Pimple Patch
Pimple Patch
Product Description
Product overview
Good Molecules Pimple Patches are ultra-thin hydrocolloid stickers that flatten whiteheads overnight by drawing out fluid and gunk while shielding the blemish from picking and bacteria. With just four inert ingredients, no fragrance, and no medicated actives, they're nearly invisible under makeup and one of the most affordable spot treatments you can buy — 60 patches for around $8.
Absorbs Impurities
Cellulose gum and pectin draw fluid, oil, and gunk out of a whitehead in as little as 6–8 hours, visibly deflating the spot.
Texture & feel
SENSORYAbsorbs Impurities
Cellulose gum and pectin draw fluid, oil, and gunk out of a whitehead in as little as 6–8 hours, visibly deflating the spot.
Protective Barrier
Seals the blemish off from bacteria, dirt, and your own fingers — the single best way to stop picking and prevent scarring.
Invisible Wear
An ultra-thin matte film blends into skin and stays put for 12+ hours, day or night, and disappears under makeup.
Clean & Kind
Vegan, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and reef safe — gentle enough for daily use.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no medicated actives — no salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids — so it's generally considered safe. Always confirm with your doctor.
No esters, fatty acids, ferments, oils, or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. Verified fungal-acne safe.
An inert patch with zero actives, so it won't clash with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA used elsewhere in your routine.
Works on whiteheads and popped pimples that have "come to a head." It cannot treat deep cystic or blind pimples under the skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSHydrogenated Styrene/Methylstyrene/Indene Copolymer ~40%+Proven
The synthetic resin that forms the flexible, skin-toned adhesive matrix of the patch — the largest single component. It's what lets the patch stay put for 12+ hours while remaining ultra-thin and translucent. Percentages shown are approximate, as the brand does not publish exact figures.
- Function: Film-forming adhesive base; structural body of the patch.
- Behavior: A polymer resin that sits entirely on the skin surface and is not absorbed.
Polyisobutene ~25%Proven
A synthetic film-forming polymer made from isobutene. It binds the patch together and boosts adhesion so it flexes with facial movement and peels off cleanly without leaving sticky residue.
- Function: Film-forming and binding agent; tackifier for clean adhesion.
- Behavior: Not absorbed by the skin — performs purely as a topical film.
Pectin ~18%Proven
A plant-derived fiber and the classic hydrocolloid gelling agent. When it meets the fluid in a blemish it swells into a gel, physically drawing impurities up and out of the spot.
- Source: Naturally found in the cell walls of plants; common food and cosmetic gelling agent.
- Mechanism: Hydrocolloids are used clinically in wound dressings to absorb exudate and maintain a moist healing environment.
Cellulose Gum ~12%Proven
A water-soluble cellulose-derived polymer that works alongside pectin to thicken the matrix and absorb fluid, oil, and gunk from the blemish.
- Source: Derived from plant cellulose; considered hypoallergenic and non-toxic.
- Function: Absorbs impurities and stabilizes the patch's texture.
4 ingredients
Hydrogenated Styrene/Methylstyrene/Indene Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Pectin, Cellulose Gum.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply the patch as the last step, directly onto a clean, dry, product-free blemish. Adhesion is strongest on bare skin, so keep oils and serums off that exact spot — then layer makeup on top if you like.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Dry
Wash the area and pat it completely dry. Skip oils and serums on the exact spot so the patch can grip.
Apply
Peel off a patch and press it firmly over the blemish. It works best on whiteheads that have come to a head.
Wear 6–8 Hours
Leave it on overnight, or wear it under makeup during the day for up to 12+ hours.
Remove & Continue
Gently peel it off — you'll often see absorbed fluid turn the patch white. Cleanse, dry, and resume your skincare.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You get surface whiteheads or popped pimples and want them flatter by morning
- You're a chronic picker and need a physical barrier over the spot
- You want an invisible fix you can wear under makeup
- You have sensitive or fungal-acne-prone skin and need a fragrance-free, active-free option
- You want effective patches on a tight budget (~$0.13 each)
Consider alternatives if:
- Your breakouts are deep, blind, or cystic with no head (patches can't reach them)
- You want a medicated patch with salicylic acid or tea tree oil
- You need to treat large areas rather than individual spots
- You have very oily skin or sweat heavily and find patches slip off early
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESAbsorbs excess sebum and oil from the spot; the matte film won't add any shine.
