Do Hydrocolloid Patches Work For Acne?

Do Hydrocolloid Patches Work For Acne?

I’ve struggled with acne for a very long time. But my life changed when I discovered hydrocolloid patches (a.k.a. zit stickers) for acne a few years ago. It’s amazing how much these patches speed up the recovery of deep-in-the-surface pimples, as well as active whiteheads. So, if you asked me, “Do hydrocolloid patches work for acne?,” my answer would be a resounding, “Yes, pimple patches work!”

The best part is that hydrocolloid patches can be used on all skin types. That said, they are specifically beneficial for acneic skin. Also, some patches work better than others for cystic acne, and they’re good for wound healing and preventing scarring.

Keep reading for a full breakdown of hydrocolloid patches and how they help combat acne. We even share a few of our favorite product picks!

Do Hydrocolloid Patches Work For Acne?

The short answer is yes, they definitely do. Hydrocolloid patches work by creating a moist environment on the skin. They draw out the pus and fluid inside the pimple and suspend that fluid onto the patch. These patches work wonders in absorbing excess fluid and liquid while protecting your skin at the same time. 

I find that, when I use a pimple patch, it draws out the fluid and makes my pimple “flat” on the surface of the skin. It makes it much easier for me to cover up a pimple when it’s flat and not raised. Also, I suffer from pretty dry skin. When I use these patches, I notice that they don’t actually dry out the pimple like other spot treatments with harsh active ingredients might, which I appreciate.  

Below, you can find the best hydrocolloid acne patches on the market. Believe me when I say, I’ve had to do plenty of testing (unfortunately) of various hydrocolloid acne patches (and hydrocolloid bandages and hydrocolloid dressings) on the market.

How Does Hydrocolloid Work?

Unlike benzoyl peroxide, which works by drying the zit out, hydrocolloid works by pulling stuff out. If you tend to notice clogged pores on your face, these patches can be super beneficial in unclogging them. Since you place the sticky side (which has hydrocolloid gel) directly on the blemish, it helps to attract the gunk that led to it in the first place. The nice thing about using hydrocolloid patches is that it just sits on the outer layer of the skin, so — also unlike benzoyl peroxide and some face washes — there isn’t much of a chance for irritation.

How Long To Leave On Hydrocolloid Patch

Regardless of which acne patch you opt for, the packaging should have instructions for how long you leave it on. Typically, you’ll want to leave the patch on for at least eight hours to give the acne-fighting ingredients a chance to do their thing.

I like to wear my patches either at night before I go to bed, or during the day when I’m working from home. Sometimes, if my pimple is a whitehead, I will get a sterilized pimple popper tool with a sharp end (or a sterilized safety pin), and gently pop my pimple with the tool. Then I will apply a hydrocolloid pimple patch on top of the pimple to speed up the process of extracting the gunk from the pimple. It works wonders for me every time. 

Interestingly, some folks don’t mind wearing their pimple patches outside in public — I’m not sure that I’m one of those people. I once wore one to my local coffee shop, and I got weird looks from the barista. Suffice to say, I’m a little scarred by that experience (no pun intended).  

Now that you know that hydrocolloid patches work for acne, let’s go over some of the best ones on the market.

Best Hydrocolloid Acne Patches

Good Molecules Pimple Patches

Available at Amazon ($8) | Also available at Target

There is so much to love about these pimple patches. First off, at $8 for 60 patches, they’re the most affordable option in this roundup. Secondly, they are super thin—meaning that they’re about as sheer as pimple patches get. They are also cruelty-free, vegan, and fragrance-free.

Mario Badescu Drying Patch

Available at Amazon ($18) | Also available at Target, Ulta, and Mario Badescu

These Mario Badescu stickies are another great option for ultra-sheer pimple patches. They also contain different skin-loving ingredients to ensure your dermis is well taken care of. You can wear them all day or even overnight.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original

Available on Amazon ($22) | Also available on Target and Ulta

These are some of the best-selling acne patches on Amazon, and for good reason — they really work. I like that they are thick and never fall off. They are my favorite of all the acne patches out there because they do a great job at getting your pimple to a head. And I feel like they work pretty fast. 

