The best spot treatments for acne can take breakouts from angry, red, and inflamed to flattened and soothed in a matter of hours, providing you know what to look for in the ingredient list. Board-certified dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD, founder of Image Dermatology, recommends a spot treatment that contains one or more of the following actives: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and/or retinoids. “Spot treatments are designed to target and treat specific blemishes by delivering the active ingredients right where you need them,” she says.
However, while a strong concentration of actives can shrink pimples fast, they can also trigger flare-ups of dryness and irritation. That’s why board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, says that it’s also important to seek out formulas with soothing ingredients, such as “niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid,” to help balance acne-prone skin.
With these dermatologist tips in mind and several rounds of editor testing, we chose the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Multi-Target Acne Treatment as our top spot treatment overall. The noncomedogenic formula combines salicylic acid, niacinamide, and lipo-hydroxy acids to clear mild to moderate acne without over-drying skin. Keep reading for options that target more severe and persistent breakouts, as well as formulas that fight whiteheads, target cystic acne, and fade dark spots.
The best spot treatments for acne, at a glance
How we tested
We started by asking dermatologists for their top spot treatment recommendations, as well as the best acne-fighting ingredients to look for in products. Our editors and contributors also shared their favorite treatments. During testing, we evaluated the formula’s concentration of active ingredients, how quickly they worked to heal pimples, and how irritating or drying they felt, as well as how they performed on a variety of skin types. We also took into account whether they contained soothing ingredients to help counteract irritating side effects.
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Multi-Target Acne Treatment
- Pros: Gentle yet effective; less drying than other formulas we tested
- Cons: Best for mild to moderate acne, as opposed to severe breakouts
Both of our dermatologist sources recommend this spot treatment for combating a variety of common breakouts, including whiteheads, blackheads, and mild to moderate inflammatory acne. The lightweight, noncomedogenic formula features a low dose of salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acids, which work together to penetrate breakouts, refine large pores, and increase skin cell turnover. With an added dose of niacinamide and La Roche-Posay’s proprietary thermal spring water, Dr. Downie calls this “a gentle but effective treatment that can help significantly while not being too irritating.”
What our tester says: “When I get breakouts, they’re pretty persistent and tend to pop up in clusters. This treatment managed to flatten my little chin bumps in about two days, leaving behind just a bit of redness, which is very typical for my skin and should go away in a week. It’s a bit drying, so be sure to moisturize if you want to avoid peeling and wear sunscreen if you’re applying throughout the day,” says Glamour contributor Emily Tannenbaum.
Best Benzoyl Peroxide: Neutrogena On-the-Spot Treatment
- Pros: Affordable; a little goes a long way
- Cons: Benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabric, so be careful with clothes and pillowcases
This 2.5% benzoyl peroxide treatment clears acne-causing bacteria, which helps treat existing breakouts and prevent future pimples, Dr. Garshick says. She also praises the lightweight, noncomedogenic formula for how easily it absorbs into the skin. “Additionally, a little goes a long way,” she says. “A little dab is all that is needed.”
What our tester says: “I used this spot treatment on some forehead and jawline pimples, and it helped reduce the redness without drying the area. I had a white pimple on my eyebrow that was completely reduced to a tiny bump and then gone the next day. I miraculously didn’t pop it like I normally do, and it healed nicely without any scarring. I would recommend applying a couple of times throughout the day. I like that it feels like a lightweight moisturizer and absorbs quickly,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle, who deals with hormonal acne.
Best Budget: Bubble Knock Out Acne Spot Treatment
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- Pros: Affordable; reduces swelling and pimple size within hours
- Cons: The sponge-tip applicator isn’t the most hygienic
At only $12, this is the most affordable spot treatment on this list, yet just as effective as its pricier counterparts. “Combining both salicylic acid, wintergreen extract, and willow bark extract, this spot treatment helps to address clogged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads,” says Dr. Garshick. “It also contains elderberry antioxidants to help calm and soothe the skin.” The slim size makes it perfect for tucking into a purse and flattening random pimples that pop up.
What our tester says: “I’ve had mixed results with acne spot treatments throughout the years, so I was interested to see how well this salicylic acid spot treatment would do. It’s a lightweight, gentle, clear gel—a far cry from the typical pasty spot treatments that may come to mind. I liked that a little went a long way with this one; it managed to stick right on and stay put overnight. By the time I washed it off in the morning, I noticed that the very red pimple I put it on was a lot less inflamed. It smoothed it out a bit, and although the raised texture wasn’t completely gone, it did shrink it. Pretty great for under $20,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary who has oily, acne-prone skin.
