This acne spot treatment targets existing acne blemishes while preventing new blemishes, blackheads and whiteheads from forming. Formulated with 2% salicylic acid, it penetrates pores to eliminate most acne breakouts and help keep skin clear of new acne blemishes. It helps to reduce the look of pores*, soothe treated areas and minimize the appearance of redness**. The light gel goes on clear and absorbs easily into the skin for undetectable day-to-night wear.
CLEAR CELL clarifying acne spot treatment results:
Clinical results after 3 days: Improves the appearance of redness by 14%*
Consumer perception results after 3 days: 77% of participants reported that skin looks clear**
Consumer perception results after 1 week: 86% of participants reported the product improves the overall appearance of the skin** 80% of participants reported the product helps clear blemishes** 80% of participants reported the product minimizes the appearance of redness**
Consumer perception results after 4 weeks: 92% of participants reported the product minimizes the appearance of redness** 83% of participants reported the product improves skin’s health** 74% of participants reported the product exfoliates and clarifies clogged pores**
This acne spot treatment meets our clean clinical skincare™ standard and is formulated without parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, artificial fragrances, synthetic dyes or animal testing.
*Based on a 4-week clinical study of 35 participants ages 20 – 40 with twice daily application of CLEAR CELL clarifying acne spot treatment. Study data on file with Image International Manufacturing, LLC. **Based on a 4-week consumer perception study of 35 participants ages 20 – 40 with twice daily application of CLEAR CELL clarifying acne spot treatment. Study data on file with Image International Manufacturing, LLC.
IMAGE Skincare is committed to fostering a sustainable future. All materials used to create our product boxes are Forest Stewardship Council® certified and sourced from responsibly managed forests.
If you read my previous blog post about another Clean & Clear product, then you already know how much I love this drugstore brand. The Clean and Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment is a gel formula based product targeted to treating acne spots, one at a time. This gentle yet effective spot treatment instantly zaps your acne spot with 2% salicylic acid acne medication to reduce the size of your pimples within 4 hours. Not only does it zap the acne spot, it also creates a barrier and penetrates your pores to clean out dirt and other impurities that can cause pimples. According to their clinical studies, 100% of their participants saw some type of change within a day. So does this product live up to its hype? 100%. I have been using this for years now whenever a pimple pops up and I cannot tell you that it really does reduce in size, swelling and redness within 4 hours! I usually apply it to the affected area before I go to bed and when I wake up in the morning, the pimple isn’t completely gone but it definitely has become smaller. The best part about this pimple zapper? It doesn’t dry out the affected area at all, like most acne medications. This is also perfect for my overly sensitive and combination oily skin. The packaging is also very sleek, cute, and it is very simple to use. In fact, after 2 days of continuous use, my pimple disappeared! As the name of the product, this is only for spot treatments…meaning that it only works for one or two pimples at a time versus a whole area of acne. At less than $10 (CDN), this really is an inexpensive miracle product for me. It does everything it claims to do and it works. This is one item I would like to have with me if I was on a deserted island. You can purchase this at any drugstore that sells C&C products!
Happy Shopping Dolls! x
Pros:
- Gel based formula, doesn’t dry out skin at all
- Reduces the size of pimple within 4 hours, reduces swelling, redness; after 2 days of use it got rid of the pimple completely without leaving marks
- Smells nice
- Price; cute packaging
- For all skin types
- Easy to use; very simple
Cons:
- None
Rating: 10/10 (If you need a spot treatment without any fuss, then this is your holy grail item. I seriously cannot imagine my life without this anymore! Whenever I get a pimple this is my go to product and within 24 hours, it’s gone!)
The list of ingredients above is provided for informational purposes only. Always check the actual product label in your possession for the most accurate ingredient information due to product changes or upgrades that may not yet be reflected on our web site.
