Pimples have a knack for showing up at the worst possible time – pre-event, pre-date, pre-anything important. But before you reach for the concealer or worse, go in for a squeeze, try sticking on a pimple patch instead.
When it comes to treating acne, these clever little hydrocolloid stickers have become a skincare staple for good reason: they shrink spots fast, protect against bacteria and prevent you from picking, which helps reduce the risk of scarring.
Whether you’re dealing with a squeezable whitehead, an angry underground cyst or just a stubborn red bump, there’s likely a patch for that. Here’s our guide to the best pimple patches to have on hand.
2025’s TOP PIMPLE PATCHES
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar DUO+M Patches , $24.78, Adore Beauty (here’s why)
- Hydro-Star Holographic Pimple Patches, $25, Revolve (here’s why)
- Tbh Skincare Patch It Up Everyday Pimple Patches, $19.99, Chemist Warehouse (here’s why)
The best pimple patches NZ
La Roche-Posay Effaclar DUO+M Patches
$24.78 at Adore Beauty
These invisible pimple patches fade spots and reduce redness in four hours, with added skincare-loving ingredients to help prevent post-acne marks.
What’s in the packet: 22 patches (12 small & 10 medium-sized)
Available at:
- $24.78 at Adore Beauty
- $19.10 at Chemist Warehouse
Hydro-Star Holographic Pimple Patches
$25 at Revolve
Made with 100% hydrocolloid, these holographic star-shaped patches reduce inflammation and shrink acne overnight. Plus, they’re perfect for daytime wear – because skincare should be fun!
What’s in the packet: 32 pimple patches
Tbh Skincare Patch It Up Everyday Pimple Patches
$19.99 at Chemist Warehouse
These pimple patches deliver serious bang for your buck. There’s 72 hydrocolloid patches in three sizes to tackle every kind of breakout. They create a protective barrier to speed up healing and help you resist the urge to squeeze.
Ingredients: Ascorbic acid, Tea tree oil, Niacinamide, Salicylic acid, Hydrocolloid
What’s in the packet: 72 patches in three different sizes
These hydrocolloid patches are ultra-thin and near-invisible on all skin tones. Reducing pimple visibility in just eight hours, they’re waterproof and can be worn under makeup.
What’s in the packet: 22 patches in two sizes (10mm & 12mm)
The Crème Shop Hydrocolloid Blemish Patches
$14.99 at Life Pharmacy
Gentle yet effective, these pimple patches are ideal for teens (or the young at heart). They’re available in three patch sizes in cute capybara, flower and fruit designs.
What’s in the packet: 21 patches in three sizes
Available at:
- $14.99 at Life Pharmacy
- $14.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Mecca Max Spot Dots Microtip Targeted Blemish Busting Patches
$36 at Mecca
For under-the-skin troublemakers, these microtip salicylic acid patches target early-stage pimples before they fully surface.
What’s in the packet: 12 patches (14mm)
Are pimple patches actually effective?
Pimple patches are most effective on surface-level spots. The key ingredient is hydrocolloid, which helps draw out impurities while creating a protective barrier to prevent bacteria and irritation.
Some hydrocolloid patches include additional skin-loving ingredients like salicylic acid for exfoliation, tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties and niacinamide to soothe and reduce redness.
For best results, apply a pimple patch to clean, dry skin directly over the pimple before bed, and leave it on overnight.
Can you wear a pimple patch in public?
Available in both clear and decorative styles, pimple patches have evolved into a fashion statement. Even actress Anne Hathaway recently posted a barefaced selfie sporting star-shaped pimple patches, showing they’re nothing to hide.
Related articles:
- The best acne treatments for clearer, happier skin
- Night time skin rituals for radiant skin
- The small skincare capsules delivering big youthful results