Best Toner: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Pros: Alcohol-free; affordable; large size can be used on face and body acne
- Cons: May be too irritating for nightly use as instructed on the package; stick to once a week at first
Acne-prone skin will benefit from a a toner that contains glycolic acid, and this formula does the trick. “Glycolic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells so they can’t mix together with the excess oil on the skin and create acne,” Angela Lamb, MD, an associate professor at Mount Sinai Hospital’s department of dermatology in NYC, previously told Glamour. The ingredient can also help smooth uneven texture, increase cell turnover, and fade acne scars.
What our tester says: “This toner is probably my favorite one I’ve ever tried. As someone who has oily skin, I usually have hormonal acne during my time of the month. The Ordinary toner literally made my pimple disappear within 24 hours—and that’s a first. It doesn’t have a strong alcohol smell like most toners, which made me feel like it was less harsh. It also didn’t feel like it was completely stripping my skin or drying it out. If you’ve got oily skin or sensitive skin, I’d definitely recommend this toner for everyday use,” says Glamour’s senior social media manager Jazmin Gathers.
Best for Acne Scars: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads
- Pros: Improves hyperpigmentation and texture; travel-friendly
- Cons: Can cause skin to peel or flake; plan accordingly
While scars won’t fade as fast as some of these treatments will flatten a pimple, these pads get the job done over time. “[They] combine salicylic acid and glycolic acid, offering both surface exfoliation and deeper pore-clearing benefits,” explains Dr. Downie. “They’re great for clogged pores, acne scars, dullness, active breakouts, and uneven tone.” Part one of the two-step system includes an acne-fighting peeling pad infused with AHAs and BHAs; part two is a pad infused with soothing, calming ingredients that help restore skin’s moisture levels.
What our tester says: “As a wee beauty intern, I was influenced by my first boss, who swore by these pads,” says Glamour’s senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco. “I was still in college and had no money, but I shelled out to try the DDG magic for myself and have been hooked ever since. The pads instantly smooth my skin, thanks to the exfoliating AHAs and BHAs, and my blemishes are noticeably smaller after each use. As an acne treatment, it’s just as effective at fading dark spots (or hyperpigmentation)—you just need to be patient with it.”
Best for Whiteheads: iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Pimple Paste
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- Pros: Especially helpful for large, raised, or painful pimples; vitamin C evens out skin tone
- Cons: Not ideal for dry or sensitive skin
Raise your hand if you’ve ever turned to a tube of Crest to diminish a pimple. Well, according to Dr. Downie, popular hacks like applying toothpaste to breakouts “can actually irritate the skin and make things worse.” Instead, reach for this paste that helps flatten painful, irritated pimples and fade dark spots from past acne.
What our tester says: “The thing that attracted me to this paste at first was the concept,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It’s a bright blue formula that’s meant to evoke the idea of drying out pimples with toothpaste (a practice that’s highly frowned upon for good reason). The quirk of this product is not the only thing about it though; it actually works quite well at flattening and minimizing pimple texture and redness. It has a blend of clay, sulfur, and willow bark to suck up excess oil, and every time I use it—particularly on my chin area where I have the most blemishes— it instantly mattifies and softens overnight.”
Best Mask: Topicals Clearly
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- Pros: Controls allover oil and redness; gentle enough for dry and sensitive skin types
- Cons: Contains less than 1% synthetic fragrance; some reviewers do not like the naturally sulfurous smell
When searching for a mask that will suck up excess oil and clear acne-causing bacteria, you want to look for a formula that won’t leave your complexion bone-dry. This formula balances brightening, acne-fighting azelaic acid and oil-absorbing sulfur with nourishing botanical oils, which promote a smooth, even-toned glow.
What our tester says: “My favorite thing about this spot treatment is that it doubles as a face mask,” Glamour’s Kilkeary notes. “You can use it on a stubborn pimple or breakout or apply it all over the face for a detox. It did an excellent job in clearing up the pimples I had cropping up in areas of my skin that tend to get greasy. After using this a few times in the past couple weeks, I can proudly say that my skin looks brighter and more even-toned, those pimples have finally been subdued, and I’m not seeing any new ones show up.”
Best Pimple Patches: Starface Hydro-Star + Salicylic Acid Pimple Patches
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- Pros: Can be worn during the day as an accessory; flattens breakouts in just a couple uses
- Cons: Pricier than other pimple patches
These star-shaped pimple patches are a staple among the Glamour team. Not only are they our top pick for the best pimple patches available, they also won a Glamour Reader’s Choice Beauty Award.
What our testers say: “I’ve been using these pimple patches for years,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary, “and I always go back to them every time I see a pimple creeping up. I’m a huge fan of the salicylic acid formula in particular because it helps suck up excess sebum in the area and quickly flattens breakouts in just one to two uses. I never fail to put one of these on before bed, and they’re so good, even my boyfriend is hooked!”
