The 13 Best Acne Spot Treatments, Dermatologist-Approved

Best Overall

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

View On Laroche-posay.us View On Target $36 View On Ulta $23

Why We Recommend It

The La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment with benzoyl peroxide is a favorite among dermatologists, estheticians, and consumers. Thanks to multiple beneficial ingredients in its formula, this product effectively fights acne. Anar Mikailov, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Skintensive, recommends this La Roche-Posay product to his patients because of the benzoyl peroxide. He says it fights acne-causing bacteria while reducing inflammation. The salicylic acid derivative in it is gentle and increases keratinocyte turnover.

Keep in Mind

People with sensitive skin might want to start slowly with this product or choose another acne treatment from this list. Some skin types don’t tolerate benzoyl peroxide well, so it’s important to do a patch test on your wrist or neck before applying it to your face. 

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Cream | Size: 0.7 ounces | Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide}

Best Budget

Clean & Clear Advantage Spot Treatment

View On Amazon $7 View On Walmart $7 View On Walgreens $11

Why We Recommend It

The Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment has been around for a long time. It is a tried-and-true formula for treating acne and can be found at most drugstores. We love this pick because it’s less irritating than other acne spot treatments on the market. It contains 2% salicylic acid and witch hazel, which soothes skin while treating acne. DeRosa explains that it minimizes redness and reduces pimple size in just four hours with no residue. And because this formula goes on clear, you can use it under your moisturizer and makeup during the day.

Keep in Mind

Unfortunately, this formula contains fragrance, so if you are sensitive to scent, this pick might not be ideal.

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Gel | Size: 0.75 ounces | Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, witch hazel}

Best Drugstore

Clearasil Rapid Rescue Spot Treatment Cream

View On Amazon $13 View On Walmart $28 View On Riteaid.com $11

Why We Recommend It

Formulated with 10% benzoyl peroxide, the Clearasil Rapid Rescue Spot Treatment Cream will start working on your breakouts in just four hours. It’s a very lightweight gel that spreads easily onto the skin. DeRosa recommends this pick to her patients because it smells nice, isn't drying, and clears acne in under three days. We also love that this option is available at most drugstores nationwide

Keep in Mind

Because this formula contains high-strength benzoyl peroxide, some people might find it slightly irritating. If you have sensitive, acne-prone skin, be sure to use this product only a few times a week or every other night until your skin gets used to it. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide is known to stain fabrics, so make sure you wash your hands after application and sleep on white pillowcases.

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Gel | Size: 1 ounce | Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide}

Best Pimple Patches

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch The Original

View On Amazon $12 View On Walmart $20 View On Walmart $15

Why We Recommend It

Pimple patches are one of the best ways to heal a blemish fast. The Mighty Patch from Hero Cosmetics is a best-seller because it does a great job of sticking to your blemish and absorbing pus from a pimple. Pimple patches work in two ways. First, they act as a protective seal around the skin, preventing you from picking at your blemish or further irritating your pimple. Second, the hydrocolloid patch effectively drains the pus from your pimple, making it appear less raised on the skin and healer than much quicker. 

Keep in Mind

While pimple patches work well for whiteheads and cysts on the surface, they don’t treat blackheads or deep cysts trapped under the skin. If you have either of those types of acne, you might want to opt for a spot treatment with an active ingredient. 

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Patch | Size: 36 patches | Active Ingredients: Hydrocolloid}

Best for Redness

Naturium Sulfur Spot Treatment

View On Amazon $13 View On Target $16

Why We Recommend It

One of the less popular yet effective ingredients in acne-fighting products is sulfur. The Naturium Sulfur Spot Treatment gently reduces the appearance of blemishes and redness while niacinamide and fermented reishi brighten your complexion. 

Mikailov says sulfur isn't as popular for treating acne due to its smell. However, he adds that despite the smell, its antibacterial properties can benefit people with more sensitive skin who can't tolerate stronger ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or hydroxy acids. Sulfur is also an anti-inflammatory ingredient that can help reduce the appearance of redness on the skin.

Keep in Mind

Unfortunately, sulfur can also be drying, and it isn’t as strong an ingredient as retinols or benzoyl peroxide. You should still use it with caution when treating your breakouts. 

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Cream | Size: 0.5 ounces | Active Ingredients: Sulfur, niacinamide}

Best for Hyperpigmentation

Hero Cosmetics Pimple Correct Acne Clearing Pen

View On Amazon $20 View On Dermstore $20 View On CVS $24

Why We Recommend It

We love the Hero Cosmetics Pimple Correct Acne Clearing Gel Pen for many reasons—it contains ingredients not commonly used in spot treatments, effectively treats hyperpigmentation, and comes in an innovative pen application. Mikailov explains that this pick is good for clogging pores because of the lactic acid, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid. He adds that azelaic acid is antibacterial with keratolytic properties, is anti-inflammatory, and brightens.

Keep in Mind

While we love the formula, the packaging design is a bit finicky. Some folks complain that they can’t effectively get the product out of the pump. 

