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Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang
When breakouts start to push their way through the surface of the skin, many of us enter attack mode. Forget letting it run its course. It's all about acting fast and breaking out the heavy artillery. Usually, this means applying one of the best acne spot treatments we can get our hands on.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
A trusted classic and our top pick, the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is renowned for its effective formula and fast results. Save a few bucks and go for The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, which works gently on the skin.
However, know that spot treatments work best on pustules (traditional pimples filled with pus). If you have cystic acne or papules (inflamed red pimples that haven't quite reached the surface), spot treatments won't cut it. (For more info on how to treat other kinds of pimples, check out our foolproof guide.) But if you're dealing with a pesky pustule, we've got the best hard-hitting products that will shrink your skin's new resident in no time.
Keep scrolling to see the best acne spot treatments your money can buy.
Best Overall
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
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Amazon
Quick results
Comes in a glass bottle
Treats one spot at a time
Can be drying
Who else recommends it? Allure, Cosmopolitan, and Today all picked the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion.
What do buyers say? 89% of 28,400+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
There's a reason this formula is one of the go-to spot treatments for celebrities and beauty editors alike, including here at Byrdie HQ. In short? It actually works (and fast!) to dry up whiteheads and reduce the appearance of pesky breakouts overnight. Simply dab a bit of the formula—laced with a hard-hitting combo of salicylic acid, sulfur, and zinc oxide—onto the problem spot(s) before bed, let it dry, and then hit the hay. When you wake up, rinse off the lotion and the spot should be virtually undetectable. It's that easy.
Price at time of publish: $17
Type: Lotion | Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, sulfur, and calamine | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
What Our Testers Say
"Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion does just what it says: stops pimples in their tracks and calms them at the same time." — Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
Best Drugstore
Clean & Clear Advantage Spot Treatment
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Courtesy of Ulta
Affordable
Helpful applicator
Absorbs fast
Contains fragrance
This drugstore classic is available almost anywhere. The gel formula contains witch hazel and salicylic acid and comes in a tapered squeeze tube. The applicator helpfully dispenses small doses without splattering everywhere, which helps if you’re in a rush. The spot treatment dries clear and sinks in quickly as it stops developing pimples and calms ones that have already popped up.
Price at time of publish: $7
Type: Gel | Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Size: 0.75 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Daytime
TruSkin Tea Tree Oil Super Serum For Face
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Courtesy of Amazon
Absorbs fast
Will also fade acne spots
90-day money back guarantee
Pricier than other options
In case of angry, inflamed pimples, dot this on. While labeled a serum, the fast-absorbing Tea Tree Clear Skin Serum works just as well as a spot treatment for daytime. The dropper bottle contains a potent mix of antibacterial tea tree oil, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and even niacinamide. Together, they bring down swelling and redness, brighten, and refine skin texture while preventing future pimples from forming.
Price at time of publish: $25
Type: Serum | Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree oil, retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Gel
Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel
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Courtesy of Ulta
Quick results
Will also fade acne spots
Tingling sensation
Small size
This gel spot treatment has everything—salicylic acid, red algae to (ironically) remove redness, and exfoliators to flush out dead skin cells and excess sebum. It's every pimple-busting weapon wrapped into one.
Breakouts clear within two to three days, with minimal scarring. Some reviewers preferred to use this at night, though the clear, unassuming gel also works during the day. As with most spot treatments, a little goes a long way. There’s even a slight tingle if you like to feel products working.
Price at time of publish: $20
Type: Gel | Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Size: 0.3 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Budget
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
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Courtesy of Sephora
Affordable
Won't strip skin
Reduces redness
Reviewers note it doesn't absorb fast
As cheap as this is, it’s also effective and gentle on skin—nowhere near a clumsily formulated acid bath. The Ordinary’s solution contains acne-fighting salicylic acid as well as a milder form of witch hazel, an anti-inflammatory botanical extract that doesn't over-dry skin. Thanks to its exfoliating and soothing properties, the solution clears closed comedones, blackheads, and whiteheads while reducing redness, even balancing oily skin.
Price at time of publish: $15
Type: Serum | Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Size: 1.01 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Classic
Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment
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Amazon
Comes in a glass bottle
Effective on hormonal acne
Pricier than other options
Key Ingredients
Zinc is an essential mineral that is needed for numerous healthy bodily functions, including boosting the immune system, healing wounds, and assisting in DNA/protein synthesis and growth. Applied topically, it's shown to aid in wound healing and regeneration, as well as protect the skin by deflecting UV rays.
