- The Best Spot Treatments for Acne, at a Glance
- What to Look For
- Do acne spot treatments actually work?
- How do you use acne spot treatments?
- What is the purpose of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid?
- Can retinol remove acne scars?
- Is there anyone who shouldn't use spot treatments for acne?
- How We Chose
- Why Trust Us
Erin Jahns
We've all experienced the absolute rage that waking up with a pimple can cause. They seemingly appear out of nowhere, glaring and red, without warning. We mere mortals aren’t alone in this battle—even celebrities like Sofia Richie Grainge and Lili Reinhart have been transparent about their journeys with acneic skin. (Lest we ever forget this pimple patch-decorated selfie from Anne Hathaway.) While there's no magical solution to zapping away blemishes on your skin's surface for good, spot treatments can help protect your complexion from the threat of a breakout.
According to board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, FAAD, spot treatments are designed to target specific areas instead of the skin as a whole “to treat specific active pimples and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from a pimple.” They often include active ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide that can be irritating when slathered on your skin like a cream, but are powerful enough to zap zits when concentrated on small spots. However, board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD, FAAD, warns that these spot treatments do not necessarily work on closed lesions or comedones since they don't clean out pores.
Less is more when it comes to these potent tinctures, and with so many options on the market—from creams to gels and acne patches—it can be hard to decipher which spot treatment is best for you. To cut through the noise, we asked dermatologists for their personal recommendations and tested a handful ourselves to see which formulas blasted our acne away. Keep reading for the top 12 expert-approved picks from dermatologists and beauty editors.
The Best Spot Treatments for Acne, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Face Reality Sulfur Spot Treatment
- Best Budget: The Inkey List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment
- Best Pimple Patch: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original
- Best for Cystic Acne: Avène Cleanance Acne Medicated Clearing Treatment
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment
Best Overall: Face Reality Sulfur Spot Treatment
Pros: Can be used on blemishes day or night
Cons: Not ideal for dry skin
Size: 1.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Sulfur, palmitoyl tripeptide-8, allantoin, bisabolol | Skin type: All
If you haven't already added a sulfur-based product to your skincare routine to help combat blemishes from developing on your skin, you're missing out on the peptide's benefits. King dubs Face Reality's Sulfur Spot Treatment her favorite for its gentle yet effective acne handling. “[It’s] a great spot treatment for inflamed pimples,” she explains, its combination of 6% sulfide quickly working to quell and erase red and inflamed acne. The formula also includes soothing ingredients like allantoin and bisabolol to calm the skin while the sulfur works its magic, making it suitable for all skin types—though those with quite dry skin should be sparing with this product, as it may dehydrate your dermis even more.
Customer review: “This product is great for treating my rosecea and later-in-life acne. Gentle enough to use every day.”
Best Budget: The Inkey List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment
Pros: Can be layered under makeup for fast-working results
Cons: Formula does not quickly improve cystic acne
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Succinic acid, sulfur powder, salicylic acid | Skin type: Normal, dry, oily, combination
The Inkey List has a treasure trove of products for all skin types, and this has quickly become one of my favorites. This nondrying acne treatment targets blemish spots quickly using succinic acid, salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid to boost the skin's natural exfoliation process to combat clogged pores and reduce redness for clearer-looking skin.
Customer review: “I get breakouts on my cheeks and temples and after consistently using it along with my skin routine I noticed each use the breakouts minimized and eventually cleared up! Definitely recommend as an oily acne-prone skin girlie.”
Best Pimple Patch: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original
Pros: Overnight results, protects skin from habitual picking
Cons: Doesn’t treat pimple with acne-erasing ingredients
Size: 36 ct. | Material: Hydrocolloid | Skin type: All
The very best pimple patches that Who What Wear editors have tested are the Hero Cosmetics Might Patches: small, near-invisible hydrocolloid stickers that absorb the bacteria and sebum causing your angry pimple. Senior beauty editor Jamie Schneider says these simple patches work “better than any other pimple patch” she’s tried, crediting its non-slip adhesion and overnight effectiveness. Associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia would have to agree, having made several drugstore trips to stock up on the stuff—especially the brand’s micropoint patches that eradicate painful, under-the-surface zits.