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Gel | Size: 0.34 ounces | Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, lactic acid, azelaic acid, tea tree oil}

Best for Hormonal Acne

Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment

View On Amazon $7 View On Walmart $9 View On CVS $11

Why We Recommend It

The Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment has a relatively low percentage of benzoyl peroxide (only 2.5%) and is less irritating to the skin than other spot treatments on this list. DeRosa is a big fan of this pick for her patients because it works invisibly, is lightweight, and absorbs quickly into the skin. She loves its proven effectiveness on a clinical level and that it's non-burning and non-drying.

Keep in Mind

Like all benzoyl peroxide products, you need to be careful with clothing, towels, and linens when using this product, as it can stain fabrics easily. 

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Cream | Size: 0.75 ounces | Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide}

Best Retnoid

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%

View On Amazon $13 View On Walmart $29 View On Target $15

Why We Recommend It

Differin Gel is unlike other acne spot treatments on the market because it contains a special form of retinoid (adapalene) that is not found in many other acne products, such as those sold at your local drugstore. That being said, Mikailov says that since 2016, the 0.1% gel has been the only OTC option available. He adds that it's the only retinoid that's been proven to treat acne more effectively than others and is less irritating and inflammatory. He also explains that it's a great combo spot treatment when paired with benzoyl peroxide.

Because Differin Gel contains a retinoid, it’s important to start low and slow and work your way up to tolerating it every night. Also, wear sunscreen daily while using a retinoid, as it can make your skin more prone to sunburn. 

Keep in Mind

Some people might find this formula to be irritating. Additionally, your skin might “purge” with acne before it gets better—try to stick with it if you can.

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Gel | Size: 1.6 ounces | Active Ingredients: Adapalene}

Best for Sensitive Skin

Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum

View On Sofiepavittface.com

Why We Recommend It

While the Sofie Pavitt Mandelic Clearing Serum has a more watery serum consistency than a thick spot treatment feel, it works just as well as a targeted therapy for problem skin, especially for people with sensitive, acne-prone skin.

The key ingredient in this formula is, you guessed it, mandelic acid. Unlike other acids that are harsher on the skin, mandelic acid is a gentle ingredient that lightly exfoliates dead skin cells over time. By lifting away dead skin cells, you prevent clogged pores and bacteria buildup, which can lead to acne. This pick will treat pimples, but thanks to the added hyaluronic acid and panthenol, it also helps to brighten, calm, and moisturize your skin.

Keep in Mind

While we love how well this works on acne, it’s not an overnight quick fix. You’ll need to use it frequently to begin to see results. Unfortunately, it’s only available online and is pricier than other picks.

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Serum | Size: 1 ounce | Active Ingredients: Mandelic acid}

Best for Daytime

Yon-Ka SOS Spot Acne Treatment

View On Amazon $38

Why We Recommend It

Small but mighty, the Yon-Ka SOS Spot Acne Treatment is a great blemish-fighter for the daytime. Easy to tote around in your bag and apply throughout the day, this pick contains 95% ingredients from natural origin and is alcohol-free. This roll-on has a lot of natural ingredients that work to treat blemishes. The ichthyol is rich in sulfur and helps purify the skin, while the lactic acid contains postbiotics to help balance your skin’s microbiome. Additionally, the lime helps clean out your pores. 

We love the gentle formula of this treatment, and the smell is truly to die for, too. It also isn't as irritating as other options.

Keep in Mind

Because this product doesn’t contain retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid, it might not be as effective in fighting acne as some of the other products on this list.

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Roll-on | Size: 0.24 ounces | Active Ingredients: Sulfur, lactic acid}

Best Overnight

Kinship Pimple Potion Retinal and Salicylic Acid Treatment

View On Amazon $22

Why We Recommend It

The Kinship Pimple Potion Retinol and Salicylic Acid Treatment is a yellow gel that works overnight on the skin to reduce the appearance of blemishes and pigmentation. DeRosa recommends this pick to her patients because it’s gentle but effective. She adds that it improves skin texture, pigmentation, and tone. She adds that it can also help clear breakouts and brighten skin.

This is a great option for those who don't tolerate benzoyl peroxide very well. Additionally, we think it's a great pick for overnight because it contains retinol, which shouldn’t really be used during the day since it can make your skin more prone to sunburn.

Keep in Mind

Some folks don’t tolerate retinol well, so you might want to start off slow when opting for this product.  

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Gel | Size: 0.53 ounces | Active Ingredients: Retinal, salicylic acid, bakuchiol, and Kinbiome}

Best Mask

JORI Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask

View On Amazon $29 View On Walmart $38 View On Joriskincare.com

Why We Recommend It

Developed by a board-certified dermatologist and his wife (who suffered from hormonal acne), the JORI Skincare Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask is a leave-on mask that can also be used as a spot treatment. It uses micronized 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to treat pimples and saw palmetto, zinc, and niacinamide to address hormonal issues on the skin and soothe any irritation. 

You can use this pick at night as an overnight mask or apply it during the day under your makeup, too. If your skin is sensitive to benzoyl peroxide, you might want to start out by using it a few times a week or every other day until your skin can tolerate it better. 

Keep in Mind

This formula may irritate some users, and like other products with benzoyl peroxide, it may stain.

^{Key Specs: 
Type: Mask | Size: 1.5 ounces | Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, palmetto, zinc, and niacinamide}