You’ve probably seen this product’s characteristic pink formula dotted all over people’s faces on Instagram. Housed in a vaguely medical-looking glass bottle, the EradiKate Acne Treatment uses sulfur and AHAs to reduce existing pimples while preventing new ones. As the treatment shrinks pimples overnight, zinc oxide absorbs excess sebum to control oil, which helps keep the area clear. Even hormonal acne disappears faster. Without shaking the bottle, dip a Q-Tip into the bottle, pick up the thick pink solution, and apply it to your blemish.
Price at time of publish: $28
Type: Lotion | Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, retinyl propionate | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Portable
Glossier Zit Stick
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Courtesy of Glossier
Travel-friendly
Can reapply over makeup
Reviewers note the packaging doesn't function well
Key Ingredients
Benzoyl peroxide is an organic acid in the peroxide family that has been used to treat acne because of its keratolytic, moderate comedolytic, and antibacterial properties, which include the reduction of P. acnes and Staph. aureus on the skin.
For on-the-go acne emergencies, look no further than this Glossier acne spot treatment. This portable pen shrinks pimples and calms swelling with a blend of benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, and capryloyl salicylic acid (a derivative of salicylic acid). It's also hypoallergenic, vegan, and cruelty-free, and you can reapply it up to three times a day—even over makeup. Plus, it doesn't hurt that the packaging is like a Tide to Go stick, but cuter.
Type: Pen | Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, capryloyl salicylic acid | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Natural
Rosen Skincare Break-Out
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Courtesy of Urban Outfitters
Travel-friendly
Affordable
Reviewers note product can dry up easily
Rosen Skincare has a different approach to acne — like the firm stance that blemishes are nothing to be a shamed of — so there's no surprise that this spot treatment is unlike any other. It's size and easy application make it great for travel, but the ingredients are the real winner. The paste-like formula includes peppermint oil, which act as a anti-microbial on large and active breakouts, while zinc oxide provides powerful astringent properties to fade bumps overnight.
Price at time of publish: $12
Type: Lotion | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, apple cider vinegar, peppermint oil | Size: 0.37 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Mild Acne
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
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Amazon
Multiple patch sizes
Prevents picking
Easy to store
Patches aren't individually packaged
These humble hydrocolloid patches from Cosrx are ideal for sucking the gunk out of pimples and healing picked-at skin. These patches are your friend when you get too enthusiastic with extracting a pimple and accidentally create a small wound, or if you’re always touching your face. The protective covering reduces bacteria transfer while healing the skin.
The way they work is simple: Once you smooth on the patch, it slowly draws out all the oil and bacteria inside the blemish while keeping other contaminants out. They're not meant to work instantly, gradually shrinking blemishes through the least invasive means possible. The translucent patch grows opaque as it clears out the pimple, and a white dot becomes visible in the center to let you know when to remove it.
Price at time of publish: $18
Type: Patch | Active Ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Size: 24 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
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Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
What Our Testers Say
"I wasn't expecting a quick fix the next morning, but I am happy to report that while the pimple wasn't gone, it was significantly smaller. I count this as a win in my book. I don't believe in overnight skincare treatments, but these patches changed my mind." — Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
Best LED
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpotLite Acne Treatment Device
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
FDA-approved
Quick results
Automatic shutoff
Longer application time than other options
OK, we know this isn't the same type of spot treatment as the others on this list, but this FDA-approved LED therapy device is just as effective at treating acne. So how does it work? It's powered by blue and red LED light for a two-pronged approach—blue light fights acne-causing bacteria while red light reduces inflammation and redness. Just place it directly onto your breakout spot, hold the power button, and keep it there for the brand-recommended three minutes (the device will shut off automatically). Continue use and you'll see a reduction in redness, inflammation, and pimple size within a few days.
Price at time of publish: $52
Type: LED therapy device | Active Ingredients: Blue and red LED lights | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin
Kiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment
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Courtesy of Kiehl's
Will also fade acne spots
Great for sensitive skin
Pricier than other options
Key Ingredients
Sulfur is a natural element that is an essential component for all living cells. Sulfur-based products can help reduce acne due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
If you have sensitive skin that gets irritated by benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, you may want to try a sulfur-based acne treatment like this one from Kiehl's—sulfur has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and it helps to soften and exfoliate dead skin. Plus, this formula contains niacinamide to help brighten the skin. Translation: your pimple will be a thing of the past before you know it.