Customer review: “I was hesitant using pimple patches at first, but my daughter swears by this brand so I gave it a whirl. I had two huge pimples right before our girls trip and I applied the patches. You couldn’t even see them because they’re basically invisible and stick on well (to the point that I almost forgot about them until it was time for my nightly skincare routine). To my surprise, within 8 hours, they were gone! My face felt soft again and pimple-free. These are a lifesaver and I (and ofc my daughter) HIGHLY recommend. These. Are. Effective.”
Best for Cystic Acne: Differin Acne Treatment Gel
Pros: Low price, suitable for sensitive skin, medical strength
Cons: Might be too astringent for dry skin types
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key ingredients: 0.1% adapalene | Skin type: All
“Marketed as an acne treatment and sometimes used as an anti-aging product, Differin gel is made with adapalene, an over-the-counter retinoid that used to be available only with a prescription,” double board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, previously told WWW. This spot treatment is a must-have for those who experience cystic acne due to its prescription-strength acne retinoid, which targets buildup deep within the pores and prevents subsequent scarring. The concentrated yet gentle formula also treats inflammation and is suitable for sensitive skin.
Customer review: “I don’t know why I didn’t try this sooner, it has cleared up my skin in 2 weeks. I started to see a difference immediately. I am 43 and get horrible cystic acne around my chin, esp. during my period and it is so painful and embarrassing. I have tried everything OTC, cutting out inflammation foods, etc. but nothing would last. I was make a derm appt when I tried this and it’s been magic! Doesn’t dry out and irritate my skin like other retinols and benzoyl does.”
Best for Sensitive Skin: Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment
Pros: Effectively clears pores, smooths the skin
Cons: None we can think of
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, pine extract, thyme extracts | Skin type: Acne-prone, combination
When I'm asked which spot treatment works on all forms of acne in hours, this fast-acting product by Murad comes to mind. In addition to exfoliating and cleansing the pores for smoother skin, it also reduces blemish size and redness for all skin types. My sensitive, hyperpigmentation-prone complexion has never looked better.
Customer review: “I just bought this product about a week ago and I love it. It drastically reduces the size of my pimples over night and in just a couple days has cleared any pimples that I had in my face. Love this and will continue to repurchase.”
Best Salicylic Acid: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta on the Spot Eliminator
Pros: Dissolves dead skin cells, controls excess oil, hydrates skin
Cons: Nothing to complain about here
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, glycolic acid, azelaic acid | Skin type: Acne-prone, oily, dry, normal, combination
If you're looking for a fast and easy way to eliminate pimples quickly, it's time to start using this Dr. Dennis Gross favorite. The Skincare Alpha Beta on the Spot Eliminator is infused with 2% salicylic acid, glycolic and azelaic acids, green tea, mushroom, bisabolol, and centella extracts to gently exfoliate the skin while calming irritation and redness.
Best Benzoyl Peroxide: Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM Face Treatment
Pros: Drugstore price, effective for mild to moderate acne, gentle enough for all-over use
Cons: Not strong enough for cystic acne
Size: 2 oz. | Key ingredient: 2.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide | Skin type: All
Benzoyl peroxide, as described by King, is an organic acid that kills acne-causing bacteria and clears congested pores. This ingredient can be found in many acne-treating products—it and salicylic acid being key players in the space—but this formula containing it from Neutrogena is one of the most effective and accessible. Its hero ingredient of 2.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide makes this treatment a great option for those looking at OTC medications for both acne and rosacea, plus its oil-free makeup makes this product safe for all skin types and all-over use, not just concentrated areas.
