Pimple patches are a K-beauty staple when it comes to spot-treating blemishes. These patches help to keep your hands off your face, so you don’t pick at your pimples and spread bacteria (guilty as charged). They also make sure those pesky zits don’t overstay their welcome.
More people have been hopping on board the pimple patch train, and several beauty brands have taken it even further by creating cute, decorative versions. Trust us, when you see them, you’ll want to wear them even when you’re not breaking out.
Before we dive into it, we’ll give you the low-down on pimple patches and when you should use them in your skincare routine.
How does a pimple patch work?
Pimple patches are made of hydrocolloid. Hydrocolloid bandages are typically used in hospitals to sop up blood and pus from open wounds to speed up the healing process and prevent infection.
While pimple patches use the same material, they’re smaller and thinner, so you can cover up zits discreetly. Some patches are also infused with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and tea tree oil.
When should I use a pimple patch?
It’s best to use these patches when your pimple is showing a white or yellow head. After you’ve cleansed your skin, place the pimple patch on your zit. The hydrocolloid will then drain the spot and collect pus on the patch. It’s a little icky to see the collected gunk after a few hours, but it’s oddly satisfying — like watching blackhead extractions.
You can follow your patch application with a serum, moisturiser, and SPF. All you have to do is avoid applying product on the patch so it doesn’t slip or rub off. If you put on a pimple patch after you’ve applied your skincare products, the patch may not adhere to your skin as effectively, so it won’t be able to do its job.
Cute pimple patches you’ll want to wear out
1. Squish Flower Power Acne Patches
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3IPLNWA6Gh/
Founded by model and body-positive activist Charli Howard, Squish is one of the most exciting upcoming beauty brands. With its adorable flower design, Squish’s Flower Power Acne Patches aim to make your breakouts look a little cuter.
The hydrocolloid patches have glass diamond studs on top, so you can remove the studs and decorate other items with them. Each pack contains 20 patches in orange, pink, and blue. We’re definitely wearing these out to a gig or party once the Circuit Breaker ends.
Squish Flower Power Acne Patches retail for S$19.98 per pack (20 patches) and are available here. Squish does not ship to Singapore at the moment, so you’ll have to prepare a parcel-forwarding service.
2. Starface Hydro-Stars
Starface’s Hydro-Star patches are loud and proud. Like Squish, Starface wants you to make the most of your blemishes and fight against the stigma of acne. The star-shaped hydrocolloid patches absorb fluid to flatten out your pimples, so pop on a patch or two and snap a selfie for the ‘gram.
Starface Hydro-Stars retail for S$28.54 per pack (32 patches) and are available here. Starface does not ship to Singapore at the moment, so you’ll have to prepare a parcel-forwarding service.
3. Truly #Heart Your Imperfections Blemish Treatment Acne Patches
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuzMSftn0VA/
If you want to see hearts instead of stars, try these patches from Truly. These pink, heart-shaped pimple patches draw bacteria and gunk out from your zits to heal your skin.
Each patch contains salicylic acid to exfoliate your pores, while hemp seed oil soothes redness and reduces inflammation. You can use these patches to complete your Harley Quinn cosplay look too.
Truly #Heart Your Imperfections Blemish Treatment Acne Patches (36 patches) retail for S$14.27 per pack and are available here.
4. The Crème Shop I Heart Clear Skin Hydrocolloid Acne Patches ️
The Crème Shop, a Korean brand, has created heart-shaped pimple patches too. These ones contain salicylic acid and tea tree oil to combat blemishes, while the hydrocolloid material extracts impurities. The patches also come in three different sizes, so you can use them on small or larger zits.
The Crème Shop I Heart Clear Skin Hydrocolloid Acne Patches (24 patches) retail for S$6.42 per pack and are available here.
5. Sephora Collection Anti-Blemish Patches
You may have missed it while you were shopping on Sephora, but their in-house brand has cute pimple patches too. Sephora Collection’s Anti-Blemish Patches are made with salicylic acid and green tea extract to fight stubborn pimples. These stickers come in clear or decorative, so you can decide when you want to be a little flashier.
Sephora Collection Anti-Blemish Patches (12 patches) retail for S$6 per pack and are available here.
Pimple patches that still get the job done
1. CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7rvcaEnGrv/
A cult classic, CosRx’s Acne Pimple Master Patch is adored by many because of how effective it is. The pimple patches come in three different sizes, so you can find the right fit for your zits. The brand also created packs of Clear Fit Master Patch, which have a slimmer, more translucent appearance.
CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch (24 patches) retail for S$4.50 per pack and are available here.
2. Holika Holika AC Mild Red Spot Patch
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ZGqTtHYJE/
Holika Holika AC Mild Red Spot Patches are designed to soothe painful, under-the-skin blemishes. Each patch is infused with antibacterial tea tree oil to shrink the zit and sodium hyaluronate to keep the skin hydrated.
Holika Holika AC Mild Red Spot Patch (12 patches) retail for S$10.50 per pack and are available here.
3. ZitSticka Killa Spot Clarifying Patch Kit
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ABauvlT4w/
ZitSticka’s Killa Spot Clarifying Patch Kit contains eight spot patches and eight cleansing wipes to keep blemishes at bay. Each pimple patch has tiny micro-darts that deliver salicylic acid and tea tree oil deep within the zit, so it works faster and more effectively. These patches also contain sodium hyaluronate and niacinamide to hydrate and calm the skin.
ZitSticka Killa Spot Clarifying Patch Kit (8 patches) retail for S$47.95 per pack and are available here.
4. Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Blemish Fighting Zit Zapping Dots
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Nh_u8pKJJ/
These Yes To Tomatoes pimple patches come in black and red, so you can turn yourself into a Yayoi Kusama painting. Salicylic acid, charcoal, and tomato extract work together to reduce blemishes quickly and keep your complexion clear. Just press the dots over your blemishes and leave them on overnight.
Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Blemish Fighting Zit Zapping Dots (24 patches) retail for S$13.95 per pack and are available here.
5. Patchology Breakout Box
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9UdNDuFE3p/
Instead of having one type of acne patch, Patchology has created a trio of acne-clearing patches and strips. Each Breakout Box contains 24 salicylic-infused dots to shrink your pimples, 24 whitehead-absorbing dots, and three nose strips to get rid of blackheads.
Patchology Breakout Box (51 patches) retails for S$30 per pack and are available here.
6. VT Cica Spot Patch
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxts4lcnvPP/
VT’s pimple patches are waterproof and sweat-proof, so they’re perfect for those who need to wear a patch out during the day. Each sticker contain centella asiatica extract, which is an acne-fighting ingredient that also soothes the skin and heals wounds. There are 18 pieces of 10mm patches and 30 pieces of 12mm patches in each pack.
VT Cica Spot Patch (48 patches) retail for S$9 per pack and are available here.
7. Rael Miracle Patch
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Y_-QdIBmQ/
Made with high-grade hydrocolloid, Rael’s Miracle Patches adhere to the skin well to extract impurities straight throughout the day or while you sleep. The thin material makes them practically invisible, so they’re on stealth mode all day long. Each pack has patches in two sizes: 10mm and 12mm.
Rael also has a Microneedling Acne Healing Patch, which has tiny microstructures that are thinner than a strand of hair. The little needles prick your skin to let salicylic acid and tea tree oil dive deeper into your skin. These are better suited for cystic pimples.
Rael Miracle Patch (24 patches) retail for S$8.50 per pack and are available here.
