Fact: adult acne negatively impacts a ton of women. According to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Women's Health, nearly half of women aged 21 to 30, a quarter ages 31 to 40 and 12 percent aged 41 to 50 suffer from acne. This means there are A LOT of ladies out there searching for miracle treatments to cure their skin breakouts once and for all.
Many of them claim to have found the perfect product, and here’s the clincher — it costs less than $5. The COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches have some seriously impressive reviews not only on Amazon, but Ulta and Dermstore as well. In fact, many of its fans are touting them as the best pimple patches. Like, ever.
Each package comes with 24 patches of various sizes. You know, because like most things in life, zits come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Unlike zit cream, which is relatively messy and seems to spread all over your skin and bed sheets during your sleep, these sticker-like things easily stick to your face, keeping the acne medication firmly in place.
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch, 24 Patches
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch, 24 Patches
Made out of hydrocolloid material (no benzoyl peroxide or salycilic acid), they speed up the healing process by extracting impurities while keeping the skin ideally hydrated. But here’s the deal: they only work on really ripe pimples. You know, when puss, or a whitehead is visible. This means that if you suffer from cystic acne, unfortunately they probably aren’t going to help much.
But just how amazing are these suckers for everyone else?
One reviewer touted them as the “holy grail” of acne products. “I doubted the effectiveness but didn't have anything to lose so I figured, why not,” they wrote. “This stuff works! I had crazy big cysts on my face, and I used a few to cover these areas. The amount of gunk it pulled out was insane. I won't lie to you and say it healed overnight, but every time I have a breakout, it cuts the healing time down by at least half. I just wish they sold these in bulk, they're amazing!" Another dubs them "a life saver."
If you need visual evidence, a bunch of people have posted slightly graphic photos and videos attesting to the fact that, yeah, these guys really do take care of those whiteheads.
A little background on the company. COSRX is a Korean beauty brand whose name represents a fusion of cosmetics + RX (prescription) in order to address everyday skin issues. Their products are quickly gaining a cult following of beauty editors and influencers, who are impressed with simple yet effective approach to skincare.
If you struggle with acne, you might want to give these pimple patches a shot. The worst case scenario? You are out five bucks.
More Acne Treatments to Try
Prevention worked with dermatologists Joshua Zeichner, MD, and Rebecca Baxt, MD to name the best acne spot treatments. Here are our picks.
Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment
Try an acne spot treatment with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, like this one from Neutrogena. “Higher concentrations are available, but they haven’t been shown to work any better and may cause more irritation,” says Dr. Zeichner.
Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment
“Two percent is the highest concentration of salicylic acid you can get over the counter,” Dr. Zeichner says. Unlike benzoyl peroxide, it’s okay to go with max power. Mix this treatment with the Neutrogena one for best results.
Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Gel
Great for all skin types, this salicylic acid treatment also contains aloe and red algae to promote healing by calming red and irritated skin.
Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Relief Cream
The third ingredient in Dr. Zeichner’s spot treatment recipe? An over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation and irritation.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
Ever hear that you should put toothpaste on a zit? Don’t listen. “Toothpaste is made for your mouth and is very irritating to the skin,” says Dr. Baxt. Even if it dries out your pimple, you’ll still be left with a red spot from the irritation. Try this drying acne spot treatment instead, which contains salicylic acid and sulfur.
Kiehl’s Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment
If your skin is sensitive, try a sulfur-based spot treatment, like this one from Kiehl’s. “Sulfur has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Rebecca Baxt, MD,a dermatologist practicing at Baxt Cosmedical in Paramus, NJ.
Peter Thomas Roth Acne Spot and Area Treatment
This spot treatment mixes exfoliating glycolic acid with 5% colloidal sulfur to help fade pimples. “Glycolic acid is a mild exfoliant that can fade marks of acne,” says Dr. Baxt says. It also contains aloe to soothe irritation and vitamin C to brighten.
Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Spot Treatment Cream
Burt’s Bees sourced a natural form of salicylic acid from willow bark (and ditched parabens and phthalates) for this acne spot treatment, making it a great option if you tend to go for more natural skincare.
![bobbi brown at the build series presents bobbi brown discussing bobbi brown beauty from the inside out makeup wellness confidence](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/makeup-artist-bobbi-brown-attends-build-series-to-discuss-news-photo-1691595782.jpg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.185xw,0&resize=360:* "Bobbi Brown at the Build Series Presents Bobbi Brown Discussing "Bobbi Brown Beauty From The Inside Out: Makeup * Wellness * Confidence"")
