The 17 Best Acne Spot Treatments That Zap Pimples, According to Dermatologists

The best thing Differin ever did was release an OTC version of its formerly prescription-only acne treatment — this formula is the best drugstore acne spot treatment you can find. Adapalene, the powerhouse ingredient in this acne spot treatment, is well-known for its acne-fighting properties. Differin targets two main causes of breakouts: clogged pores and inflammation. In addition to that, it also helps to speed up skin cell  turnover to reveal a smoother complexion over time. While this is a great product, it’s a retinol product, and certain precautions need to be taken. It’s best to use it once a day after cleansing, preferably at night. Retinoids can cause sensitivity, so limiting sun exposure will go a long way and always using sunscreen outside is a must.

Editor testing and review notes: “When I’m stressed out, my skin follows suit with sporadic breakouts that can last for weeks at a time. Differin is one of the few acne spot treatments that I know I can rely on to lessen the look of pimples and blackheads — although you can dab it directly on a zit, I find that the best results come when I apply a thin layer on my complexion before night cream. My skin is prone to redness, but this formula doesn’t irritate it.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $14.49

This formula was created in the 1960s by Mario Badescu and is still a top-seller today. “I like Mario Badescu Drying Lotion,” says Dr. Yadav. “It’s a classic formula that uses sulfur and salicylic acid to help treat a blemish overnight.” A clarifying, bi-phase solution, this best dermatologist-recommended acne spot treatment dries up blemishes by drawing out acne-causing debris while reducing the inflammation of these breakouts the next day. Without shaking the bottle, dip a cotton swab into the pink sediment and dab directly onto your breakout. Let the formula dry on its own without rubbing it into the skin. Then go to sleep and rinse off well with water the next morning.

Editor testing and review notes: “This little vial is always on my bathroom counter with some clean cotton swabs. Yes, it’s excellent when I’m trying to swat down a pimple that’s already surfaced, but I also notice improvement with cystic acne around my time of the month if I apply it on the problem area nightly. I have dry skin, so sometimes the skin around my pimple will peel the day after application, but it’s easy to slough away with a gentle exfoliator.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $16.15

This convenient Burt’s Bees acne spot treatment is formulated with willow bark extract, making it one of the best clean acne spot treatments you can buy. This ingredient naturally contains BHAs to reduce acne and unclog pores that lead to breakouts. The best part is that neither cica nor the tea tree oil (an herbal astringent) are abrasive. Packed in an easy-to-use roll-on stick, this product gently soothes the skin as well.

Editor testing and review notes: “Traveling comes with plenty of acne triggers for my skin — greasy food, hard water in hotels, cotton pillowcases instead of my trusted silk one at home, and perhaps a glass or two of wine. That’s why I keep this Burt’s Bees herbal acne spot treatment in my travel bag wherever I go — it’s a tiny roll-on that does its work gently, never leaving my skin irritated, flaky, or inflamed. After two nights of consistent use, I notice a major improvement in breakouts.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $7.84

While gels and creams have reigned supreme in the way of traditional acne spot treatments, hydrocolloid pimple patches have become fast favorites over the last couple of years with Hero Cosmetics leading the charge. These seamless, easy-to-apply patches work best on white-heads and to bring debris to a head while drying out excess moisture, and this brand is a favorite of Jeffy’s. “They work to reduce inflammation, deliver treatments, and also help by deterring picking,” she explains.

What testers say: “Mighty Patch Original patches have duct tape-caliber sticking power. I have dry skin, so I’m always layering on face serums and moisturizers before bed — these stickers stay put, even on top of those skin care products. They’re peerless for purging whiteheads.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $10.77

This highly rated Skinfix acne spot treatment contains salicylic acid to help decongest clogged pores while also eliminating excess oil. Niacinamide, an ingredient that’s well tolerated by and beneficial for many skin types, helps to minimize the look of pores and regulate sebum to create a balance to the skin. But even when acne disappears, post-acne hyperpigmentation often remains, which is why azelaic acid comes in handy for fading these marks and improving the look of uneven skin tone. Some reviewers have noted that this spot cream can be a little potent so it’s best to follow the user instructions and only apply to affected areas on the face or body after cleansing one to two times daily.

