The 20 Best Acne Spot Treatments to Shrink Pimples, Stat

Don’t say we didn’t warn you—this cream smells like rotten eggs. But the same shale oil that gives it its stink is also responsible for its sebum-regulating powers. This ointment can be dabbed on a blemish before bed, or layered on thick to a particularly nasty cyst. But, if your skin is generally acting up, consider sleeping with a layer all-over for a little reset. As luck would have it, this can also be preventative in nature. Just consider lighting a candle to compensate for the stink. 

Pros: Controls oil; Good for blackheads; Can be worn under makeup

Cons: Smelly

Customer Review: "I have never used a pimple treatment that is so effective and yet so gentle. I saw a drastic reduction in the redness and size of breakouts overnight, with some smaller blemishes disappearing completely. All of my breaks were significantly less inflamed and it didn’t make the areas dry or crusty like some pimple treatments." — Dr. Sturm 

There is so much to love about this La Roche-Posay staple. Not only is the dermatologist-formulated treatment top-notch when it comes to efficacy, but it’s also multi-purpose in its use. If you’re struggling with breakouts all over, you can apply a thin layer to your complexion—without running the risk of burning your face off. If you just have one pimple to contend with? Use the formula as a spot treatment. This benzoyl peroxide product will get to work ASAP. 

Pros: Affordable; Effective; Derm-approved

Cons: Bleaches fabric 

Customer Review: "My dermatologist recommended this product and said it was better than anything he could prescribe me. I had found myself overcome with severe adult acne after moving across the state. This cleared my skin up with only a few white head and no new break outs within a week." — Ulta 

Sometimes the best products are the simplest. Take Burt’s Bees for instance. With naturally derived tea tree oil and salicylic acid extracted from willow bark, this little roller ball spot treatment will help unclog pores, shrink pimples, and create a clearer complexion. I personally like to keep one of these in every bag so I can treat my breakouts on the go. And trust me: You’ll notice a huge difference in the angriness of your pimples in just about 24 hours. 

Pros: Easy to travel with; Natural ingredients 

Cons: Roller ball gets dirty 

Customer Review: "I recently redid my skincare routine to replace everything with all-natural ingredients and I'm so glad I did. After years and years of using the heavy, chemical laden products to try and get rid of my acne and feeling like I was hurting my skin in the process this is the perfect alternative." — Burt's Bees 

The goal is for a spot treatment to dry out your spot—not the surrounding skin. That’s what makes this targeting applicator so special. The gel goes exactly where you want it to, so the active ingredients are able to dry the heck out of your blemish without irritating the rest of your complexion. What are said actives, you ask? There’s a blend of salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and tea tree oil, which join together to reduce inflammation and bacteria. 

Pros: Targeted; Great actives 

Cons: Hard to get product out 

Customer Review: "This is such a convenient and easy to use on the go or at home spot treatment. It's mess free, quick, and very effective. I consistently get lots of those tedious little guys that are red and sore the second they appear. This Acne Pen does just the trick! It immediately soothes the irritable inflammation, reduces swelling, basically just calming the irate pimple down." —Ulta 

We’ve all been there. You have a nasty cyst or a cluster of little friends that decided to pop up on your back. It doesn’t quite call for an acne body wash because the affected area is teeny-tiny, but it’s near impossible to get a traditional spot treatment where it needs to be. Enter: MAELYS body spray, which was specifically designed to spritz a salicylic acid-packed formula onto hard-to-reach spaces. Just spritz onto dry skin twice a day and you should notice improvement relatively quickly. 

Pros: Good for body; Contains salicylic acid 

Cons: Might feel a little sticky at first 

While most spot treatments aren’t going to do a whole lot for cystic acne, this particular product has developed a bit of a cult-following for its ability to calm down blind pimples. With lactic acid, citric acid, and a moisturizing agent called methyl gluceth, this slightly smelly gel directly targets inflammation in the skin. “I get these deep underground zits and this is a miracle worker,” one customer wrote in a review. “I even use it as a serum all over my face and chest to keep everything clear.” 

Pros: Works for cysts; Hydrating; Anti-inflammatory

Cons: Only works for cystic acne; Results may take time

Customer Review: "After just the first use I could see my acne redness decrease. I had a spot of cystic acne and after one week of using this during the day and switching between this and BHA Clarifying serum at night it’s completely gone. This product also goes on great under my makeup providing me a little barrier between my skin and makeup" — Renee Rouleau

If you’re aiming for a daytime treatment, pimple patches are the way to go. These stars look cute (we’re obsessed!) and are extremely effective. They use hydrocolloids to soak up the fluid in your pimple, which in turn, makes it shrink up and shrivel over time. As an added bonus, they serve as a reminder to keep your bacteria-filled hands off your pimple. Picking only leads to scarring, ladies and gents. 

