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We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Lol at past me, thinking pimples only happened to teens.
A lot of reviewers who have also tried Cosrx and Nexcare patches prefer these!
Get the box of 40 round patches from Amazon for $8.08. OR try their large, rectangular size to tackle multiple pimples at once. Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $8.50.
Promising review: "I’ve tried so many brands of pimple spots, and these are hands-down the best on the market. I’m a performer at Walt Disney World, and a clear complexion is required. Last night, I put these on a few acne problems (a small cyst, a whitehead, and a pimple I shouldn’t have picked and has been a bump for about three weeks now.) I just woke up and am writing this review in disbelief. THEY'RE FLAT! Gone! All of them! I could cry I’m so happy. The packaging is also ideal, because it allows you to conveniently and easily peel the stickers off without stretching them out or folding them back on themselves. Do yourself and your complexion a huge favor! Have these on hand for a stubborn zit when you really need help. Make sure you apply them to completely clean and dry skin." —Caitlyn
Get it from Amazon for $7.64.
Promising review: "I thoroughly enjoy this product as well as their hair care line. I am in my 30's dealing with adult acne and/or hormonal acne. I have large pores, redness, uneven skin tone to top it all off. I have tried other products from home made coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, baking soda masks, Avalon face wash, proactive and even prescribed antibiotics for acne both orally and face cream. Nothing has really made a difference until I bought this Acure facial scrub. I also use it on my back and it has helped clear up my back as well. I am going to be buying Acure Oil Minimizing moisturizer soon to use in conjunction with this. My pores haven't shrunk with this product but are cleaner, no little black dots every where. Thank you Acure!" —V. Inight
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
Promising review: "I have really acne-prone skin and breakouts still happening in my thirties. I spray this each night on my silk pillow and my zits have minimized drastically!" —Alina Hepfler
Get it from Glossier for $24.
Promising review: "I have been struggling with acne for as long as I can remember and Solution has SAVED my skin. Haven't had a pimple since I started using this last month. My usually oily skin has been so soft and glowing and my years of acne scars are vanishing. 100% worth every penny." —MRB
We *also* love solution — learn why several BuzzFeeders love it in Here's Why The Mega-Popular Glossier Solution Is Totally Worth Your Money.
It'll totally remove your makeup, dirt, and oil, AAAAND gently exfoliate your skin in just 60 seconds (I know). ^That's me! I love this handy lil' device SO much. It's DEFINITELY helped clear acne and fade acne scarring. Check out my in-depth Foreo Luna Mini 2 review for all the deets!
Get it from Amazon for $119 (available in six colors).
Promising review: "Love this product, it literally changed my skin. I went from having textured acne riddled skin, to a smooth, blemish-free (aside from the occasional hormonal popups) face!" —Angela Polishchuk
I bought and started using this last year and it's really helped my skin glow and helped fade some mild acne scarring/discoloration.
Get it from Amazon for $27.19.
Promising review: "I’ve been using this serum for a few months now (3rd bottle) I deal with adult acne and have acne scars. It’s has reduced my breakouts to almost none (except for the fun time of the month, I still get one or two), but if I stop using this, I go back to having the multiple breakouts at all times. My skin has a healthier glow, and has also reduced my one dark spot on my cheek. It’s not gone completely, but it has faded it more than any other product has. I used to sell skin care for a high end line, and had tried many other lines products when I was working in a cosmetic dept. I am obsessed with this serum and I use it daily. I have very sensitive skin, and have not had any reaction to it at all. Other Vit C serums I’ve used in the past have caused burning and/or tingling in my skin. But not this one! I am slowly phasing out my other skin care products, and switching to Mad Hippie as I finish others off." —Jodie Newton-Drouin
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
Promising review: "I purchased this product in April and have waited this long to write a review because I wanted to give it time to work. I'm 38 and suffered from constant, cystic acne. My pores clog easy and I'm very oily. I am also bi-racial and scar very easily. Since April I think I've had three pimples (all period-related) that went away very quickly. That's a miracle. I put this product on at night after my shower and make sure it dries well. I'm still good on product and probably won't be reordering for another few weeks. I only use a small amount everyday. I haven't been more pleased with something I bought on here or ANY store since...well never. Lastly, I did break out the first 1-2 weeks of use. I was nervous and ready to give up but it cleared up and its been smooth sailing since." —Autumn Johnson
They do disintegrate over time, so swap it out every couple of months!
Get it from Amazon for $9.87.