What testers say: “My face broke out so bad before an event and this cleared up my pimples overnight! It dried out the pimples and also helped with shrinking the size and decreased redness! Defs recommend!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $22

When you wake up with a pimple but have somewhere to be, you need an acne spot treatment that’ll layer comfortably under makeup. That’s what The Inkey List’s Succinic Acid Acne Treatment brings to the table. This formulas contains succinic acid, which has antibacterial properties to address the root cause of acne, plus salicylic acid and sulfur powder that sop up excess oil and release pore-clogging dead skin cells. The formula has a light green tint to it that helps color correct redness on fair skin types, too.

What testers say: “I absolutely love this treatment from Inky list. I’m on my fourth bottle and I have not strayed. Honestly, I’m used to having spot treatments absolutely dry out my skin, however; I have not had that experience with this product. I use it around once a day when I have acne and it even helps with reducing dark spots. The biggest bonus is that it’s super affordable!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $14

Salicylic acid is a recurring ingredient in many of the acne spot treatments on this list for a reason. While this fragrance-free formula is great for all skin types, it works especially well on oily skin. Using a gentle yet effective cocktail of salicylic acid, witch hazel, niacinamide, zinc PCA, and cica this spot treatment helps fight pimples and blackheads without stripping the skin. On clean skin, apply to the affected area using a thin layer one to three times a day.

What testers say: “It does work on the whiteheads on my sensitive skin but only in places that get a lot of air to dry out. Sometimes,it takes as long as 3-5 days to dry one out, though. Gentle, not fast. Cruelty-free, though!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $12.97

Thayers is known for their witch hazel-based toners and lotions that fit squarely in an acne-fighting skin care routine. While lesser known, the brand’s acne spot treatment is a leading affordable spot treatment for its ability to soothe skin while banishing breakouts. Sulfur and niacinamide are the key ingredients in the formula, de-gunking pores without stripping or drying out the skin. For sensitive skin types that deal with acne, this top acne spot treatment is a great choice for its inclusion of calming ingredients like aloe vera.

What testers say: “This is like magic in a tube. I hit this on a blemish and the next morning it has significantly reduced in size or completely gone away!!! Highly recommend for those stubborn breakouts.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $14.99

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Using the maximum amount of sulfur available OTC, this spot lotion packs a punch. This tried and true ingredient penetrates the pores to clear out acne-causing buildup and bacteria while niacinamide works to clear dark spots left from acne over time. On clean skin, cover the entire pimple with a thin layer of this solution one to three times a day. Since sulfur is known to be drying, it’s best to start out once a day and build up use if your skin can tolerate it.

What testers say: “This does work well and will dry your pimples up after using consistently for a few days. You better keep your face really still though after applying it, because it starts to flake and peel off a bit as it dries.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $12.75

For a natural spot treatment, look to Indie Lee’s Banish Stick. This formula taps into the power of plants to zap zits and clear pores, with wintergreen-derived salicylic acid, witch hazel, and burdock root extract. All together, these ingredients help exfoliate away dead skin cells while reducing oil, effectively eradicating two of the most common causes of breakouts. Dry and sensitive skin types will appreciate that Indie Lee’s spot treatment also incorporates burdock root and Tasmanian pepper fruit, which nourish the skin.

What testers say: “Purchased this hoping it would help with my overproduction of sebum. I get a lot of acne on my chin, cheeks and upper neck. I have been using for just under a week and I am already noticing less clogged pores, skin colored bumps and drying up of the existing red, bumps that I had. There is no over drying of my skin or redness, the application is supper easy and I’m so happy with the results. I have been applying morning and night as a spot treatment on the existing red acne and as full surface treatment of the areas with the skin colored, clogged pores. Would definitely buy again!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $16

Caudalie’s Color Correcting Spot Solution is another acne spot treatment that you can comfortably wear during the day with other skin care products or under makeup. The formula is great for normal to dry skin types that deal with acne, as it doesn’t overly dry out skin while eradicating excess oils and dead skin cells that can cause or worsen breakouts. What’s more, this acne spot treatment also contains niacinamide that targets post-breakout scars and marks.