Pros: Refillable case; Cute packaging; Hydrocolloid-based

Cons: Not invisible; May be drying 

Customer Review: "Packaging is so cute and compact, your stickies will never fall out!! And omg the quality is amazing! I sleep with them on and they NEVER fall off." — Starface 

The OG spot treatment that still reigns supreme. Formulated with salicylic acid, witch hazel, and oat extract, this best-seller rapidly unclogs pores to erase existing breakouts and prevent emerging pimples from surfacing. That in mind, make sure to follow up with a moisturizer as the main ingredients can be a bit drying—especially with dehydrated or dry skin types. Chances are, you'll notice a difference after just one night, but don't toss it to the side if it doesn't work at lightning speed. Treating breakouts takes time. 

Pros: Fast-acting; Evens tone

Cons: Drying

Customer Review: "Bought this on impulse because I'd never had a spot treatment work well before and I'd heard good things about Murad. I honestly expected very little but it works!!! My acne had calmed down by morning and this has definitely helped to calm it & get rid of it much faster than it would on its own. It's not magic or anything - your acne will not disappear by morning, but there is definitely a noticeable difference which I find impressive." — Sephora 

There's nothing more annoying than noticing a dark spot post-pimple. Thanks to licorice, azelaic acid, and niacinamide, this targeted treatment is a beast at calming down inflammation and simultaneously fading hyperpigmentation. The soothing ingredients are then balanced out by the inclusion of benzoyl peroxide, one of the best acne-fighting ingredients. With regular use (use as a spot treatment or apply as a thin layer), you'll have no sign of a breakout. 

Pros: Fights hyperpigmentation; Prevents breakouts 

Cons: Might cause redness or dryness 

Customer Review: "I battled unknown and probably hormonal acne for 2 years, only topical antibiotics helped. Once clear, I became pregnant and my face broke out again in my first trimester. This Tula product to the rescue!!! I use this morning and night after I cleanse and apply hyaluronic acid. I have dry sensitive skin, and this does NOT dry my skin out, make it patchy, or itchy." — Ulta 

This treatment tingles, but don't be alarmed—it shouldn't trigger irritation thanks to the soothing effects of cucumber extract and red algae, which reduce redness. That in mind, it's always a little touch and go with dry and sensitive skin types. If you do develop redness or dryness, try scaling down your frequency of application from three times a day to one time a day. You'll notice breakouts disappear within two to three days, with no lingering signs of scarring. This is a great option for anyone with sensitive or easily irritated skin. 

Pros: Effective; Shrinks pores 

Cons: May cause irritation

Customer Review: "I have hormonal acne and sensitive skin, and nothing really works to help calm and clear breakouts. This product is MAGIC. It is the only product I've found that will help clear up pimples in just a few days and can help prevent upcoming breakouts from getting worse. It does have a strong smell but does not irritate my skin at all. If you're on the fence, buy it!! A little bit goes a long way." — Ulta 

Your whiteheads and blackheads will be a thing of the past with this high-powered, yet gentle spot treatment. Salicylic and glycolic acids, papaya, and willow bark extract team up to unclog congested pores and quickly resurface the skin to reveal bright and glowing skin. It layers up to three times per day—it's in our night and morning regimen. The biggest plus, however, is that it was designed specifically with sensitive skin in mind. It's one of the least drying and irritating options out there. 

Pros: Good for sensitive skin; Boosts glow

Cons: Not great for larger pimples or cysts

Customer 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. I noticed clearer skin immediately with this treatment, and had absolutely no issue with stinging or burning. It also applies quite thinly, so a little bit can go a long way." — Sephora 

Here's a gentle spot treatment that uses succinic acid to quickly shrink pimples and absorb excess sebum. In addition, salicylic acid and sulfur work to exfoliate and prevent new blemishes from popping up. A major plus with this specific product is that it layers flawlessly under makeup—you won't experience any flaking or crustiness. That said, the formula does have a slight tint to it, so make sure you rub it in thoroughly to avoid a shadow. 

Pros: Gentle on the skin; Great for blackheads

Cons: Smelly; Doesn't flake 

Customer Review: "I’ve been using this for a few months & I love it! I’ve noticed this helps to get rid of acne a lot faster than any other productive used. It’s gentle & effective. My skin hasn’t been this clear in a long time." — Sephora 

This drying lotion is a triple threat for banishing breakouts. It's comprised of salicylic acid to unclog pores, sulfur to kill bacteria, and calamine to calm inflammation. While it goes on a bit intense, many have witnessed its blemish-erasing results after just one night of use. It's ideal for those juicy pimples with a lot of pus. The formula separates while it's chilling on your vanity so give it a shake before dipping a Q-tip into the base of the formula.

Pros: Works quickly; Ideal for targeted treatment

Cons: Drying

Customer Review: "This stuff works great when a pimple pops up!! At night I just put a little bit on one and by the next morning it's already way less red and angry, it's really the only stuff that actually works in not a lot of time which is amazing. It does make you a little dry if you use it multiple days in a row so be careful with that." 