A favorite among dermatologists, editors, and skincare gurus, this acne spot treatment from La Roche Posay is fast-acting without being overly irritating thanks to benzoyl peroxide (it's a derm- favorite ingredient for reducing acne-causing bacteria on the skin), exfoliating lipohydroxy acid, and hydrating glycerin. The lightweight gel formula can be applied either as a spot treatment on specific breakouts or as a thin layer over the entire face depending on the kind of acne you're dealing with.
THE REVIEW:
"I have been using this stuff for almost three months and it has made a huge difference for my skin," says one tester. "I suffered from awful acne during pregnancy and it decided to hang around even after I gave birth. When my regular skin care products failed, I turned to this and I’m so glad I did."
2
Best Rinse-Off Acne Spot Treatment
Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur + Niacinamide Spot Treatment Mask
2
Best Rinse-Off Acne Spot Treatment
Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur + Niacinamide Spot Treatment Mask
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Great for oily skin types
Cons
- Reviewers say there is very little product in the tube
Use this acne spot treatment on targeted breakouts just like you would a face mask. After washing your face dot a small amount right on top of your zit, let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes while the combo of niacinamide, bentonite clay, and sulfur does its thing, and then rinse and do the rest of your skincare routine like normal.
THE REVIEW:
"I’ve been using this product for over 5 years and I love it," writes one tester. "I typically use it on any cystic acne overnight and I’ll notice a difference by the morning. It definitely helped to make my acne more manageable in conjunction with a balanced skincare routine."
3
Best Acne Spot Treatment for Sensitive Skin
First Aid Beauty Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment Gel
3
Best Acne Spot Treatment for Sensitive Skin
First Aid Beauty Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment Gel
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Generally safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some reviewers say it didn't work for larger breakouts
This gentle acne spot treatment from First Aid Beauty is a solid choice for anyone with sensitive skin that's also acne-prone. It uses 2 percent salicylic acid to reduce breakouts plus a trio of soothing ingredients (shoutout to aloe vera, bisabolol, and oatmeal) to curb any potentially drying or irritating side effects.
THE REVIEW:
"This is my new go-to spot treatment! In the past I've noticed spot treatments tend to burn at least a little bit and would take several applications to work," reads one review. "I noticed clearer skin immediately with this treatment, and had absolutely no issue with stinging or burning."
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4
Best Acne Spot Treatment for Whiteheads
Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel
4
Best Acne Spot Treatment for Whiteheads
Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Cosmo Holy Grail Acne Awards winner in 2021
Cons
- Not effective at treating under-the-skin pimples
A Cosmo beauty team favorite (it won best spot treatment in our 2021 Holy Grail Acne Awards!), this acne-fighting gel (it's packed with 1.5 percent salicylic acid) works best on whiteheads and non-inflammatory acne. Dab a tiny bit on affected areas up to three times a day, reducing frequency is you notice any dryness or flaking.
THE REVIEW
"I've tried so many different acne spot treatments and this one has to be the best," reads a review on Ulta. "It does it's job really well without causing too much irritation or dryness, and I find it only takes one or two applications for the blemish to go away."
5
Best Acne Spot Treatment for All Skin Types
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Blemish Solutions Acne Eliminating Gel
5
Best Acne Spot Treatment for All Skin Types
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Blemish Solutions Acne Eliminating Gel
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Contains soothing antioxidants
Cons
- On the pricey side compared to other spot treatment
The majority of skin types, including dry, oily, and sensitive, can safely use this acne spot treatment from Dr. Dennis Gross. The formula is effective at reducing breakouts and curbing oil production thanks to salicylic acid and niacinamide, but it's still pretty gentle because of soothing aloe vera and antioxidant-rich green tea extract.
THE REVIEW:
"I put just a dab of this on before bed and the pimple is gone in the morning without any dryness. I also use it during the day under tinted moisturizer or foundation. The smell is overpowering but it goes away in a minute or two."
