Do Pimple Patches Actually Work?

There are a whole range of acne and pimple recovery solutions out there, with pimple patches bursting onto the scene as a popular non-medicated solution. Despite the hype, do pimple patches actually work?

Read on to find out more!

Why Pimple Patches?

A long-time beauty staple in Asia, pimple patches have a reputation for rapidly removing pimples and similar blemishes.

Their benefits include:

• Acting as a shield to protect pimples from environmental factors that can irritate them.
• Removing oil, pus and dirt to reduce the size of pimples.

For these reasons, when used correctly these patches can make a pimple disappear overnight!

How Do They Actually Work?

Since entering the mainstream a few years ago, the range of pimple patches has exploded in Australia, the US and beyond.

From microneedles to medicated options, the choices can get a little overwhelming. The best place to start is with the OG — made with hydrocolloid.

First used in hospitals, hydrocolloid combines gelling agents like pectin and gelatin to form a dressing. Unlike normal bandages, hydrocolloid is used to draw out liquid, which allows it to assist with speeding up the healing process for cuts and wounds.

Furthermore, hydrocolloid creates a hydrated environment that supports the healing of wounds. Due to these benefits, hydrocolloid technology found a home in skincare, leading to the development of pimple patches.

When applied to pimples (especially those with whiteheads), hydrocolloid patches draw out the fluids that make pimples look raised, so they flatten out — usually leaving a white dot on the patch.

Worth a shot? Try out our proven picks of pimple patches that actually work!

Subi Perfect Pimple Patch

If you're looking to upgrade your pimple patch to something stickier, almost invisible on the skin and 100% vegan, cruelty-free and alcohol-free, then these are your patches.

Perfect Pimple Patches are made from the highest-grade hydrocolloid available, coupled with a polyurethane layer that adds protection against environmental factors to promote faster pimple recovery.

Designed for day and night, these pure hydrocolloid patches are so sticky they'll stay in place for days — unless you want to take them off!

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

For a more budget-friendly option that’s still effective, these patches have long been an affordable entry point for many into patching acne. They do a great job of sticking on and help to speed up the healing process by reducing bacteria and absorbing debris from whiteheads.

While they work as much as other options, just remember they use older technology and are a bit bulkier than what’s currently available.

Jelly Ko Jelly Shield Pimple Patches

Winner of Prevention Magazine’s Best of Beauty Award 2025, Jelly Ko’s Jelly Shield Pimple Patches are redefining spot care. Crafted from ultra-thin, medical-grade hydrocolloid, they protect and heal without drying or irritating the skin.

Each patch acts as a translucent barrier that locks out dirt, makeup and bacteria while drawing out impurities beneath the surface. Gentle enough for sensitive skin yet effective on stubborn spots, they deliver fast, fuss-free results.

Do you have any favourite pimple patches? Let us know in the comments!