Customer review: “This product worked 10/10 for me. I’ve been dealing with acne marks for the past year and nothing really helped me. I gave this product a try and it worked immediately. I noticed changes 4 days after I started applying it. I don’t apply it in the morning, only at night. If you’re dealing with acne marks or acne, you should definitely give it a try. It’s also not expensive at all! I love this product.”
Best Investment: Skinmedica Acne Clarifying Treatment
Pros: Expertly formulated to target discoloration and redness
Cons: High price point
Size: 2 oz. | Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, niacinamide, bakuchiol | Skin type: Acne-prone, oily, sensitive
To help keep the threat of blemishes at bay, I use the Acne Clarifying Treatment by SkinMedica. It's infused with a powerful blend of encapsulated 2% salicylic acid, 2% niacinamide, and the brand's Seabum Balance Complex. I can bet that any acne that does rise to the surface will be gone in a matter of days if I use this.
Customer review: “This treatment helps control bothersome breakouts associated with menopause. Does not dry out skin like other formulas. The smell is not great, however it is worth it for the benefit.”
Best for Dark Spots: Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Dark Spot Corrector
Pros: Promotes surface cell turnover to reveal more radiant skin
Cons: None to mention
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredient: Vitamin C | Skin type: All
King highlights this Garnier classic as a great option for combating pimples and any discoloration left after a pimple. Its formulated vitamins C and E (both with potent antioxidant properties to defend against free radicals), as well as salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid gently exfoliate to increase cell turnover, shed discoloration, and reveal brighter skin underneath.
Customer review: "This product is great, I already see a reduction in some of my acne scars. I also love the wonderful scent and the flawless application. All around this is a 10 for me."
Best Fast-Acting: Perricone MD Acne Relief Maximum Strength Spot Gel
Pros: Can be used to address acne, and redness, fragrance-free
Cons: May leave a light residue on the application area that peels off
Size: 0.05 oz. | Key ingredients: Lactic acid, succinic acid, tea tree oil | Skin type: Acne-prone
Since you can’t snap your fingers and clear your skin, the next best thing is this tube from Perricone MD. This fast-working spot gel targets and prevents future blemishes with surprising speed, absorbing excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Its acid-infused formula works hard to kill acne-causing bacteria and unclog pores without causing damage to the dermis—in record time, too.
Customer review: “I originally received this in a beauty and skincare box and it’s one of my favorite finds. It really works for those occasional hormonal break outs and little spots that pop up (literally clears things up within a day or two for me). And one of these little tubes lasts forever — surprisingly so. I’m a fan.”
Best Color-Correcting: Caudalie Vinopure Color-Correcting Spot Solution
Pros: Can visibly reduce breakout size in as little as four hours
Cons: Has a noticeable fragrance
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, tea tree | Skin type: Normal, dry, oily, combination
I've used this Caudalie Color Correcting Spot Solution for years and have yet to find another one that checks all my boxes. Not only does it help even out my skin tone, but it also uses natural salicylic acid, tea tree, and niacinamide to visibly reduce breakout size in hours. Plus, the cream can be worn alone or under makeup to help disguise redness.
Customer review: “After using this product for 2 weeks I can say I’m very happy with this buy. I've struggled with breakouts for a very long time and its very hard coming by a good spot treatment but this one has me very impressed. I dot this onto my breakouts or very annoying spot and leave it on overnight and it will lessen the redness and even the bump. I do have other pprodjcts that help with my acne but I've seen how quickly my breakouts have cleared up once I started using this.”
Best Makeup-Skincare Hybrid: Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Spot Treatment
Pros: Reduces the appearance of redness and the size of blemishes
Cons: High price point
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Zinc, vitamin B3, jojoba oil | Skin type: Acne-prone
Dr. Barbara Strum has several helpful products dedicated to targeting pesky pimples, but its Clarifying Spot Treatment stands out to me because it addresses imperfections and impurities at the source. This anti-spot gel immediately reduces the appearance of redness and the size of blemishes using an active macular biofluid complex, tea tree oil, and zinc oxides.