6
Best Acne Spot Treatment for Red Pimples
Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA and Azelaic Acid Acne Spot Treatment
6
Best Acne Spot Treatment for Red Pimples
Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA and Azelaic Acid Acne Spot Treatment
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Helps reduce redness and discoloration
Cons
- Some reviewers say it has a weird odor
If your breakouts tend to resemble angry red sirens, this is the acne spot treatment for you. It's got 2 percent salicylic acid to de-gunk pores and shrink your breakout, plus a dose of azelaic acid (the ingredient is commonly used for people with rosacea) to dramatically reduce redness, discolortation, and inflammation.
THE REVIEW:
"A really effective spot treatment!," says a reviewer, adding that "it helps prevents acne scars and gets rid of acne very quickly. I would definitely recommend the entire Skinfix acne line—it is all very good even if it is a little pricey."
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7
Best Budget-Friendly Acne Spot Treatment
The Inkey List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment
7
Best Budget-Friendly Acne Spot Treatment
The Inkey List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Most inexpensive option on the list
Cons
- Some reviewers said they didn't notice a visible difference after using
Even though this is the most inexpensive acne spot treatment on the list, it doesn't skimp on quality or efficacy. It contains 2 percent succinic acid (a gentle exfoliating ingredient) with salicylic acid and oil-absorbing sulfur powder to help clear up breakouts quickly without making skin overly dry or flaky.
THE REVIEW:
"I have been using this product for a week now and I love the way it has cleared up my acne and dark spots," reads one review. "I will say I don't love the smell, but I do like the outcome."
8
Best Multitasking Acne Spot Treatment
Tula Go Away Acne Spot Treatment
8
Best Multitasking Acne Spot Treatment
Tula Go Away Acne Spot Treatment
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Helps fade marks from old acne scars
Cons
- Some reviewers say it can feel tingly/burny if applied too often
A combo of acne-fighting benzoyl peroxide, skin-balancing probiotics, soothing tea tree oil, and a blend of brightening ingredients (including licorice root extract, niacinamide, and azelaic acid) come together in this multitasking spot treatment to zap existing breakouts, minimize redness, and help fade the look of post-inflammation hyperpigmentation from old spots too.
THE REVIEW:
"I'll always keep this spot treatment on hand for skin emergencies," says a happy reviewer. "I notice a difference in my skin just hours after putting it on a breakout."
9
Best Editor-Favorite Acne Spot Treatment
Renee Rouleau Anti Bump Solution
9
Best Editor-Favorite Acne Spot Treatment
Renee Rouleau Anti Bump Solution
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Targets red, angry cysts
Cons
- Not the best option for whiteheads and blackheads
Ask any beauty editor their favorite spot treatment for stubborn cysts and I guarantee they name drop Renee Rouleau's iconic Anti Bump solution. It's designed to target those deep, under-the-skin zits that take foreverrrrr to go away on their own. I apply it twice daily at first sign of a cyst and it legit heals in half the time.
THE REVIEW:
According to one reviewer, "this is a miracle worker." "It's the first acne product I've tried that quickly reduces the inflammation of my hormonal acne on my jawline and neckline."
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10
Best Acne Spot Treatment for Dark Marks
Peach Slices Dark Spot Microdarts
10
Best Acne Spot Treatment for Dark Marks
Peach Slices Dark Spot Microdarts
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Made with brightening ingredients to help fade discoloration
Cons
- Won't treat active breakouts
You know the annoying dark mark that lingers on your face long after your pimple has healed? It's called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—and these pimple patches are made specifically to help fade it. Each patch is made with little microdarts (don't worry, they're painless) that push brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and licorice root extract) into your dark mark to help lighten its appearance.
THE REVIEW:
"'I've been using these patches consistently on a specific dark spot from an old breakout and I definitely feel that it's edges have blurred and the color looks lighter...will reorder!"
