Pop, and it goes awry. But in the meantime, there’s a glaringly obvious zit that’s only itching to be dealt with; its painfully lasting consequences come to naught. Indeed, there’s nothing quite like a persistent pimple before one can decide that they’ve had enough, and a quick remedy is of the essence—lest we deign to commit the serious offence (the oh-so-tabooed pop).
Enter: the pimple patch. A little about these unassuming lifesavers? They’re small, hydrocolloid bandages which you can paste directly over zits to protect them for extended hours at a go. With time, they’re meant to absorb the fluid, gunk and other impurities that have compounded just below the wounded surface in order to reduce redness and speed up the healing process. Typically, they’re designed to be as invisible as possible, so they can be worn under your make-up for the day ahead. Some are even double-edged swords all on their own, infused with its own fair share of acne-busting ingredients—think salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and niacinamide—that would work double time against these blemishes and clarify the skin. Sometimes the graveyard shift also calls upon its efforts, if only to prevent one from picking unknowingly at the healing wound in your sleep.
But as of late? There’s been a notable shift in its usage. Rather than aiming for the route of least resistance, the younger zeitgeist has opted for a more acne-positive message. With brands like the celebrity-favoured Starface designing their product in bold colours and an array of shapes, wearing your pimple patches loud and clear has become something of a beauty statement. An accessory in the making with plenty of benefits to its name, Vogue Singapore rounds up some of the most effective pimple patches currently in the market.
1 / 10
Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch
A K-beauty favourite, this is a pick that won’t break the bank. Cosrx’s overnight hydrocolloid patches will go the long run in reducing the appearance of one’s blemishes.
Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch, $6 for 24 patches, available at Watsons Singapore
2 / 10
Zitsticka Goo Getter Hydrocolloid Patch
Its salicylic acid inclusion kicks in to exfoliate dead skin cells whilst niacinamide and vitamin C act as the ideal antioxidants against free radical damage. Definitely one to reach for if you’re combating those late-stage zits threatening to break through the surface.
Zitsticka Goo Getter Hydrocolloid Patch, $19, available at Zitsticka
3 / 10
Starface Hydro-Stars
A celebrity-approved number, Starface’s hydrocolloid patches have been spotted on everyone, from Doja Cat and Hailey Bieber to Nicola Peltz Beckham.
Starface Hydro-Stars, $20 for 32 patches, available at Starface
4 / 10
Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots
A contained treatment that works to penetrate pores, these near-invisible options are infused with all the good stuff for acne-busting operations, such as salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid and tea tree oil.
Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots, $22.95 for 72 dots, available at Cosmetics Now
5 / 10
Innisfree Bija Trouble Focusing Patch
Innisfree‘s Bija Trouble Focusing Patches contain micro chips of bija oil and dried salicylic acid that dissolve onto problem areas when applied on the skin.
Innisfree Bija Trouble Focusing Patch, $14.50, available at Shopee Singapore
6 / 10
Patchology Breakout Box 3-In-1 Acne Treatment Kit
Upping the ante on acne treatment, Patchology’s 3-in-1 kit features blackhead-clearing nose strips, as well as two different types of pimple patches. One is laced with shrinking salicylic acid, and the other is a whitehead-absorbing hydrocolloid—for a more tailored approach.
Patchology Breakout Box 3-In-1 Acne Treatment Kit, $29, available at Revolve
7 / 10
Some By Mi Clear Spot Patch
Working wonders on zits that are just about to form, this hydrocolloid patch actively absorbs oil and pore impurities, and is a popular pick for how seamlessly it blends into one’s make-up.
Some By Mi Clear Spot Patch, $5.13 for 18 patches, available at iHerb
8 / 10
The Klog Soft Shield Pimple Patch
Perfect for on-the-go application, these delicate patches which have been infused with vegan hydrocolloid make it one of the most breathable of the bunch—ideal for day-to-night usage.
The Klog Soft Shield Pimple Patch, $8 for 42 patches, available at Soko Glam
9 / 10
Easyderm Beauty Needle Care Spot Patch
Touted to be the most invisible of the lot, this ultra-slim patch is a promising pick to wear under your make-up. Bonus points for its inclusion of tea tree oil, which will go the long way in soothing any inflammation.
Easyderm Beauty Needle Care Spot Patch, $27 for 8 sheets, available at Olive Young
10 / 10
Squish Flower Power Acne Patches
Nothing like a flower a day to keep the blemishes away. Leave it to Squish Beauty to enter the market with these adorable floral patches that are guaranteed to be great conversation starters.
Squish Flower Power Acne Patches, $19 for 1 sheet of 20 patches, available at Squish