This spot is formulated with tea tree oil and salicylic acid to quickly clear blemishes, plus soothing botanicals like chamomile and fennel to calm irritation. It's designed to be worn over or under makeup. While that's certainly an option, there can be a bit of flaking as the treatment dries down so make sure you buff away the excess product before going in with foundation. It's also worth mentioning that this is tinted.  

Pros: Great for sensitive skin; Calms irritation

Cons: Flakes

Customer Review: "Both my husband and I are hooked on Dynaspot! It makes blackheads and whiteheads and even those deeper under-the-skin cystic-type spots disappear in no time!" — Bloomingdales 

FYI: Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that does amazing things when applied to a blemish. This lightweight serum penetrates deep into the pores to extract impurities and ward off bacteria from forming. The result is a fresh and renewed glowing appearance. Because this is a serum, it's not necessarily the best bet if you want a targeted spot treatment. We recommend this for people who have more acneic skin or are looking for a preventative skincare product. 

Pros: Balancing; Non-Greasy

Cons: Irritating; Messy to apply

Customer Review: "Love this stuff. I use it every day and night. Helps heal blemishes quickly, reduces oil, reduces redness, and I think it also prevents new blemishes from forming. This is my third bottle. So glad I found it." — Ulta 

Do away with mild breakouts in no time with this acne-fighting gem. The fast-acting treatment (seriously it works overnight) is powered by sulfur, which works to reduce excess sebum, kill bacteria, and balance the skin. Because the formula is balanced with calming essential oils and soothing calendula, it won't dry out your skin either. And added bonus? The roller bar makes targeted treatment easy as can be. 

Pros: Soothing; Fast acting; Works on all types of acne

Cons: Slight smell from the sulfur

Customer Review: "Definitely reduced a cystic acne lesion by at least 50% after two days, and completely eliminated redness within one day! One star off due to roller and size. Yon-ka products are a luxury for me, so I naturally wish it was a little more affordable." — Yonka Paris 

This pink solution contains 10 percent sulfur to effectively clear out pimples without drying out the skin or causing more irritation. Simply dip a Q-Tip into the solution and tap it on to the area in question. Prepare to witness results in as little as one hour. While it is one of our favorites, we want to point out that it's not recommended for sensitive skin or those who are allergic to sulfur. 

Pros: Fast-acting; Prevents future breakouts

Cons: Slightly smelly; Drying; Bad for sensitive skin

Customer Review:  "I love this product. EradiKate is a great quick-fix that I apply anytime a zit sneaks up on me. I see a near immediate reduction in redness and inflammation blemishes after use. I have combination skin with dry/sensitive cheeks and balanced skin on my t-zone." — Ulta 

Thanks to the combination of sulfur, zinc, bentonite, and niacinamide, those annoying pimples and clogs don't stand a chance against this skincare hero. The fast-acting treatment zaps away zits and prevents new ones from forming, all while minimizing the appearance of pores. This product gets five stars for its versatility—it addresses casual whiteheads and the nasty, deep hormonal cysts. Plus, it's been formulated with rosacea patients in mind—a rarity on the acne front. 

Pros: Shrinks pores; Safe for rosacea patients 

Cons: Small bottle

Customer Review: "I’ve tried so many pimple creams and this is the best one, in my book.  My skin doesn’t respond well to SA and I don’t like using BP but sulfur is 10/10.  I’m a redhead with very sensitive skin and this stuff is my go to.  It doesn’t smell or burn my skin.  Would recommend."  —Dermstore 

Trust us when we say that this skin perfector will rapidly reduce the most stubborn pimples. This treatment is loaded with nine percent salicylic acid to draw out imperfections. While on the one hand that means it's going to do a damn good job at fighting acne and smoothing out rough patches and uneven texture, it also means it might be a smidge too drying for sensitive, dry skin types. 

Pros: Evens out texture; Helps clean out pores

Cons: Pricy; Not good for dry or sensitive skin

Customer Review: "I am amazed by this tiny treatment! It's a very watery liquid with no scent. It absorbs very fast to the skin just like water. Not sticky at all. My boyfriend's face has a lot of big pores and scars from acne and dehydration. So I apply it on his face day and night. After just one day, I can clearly see the pore and scare become less obvious, less deep, and smoother!" — Sephora 

First off: It's a myth that straight up toothpaste can shrink your pimple. However, this toothpaste-inspired treatment will work wonders on acne. The overnight treatment is packed with a wide array of exfoliating and calming ingredients, ranging from clay and sulfur to azelaic acid and willow bark. The grey clay adheres to skin to reduce sebum, target blemishes, and get rid of redness. This formula does flake so make sure to add a nice layer and wash it off in the morning with your favorite gentle cleanser. 

Pros: Great packaging, Non-drying 

Cons: Flakes; Transfers 

Customer Review: "This shrunk my cystic acne so much. I woke up with a much less noticeable bump. If you have dry skin, I wouldn’t recommend—it burns so badly when you put it on, but it calms down after a few minutes overall." — Sephora