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The 13 Best Acne Spot Treatments of 2024

Look for these active ingredients that fight breakouts fast

Best Acne Spot Treatments

Verwell Health / Kristin Kempa

From topical skincare to oral medications and in-office laser treatments, there are a variety of ways to treat acne today. One of the most common and accessible ways to treat acne is to purchase an over-the-counter spot treatment to target existing acne and prevent future breakouts from developing. 

When on the hunt for an effective acne spot treatment, you want to look for specific ingredients that have been proven to fight acne—think benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, and retinol. Another factor to consider is the type of spot treatment you’re looking for. There are a variety of formulas on the market, from creams, to gels, to pimple patches and more. 

Finally, you need to consider the type of acne you have before purchasing an acne spot treatment. Over-the-counter spot treatments are designed to treat mild to moderate acne, and probably won’t affect more severe acne conditions.

We mined our own experience using a variety of acne spot treatments to create this roundup, as well as interviewing multiple dermatologists for their recommendations of the best products on the market. A dermatologist from our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy.

Best Overall

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

Pros
  • Works against acne-causing bacteria

  • Reduces inflammation

  • Dermatologist and fan favorite

Cons
  • Not great for sensitive skin

  • Might stain your linens

The La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide is a fan favorite among dermatologists, estheticians, and consumers, too. This pick fights acne effectively thanks to multiple beneficial ingredients within the formula. 

Anar Mikailov, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Skintensive recommends this La Roche-Posay product to his patients. “Benzoyl peroxide is good for spot treatment as it works against acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation,” he explains. “This one is paired with lipo-hydroxy-acid, a salicylic acid derivative that’s gentle and effective in increasing keratinocyte turnover.”

People with very 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 to your face. 

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

Best Budget

Clean & Clear Advantage Spot Treatment

Clean & Clear Advantage Spot Treatment

Amazon

Pros
  • Oil-free

  • Quick-working

  • Goes on clear

Cons
  • Contains fragrance

  • May be a bit drying

The Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment has been around for a long, long time, and is a tried-and-true formula when it comes to treating acne. This pick is only $11 and can be easily 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 works to soothe skin while treating acne. “The Clean & Clear Advantage spot treatment reduces the size and redness of pimples in just about four hours and goes on clear without residue,” explains DeRosa. 

Because this formula goes on clear, you can use it during the day under your moisturizer and makeup. Unfortunately, this formula does contain fragrance, so if you are sensitive to scent, this pick might not be ideal for you.

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

Best Drugstore

Clearasil Rapid Rescue Spot Treatment Cream

Clearasil Rapid Rescue Spot Treatment Cream

Amazon

Pros
  • Available at drugstores nationwide

  • Doesn’t over-dry skin

  • A full ounce of product

Cons
  • May be irritating to some skin types

  • Might stain your linen

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 skin. We love that this option can be found at most drugstores nationwide and only costs $12. 

DeRosa likes to recommend this pick to her patients. “The Clearasil Rapid Rescue Spot Treatment Cream has a pleasant smell and will not over-dry the skin,” she explains. “It clears acne in under three days.”

Because this formula contains a high-strength benzoyl peroxide, some people might find it a little bit 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

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch The Original

Amazon

Pros
  • Are basically invisible

  • Removes the pus from pimples

  • Results in six to eight hours

Cons
  • Not great for blackheads or deep cysts

  • No chemical active ingredient

Pimple patches are one of the best ways to heal a blemish fast. This pick 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 kind of protective seal around the skin, preventing you from picking at your blemish or anything else further irritating your pimple. Second, the hydrocolloid patch effectively drains the pus from your pimple, allowing it to appear less raised on the skin and healer than much quicker. 

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

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

Best for Redness

Naturium Sulfur Spot Treatment

Naturium Sulfur Spot Treatment

Amazon

Pros
  • Doubles as a brightening treatment

  • Best pick for sensitive skin

  • Has anti-inflammatory properties

Cons
  • Can be a bit drying

  • Has a gas-like smell

One of the less popular, yet effective acne-fighting ingredients is sulfur. The Naturium Sulfur Spot Treatment works to gently reduce the appearance of blemishes and redness, while niacinamide and fermented reishi work to brighten your complexion, too. 

“Sulfur isn’t as popular of an acne treatment due to its smell,” explains Mikailov.  “However, its drying, keratolytic, and antibacterial properties help reduce acne lesions, especially for those with more sensitive skin who cannot tolerate adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, or any hydroxy acids.”

Sulfur is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that can help reduce the appearance of redness on the skin. Unfortunately, it can also be a bit drying as well. Sulfur isn’t as strong of an ingredient as retinols or benzoyl peroxide, but you should still use with caution when applying to your breakouts. 

