Eczema flares and a dry, patchy complexion are something I can generally see coming from miles away—I just know my skin. But pimples? Those come out of nowhere. But when they do, they form on my forehead and chin, and are noticeable even under makeup. In an attempt to get rid of these intruders—which conveniently appear before my Zoom-based work meetings or in-person hangouts with friends—I bust out a pack of my fun-shaped and colorful pimple patches.
After testing dozens of them (many of which have sadly left my pimples intact), I finally found one that effectively zaps my zits within hours—and they’re budget-friendly, too. Meet Pacifica Pore Warrior Pimple Patch ($8).
Made of hydrocolloid materials, Pacifica Pore Warriors form a protective and absorbent barrier over the skin. What makes this material so effective at ridding the skin of ick and gunk is that the patches “draw out excess fluid from the pimple and create an environment that allows inflamed skin to heal,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. Another notable feature? Hydrocolloid works wonders by covering up the entire pimple, so it’s less alluring to pick, pop, or touch it.
Compared to other pimple patches, these Pore Warriors use a special ingredient: tea tree oil—which has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties to ward bacteria spread. Research shows that the topical application of tea tree oil products can reduce the amount of lesions in people with mild-to-moderate acne. After using, I’ve noticed fewer pimples appear on the site where I applied the pimple patch.
For a month now, I’ve been testing Pacifica’s rainbow and heart-shaped pimple patches (how cute) and can rely on them to combat even the most determined zits. Compared to other pimple patches on the market, the Pacifica patches are stickier and last longer, staying on my skin between seven and eight hours. They even hold up after my two-hour sweaty workout sessions(!!!). I apply them during the day and night with a preference of sticking them on at night after cleansing and moisturizing my face. After one night of tossing and turning, the pimple patch is still in place, and in the morning, the pimple is gone with sebum remnants absorbed by the sticker (gross, but deeply satisfying).
Pacifica’s pimple patches eradicate my pimples in mere hours, making them my go-to before I have to see humans in real life or on a screen. If you battle pimple-y skin, I’d recommend having a box (or two) on hand for when things get bumpy.