11
Best Overnight Acne Spot Treatment
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
11
Best Overnight Acne Spot Treatment
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Contains salicylic acid and sulfur to zap breakouts
Cons
- May be too drying for certain skin types
Clear your pores and minimize breakouts with this overnight acne spot treatment. Just dip a cotton swab into the jar (don’t shake it first! You want the separation) until it comes in contact with the pink particles at the bottom, then dab it onto your skin and leave it on overnight to work its magic.
THE REVIEW:
"This stuff really works if you use it at the right moment," says one review. "For me I have to wait until a pimple is just under the surface, or just becoming a whitehead, and this stuff will dry it right out."
12
Best Acne Spot Treatment for Dark Skin Tones
Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment
12
Best Acne Spot Treatment for Dark Skin Tones
Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Ideal for melanin-rich skin tones
Cons
- Should be used with caution on sensitive skin types
Formulated with melanin-rich skin in mind, this multitasking acne spot treatment combines benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid (they're key for reducing acne causing bacteria on the skin and sloughing off dead skin cells) with soothing arnica and echinacea to mitigate irritation (and the risk of hyperpigmentation).
THE REVIEW:
"For many this will be a spot treatment, but for people like me that are prone to cystic acne, it is a full face treatment used once to twice daily," says one reviewer, adding that "as long as I moisture, I'm fine, but this could definitely irritate sensitive skin types or those with dryer skin."
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13
Best Plant-Based Acne Spot Treatment
Meow Meow Tweet Spot Serum
13
Best Plant-Based Acne Spot Treatment
Meow Meow Tweet Spot Serum
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Made with certified organic ingredients
Cons
- Contains essential oils that may be irritating for some skin types
Made with just six certified organic plant-based ingredients, this acne spot treatment is the perfect choice for anyone who is into using clean, green skincare products. The blend of oils helps reduce acne-causing bacteria on the skin and speed up the pimple healing process.
THE REVIEWS:
"I get little blemishes here and there and this spot treatment reduces them in a record amount of time," writes one tester. "Works wonders! If I can catch a blemish early, it usually takes care of it overnight, which is fantastic."
14
Best All-Natural Acne Spot Treatment
Beautycounter Countercontrol SOS Acne Spot Treatment
14
Best All-Natural Acne Spot Treatment
Beautycounter Countercontrol SOS Acne Spot Treatment
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Made with clean, plant-based ingredients
- Clear gel formula is invisible on skin
Cons
- May not be strong enough for stubborn breakouts
If you’re into green beauty and dealing with breakouts, this is the spot treatment for you. It’s free from ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance and instead contains 2 percent salicylic acid to unclog pores along with a dose of soothing aloe juice extract to help irritated skin.
THE REVIEW:
"This product is fantastic. It's made with clean ingredients and it works. When I put this on a blemish before bed, the improvement is unbelievable by morning."
15
Best Extra-Strength Acne Spot Treatment
Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Maximum Strength Acne Medication
15
Best Extra-Strength Acne Spot Treatment
Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Maximum Strength Acne Medication
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Those who can tolerate the formula love the results
Cons
- Way to strong for anyone who is new to benzoyl peroxide or has sensitive skin
Let me start by saying this acne spot treatment is STRONG. It contains 10 percent benzoyl peroxide—the maximum amount of the ingredient used in over-the-counter acne products. If you have "tough" skin or have been using medicated acne products for years, feel free to give Persa-Gel 10 a try—otherwise skip this one.
THE REVIEW:
"This got rid of a painful pimple within 12 hours, but if you use too much it will dry out your skin," says one tester. "I had some leathery skin on my chin after using too much Persa-Gel, but if you use just a dot on a zit, it will do the trick without over-drying (at least in my experience)."
