover + Spot Control Cover Duo ($9) 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.

Best Pimple Patches: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original
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Best Pimple Patches: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original

If you're looking for a more discreet pimple patch, opt for the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Variety Pack ($12). 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. If you're dealing with clogged pores and blackheads, especially on the nose area, try out the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose ($16). One POPSUGAR editor raves that "these nose patches did a better job of unclogging my pores than other options like traditional pore strips, liquid exfoliants, and clay masks." Read her in-depth review of the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose.

Best Pimple Patches: Patchology Breakout Box 3-in-1 Acne Treatment Kit
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Best Pimple Patches: Patchology Breakout Box 3-in-1 Acne Treatment Kit

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

Best Pimple Patches: ZitSticka FaceMap Hydrocolloid Surface Area Patches
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Best Pimple Patches: ZitSticka FaceMap Hydrocolloid Surface Area Patches

A big breakout requires a big solution, or at least a bigger pimple patch. The ZitSticka FaceMap Hydrocolloid Surface Area Patches ($18, originally $21) is perfect for covering larger breakouts and clusters. It comes with a variety of patches shaped to fit the contours of your face, including your forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks. These hydrocolloid patches will suck out the gunk practically overnight.

Best Pimple Patches: Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch
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Best Pimple Patches: Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch

The Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patches ($16 for a pack of four) 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 small, medium, and large, so you can find the best fit for each and every breakout.

Best Pimple Patches: Peace Out Skin Care Acne Healing Dots
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Best Pimple Patches: Peace Out Skin Care Acne Healing Dots

Placing one of these Peace Out Skin Care Acne Healing Dots ($19) — 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 encapsulated 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 into the skin.

Best Pimple Patches: ZitSticka Killa Acne Treatment Kit
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Best Pimple Patches: ZitSticka Killa Acne Treatment Kit

The ZitSticka Killa Acne Treatment Kit ($29) has painless microneedling patches that contain tiny nubs that allow its ingredients to penetrate the pimple quicker. Hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and niacinamide will help block a potential zit from getting bigger and inflammed. These patches are great for catching those those early stage zits and stopping it right in its tracks. This kit comes with eight microdart pimple patches and eight priming cleaning swabs.

Best Pimple Patches: Squish Beauty Flower Power Acne Patches
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Best Pimple Patches: Squish Beauty Flower Power Acne Patches

Catch us wearing these stylish and fun Flower Power Acne Patches ($14) out and about. These "IG worthy" pimple patches dry out blemishes without harming the skin. It comes with 20 hydrocolloid patches that are shaped like flowers and come in bright colors like pink, blue, and purple. Plus, each one has a gem accent that's so glam. Founder of Squish Beauty Charli Howard recommends the patches be worn overnight for the optimal effect.

Best Pimple Patches: Starface Hydro-Star + Salicylic Acid
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Best Pimple Patches: Starface Hydro-Star + Salicylic Acid

The Starface Hydro-Star + Salicylic Acid ($32) contain 96 star-shaped stickers that use hydrocolloid to shrink your zit. These blue pimple patches are infused with one percent salicylic acid that helps with unclogging pores and diminishing breakouts. One POPSUGAR editor said this patch sticks well compared to other brands.

Best Pimple Patches: Clearasil Rapid Rescue Healing Spot Patches
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Best Pimple Patches: Clearasil Rapid Rescue Healing Spot Patches

Reduce inflammation and the risk of scarring with the Clearasil Rapid Rescue Healing Spot Patches ($11). These will seal out bacteria, reduce the risk of infection, and work as a barrier for a healing environment. These hydrocolloid patches are great for overnight healing. It comes in a pack of 18.

Best Pimple Patches: PanOxyl Overnight Spot Patches
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Best Pimple Patches: PanOxyl Overnight Spot Patches

If you're a side sleeper, the PanOxyl Overnight Spot Patches ($9) is the best pimple patch for you. These hydrocolloid patches will adhere to your face and not your pillow. It helps prevent picking and diminishes acne. It comes with 40 clear patches.

Best Pimple Patches: The Crème Shop Dreamy Skin Hydrocolloid Dark Spot Acne Patches
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Best Pimple Patches: The Crème Shop Dreamy Skin Hydrocolloid Dark Spot Acne Patches

Take care of that zit with the The Crème Shop Dreamy Skin Hydrocolloid Dark Spot Acne Patches ($5). It has salicylic acid and witch hazel to terminate that pimple and heal from within. Plus, these fun pimple patches can reduce inflammation as well, and help brighten dark spots. These hydrocolloid patches come in a variety of fun shapes like clouds, stars, and hearts.