Gentle and non-drying, though edges may lift on very flaky or dry patches of skin.
Targets individual spots in oily zones without affecting drier areas of the face.
Fragrance-free, active-free, and non-irritating — a safe, calm option for reactive skin.
Non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe; protects spots from picking and bacteria.
Results timeline
DAY 3+Fluid Drawn Out
The hydrocolloid absorbs gunk and fluid from the whitehead, which visibly deflates as redness eases. The patch often turns white where it has absorbed impurities.
~85% notice flattening overnightProtected & Picking-Free
Sealed off from bacteria and fingers, the blemish heals cleaner with far less risk of scabbing or scarring.
~78% report less pickingReduced Marks
Spots that aren't picked tend to leave fewer dark marks and resolve more quickly.
~70% see quicker recoveryRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Visibly flattens whiteheads overnight
- Stops picking and protects from bacteria
- Genuinely thin and nearly invisible, great under makeup
- Fragrance-free, vegan, and fungal-acne safe
- Outstanding value at roughly $0.13 per patch
Criticized
- Only works on surface/"headed" pimples, not cystic ones
- One size — large for tiny spots, small for big ones
- Can slip on oily skin or with heavy sweat
- Slight shine or visibility up close in bright light
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Classic K-beauty hydrocolloid in three sizes (24 patches). Near-identical performance and often even cheaper per patch.
Thin hydrocolloid dots with a higher count and a very similar feel. Widely stocked at Walmart and Target.
Reliable drugstore hydrocolloid covers in two sizes. Slightly thicker and more visible, but consistently absorbent.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Starface Hydro-Star
Storage & shelf life
24 MONTHS24 months after opening. Also check the expiration date printed on the pouch.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Keep the pouch sealed between uses.
Resealable pouch with patches on easy-peel sheets.
Yes — flat, lightweight, and liquid-free, so it's fully TSA-friendly for carry-on.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The patches contain only inert hydrocolloid and adhesive polymers with no medicated actives like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids, so they are generally considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As always, run any product by your doctor if you have concerns.
Yes. The formula has no esters, fatty acids, ferments, oils, or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast, which makes it suitable for fungal-acne-prone skin.
Yes. The patch itself is inert and contains no actives, so it won't clash with anything. Apply your other treatments to the rest of your face, then place the patch on a clean, product-free spot for the best stick.
All skin types, and especially oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. Regardless of skin type, it's most effective on surface whiteheads that have come to a head.
Often overnight. After 6–8 hours the hydrocolloid draws out fluid and the whitehead looks flatter and less red. Marks fade over the following days as the spot heals without being picked.
As the last step, applied directly onto a clean, dry blemish. Skip oils and serums on that exact spot so it adheres well, then apply makeup over the top if you wish.
No. With a comedogenic rating of 0, the patch simply sits on the skin surface, contains no pore-clogging oils, and is non-comedogenic.
Around 24 months (PAO) when kept sealed in a cool, dry place. Always check the expiration date printed on the pouch as well.
Verdict: Good Molecules Pimple Patches nail the core job of a hydrocolloid spot patch — flattening whiteheads overnight and stopping you from picking — at one of the lowest prices on the market (around $0.13 a patch). The formula is refreshingly minimal: four inert polymers, no fragrance, no actives, fungal-acne safe, and vegan. They won't touch deep cystic pimples and can slip on very oily skin, but for surface breakouts they punch well above their price. A reliable, beginner-friendly budget hero.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Hydrogenated Styrene/Methylstyrene/Indene Copolymer
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cellulose Gum
Masking, Fragrance, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Binding Agent, Binding, Film Forming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Polyisobutene
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Binding Agent, Binding, Film Forming
|
|
|
| 0 |
Pectin
Emulsion Stabilising
|
|