Promising review: "I was complaining to a friend of mine about how tired I was of my adult acne (I'm 37 but apparently my pores still think I'm 16) and she asked me if I had ever heard of these sponges. My first thought was, 'How in the world could a sponge make any difference?' But after what she told me and doing some further research, I figured it wouldn't hurt to try it. Heck, I've spent hundreds in facial-care products that didn't help, what was a few more dollars? When I first tried it, I used it as part of my nightly routine. It seemed to work just fine, but it was the next day when I realized this thing just might work! My normally oily face was smooth and not the slightest bit oily!! I noticed a significant improvement in just a couple of days. Within two weeks I had not a single pimple on my face! Let me tell you, there aren't a lot of products I can claim have been life-changing, but this one has been nothing short of a miracle." —J. Erickson
Get it from Amazon for $21.95.
Promising review: "After being to multiple dermatologists and not having any luck, I was feeling hopeless. I started to accept my acne was chronic, since I’m 25 and have had it since 13. My dermatologist had always told me 5% benzoyl peroxide is the same as 10%, so don’t use it. Well, 12 years later and no results, I decided to not listen to the 'expert' and give it a try for myself. I held out until the 6 week mark to give it a full chance. Through dry skin, extra moisturizing, and washing my face with this product twice per day as directed (letting it sit on my face for 3-5 min before washing) I am pleased to report my skin is the clearest it has ever been in the past 12 years. When I was talking to one of my clients about this product, she said, 'I didn’t know you struggle with acne, your skin looks so smooth and porcelain.' Well... that was a new one! Lol. I am so glad I took the risk! It will definitely dry out your skin, so find a good moisturizer." —Mackenzie
**91% of users reported that their skin appeared clearer after four weeks** That's all! Plus, my acne-prone, exTREMEly pale skin and I love this sunscreen — and I haven't broken out once because of it!
Get it from Sephora for $65.
Promising review: "This is the best facial sunscreen I’ve ever used! It doesn’t make me break out. It shrinks my pores. It’s not greasy or sticky feeling at all. And after 2 months of using this every morning, it’s really evened out my skin tone. The only down fall is it’s so expensive but it’s worth the money." —daily06jeep
Get it from Amazon for $8.99
Promising review: "I have tried almost everything as a spot treatment for acne with minimal results, but this stuff actually works. I put it on at night on my trouble spots, and by morning there is a difference. In just a few days, most of my acne has disappeared or reduced in size and redness. For the price, this stuff is magic in a bottle. You will look a little silly going to bed, but it's worth it for the results. It does have a not great smell, but it fades once it dries on your face. I would highly recommend." —Amazon Customer
I even use it as an overnight spot treatment on any undergrounders that aren't quite ready for a pimple patch yet.
Get it from Sephora for $26 (also available in a travel size for $13).
Promising review: "I have acne prone and VERY oily skin. I’ve been having trouble with a lot of cystic acne lately and decided to spend the money on this product because nothing else was working. Not anything with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide it just dried me out and irritated me. This mask is AMAZING. Some of these reviews with low ratings say that it caused some people to break out. Yes, my acne seemed to be getting bigger and coming out, but it was this mask SUCKING ALL THE NASTINESS out of my face. I did this mask every night for a week and had visibly less acne, tighter pores, and the smoothest skin. It’s not gonna be a one-time wonder miracle; you gotta keep using it.I will be continuing to use this regularly because it the BEST thing I’ve found for my skin problems. My face is clear for the first time in months." —wizzardteets
Get it from Amazon for $12.31.
Promising review: "I love this face wash! It keeps my pores clear without drying out my skin. It's so great to use a blemish-fighting product that is adult-skin friendly. Optimal results when used with a facial cleansing brush, my skin is clean clear and smooth. I struggled with adult acne well into my 30s, but this cleanser has cleared it up, outside of hormonal flare-ups. My pores are also less noticeable. I don't know if they've actually shrunk or if its because they're not clogged, but they are nowhere near the size they were, especially on my nose. Just received my fifth bottle with no plans to switch." —Rachel & David King
Get it from Amazon for $10.27.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this face wash! I suffered with painful acne for a couple years and tried everything from astringents to Proactiv, and even Rodan + Fields. They always made my acne worse and more painful. This stuff, though, has kept my face completely clear for more than a year now. This amazing wash leaves my skin feeling so refreshed. The scent is relaxing and refreshing; it’s not too fragrant, nor does it smell like chemicals. I seriously look forward to using this stuff every day! Also, don’t expect it to smell like pineapples. It’s fruity, but not tropical. This wash also leaves my skin feeling squeaky-clean, so as I wouldn’t call it a drying wash, it is definitely not a moisturizing wash. I just hope that someone buys it and loves it as much as I do! Seriously! Skin products are expensive. This is SO worth it (and affordable)." —Gabby
Just scrub it all over your face to remove dead skin cells and get to work — then rinse! This is also a PEEERRRFECT cleanser for traveling (no worrying about liquids to spill!)
Get it from Amazon for $7.74+ (available in coffee and charcoal formulations).