Avarelle Cover Patch Original

Available on Amazon ($14) | Also available on Target and Avarelle

These are another great option on Amazon. They are less expensive but still just as effective. Plus, I love that they come in so many different shapes and sizes for any and all acne needs. They also have acne patches with salicylic acid and tea tree oil in them, which might help speed up recovery time.

Florence by Mills Spot & Spot Acne Patches

Available on Ulta ($15) | Also available on Amazon and Florence

I like how thick and hefty these patches are, but I don’t love the shapes. They’re not very practical (especially the whale patch), and can get tricky when you’re trying to cover a large pimple. That being said, they are cute and they work pretty well.  

Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots

Available on Amazon ($9) | Also available on Ulta and Peach & Lily

These are another big hit on Amazon. They come in three different round sizes and are clear, making it easy to walk outside without being too obvious. And, at $9 for a whopping 60 patches, this is a great deal.

Starface Hydro-Stars Pimple Patches

Available on Amazon ($15) | Also available on Target and Starface World

I’ll admit that I reach for my Hero Cosmetics patches before applying these. They look cool on your skin, but they are the least sticky hydrocolloid patches I’ve tested, and I’ve noticed that they have fallen off multiple times. 

ZitSticka Killa Kit

Available on Amazon ($20) | Also available on Target

These are another brand of pimple patches that have the self-dissolving micro darts. These are specifically geared for pimples that are more underneath the surface of the skin, rather than superficial pimples that have already reached the surface and are waiting to be popped.

Cosrx Acne Pimple Patch

Available on Amazon ($28) | Also available on Target and Ulta

You could say that these are the OGs of pimple patches. They are simple, straightforward, come in three different sizes, and are very sheer. We will note, however, that they’re a bit expensive. You only get 24 patches for $28.

Rael Miracle Invisible Spot Cover

Available on Amazon ($18) | Also available at Target and Ulta

These hydrocolloid patches are geared for whiteheads that need to be extracted. I love that they are sheer and 96 patches come in just one pack — a steal! Plus, they’re non-drying and hypoallergenic; making them perfect for sensitive skin.

Sweet Chef Carrot Ginger Rescue Blemish Patches

Available on Amazon ($19)

I really don’t love the pattern on these patches — I don’t think they are that cute. I also don’t like that I can’t see how much gunk was taken out of my pimple with these patches because they aren’t clear. That being said, they do definitely work, and I like that they are on the thicker side. 

Peace Out Skincare Pimple Patch

Available on Amazon ($19) | Also available on Sephora and Ulta

These are cool because they contain a bunch of active ingredients that work to treat acne — think aloe vera leaf extract, salicylic acid, vitamin A, and hydrocolloid polymer technology. Pro tip: The brst bang for your buck (a.k.a. 40 pimp patches for $33) is at Sephora.

Clearasil Stubborn Acne Control 5-in-1 Pimple Patch

Available on Amazon ($27) | Also available at Target

The OG of acne solutions, Clearasil has created their own line of acne patches. They’re meant to be worn overnight, so make sure to adhere to those instructions. I like that these are easily available at drugstores and online. 

Patchology Breakout Box 3-in-1 Pimple & Acne Spots Treatment Patch Kit

Available on Amazon ($20) | Also available on Ulta and Nordstrom

This box from Patchology contains three nose strips, 24 salicylic acid dots, and 24 hydrocolloid dots. I love that it has variety for all of your acne needs. As far as pimple patches go, it’s great that these have salicylic acid to help exfoliate your blemishes.

Alba Botanica Acnedote Pimple Patches

Available on Amazon ($8)

I like that this is a 100% vegetarian formula made without potentially harmful ingredients. It’s free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. The brand is also cruelty-free and recognized by the Leaping Bunny Program. It’s a great vegan option!

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