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

Best for Hyperpigmentation

Hero Cosmetics Pimple Correct Acne Clearing Pen

Hero Cosmetics Pimple Correct Acne Clearing Gel Pen

Amazon

Pros
  • Innovative pen applicator

  • Anti-inflammatory and brightening

  • Goes on clear

Cons
  • Can be hard to get product out

  • May have to use twice daily

We love the Hero Cosmetics Pimple Correct Acne Clearing Gel Pen for many reasons—it contains ingredients not commonly used in spot treatments, it treats hyperpigmentation effectively, and it comes in an innovative pen application. 

“In addition to salicylic acid, which helps unclog pores, this pick also contains lactic acid and azelaic acid,” explains Mikailov. “Azelaic acid in particular has anti-bacterial with keratolytic properties, as well as anti-inflammatory and brightening benefits. This helps to not only treat existing acne, but also minimize hyperpigmentation caused by acne, too.”

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

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

Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment

Amazon

Pros
  • Vanishing cream formula

  • Available at drugstores nationwide

  • Ideal for acne-prone skincare

Cons
  • May not be great for all skin types

  • Might stain your linens

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. It’s only $11 and widely available, too.

DeRosa is a big fan of this pick for her patients. “The Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment has 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and works invisibly,” she says. “Ideal for acne-prone skincare, this spot treatment cream has clinically proven effectiveness with no burning and won't dry out the skin.”

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%

Pros
  • A tried-and-true product

  • Available at drugstores nationwide

  • Contains adapalene, an acne-fighting retinoid

Cons
  • You have to start slow

  • Your skin might purge on first uses

Differin gel is unlike other acne spot treatments on the market because it contains a special form of retinoid that you won’t find in many other acne products at your local drugstore. 

Mikailov knows how effective Differin Gel can be for his patients. “Adapalene was previously prescription-only, but since 2016, the 0.1% gel version is available over the counter,” he explains. “It is a type of retinoid that’s been shown to treat acne more effectively than other retinoids and is also better tolerated, meaning less inflammation and irritation. It actually pairs very well with benzoyl peroxide as a combo spot treatment.”

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

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

Best for Sensitive Skin

Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum

Face Mandelic Clearing Serum

Sofie Pavitt  

Pros
  • Mandelic acid is a gentle ingredient

  • Brightening and moisturizing formula

  • Lifts away dead skin cells

Cons
  • Takes a while to see results

  • Only available online

While yes, the Sofie Pavitt Mandelic Clearing Serum has more of a watery, serum consistency than a thick spot treatment feel, it works just as well as a targeted treatment for problem skin. Especially for people with sensitive, acne-prone skin. This pick is the first in the celebrity esthetician’s skin care line, Sofie Pavitt Face.

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 are preventing clogged pores and bacteria buildup, which can lead to acne. 

Not only will this pick treat acne, but it also helps to brighten, calm, and moisturize your skin, thanks to the added hyaluronic acid and panthenol. 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 on the pricier side at $54 per bottle.

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

Best for Daytime

Yon-Ka SOS Spot Acne Treatment

Yon-Ka SOS Spot Acne Treatment

Amazon

Pros
  • 95% natural ingredients

  • Great smell

  • Not super irritating

Cons
  • Less effective than others

  • On the more expensive side

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 free of alcohol. 

This roll-on has a lot of natural ingredients that work to treat blemishes. The ichthyol is rich in sulfur and helps to purify the skin, while the lactic acid contains postbiotics to help balance out your skin’s microbiome. Additionally, the lime also helps to clean out your pores. 

Not only do we love the gentle formula of this treatment, but the smell is truly to die-for, too. Because this pick doesn’t contain retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid, you might not find it as effective in fighting acne as some of the other picks on this list. That being said, you also won’t find it as irritating as others, either. 

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

Best Overnight

Kinship Pimple Potion Retinal and Salicylic Acid Treatment

Kinship Pimple Potion Retinal and Salicylic Acid Treatment

Amazon

Pros
  • Also reduces pigmentation

  • Gentle and effective

  • Jam-packed with star ingredients

Cons
  • Contains retinal

  • Isn’t ideal for daytime use

The Kinship Pimple Potion Retinol and Salicylic Acid Treatment is a yellow gel that works on the skin overnight to reduce the appearance of blemishes and pigmentation. DeRosa recommends this pick to her patients because it’s gentle but effective. “I like this option because it contains retinol, a vitamin A derivative, that improves skin texture, pigmentation, and tone,” she explains. “It also contains bakuchiol to 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. 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

JORI Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask

Amazon

Pros
  • Has niacinamide to reduce appearance of pores

  • Formulated by a dermatologist

  • Can be used as a mask or spot treatment

Cons
  • Might irritate sensitive skin

  • May stain your linens

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

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

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

Best Gel

CeraVe Acne Control Gel

CeraVe Acne Control Gel

Target

Pros
  • Extremely lightweight

  • Free of oils, parabens, and fragrance

  • Smooths and brightens

Cons
  • Can be drying and rough on the skin

  • Might not be great for sensitive skin

This pick from CeraVe uses 2% salicylic acid to gently treat acne. It comes in a lightweight gel texture and is free of oils, parabens, and fragrance. We love this option because it also contains glycolic and lactic acids to smooth skin texture and brighten your complexion, too.  

