Zits are unsightly, sometimes they hurt, and they are definitely tempting to pop. If you can’t stand looking at them or stop yourself from messing with them, there’s an easy solution. Like they say, “Out of sight, out of mind”.
Covering up acne is an old trick – concealer, we’re looking at you. But sometimes makeup makes things worse, leading to irritation and infection. What if there was something that doesn’t just disguise the problem, but also helps it heal quickly?
We heard the rumors, so we went in search of the best Korean pimple patches. Here are the results:
| The best Korean pimple patches | Why we love them |
|---|---|
| COSRX Acne Pimple Patch |
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| Mighty Patch Original from Hero Cosmetics |
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| Mighty Patch Invisible+ |
|
| Mighty Patch Micropoint for Blemishes |
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| Dr. Jart+ Focuspot Micro Tip Patch (Dark Spot Care) |
|
| PURITO All Care Recovery Cica-Aid 51 Patches |
|
| OLIVE YOUNG Care Plus Honey Acne Cover Spot Patch |
|
Contents
What do Korean pimple patches do?
Pimple patches are a protective barrier against picking and contamination. They are either skin-colored to disguise the acne or transparent. Most of the time, they can be worn underneath makeup. But what’s most important is that they literally suck out pus and drain zits dry.
They are hydrocolloid bandages that were invented for wound care and blisters. These polymer dressings with gelatin calm irritated skin and drain inflammation from whiteheads.
Dermatologist Susan Massick says that these acne blemish covers prevent infection and scarring. Plus, they are safe for sensitive skin, waterproof, and can be left in place for up to five days as the pimple heals (1).
Moreover, acne stickers don’t dry out the skin like traditional spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
The only downside is that a small number of people may be allergic to the medical adhesive in the bandages. Watch out for redness, hives, or itching.
How to use a blemish cover bandage
You’ll get the best results if you wash and dry the skin before putting on the bandage. Don’t apply moisturizer first because then the patch won’t stick.
Pro tip: wash your hands before handling the bandage. This prevents trapping bacteria under the bandage and ensures that there is no skin oil to interfere with it sticking properly.
Press the patch in place and hold it there for five seconds, making sure no bubbles of air are trapped under the surface.
Check the instructions that came with the pimple patch. Some recommend leaving it on for six hours, others for overnight. The plain hydrocolloid bandages without any medication can be left on longer. But if the patch contains salicylic acid or other acne treatments, remove it as instructed. At any rate, once the patch turns cloudy and swells, that means it’s done its job absorbing impurities.
You can usually peel off the patch like a Band-Aid, but it’s easier to pull off if you do it while washing your face. Cleanse the skin underneath it and follow your regular skincare routine.
Which Korean acne patch is best?
The best Korean acne patch depends on what type of blemish you want to treat. The regular stickers work well on whiteheads.
But you might find that the best pimple patch for cystic acne is one with micro-needles or micro-darts plus acne medication. These Korean pimple patches with needles reach deeper into the skin to reduce inflammation.
Best Korean Pimple Patches in 2023
You can learn more about the options in the reviews below.
COSRX Acne Pimple Patch
Does the CORSX pimple patch work? Well, it’s the original hydrocolloid acne dressing on the market and it’s still super popular. That’s because it’s straightforward to use and effective against whiteheads.
Once you apply the patch to clean skin, it keeps you from popping the zit, which is always a good thing. Furthermore, it keeps the skin moist for quicker healing while it absorbs the junk inflaming the pore.
What’s nice is that CORSX includes three different sizes of dots or patches. Pick one that’s slightly larger than the spot you want to treat and apply to clean, dry skin. It won’t peel off why you’re sleeping, plus you can wear them under makeup if they aren’t invisible enough for you. (Not to worry, they are hard to spot on any skin tone).
Lastly, these hypoallergenic bandages have no added ingredients and are dermatologist-tested.
Pros:
- Waterproof hydrocolloid dressing that reduces inflammation and shrinks pimples in a few hours
- Nearly invisible on any skin tone
- Stays put overnight
- Comes in three different sizes
Cons:
- Not the cheapest option
Mighty Patch Original from Hero Cosmetics
CORSX may have been the original pimple patch, but the Mighty Patch is an award-winner. It had stiff competition, but it won the 2020 Allure Best of Beauty Award for acne spot treatment.
It’s a hydrocolloid sticker that gets results within 6 to 8 hours – preferably while you sleep. It contains no medication or other ingredients. It simply absorbs the gunk out of a whitehead so that your skin can go back to normal.
The adhesive keeps the translucent patch in place, while the matte texture lets it blend in with your skin. (If you really don’t want people to see what you’re wearing, try the invisible Mighty Patch below).
What’s also nice is that these bandages are allergy-tested and UV-sterilized for safety. Each package has three dozen dots in all the same size (12 mm).
If there’s any con, it’s that the patch won’t do much for cystic acne, blackheads, acne scars, or early-stage pimples. Instead, try the Micropoint patch on those.
Also, if you’re allergic to rubber or pectin, take a pass.
