All of us have experienced getting a pimple at some point in our lives. When a pimple appears, you use the strongest, most effective spot treatment you can find in order to combat it. It is virtually impossible to conceal the peel-y, dried-out, and irritating mess you will end up with. It is common for spot treatments to contain varying percentages of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide as active ingredients. A chemical exfoliator, salicylic acid is extremely effective at removing dead skin cells: "Once it penetrates the skin, it dissolves some of the intercellular 'glue' that holds skin cells together," cosmetic chemist Randy Schueller previously stated. Because of this, it is an excellent treatment for blemishes caused by clogged pores (blackheads, whiteheads - you get the idea). However, benzoyl peroxide acts to eradicate the bacteria that cause zits in the first place, so it is an excellent choice for treating inflammatory acne. For best results, spot-squelching products combine zit-zapping active ingredients with skin-soothing ingredients to avoid the dreaded dryness.
Discover below breakout-fighting products that don't strip your skin
Rosen Skincare Break Out
A simple spot treatment by Rosen Skincare, Break-Out is designed to prevent the spread of bumps and breakouts! Prevents breakouts from spreading. This blend of zinc oxide, apple cider vinegar, and peppermint oil provides an antibacterial and astringent treatment that will fade breakouts overnight with its powerful antibacterial and astringent properties.
SkinFix Acne+ 2% BHA Spot Treatment
The pioneering treatment zaps all forms of acne immediately. Acne breakouts are reduced and all types of acne are effectively treated with this product. Two-in-one acne and post-acne spot treatment deliver effective antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory results. Besides tackling breakouts, the concentrated formula contains four powerful active ingredients, including salicylic acid at 2% and azelaic acid at 10%.
Clean & Clear Advantage Spot Treatment
With breakthrough technology, their best-selling spot treatment reduces visible signs of acne by dissolving oil and allowing maximum salicylic acid penetration into pores. With Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment, visible breakouts are quickly reduced; that's because this acne-fighting breakthrough has a unique formula that reduces breakouts rapidly. Clinical testing has shown that this clear formula reduces pimple redness and shrinks pimples in just a matter of days; Plus, this unique formula will treat pimples without overdrying - leaving your skin looking beautiful and clear. Take advantage of the new Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment for an unfair advantage.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo
A micronized form of benzoyl peroxide is used in La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Duo, which penetrates pores more deeply than traditional formulations because of its smaller particles. With lipo hydroxy acid, the second of the spot-fighting ingredients, pores are gently excised without causing irritation. An oil-free acne treatment reduces acne by 60% within 10 days. The product may be used to treat acne on the entire face or on specific areas. The texture is non-drying and fast-absorbing. Sensitive skin is suitable for this product. It is non-comedogenic. The product has been dermatologically tested and tested for allergies.
St. Ives Solutions Acne Control Spot Treatment
Using 100% pure, natural tea tree extract, St. Ives Acne Control Spot Treatment starts working instantly to help clear breakouts without leaving the skin overly dry or irritated. There is clinical evidence that this maximum-strength spot treatment is made with 2% salicylic acid and can reduce redness within 2 hours. With a cooling menthol sensation, it dries clear on all skin tones and provides a tingling sensation when used.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion addresses pesky problems with its on-the-spot solution. Drying Lotion is a fast-acting formula that helps dry up surface blemishes overnight - making it an iconic and award-winning must-have. It is the No. 1 best-seller. It was developed by Mario Badescu himself in the 1960s. This solution is a clarifying, bi-phase solution. By drawing out impurities from targeted areas, this product assists in the drying up of surface blemishes overnight. Reduces the appearance of surface blemishes the following day.
Peace Out Acne Patches
The first-of-its-kind acne treatment dot that combines hydrocolloid polymer technology with an active anti-acne ingredient to minimize breakouts overnight. The reformulated anti-acne dots contain NEW encapsulated Salicylic Acid to penetrate pores and remove blemishes quickly without causing irritation. The use of SPF 15 helps to maintain clear-looking skin while the use of Aloe Vera calms and minimizes the appearance of redness. By using their NEW, clean hydrocolloid polymer technology, impurities are extracted and a barrier is created to protect against external factors.
Florence by Mills Spot a Spot Acne Patches
Florence by Mills Spot a Spot Acne Patches are adorable acne spot stickers that provide the ultimate protection for spots, dots, and blemishes. It is formulated with skin-loving ingredients such as peppermint oil, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil to target each spot directly. To create a smoother appearance, hydrocolloid seals each spot from bacteria and helps remove dirt, oils, and impurities.
Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm
Boost your comeback with Rescue Balm - the only post-blemish solution designed to speed up the healing process. The Rescue Balm is an ointment inspired by first aid ointment that replenishes skin with powerful antioxidants and peptides. There are four signs of trouble after a breakout that can be addressed with this multi-purpose moisture bomb. Dermatologist-approved, this product contains no fragrance or irritating ingredients, so it is safe to use on newly patched or popped pimples. To replenish your skin, gently blend a rice-sized amount onto the area with blemishes.
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Blemish Solutions Acne Eliminating Gel
The lightweight formula of Dr. Dennis's Gross DRx Blemish Solutions Acne Eliminating Gel makes it easy to apply and dries clear. With 2% salicylic acid, this formula removes acne-causing debris from pores and helps prevent future breakouts. Aloe vera and green tea soothe the skin to reveal a clearer, smoother, and more balanced complexion.
Kate Somerville EradiKate Spot Treatment
https://www.katesomerville.com
With a combination of antibacterial sulfur, exfoliating BHAs, and healing zinc, Kate Somerville's EradiKate Spot Treatment is as powerful as it is beautiful. Acne spots can be cleared quickly with their #1 spot treatment which is formulated with the highest level of sulfur to allow for clinical acne control. EradiKate® effectively eliminates existing pimples, reduces redness, and prevents future breakouts. There is more to their spot treatment than just drying up pimples. By going deep into the skin, the product effectively clears existing breakouts, controls oil production, and prevents future breakouts. Every skincare kit should contain this product.
First Aid Beauty FAB Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment
https://www.firstaidbeauty.com
A Rapid-action treatment containing 2% Salicylic Acid to reduce breakouts. The majority of users reported that their blemish-prone skin had improved within 24 hours. The maximum-strength Salicylic Acid formula will help you to eliminate acne blemishes, whiteheads, and blackheads on the spot. With its exfoliating and resurfacing acids and fruit enzymes, it helps prevent acne marks from forming. In addition to minimizing redness and soothing irritation, Aloe, Bisabolol, & Oatmeal work harmoniously to soothe.
Versed Game Over Acne Drying Treatment
This fast-acting, stay-in-place spot cream contains 10% sulfur and two types of clay, which help to dry out angry pimples as soon as they appear. Unlike other creams, this one will not rub off overnight, and it will not dry the surrounding skin, helping keep it healthy and balanced. This treatment is ideal for treating non-inflammatory acne, such as whiteheads and blackheads. This product is suitable for oily and problem skin types. Packaging made up of 79% PCR, environmentally friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free. There are no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing agents, NPEs, PEGs, artificial fragrances, mineral oil, petroleum, coal tar, talc, hydroquinone, oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate, triclosan, or triclocarban in this product.
Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts
Zits are rapidly diminished and calmed by Microdarts patches. In a hyaluronic acid hydrating base, tiny, self-dissolving darts containing clarifying salicylic acid, tea tree, and willow bark, plus soothing niacinamide and cica, precisely target the intended area for fast, visible improvement. Microdarts' Melt-TechTM Technology consists of 176 Microdarts that self-dissolve deep into the skin to deliver ingredients that precisely target stubborn blemishes. The levels of sharpness were perfected by their laboratory over a period of months - no pain, but highly effective! With science-driven innovation and adhesion, they bring you best-in-class solutions.
Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment
With their acne spot treatment, you can reduce the size and redness of blemishes within 4 hours, thanks to its maximum-strength formula. Exfoliation with salicylic acid is effective for clearing pores and smoothing the skin. There is a patented complex that is derived from pine and thyme extracts and protects the skin's natural balance from irritants while fighting irritants.
Kinship Pimple Potion Retinal and Salicylic Acid Treatment
A fast-acting spot treatment that treats acne with retinol and salicylic acid, Kinship Pimple Potion Retinal + Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment can clear and prevent acne. Blackheads, whiteheads & pimples are reduced and skin renewal is promoted, but no irritation is caused to the skin. As an all-over facial treatment or used as a spot treatment, it is effective in clearing and preventing acne on a variety of skin types. It is clear and seamless to blend into the skin. The product is free of benzoyl peroxide. It is dermatologist-tested. Certified cruelty-free and vegan by the Leaping Bunny and the Vegan Society.
My Clarins Clear-Out
It is an excellent treatment gel that targets imperfections and calms irritations. It is an oil-free, powerful formula containing Meadowsweet extract, Salicylic acid, and Purslane extract that gently glides over the skin with a transparent finish. For clear, smooth skin, this product is free of phthalates, parabens, and sulfates. All of the ingredients in My Clarins have not been derived from animals and the product has not been tested on animals.
Origins Super Spot Remover
Those who measure the effectiveness of zit-zapping products by their ability to "feel" as if they are working should consider Origins Super Spot Remover to be the gold standard. This gel-like transparent formula immediately imparts a slight tingle to the skin. This product has 1.5 percent salicylic acid and clarifying oregano oil, both of which work to remove blemishes immediately upon application. The mixture of apple extracts and cucumber extracts soothes the skin and prevents hyperpigmentation from developing.
Kiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment
Salicylic Acid in their daily acne lotion reduces the appearance of blemishes and helps prevent new ones from forming. Contains no parabens or fragrances. It provides a visible reduction in acne blemishes and serves as a preventative measure against future ones. Enhances the appearance of smooth, clear skin by reducing the appearance of dull skin and rough texture. A clinically proven method for reducing acne breakouts as well as rough texture and dullness of the skin. Suitable for acne-prone skin.
Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur + Niacinamide Spot Treatment Mask
Acne treatment mask prevents the formation of new blemishes while clearing up existing acne. A spot treatment mask formulated with 10% sulfur helps to clear up blemishes and target the causes of future breakouts. This product is made from high-quality sulfur, which dries surplus (pore-clogging) sebum and removes dead skin cells. With 4% Niacinamide, skin appears clearer and more radiant. As a result of the use of zinc PCA and bentonite, impurities are drawn out, excessive oil is reduced, and redness is soothed. In combination with manuka oil, highly potent tea tree oil, standardized for high levels of terpinene-4-ol, purifies the skin. With each application, the complexion appears smoother and clearer. This product is sulfate-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, soy-free, phthalate-free, fragrance-free, and vegan.
The Inkey List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment
Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment by The INKEY List is designed to reduce inflammation, minimize oil levels, and prevent pores from clogging. Formulated with breakout-fighting ingredients, it promotes a clearer complexion. By uplifting pore-clogging impurities, succinic acid at 2% minimizes the appearance of blemishes. It is then combined with 2% sulfur and 1% salicylic acid in order to reduce the size of both blackheads and spots. This targeted spot treatment is offered in a rich cream texture that can easily be layered underneath makeup. Furthermore, its fast-acting approach is ideal for soothing inflamed, oily skin.
Tula Go Away Acne Spot Treatment
This powerful spot treatment is clinically proven to calm the appearance of redness and irritation in a matter of hours. (90% reported less inflamed pimples in just 24 hours). The FDA-approved benzoyl peroxide fights breakouts quickly and niacinamide and azelaic acid fade the appearance of past blemish marks. A combination of tea tree oil and probiotic extract helps soothe and balance the skin. Suitable for use both morning and evening, this product dries clear & wears well under makeup.
Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment
As part of the Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment, 5% Benzoyl Peroxide is used to reduce and prevent future breakouts, 5% Glycolic Acid is used to improve the appearance of blemishes and aging skin, and Arnica is used to visibly smooth and soothes the skin. In addition, Willow Bark Extract is included for deeper pore cleansing. Unsightly acne can be healed and shrunk with this product. Suitable for use as an acne serum as well as a spot treatment.
Meow Meow Tweet Spot Serum
There is no better way to clear your skin than with Spot Serum, a powerful plant-based treatment. This potent combination of essential oils reduces inflammation and discourages bacterial growth, quickly. Additionally, these pimple-busting plant oils are suspended in organic jojoba seed oil, the oil found in nature that most closely resembles the skin's own sebum. It is therefore possible to remove pimples while soothing the skin at the same time. Aromatherapy provides stress-relieving benefits to this handy roll-on, which provides a dose of calm while taking care of all your spots. There is a strong fragrance of crisp herbal notes, and the oil has a silky texture.
Beautycounter Countercontrol SOS Acne Spot Treatment
With an invisible, lightweight formula designed for skin in distress, this gel penetrates pores and reduces blemishes. This treatment features our signature SkinBalance Complex and maximum-strength salicylic acid, which eliminates breakouts without overdrying the skin. No harsh irritants or sensitizers are used in the formulation, such as benzoyl peroxide and sulfur, which may cause irritation. Formulated with an invisible gel. Designed to treat breakouts without overdrying the skin. Relieves unexpected blemishes.
Glossier Zit Stick
This portable pen comes with a fast-drying formula that is designed to clear zits at high speed. It is formulated with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide which has been proven to kill the germs that cause blemishes on the skin. There are several ingredients in Tea Tree Oil and Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (an alternative to Salicylic Acid that is less irritating) that shrink blemishes and minimize swelling.
Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Spot Treatment
The acne medication Benzoyl Peroxide can irritate the skin in some acne spot treatments. Even though their formula contains just 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide, it is clinically proven to be so effective that skin begins to clear up from the very first application without over-drying, stinging, or burning. The lightweight nature of this acne spot treatment makes it easy to absorb into the skin. Furthermore, it penetrates deep into pores to kill acne bacteria that cause pimples and prevent new ones from forming. It is oil-free. It is non-comedogenic.