Glamour commerce editor Jake Henry Smith is also a fan. “They’re simply excuses to accessorize a little more,” he adds.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 SOS Rescue Serum
- Pros: Gentle enough for almost any skin condition; calms redness and irritation fast
- Cons: Can cause pilling if applied before makeup
While not specifically a spot treatment, this serum is packed with soothing, redness-reducing ingredients that are a reactive skin type’s dream. The lightweight, water-based formula is powered by hypochlorous acid, which can help calm everything from run-of-the-mill breakouts to eczema and perioral dermatitis flare-ups. The formula is so gentle, in fact, that it’s been accepted by both the National Eczema Association and the National Rosacea Society. It's also been recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation.
What our tester says: “My skin is so sensitive, it develops redness and bumps seemingly out of nowhere. This serum, and the entire SOS line for that matter, is the only product that can reliably calm it,” says Glamour contributor Ariel Wodarcyk. “Whenever my skin starts to act up, whether due to hormones or the amount of product testing I do for my job, I strip my routine down to just a cleanser, a gentle moisturizer, and this serum. It’s like hitting the reset button on my skin.”
Best for Cystic Acne: Differin Acne Treatment Gel
- Pros: Can be used on the entire face instead of targeting individual blemishes, contributing to a smoother, more radiant complexion overall; great for teenagers with acne
- Cons: Can be drying if not used in moderation at first
For those with severe acne and scarring, look to this over-the-counter retinoid. According to Dr. Downie, the adapalene gel helps speed up “skin cell turnover, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation” as well as target “blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and cystic acne.” Per Dr. Garshick, “It can help discoloration and textural changes that go along with acne scars by evening out the skin tone and boosting collagen production.” Dr. Garshick recommends starting by applying a thin layer just a few times per week, then gradually increasing to nightly use.
What our tester says: Glamour’s Calle has used this drugstore acne product for years. “I was going through a really bad hormonal breakout period and after searching acne-fighting products I landed on this. It’s affordable, effective, and lasts for a long time. I recommended this to my teenage younger brother who deals with painful cystic acne.”
Best Sulfur Treatment: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
- Pros: Dries out pimples overnight
- Cons: Can be slightly messy; using a clean cotton swab every day increases waste
This best-selling acne spot treatment dries pimples with a multilayer formula of salicylic acid, sulfur, and zinc oxide. It’s especially effective for reducing oil, as well as shrinking whiteheads and blackheads. Plus, as Dr. Garshick points out, it contains calamine to help soothe and stave off itchiness.
What our tester says: “This was probably one of the first acne products I ever used (TBT to the days of beauty YouTube, where this product was a star!). And it’s still a staple in my medicine cabinet for many reasons—particularly because it just plain works. It might sting a bit at first, but the salicylic acid and sulfur is a potent combo to shrink pimples and it never fails to make my skin look less red and textured. I’d use this over and over again, but I’d only recommend it for those with really oily skin,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best Niacinamide: Cerave Acne Control Gel
- Pros: Gentle yet effective, a little goes a long way
- Cons: Best for clearing up mild to moderate acne
With a combination of acne-fighting AHAs, BHAs, and calming niacinamide, this treatment goes deep into pores to treat existing pimples and prevent them from appearing in the future. To counteract glycolic acid’s drying side effects, the treatment also contains three barrier-repairing ceramides.
Frequently asked questions
Do spot treatments really work?
“While they can be highly effective, spot treatments aren’t a substitute for a consistent skin care routine,” says Dr. Downie. “Think of them as a support system for active breakouts, not a cure-all. You should consult a board-certified dermatologist if your acne persists.” In other words, if you’re not washing your face, wearing sunscreen, and moisturizing daily, you won’t reap the results you wish to see from your spot treatment.
How should you use spot treatments for acne?
First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. In the morning, apply a moisturizer and sunscreen, then dab a thin layer of spot treatment onto the affected areas. “Always wear an oil-free, broad-spectrum sunscreen, even if you skip moisturizer,” adds Dr. Downie. “Sun exposure on inflamed skin can worsen hyperpigmentation, leading to dark spots in deeper skin tones and red marks in lighter complexions, which can take up to six months (or longer) to fade.”
At night, apply serum and moisturizer, then spot treatment as directed.
What to look for in a spot treatment for acne
Dr. Downie recommends the following active ingredients in the best spot treatments for acne.
Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that goes deep into pores to dissolve oil and grime. The ingredient is best for “blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores,” says Dr. Downie.
Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide wipes out acne-causing bacteria and can help prevent new breakouts from forming. Dr. Downie recommends formulas that contain 2.5 to 5% benzoyl peroxide. “While it’s available in strengths up to 10%, higher concentrations can be too harsh and drying for most skin types,” she says.
Retinoids: “Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that speed up cell turnover, prevent pores from clogging, and help fade post-acne marks,” says Dr. Downie. “Adapalene is a great starter retinoid. Tretinoin, a prescription-strength option, can be more potent and effective for persistent acne.”
Meet the experts
- Jeanine Downie, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Image Dermatology
- Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
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