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Acne is an inevitable struggle for many, and the challenge of applying makeup to conceal blemishes and dark spots can be frustrating.

Enter the era of hydrocolloid pimple patches, also known as zit stickers or blemish bandages. These patches come in various shapes and sizes, targeting different types of acne. However, traditional patches still pose the challenge of concealing them under makeup.

But what if we told you that you can now effectively cover up pimples and make them almost invisible beneath your makeup? Better yet, these pimple patches can help your pimple scars heal over time.

Well, a viral trend on TikTok showcases an innovative liquid pimple patch, and yes… it is, in fact, a liquid!

What is a “liquid pimple patch”?

Kiehl's-Truly-Targeted-Acne-Clearing-Solution

This “liquid pimple patch” is actually Kiehl’s Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Solution, a medicated acne spot treatment that creates an invisible “liquid patch” over the affected area.

It forms a breathable seal, reducing redness in just two hours, pimple size within 24 hours, and post-acne marks in four weeks.

Moreover, it shields the area from external irritants like dirt, oil, and makeup, preventing contamination and the temptation to pick at the spot.

Here’s what’s in the formula:

  • Salicylic acid (2%): A powerful anti-inflammatory agent that addresses problematic skin and promotes exfoliation, targeting both surface and pore-level skin issues.
  • Niacinamide (4%): A versatile, anti-ageing ingredient known for its wrinkle-smoothing effects and brown spot-fading properties. It also enhances the skin’s barrier strength and improves overall skin hydration.
  • Liquorice root (0.2%): This ingredient lightens stubborn spots and evens out your overall skin tone. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, liquorice extract can also assist in reducing redness and swelling associated with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
@browngirlcertified

Growth is realising that you don’t have to force pop pimples, you just need to find the right product that works. I am using @Dermalogica New Zealand Deep Breakout Liquid Patch. ad/gifted #pimplecare #pimpleskincare pimple skincare routine, breakout skincare routine #hormonalacneskincareroutine #pimplecareroutine #spottreatment #acnebreakouttreatment period breakout acne treatment, acne breakout on forehead areas, acne breakout treatment, period breakout acne, acne spot treatment , pimple treatment overnight

♬ Theme from “A Summer Place” – Percy Faith And His Orchestra

Another product that’s similar to Kiehl’s offering is the new Dermalogica Deep Breakout Liquid Patch. It forms a unique semi-permeable skin-mimicking film containing 4% niacinamide to soothe the skin and fade post-breakout marks.

However, it contains camphor for a cooling sensation and is loaded with 5% colloidal sulfur to combat breakouts for rapid skin clearing.

Does a “liquid pimple patch” really work?

Numerous TikTok creators have put this product to the test, and the results are overwhelmingly positive.

@rogerwh0

another pimple patch test, this time LIQUID from @Kiehl’s Since 1851 @sephora #kiehlspartner #skincare #pimplepatch

♬ original sound – Roger

Roger (@rogerwh0) said that after applying it day and night for a few days, he observed “reduced swelling and redness around his pimple.”

@thatkaitysmith

Not joking i did a double take #acne #liquidpimplepatch #kiehls #pimplepatch

♬ original sound – Kaity | acne/beauty/skincare

Similarly, Kaity (@thatkaitysmith) was amazed by how effectively it reduced inflammation and redness throughout the day. She also praised its gentle nature, leaving her skin calm and crack-free.

@dr.tomassian

Introducing the invisible liquid pimple patch! new innovative acne-clearing solution from @Kiehl’s Since 1851 Avaiable now @sephora #skincare #kiehlspartner #skincareroutine #acne #acnetreatment #Inverted #pimplepatch

♬ Evasion – Chris Alan Lee

But what makes this product even more appealing is that it’s dermatologist-approved! Dr Tomassian (@dr.tomassian) praised the product for its potent ingredients that target and treat acne, fade post-acne marks, and reduce redness around pimples.

@laviniarusanda

Replying to @Ava if you’re not a pimple patch fan, try a liquid version! @Kiehl’s Canada Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing solution is my new must-have for acne-prone skin 👀 It’s so easy to use, it protects my breakouts and allows them to heal🥰 Let me know if you’d like to test it! Link in my bio #ad #kiehlscanada #kiehlsclearskin #acnetok #acnepositivity #acnesolution #skincare #beautytok #skintok #skintips #acneproneskin

♬ original sound – Lavinia

The best part? This product is genuinely invisible under makeup! Lavinia (@laviniarusanda) showed how she applied the liquid over her pimples, allowed it to dry, and then seamlessly applied her foundation.

How to use a “liquid pimple patch”

For those eager to try it out themselves, here’s how to apply the product correctly, as recommended by TikTok ‘skinfluencer’, Yuri Lee:

Step 1: Avoid applying it directly to your skin; instead, place a drop on your finger.

apply liquid pimple patch step 1

Step 2: Apply it to breakout areas and spread it evenly.

apply liquid pimple patch step 2

Step 3: For best results, let it dry for 30 to 60 seconds before applying makeup over the area. If you aren’t wearing makeup, you should be able to see the pimple’s redness subside in about two hours.

apply liquid pimple patch step 3

Kiehl’s Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Solution retails for US$22.50 (~S$30.72).

The product has yet to arrive on our shores, but watch this space!

Currently, Kiehl’s does not offer direct shipping of the Kiehl’s Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Solution to Singapore. We recommend considering parcel-forwarding services like vPost and MyUS to get your hands on this product.

Featured image credits: @yurileeeee/TikTok, @rogerwho/TikTok, @raxhellam/TikTok