DeRosa recommends the CeraVe Acne Control Gel to her patients because of its stellar ingredients. “I like that it’s oil-free and free of alcohol, creating radiant and smooth skin in as little as three days,” she explains. “The three essential ceramides contained in it help maintain the natural skin barrier.”

Mikailov is also a big fan of this gel. “This spot treatment is a blend of salicylic acid with AHAs (glycolic acid and lactic acid), which all work together to improve acne,” he explains. “But these ingredients can be drying and rough on the skin. The ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid in the formula help keep the skin moisturized to reduce flakiness.”

Because this option does contain other forms of acids, some folks might find it a little drying if used every day. Start out low and slow, and then work your way up to using it more frequently. 

Key Specs: 
Type:
Gel | Size: 1.35 ounces | Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid

How We Selected the Best Acne Spot Treatments

We interviewed two board-certified dermatologists for their recommendations on the best acne spot treatments. The doctors we spoke to included:

  • Jaimie DeRosa, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder and lead facial plastic surgeon of DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Boston and Palm Beach
  • Anar Mikailov, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Skintensive

We also used our own experience of using some of these acne spot treatments to recommend them to readers. We looked for spot treatments that contained well-studied acne-fighting ingredients with a range of different types of spot treatments (like gels, pimples patches, etc.). 

What to Look For in Acne Spot Treatments

Active Ingredients

There are multiple active ingredients that can treat acne. Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria that causes acne, helps remove excess oil from the skin, and removes dead skin cells, which can clog pores. “Benzoyl peroxide is available without prescription and has been shown that lower concentrations are as effective as higher concentrations,” explains DeRosa.

Salicylic acid is another very popular acne-fighting ingredient that can be found over-the-counter. “Salicylic acid helps unclog pores and reduce new breakouts,” explains DeRosa. “It’s especially effective for oily and acne prone skin.”

Another, less common ingredient found in some acne spot treatments is azelaic acid. Azelaic acid unclogs pores and has a mildly antibacterial effect. According to DeRosa, it can also correct dark spots and works on post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

“Alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic and lactic acids) work by removing dead skin cells and calming inflammation,” explains DeRosa. “They also promote growth of new skin, resulting in improvement of the look of acne pores and scars.” 

Type of Spot Treatment

When on the hunt for an acne spot treatment, you want to look out for different types of spot treatments that will work for your acne type. “Sulfur spot treatments are good for oily skin types, since it has keratolytic properties which help make the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) softer and thinner,” explains DeRosa. “It also has antibacterial properties, which reduces the growth of propionibacterium acne bacteria and unclogs the pores.”

There are also acne treatment gels that work by calming inflammation and removing dead skin cells. Depending on the ingredients that the gel contains, they may offer different benefits. “For example, alpha hydroxy acid gels will increase the production of healthy, smooth skin,” says DeRosa. “Gels stay longer on the surface for more effectiveness.”

Pimple patches are another effective spot treatment that are relatively new to the United States in the last ten years. “Pimple patch acne treatments can be applied to both ruptured and intact pimples,” says DeRosa. “For those pimples that are intact, the pimple patch is great to use overnight, as it will reduce inflammation and decrease the size of the pimple. For those pimples that have already popped, a patch will protect and heal the skin.”

Acne and Skin Type

Unfortunately, some spot treatments might not work on a specific skin type. “Over-the-counter topical spot treatments work best on mild to moderate acne,” explains Mikailov. “Those with severe or cystic acne may not see benefits in treating their acne with spot treatments.” However, once the cystic acne is under control, spot treatments can help maintain the skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do acne spot treatments actually work?

    Yes, acne spot treatments do work for mild to moderate acne. “As active ingredients that are beneficial for acne can be irritating and drying, it’s best to use them only as a spot treatment instead of all over the skin,” suggests Mikailov.

  • What is the best spot treatment to get rid of a pimple overnight?

    The best spot treatment to get rid of a pimple overnight is the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment. We love this pick because it uses benzoyl peroxide to treat acne, but also contains lipo-hydroxy-acid (a salicylic acid derivative) for extra acne-fighting power.

  • What is the easiest way to get rid of acne or pimples?

    For mild and moderate acne, tackle the acne with a spot treatment as soon as it emerges. “For those who pick their skin, covering it with a pimple patch in addition to using a spot treatment can help acne heal faster,” suggests Mikailov.

Why Trust Verywell Health

Daley Quinn is a freelance journalist, specializing in beauty and health, who has contributed to numerous publications, such as Elle, Real Simple, Allure, The Cut, WWD, and more. She used her personal experience with testing acne spot treatments, as well as interviewing multiple dermatologists for their recommendations for the best acne spot treatments on the market.