What testers say: “First off, this is the most luxurious feeling salicylic spot product I have ever owned. I have a bevy of glycolic acid serums, retinoids, etc., and while they are very effective, they also all have a bit of a funky smell which is usually par for the course for these things. I also own the Caudalie Vinoperfect serum and their facial spray, which smell divine and have a great texture, so it was no surprise that even a spot cream from them would feel like a luxury product.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $25

This isn’t what many of us are used to when we think of a pimple patch, but Kiehl’s liquid patch, formulated with salicylic acid, creates a lightweight barrier on the skin while treating the breakout with the acne-fighting active. Great for combination, oily, and dry skin types, this treatment can be applied in the morning or evening and reduces pimple size in as little as 24 hours. And with regular use, it can fade acne marks in four weeks. To use, apply one drop to a clean fingertip after cleansing and gently dab it onto the breakout. Spread it into a thin layer without over-rubbing it. Then — the most important part — let the serum dry fully for 30 to 60 seconds before applying any SPF or makeup.

Editor testing and review notes: “Not only do I use this Kiehl’s spot treatment to target active breakouts — I also use it as an acne serum the days after my breakouts have calmed down to ensure they don’t leave a pesky mark in their wake. It’s a super lightweight formula that feels cooling on contact (a godsend when the breakout feels hot and irritated).”

Price upon publish date of this article: $30

For all of the oily-skin readers out there, this is a great spot treatment for you to try out, but it is potent. It actually reduces the size of breakouts within four hours. While salicylic acid does what it does best to unclog pores, this treatment is infused with soothing oat extract and topped off with witch hazel to get rid of unwanted oil and tighten pores.

What testers say: “Smells like rubbing alcohol but works like a dream. It gets rid of incoming pimples and milia. If I feel a pimple coming in, I put this on and it’s gone overnight. For best results put it on, let it dry, put a pimple patch on overnight.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $23.40

Dr. Jeffy touts the use of sulfur as a “great spot-treating active” because it aids in the removal of excess oil while soothing inflammation without causing too much irritation. However, this fast-acting treatment is formulated with the maximum amount of sulfur (which can be drying) to fight existing breakouts while preventing new ones. So have a great moisturizer for acne-prone skin on hand. For application, don’t shake the bottle. Instead, dip a clean cotton swab into the pink sediment at the bottom of the jar and apply to your pimple. Allow the product to dry and either rinse off after an hour or leave on overnight.

What testers say: “Very effective at drying, but careful not to use multiple days in a row, for me that led to a dry patch.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $25.20

If you’re not a fan of heavy creams and lotions as spot treatments, this lightweight targeted acne treatment is an instant “add to cart.” Lactic acid, bisabolol, an anti-inflammatory, and lime help to regulate sebum production, reduce redness, and speed up cell turnover while calendula works to soothe compromised skin. While some spot treatments are best at targeting white heads or pustules, testers have noticed that this treatment also seems to keep stubborn cystic acne at bay. After cleansing and toning the skin, apply the roller ball to affected areas of your face in the morning and evening. With its easy travel-friendly packaging, you can also keep it in your purse to be applied throughout the day if necessary.

What testers say: “I was really surprised about how effective this treatment roller is! For something so small, it packs quite the punch. I have hormonal cystic breakouts and these help get them under control much faster than other products I’ve used. The applicator is also so unique and helps put the perfect amount of spot treatment on.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $30.40

One of the easiest ways to self-sabotage when clearing a breakout is to use unclean application methods like not washing your hands or face before. Rael spot treatment comes in an easy-to-apply hygienic applicator with a silicone brush, but it must be noted that upon first use that it might take close to 50 clicks to actually dispense the product. Heavy hitters include succinic acid which reduces blemishes, inflammation and unclogs pores while also acting as a restorative agent for the skin’s pH. Cica aids in reducing redness while tea tree helps with inflammation as well.

What testers say: “I have used Rael’s spots and those are great, but this works better for me. The spots keep the area moist and this allows them to dry out. I tend to break out after epilation of my facial peach fuzz. This allows me to only have two days of spots vs. a week.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $11.99

For those who want a spot treatment infused with a bit of luxury, look no further than Valmont. This product’s aim is to aid in any skin emergency. This serum helps minimize the appearance of pimples, flakes and small lesions due to unbalanced skin. Pre- and probiotics help maintain and fortify a healthy skin ecosystem, while lightweight, fast-absorbing borage oil tackles inflammation. This serum is gentle enough for use in the morning and evening — all you need to do is apply to affected areas.

Price upon publish date of this article: $220