Price at time of publish: $30
Type: Lotion | Active Ingredients: Sulfur, vitamin B3 | Size: 0.68 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Patch
Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots
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Amazon
Quick results
Multiple patch sizes
Prevents picking
Reviewers note they don't stick well
We first heard about these miraculous acne treatment dots from celebrity esthetician Angela Caglia. Her claim: That even the most stubborn of blemishes will disappear overnight. In fact, she even told us she recommends them to her highest-profile clients. In other words, they must work.
Price at time of publish: $5
Type: Patch | Active Ingredients: Hydrocolloid | Size: 30 patches | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Under Makeup
Eve Lom Dynaspot
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Courtesy of Eve Lom
Works for all skin tones
Wears well under makeup
Moisturizing
Pricier than other options
Formulated to suit all skin tones, this cream can be used underneath or on top of makeup to target breakouts. It's also moisturizing, so you can forget about dried-out, flaky patches.
Price at time of publish: $35
Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree terpineol, zinc oxide, chamomile, yarrow, fennel seeds | Size: 0.3 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Hyperpigmentation
Tula Go Away Acne Spot Treatment
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Dries clear
Will also fade acne spots
Can be used day or night
Pricier than other options
Nobody loves dark marks that exist as a constant reminder to the pimples that once were, and this effective spot treatment does an awesome job at getting rid of them. Licorice and niacinamide work to even hyperpigmentation, while benzoyl peroxide clears up acne fast. It also has tea tree oil to soothe the skin, and we especially love that it dries completely clear — so it's perfect for day or night.
Price at time of publish: $22
Type: Gel | Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, probiotic extracts, licorice, niacinamide, azelaic acid, tea tree oil | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best with Benzoyl Peroxide
Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment
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Courtesy of Walmart
Affordable
Potent formula
Can be drying
This heavy-duty spot treatment (with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide) shrinks blemishes like no one's business. However, it's quite potent, so a little goes a long way.
Price at time of publish: $10
Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide | Size: 0.75 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Overnight Treatment
Renée Rouleau Night Time Spot Lotion
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Courtesy of Renée Rouleau
Quick results
Can also use on back and chest
Pricier than other options
For those times when an angry bump rears its head practically before your eyes, Renée Rouleau's fast-acting acne spot treatment is invaluable. Specifically formulated for surface-infected blemishes, it uses a down-to-business approach with potent blemish-clearing ingredients like zinc oxide, sulfur, and camphor.
Price at time of publish: $34
Type: Lotion | Active Ingredients: Camphor, sulfur, zinc oxide | Size: 0.5 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Mask
White Willow Sleep Mask & Spot Treatment
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Can be used two ways
Gentle formula
Pricier than other options
You get the best of both worlds with this powerful blemish banisher. It improves the overall look and texture of your skin while soothing and protecting your skin's essential barrier. The all natural formula acts as a gentle exfoliant, sloughing off dead skin cells and reducing the appearance of dark marks. Use it overnight as a spot treatment or apply it all over as a clearing mask.
Price at time of publish: $32
Type: Mask | Active Ingredients: Witch hazel, willow bark extract | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
What to Look For in Acne Spot Treatments
Treatment Type
Consider the treatment type you’d prefer when looking for an acne spot treatment. Some spot treatments are used overnight; others can be used under makeup. Drying lotions and hydrocolloid treatments are typically used overnight and work to pull out and dry up congestion in the pores.
Other treatments include active ingredients that kill bacteria and shrink acne spots, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and tea tree. Different products use anti-inflammatory and skin healing ingredients to reduce the appearance of acne. Some of these treatments may work better for you than others.
Consider whether you have sensitive skin, in which case benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid may be too harsh. In this case, choosing a treatment such as hydrocolloid patches or zinc-based serums may be best.
Active Ingredients
Various active ingredients can be used in acne spot treatments. For instance, anti-inflammatory and skin healing ingredients like zinc, bacteria-killing tried and true salicylic acid, and blemish shrinking benzoyl peroxide.
Try tea tree oil, camphor, witch hazel, and willow bark if you prefer gentle or natural ingredients. In the case of hydrocolloid patches, the active ingredient works by pulling sebum, dead skin cells, and pus from the congested pores.
Acne Type
Some types of acne spot treatments work better on specific types of acne. Look for an acne spot treatment formulated for your particular kind of acne. Cystic acne does not typically respond to surface acne treatments. Hormonal acne responds to some types of spot treatments, while others are better for surface pimples.
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