Buying a pack of acne patches can work wonders if you’re looking to mask and treat annoying spots. The best pimple patches we’ve seen won’t irritate your skin and they effectively stop you from picking at your face and making things worse. Our experts have picked out some of the most popular pimple patches for you to choose from.
Powering through the discounts to pick out some bargains, our team has spotted top picks from lovely skincare brands including Dots for Spots, Aliobio and LitBear. All of the pimple patches we’ve picked out in our guide are on offer at an affordable price, so you won’t need to spend loads to treat your skin.
In our guide to the best pimple patches, we explain which features to look out for when choosing a skincare product to banish spots. We can also reveal which acne patches are among the most popular over on Amazon, so you know you’re getting great value for money.
At a glance: our top 3 pimple patches
Cheap
- Translucent, ultra-thin pimple patches that blend with all skin tones
- Prevents picking and popping
- Vegan-friendly pimple patches free of alcohol
Popular
Rael Acne Pimple Healing Patch
- Designed to extract pus and impurities straight from the source
- Transparent design so you can feel confident
- Strong adhesive keeps the patch in place
72-pack
Eclat Pimple and Blackhead Patches
- Aims to reduce redness and swelling within an hour of applying the patch
- clear of Salicylic acid and Tea tree oil
- Contains 72 individual patches
What are pimple patches?
Small, adhesive patches designed to be placed directly on top of a pimple. These clever little stickers work by creating a barrier between the blemish and the surrounding skin, helping to prevent further irritation and infection. Many patches are partly made from hydrocolloid, which is a type of dressing used in wound care.
How to use a pimple patch: 5 easy steps
- Clean your face and make sure the affected area is dry.
- Choose a pimple patch that is the right size for your pimple.
- Peel off the backing from your pimple patch.
- Place the patch directly on top of your pimple.
- Leave the pimple patch on for several hours or overnight, depending on the brand’s own advice.
Remember to change your patch regularly, especially if it becomes soaked with pus and oil. Avoid touching the patch or picking at the pimple while the patch is on. You need to ensure you’re applying the patch to clean, dry skin. Use it as soon as you notice a pimple forming for the best results.
Best pimple patches to buy for 2023
Dots for Spots Acne Patches (£11.99)
- Pack size: 24 pimple patches
- Brand store: Dots for Spots
These acne patches from Dots for Spots have taken Amazon by storm, thanks to their effectiveness and the oh-so-tempting price. Each pack gets you 24 pimple patches in total and the brand claims they’re suitable for oily skin, sensitive skin and dry skin. These acne patches are alcohol free and create a moist environment for your spot to heal.
Dots for Spots acne Patches are both translucent and ultra thin, so you can remain confident whether you’re wearing them during the daytime or partying in the evening. Plus, having these patches on will stop you from picking at damaged skin.
Click here to buy the Dots for Spots Acne Patches, or search deals on eBay.
Aliobio Acne Patches (£13.99)
- Pack size: 216 pimple patches
- Brand store: Aliobio
Take a closer look at these pimple patches from Aliobio if you fancy treating damaged skin. In this pack, you get six sheets of patches, equal to over 200 acne patches in total. The brand says these patches are infused with natural formula for better inflammation results. Plus, they’ll act as a shield against contamination and infection.
These acne patches come in a range of different sizes, which is perfect if you’re looking to position them on different parts of your face.
Click here to buy the Aliobio Acne Patches, or search deals on eBay.
Rael Acne Pimple Healing Patch (£15.78)
- Pack size: 96 pimple patches
- Brand store: Rael
There are almost 100 individual pimple patches in this package from Rael. Each patch sticks directly to your skin and gets to work right away, extracting pus and impurities straight from the source. These acne patches are transparent, too, so you can feel confident wearing them in bright sunlight.
Click here to buy the Rael Acne Pimple Healing Patch, or search deals on eBay.
Acne Pimple Spot Patches by LitBear (£9.99)
- Pack size: 80 pimple patches
- Brand store: LitBear
Here’s another skincare brand that offers acne patches to tackle tricky blemishes. Grab a pack from this LitBear range and you get 80 patches in total. If you need more than that, the brand also produces packs that contain 100 dots in one bag.