Promising review: "Amazing!!! I have been using this product twice a day for the last two weeks. The blackheads on my nose are completely gone! It also has shortened and prevented several pimples that have tried to pop up. My face has never felt softer and is super moisturized. I’m purchasing another one for my husband." —LJA
If you have sensitive skin, leave it on for five minutes, and if you have normal skin, you can leave it on for up to 20!
Get it from Amazon for $12.95.
Promising review: "This stuff is amazing! I’ve struggled with my skin for years now and I’ve tried to many products, but nothing has cleared my skin up like this mask. I used it with apple cider vinegar every day for the first 7 days and the results have been incredible! People ask me every day what I’m doing differently because the results have been so noticeable. I even posted about it on social media!" —Andrew
Check out more incredible before and after photos here!
Get it from Soko Glam for $19.80 (originally $22).
Promising review: "I switched to this product about a month ago (was previously using Banila's Clean it Zero Purity oil cleanser). I suffer from adult cystic acne and i felt like Banila's oil cleanser was too heavy for my skin and may have been causing or worsening my acne. After switching to this, I have not had a single cystic acne breakout and my skin has been so much clearer! This product feels so good on your skin, is light and easy to apply, and the green tea flakes gently exfoliate and soothe my skin. Will be buying this again!!" —Sami B.
Get it from Amazon for $6.77 (available in three varieties: regular, waterproof, and oily).
Promising review: "This stuff is great. I suffered from adult acne for the last four years and have extremely dry skin all year. I think this product really helped to clear my skin. I no longer use anything face wash that lathers up into suds, but instead use CeraVe face wash for dry skin, use the micellar water to remove any make-up that was missed from washing. Has done wonders for me personally." —TJ92
Psst! This won best inexpensive makeup remover on on BuzzFeed Reviews!
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
Promising review: "I am super busy and not one to ever write reviews, but based on my results with this product I had to take the time. I am so impressed with the softness and glow the next morning. In addition I get adult acne and the healing process as well as reduction of previous scaring has been amazing. Today someone commented, 'You look great...what are you doing???' For a product under $20 you can't go wrong, worth every penny." —Max Jenkinson
Learn more in This Facial Oil Will Solve All Your Skin’s Problems.
If your acne gets worse when you've try harsh ingredients, THIS IS FOR YOU! Me 'n' my sensitive skin and adult acne breakouts are OBSESSED with this moisturizer! It's the first time I haven't had to blot my shiny forehead *once* throughout the day, and my skin is super soft and plenty hydrated. Thanks, Burt!
Get it from Amazon for $10.31.
Promising review: "I love the Burt's Bees sensitive skin line. Ever since starting using these products two months ago, I have seen such a huge difference in my skin. My skin does not break out anymore and my skin is hydrated. I used to really struggle with breakouts on my chin and dry, peeling skin on my nose. Since I started using all four products (this, face cleanser, night cream and eye cream), my skin has drastically changed.I love all of these products. I have been using them for two months and I’m not even close to running out...and I use these items daily. I love this line. It’s affordable, all natural and lasts a long time!" —Leah
But they're *also* calming, so won't irritate your delicate skin in the process. Just use 'em once or twice a week after cleansing, swiping in an upward motion (especially on your T-zone).
Get a pack of 10 sticks from Soko Glam for $24.
Promising review: "Bye bye zitty city! I’ve been struggling with cystic acne for a while and not feeling so cute, so I took matters into my own hands and researched the best ways to fix it... These giant cotton swab bad boys have really been helping! I’ve also been using that green tea cleansing stick [editor's note:#21 in this post] which also might be a huge factor. Either way, I’m lovin’ it! :)" —Chelsea B.
The formula chock-full of essential oils (like tea tree and jojoba) are great for anyone who hasn't seen success with spot treatments with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. 🙋♀️
Get it from Amazon for $18.95.
Promising review: "I used to use Zapzyt (benzoyl peroxide 10%) as spot treatment, but it just stopped working one day. After trying a bunch of different products using salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and even trying some corticoid creams. NOTHING WORKED!!!! I ended up looking up some other natural solutions and came across this spot treatment. After using it for a week on two of my stubborn pimples (that I had basically tried every type of product on), THEY FINALLY WENT AWAY. I WAS SHOCKED. They were on my face for at least three weeks before I tried using this spot treatment, and they went away in less than a week! I recommend this to anyone who has stubborn acne like mine. Another plus is, this stuff feels and smells way better than any other acne treatment I've tried. Other treatments dry my skin out like nobody's business leaving my skin patchy, while using this didn't really affect my skin moisture. Also, it leaves a nice minty feeling on the skin for the first few seconds it is applied. I looooveee the smell of it. Definitely will buy again when I run out!" —Annabelle H.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.