Pimple Patches: The Life Saviour of Acne-Prone Skins

Written by Clémence Rubiella | Published on 11 August 2023 | Skincare

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Dear readers,

For those of you who have perfect immaculate acne-free skin, first of all, we don't like you very much and this post is not for you. Joking everyone is more than welcome :). However, if you are like me and have the most annoying acne-prone skin, scroll down to find out some of the best pimple treatments and other magical products that actually fight off acne. But what are pimple patches? They are hydrocolloid patch that effectively drains pus from pimples to prevent scarring. Hydrocolloid patches are designed with a bevelled edge to provide almost invisible coverage and treatment of the affected area. You can wear pimple patches during the day and at night while you sleep but make sure you apply them on dry skin. The patches won't hold on creams or else.

My recommendations:

1. Best Overall: OliveYoung Care Plus Scar Cover Spot ($10)

2. Runner-up: COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch ($9)

3. Best for Post-Treatment: RNW Der. Esthe Dual Derm Spot Patch ($11)

4. Best Matte Finish: Me Factory Unnoticeable Spot Patch ($13)

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1. Best Overall: COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

Rating: 4.5 / 5

Highlights:

• Great adherence to the skin

• Very efficient in reducing pimple inflammation

• Not visible on the skin

• Thin patch

• Vegan Formula

What we don’t like:

• Expensive

• Low quantity

• A bit difficult to take off its plastic support

Amazon | $14

YesStyle | $15

OliveYoung | $5

StyleKorean | $10

Typically, I do not like K-products that are super hyped in the Western world because most of them are way overrated but this product is the exception that confirms the rule. If you are looking for effective pimple patches, well search no more, you have found it. The COSRX Master Patch Original Fit comes in a resealable pouch and sterilized double packaging that contains one plastic sheet with 24 patches; 9 big dots, 5 medium-sized and 10 small ones. They are super comfortable on the skin once applied and adhere tightly for a long time. You can really see that the patch helps to foster the healing process and effectively protect from secondary infections and further swelling. This little dude is a holy grail in Korea for fighting acne. You, however, have to be a bit cautious when you take the patches off from the plastic support so that it doesn't fold onto themselves and they are waterproof to some extent. It is vegan and formulated without parabens, sulfates, silicone and fragrances.

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2. Runner-up: OliveYoung Care Plus Scar Cover Spot

Rating: 4.5 / 5

Highlights:

• Efficient in reducing pimple inflammation

• Easy to remove from the plastic support

• 2 different sizes; small and big

• A lot of quantity

• Great adherence to the skin

• Waterproof

What we don’t like:

• Can be noticeable on the skin

OliveYoung | $9

This Olive Young Care Plus Scar Cover Spot is a favourite of mine. First of all, for a very affordable price, you get a lot of quantity, nearly 100 patches of 2 different sizes; 10 and 12mm diameter. The Olive Young patches are thicker than the COSRX ones at the centre (or inner part) where there is the working agent to soothe the acne whilst the thin edges are excellent for adhering to the skin. It is waterproof and dustproof and will give you great coverage of your redness. Super great at calming the pimples and reducing their size. I use this product very often. Extremely easy to apply as well with the half-cut line method that protects patches from getting deformed.

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3. Best for Post-Treatment: RNW Der. Esthe Dual Derm Spot Patch

Rating: 4 / 5

Highlights:

• Great adherence

• 1 patch set for fighting inflammation

• 1 patch set for helping with acne scar

• Patches easily removed from the plastic support

What we don’t like:

• Expensive

Amazon | $13

YesStyle | $11

What intrigued me about this product was its double patch combination, which is not common at all in most pimple patches out there on the market. So I thought, why not try it right? Well, I wasn't disappointed. Within this patchset, you will discover two variations of spot patches: those designed for preemptive use (soothing care filled with salicylic acid, tea tree leaf oil and fireweed extract) and others intended for post-acne eruption application (protective care). This combination empowers you to address your pimple concerns based on the specific issue you encounter, whether it's in the initial or later phases of blemish emergence. Waterproof and dustproof and vegan formulated (free of parabens), each pack comes with 40 Plasta patches and 30 Hydrocolloid patches. Very nice patches altogether; light weight and easy to apply with the half-cut method.

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4. Best Matte Finish: Me Factory Unnoticeable Spot Patch

Rating: 4 / 5

Highlights:

• Great soothing efficiency

• Matte type not seen easily

• Ultra-thin

• Cute packaging concept

• Good adherence to the skin

What we don’t like:

• Not as effective as the COSRX

OliveYoung | $13

The Me Factory Unnoticeable Spot Patch wins by far the cuteness contest. The concept of a cute piggy as the brand ambassador is brilliant. Although Me Factory is more famous for their 3 Steps Piggy Nose Strip, their pimple patch is noticeably great. The patch's finish is somewhat matte, which allows them to blend perfectly on your skin and become "unnoticeable". They are ultra-thin and so feel very comfortable on the skin. This product comes in 3 sizes; 8mm, 10mm and 12mm diameter. The formula contains tea tree leaf oil and centella asiatica extract to soothe the troubled area. Super nice product and fun idea for a gift.

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