Pros:
- Won the Allure Best of Beauty Award 2020 for acne spot treatment
- Non-toxic, allergy-tested, and UV-sterilized
- Stays in place overnight, has a matte finish to blend in
- Perfect for getting rid of whiteheads
Cons:
- Patches are all one size
- Not suitable for people who are allergic to pectin or rubber
- Can’t resolve cystic acne, acne scars, early-stage pimples, or blackheads
Mighty Patch Invisible+
The invisible Mighty Patch is another hydrocolloid dressing. The highlight here is that it’s transparent and tapered with a matte finish that blends into every skin tone. It’s perfect for daytime wear whether or not you wear makeup.
The medical-grade bandage has an amazing advantage over the competition. It can absorb up to 50% more impurities from the skin. Just leave it on all day and let it do its job. There’s no added medication so you don’t need to worry about drying out or irritating your skin. In fact, you’re likely to forget you’re wearing the patch.
The package comes with two dozen 12mm dots and fifteen 10mm dots. Thankfully, they are easy to remove from the perforated sheets.
Pros:
- Nearly invisible acne patches in two different sizes
- Matte finish with a tapered texture that blends into the skin
- Ideal for daytime wear
Cons:
- Not effective on cystic acne, acne scars, or blind pimples that haven’t come to a head
Mighty Patch Micropoint for Blemishes
Here’s a microneedle acne patch, the best pimple patch for cystic acne and early-stage pimples. At 18mm, they are a little larger than the typical dots, but they have thin edges to blend in.
Yes, these are hydrocolloid bandages but with a twist. Each patch has 173 micro-points plus salicylic acid, a potent anti-acne treatment. They are practically guaranteed to shrink zits in a matter of hours and make cystic pustules disappear completely within a couple of days.
Other ingredients include beta glucan to soothe irritation, Totarol to kill bacteria, and hyaluronic acid for a dose of moisture. Each pimple patch is good for 8 hours of treatment. Then wait a day before re-applying a fresh dot.
Please note that these dots need to be pressed against the skin for 30 seconds to make sure the micro-needles penetrate. Happily, it’s not as painful as you might think (unless the pimple is already sore).
Pros:
- Micro-needle patch for early-stage zits and cystic acne
- Hydrocolloid bandage with 173 micro-points to deliver anti-acne treatment
- Features salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and soothing and anti-bacterial ingredients
- Rapidly reduces swelling and redness, draws out pus
Cons:
- Need to wait a day between treatments (but you can use a regular pimple patch to cover up the zit in the meantime)
Dr. Jart+ Focuspot Micro Tip Patch
If you’d like to get rid of acne scars, try these micro-needle patches. They are covered with a treatment that melts into the skin within hours. But you have to apply them daily for two weeks to fade discolored spots.
The treatment is non-drying and nourishing to the skin, with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C plus peptides to rebuild from the inside out. What’s more, it’s painless and requires no recovery time as it doesn’t harm the skin.
Sadly, these patches don’t work on pimples, and they are a bit pricey. However, people who’ve had success using them say they are worth every penny.
Pros:
- Fades acne scars and dark spots with vitamin C and peptides
- Hydrates with hyaluronic acid for rapid healing
- Results in two weeks
- Only 8 ingredients, no parabens or harsh chemicals
- No sting, no pain
Cons:
- Expensive for the amount provided, but reviewers think the cost is worth it
PURITO All Care Recovery Cica-Aid 51 Patches
These affordable pimple patches don’t come in a flashy package. However, the hydrocolloid stickers are infused with cica, making them extra good at healing acne (especially if you’ve picked the zit).
Cica, also known as Centella asiatica or tiger grass, accelerates recovery and that’s why it appears in many Korean cosmetics.
The dots are waterproof and have excellent adherence. Wear them all day and night if you like. They won’t come off during exercise, either.
Pros:
- Extra adhesive and waterproof, will stay on during exercise and sleep
- Infused with cica for rapid healing
- Affordable and from a reputable brand
Cons:
- None
OLIVE YOUNG Care Plus Honey Acne Cover Spot Patch
This Korean brand makes both regular hydrocolloid and honey-infused pimple patches.
As you might already know, Manuka honey is a potent anti-microbial that protects against infection, speeds up healing, and moisturizes. We selected the Manuka honey-infused patches that come in two sizes, 10 mm and 12 mm. The sheets come in a zip-top bag for storage, and there’s a lot – eighty-four patches total.
They are discreet, translucent, and matte to be almost invisible on the skin. Furthermore, they are quite comfortable so that you can forget you’re wearing them. Users with oily skin say that they don’t lift up under makeup.
Pros:
- Manuka-honey infused hydrocolloid pimple patches
- Speed up healing, diminish inflammation, and moisturize
- Two different sizes with a zip-top bag for storage
- Translucent and matte
Cons:
- Not vegan
Conclusion
You don’t need Dr. Pimple Popper for acne if you have Korean pimple patches on hand. Although they don’t treat blackheads, the various kinds target whiteheads, early-stage zits, cystic acne, and even acne scars. Moreover, they are painless and protect against picking and infection.
We hope our reviews helped you find what you need today. Come back soon to discover the best skincare products and more.
Source:
1. https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/tiktok-bandaids-for-acne This TikTok acne remedy really does work, by Susan Massick, MD, published December 21, 2020
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