The Acne Pimple Spot Patches by LitBear are said to ‘shrink zits in 5 hours’, which is good news if you plan on applying them during the afternoon before you hit the town. They’re designed to pull icky pus out of whiteheads and contain all-natural ingredients, suitable for sensitive skin.
Click here to buy the Acne Pimple Spot Patches by LitBear, or search deals on eBay.
Livaclean Acne Patches (£5.99)
- Pack size: 48 pimple patches
- Brand store: LivaClean
LivaClean is a really popular brand on Amazon if you’re shopping for acne patches. This pack contains 48 individual treatment dots and they aim to shield your face from dirt and debris. Livaclean acne Patches come in 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm sizes, so you have a couple of options depending on where you’re applying them.
Click here to buy the Livaclean Acne Patches, or search deals on eBay.
COSRX Master Patch (£24.99)
- Pack size: 24 pimple patches per pack, 10 packs in total
- Brand store: COSRX
If you want to buy your acne patches in bulk, we recommend this megapack courtesy of COSRX. You get 10 packs in total, which is equal to 240 pimple patches. COSRX Master Patches are designed in three different sizes to cover multiple pimples at once, and they’re formulated with skin-friendly ingredients to deal with irritated skin.
Click here to buy the COSRX Master Patch, or search deals on eBay.
Pimple patches: common questions
How to choose the right size pimple patch
Most pimple patch brands offer patches in different sizes, so choose one that fits your needs.
To get started, assess the size of your pimple. Look for a patch slightly larger than the blemish so that it covers the full area. If you can’t find a patch that is the exact size, opt for a larger one and trim it down.
Consider the type of pimple you’re treating. If you have a cluster of smaller pimples, you may want to choose a patch that is smaller in size to target each pimple individually. If you have a larger pimple, a bigger patch may be better-suited.
Can pimple patches be used on all skin types?
Yes, pimple patches are generally safe to use on all skin types, including sensitive skin. However, it’s always a good idea to test a small patch of skin before using the patch on a larger area to ensure that you don’t experience any adverse reactions.
Can pimple patches be used on acne scars?
Pimple patches are designed to be used on active pimples, not acne scars. They work by absorbing the pus and oil from the pimple and protecting it from further irritation. If you have acne scars, there are other treatments that may be more effective, such as chemical peels, microneedling, or laser therapy.
Can pimple patches be worn under makeup?
Pimple patches can be worn under makeup, but you need to make sure the patch is dry and adhered to the skin before applying your makeup. Choose a patch that is thin and translucent as it won’t interfere with the appearance of the makeup.
How long does it take for pimple patches to work?
The length of time it takes for pimple patches to work can vary depending on the size and severity of the pimple. Generally, it’s recommended to wear the patch for at least six hours, or overnight, to allow it to absorb the pus and oil from the pimple. Some people may see results within a few hours, while others may need to use the patch for several days.
Are pimple patches reusable?
Most pimple patches are not reusable and should be discarded after each use. However, there are some brands that offer reusable patches, which can be washed and reused multiple times. It’s important to check the packaging or instructions to determine whether a patch is reusable or not
Can pimple patches be used on body?
Yes, they can be used on other areas of the body besides your face. Pesky pimple can occur anywhere on your body where there are hair follicles, including your chest, back, and shoulders.
Some pimple patch brands may specify that their products are only intended for use on the face. Before using a pimple patch on another area of your body, read the instructions and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
The benefits of using pimple patches
- Can reduce the risk of scarring
- Designed to speed up the healing process
- Protects the pimple from further irritation
- Keeps your skin hydrated
- Conceals the pimple
How much should I spend on pimple patches?
If you’re on the hunt for some effective acne patches, expect to spend around £5-15 on a decent pack. For that price, you can get patches of various sizes that are suitable for sensitive skin.
Need a great mirror to help you apply your makeup? Check out our handy guide on the best makeup mirrors with lights.
Where to buy pimple patches
| Retailer name | What does it offer? |
|---|---|
| Amazon | Loads of options from a range of well-known skincare brands. |
| Boots | This retailer stocks plenty of treatments that aim to tackle acne and troublesome skin. |
| eBay | Has a selection of acne patches on offer from known brands including Avon and Clearasil. |
| Robert Dyas | Sells the Magnitone MSSKGP05 Pureskin Clean & Nourish Set. |
Featured image courtesy of COSRX store.