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16
Best LED Acne Spot Treatment
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare SpotLite Acne Treatment Device
16
Best LED Acne Spot Treatment
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare SpotLite Acne Treatment Device
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Uses red and blue LED light to treat angry breakouts
Cons
- Needs to be used regularly for optimal results
This tiny LED light device may sound gimmicky, but it really does help reduce your zits and future breakouts. How? Red light reduces inflammation, while blue light kills acne-causing bacteria. Just hold the light against any breakouts or breakout-prone areas for three minutes a day for clearer skin in two weeks.
THE REVIEW:
"I started using this as an on-the-go spot treatment—it's SO handy! It fits in my purse or backpack and only takes three minutes to use. Highly recommend!"
17
Best Acne Spot Treatment for Hormonal Breakouts
Zit Sticka Killa Kit
17
Best Acne Spot Treatment for Hormonal Breakouts
Zit Sticka Killa Kit
Now 28% Off
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Great for treating under-the-skin breakouts
- Penetrates deeper than standard pimple patches
Cons
- Some reviewers say you need to use 2 or 3 patches to see an improvement
This microdart patch is hands down the best spot treatment for hormonal acne (it’s a former Cosmo Beauty Awards winner too!). Each patch has tiny dissolvable darts that painlessly penetrate the first two layers of your skin to deliver a combo of salicylic acid and niacinamide (B3) to zap your zits and cysts at the source.
THE REVIEW:
"I recommend these patches for anyone suffering from deep acne that never surfaces," writes one reviewer, saying that they "pop one on before bed and wake up to a softened cyst that clears itself up in a few days."
18
Best Acne Spot Treatment Stick
Glossier Zit Stick
18
Best Acne Spot Treatment Stick
Glossier Zit Stick
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Convenient stick packaging makes it easy to treat breakouts on the fly
Cons
- Some reviewers say the packaging can be finicky
I always keep Glossier’s zit stick in my bag in case a pimple pops up on my face in the middle of the day. It has a rollerball tip that dispenses a dose of zit-zapping benzoyl peroxide (one of the best ingredients for killing acne-causing bacteria), tea tree oil, and a mild form of salicylic acid. It’ll never leak or spill in your bag, and the stick-style packaging is super sanitary (you don’t even need to use your fingers to apply it). Just be warned: It’s way too harsh for sensitive skin types.
THE REVIEW:
"The little metallic ball applicator feels so good on an inflamed, angry pimple," says one tester, adding that "the packaging is cute and the formula is great too."
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19
Best Drugstore Acne Spot Treatment
Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Spot Treatment
19
Best Drugstore Acne Spot Treatment
Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Spot Treatment
Now 38% Off
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Affordable option found at the drugstore
Cons
- Benzoyl peroxide isn't suitable for all skin types
Blind underground pimples, clusters of blackheads, juicy whiteheads...this acne spot treatment can help treat them all. The tried-and-true drugstore formula contains 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide gel to effective treat all kinds of acne without turning your skin into a flaky mess.
THE REVIEW:
"The product is very lightweight and absorbs into skin immediately. The skin where I applied it doesn't feel any different than skin in untreated areas. The treated area doesn't feel dried out or in any way different, it just feels like healthy skin."
20
Best Acne Spot Treatment Stickers
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch
20
Best Acne Spot Treatment Stickers
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Good for whiteheads and pustules
- Helps prevent skin picking
Cons
- Some reviewers say they don't adhere well to skin
These matte-finish stickers are made of a hydrocolloid-based material (a type of bandage commonly used in hospitals for wounds) that adheres to your skin and draws out pus from a popped pimple. They also serve as protective barriers so that more bacteria isn’t introduced into your zits while you inevitably touch them all damn day. The best part: They’ll never dry out your skin, because they have zero active ingredients.
THE REVIEW:
"I spent my workday looking forward to going home and putting one of these bad boys on my newly erupted Mt. Zit and the overnight results were shocking." says one review. "Not only is it grossly satisfying, but it saved me several days of walking around with a bloody crater in my face because my previous method of dealing with unsightly blemishes was to pick pick pick."
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.