Customer review: “I tend to experience hormonal acne flare-ups. This tinted spot treatment is great for clearing my breakouts/spots I think will become acne and also providing some coverage. I don’t even feel the need to wear makeup."
What to Look for in an Acne Spot Treatment
- Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, and clay are all ingredients to look out for in an effective spot treatment, according to King. "The formulation should also contain emollient ingredients to support the skin barrier so that it does not get too dried out."
- Formula: There are many types of spot treatment formulas out there, including creams, gels, tinted mosturizers, and more. Your skin type may play a part in the formula you select in the end—creams and moisturizers oft servicing dry skin more effectively, gels working better on oily types, and hydrocolloid stickers like the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original working on, well, everyone.
Do acne spot treatments actually work?
Despite what some naysayers might want you to think, spot treatments are, indeed, an effective (and speedy!) way to treat stubborn spots. But there are a few caveats, and before putting all of your stock in your shopping cart of products, you'll want to make sure certain lifestyle habits are in check.
"The best way to treat acne is to prevent it from occurring in the first place," says Anthony Rossi, MD, FAAD, FACMS. "A great skin regime, diet, exercise, and hydration are all so important for skin health, including acne. That said, when a breakout does occur, acne spot treatments are an effective treatment for one or two pimples." If your breakouts are more volatile or more frequent, however, Rossi says you'll want to see a board-certified dermatologist who can help assess the situation.
How do you use acne spot treatments?
To apply a cream or gel spot treatment, wash the area with a gentle cleanser, ice the blemish, and then dab the treatment to the area without applying much pressure. To avoid applying the product anywhere but the blemish, a Q-Tip can be used. When using spot treatment patches, warm water can help loosen the seal for easy removal.
What is the purpose of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid?
While benzoyl peroxide works to kill bacteria and clear pores, salicylic acid helps exfoliate the surface of the skin and penetrates the pores to remove oil while sulfur has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and drying properties. Shamban adds that these ingredients often work well with azelaic acid, tea tree oil, hemp seed oil, and witch hazel, but that they may irritate sensitive skin. If your skin responds negatively to any of the above, consider looking for one with aloe vera for calming effects.
Can retinol remove acne scars?
Retinol is the name on every skincare lover’s lips nowadays for its skin-rejuvenating benefits—namely its ability to gently exfoliate dead skin and bring fresh, glowing skin to the surface. “Topical retinoids can increase cell turnover and decrease hyperpigmentation, so that means they can help to speed up healing and recovery after a pimple and decrease post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” explains King. “Retinoids also help to stimulate collagen production, so that's helpful for atrophic scarring.” However, King points out that severe textural scarring cannot be treated solely with topical retinoids.
Is there anyone who shouldn't use spot treatments for acne?
"Anyone can benefit from using a spot treatment," says celebrity facialist Renée Rouleau. However, if you're someone who has sensitive skin, many of the active ingredients found in acne spot treatments might irritate your complexion. Only use the recommended amount, and abide by the product's instructions, only leaving the formula on for as long as it's recommended on the packaging.
"The easiest and most efficient way to use an acne spot treatment is at night as the last step of a skincare routine," Rouleau explains. However, she adds that spot treatments can be used in the daytime if the product goes on clear and isn't visible (or if it's recommended for daytime use). “If that's the case, perform your usual daily skincare routine. (Be sure to apply sunscreen!) Gently wipe the blemish to remove the skincare products applied, and then apply the acne spot treatment, and let it dry. Be sure to pat in your sunscreen once complete."
How We Chose
We chose the best spot treatments for acne by testing several creams, gels, and pimple patches on our own, while also consulting dermatologists for their recommendations, expert advice, and picks. From there, we compiled these 12 treatments based on personal testing experience, customer reviews, and research stacking these winners against the other key players on the market.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
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