10 Best Spot Treatments in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)

Pros:

• Contains ingredients that can effectively unclog pores and reduce acne, including salicylic acid, sulfur, and zinc oxide
• The inclusion of calamine helps calm the skin
• Suitable for those with oily skin 

Cons:

• Might irritate those with sensitive skin

Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion uses sulfur to unclog pores, salicylic acid to promote smoother skin, and calamine to soothe acne as it dries. It also includes zinc oxide, which can absorb excess oil and minimize the look of your pores. This drying lotion works especially great for those with oily skin. 

A few reviewers noticed a stinging sensation due to the alcohol in the formula. Others said that the strong medicinal smell might bother some. Meanwhile, many users liked that it sped up the healing and drying process of inflamed acne and left their skin clear. Many experienced improvements in their blemishes overnight, too.

Pros:

• Micronized benzoyl peroxide sinks deeply into the skin to remove dead skin cells and eliminate acne-causing bacteria 
• Treats moderate to severe acne
• Infused with calming ingredients like ginger and chamomile 

Cons:

• May dry out the skin

This spot treatment contains 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, an active ingredient that can effectively treat moderate to severe acne, including pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. There are also ginger and chamomile, all of which have strong anti-inflammatory properties to soothe your skin. 

A few reviewers with sensitive skin experienced allergic reactions after using this spot treatment, while some others said it dried out their skin. However, many reviewers liked that it cleared up breakouts and was effective for severe acne types like cystic acne. 

Pros:

• Contains two percent of salicylic acid to effectively reduce acne breakouts
• Accelerates healing and brightens acne scars with niacinamide, vitamin C, zinc, and centella asiatica extract
• The infusion of triluronic acid and aloe helps keep the skin hydrated

Cons:

• Might not suitable for oily skin

With two percent salicylic acid, this acne serum will address spots and blemishes. Meanwhile, the combination of niacinamide, vitamin C, and zinc help brighten your skin and prevent hyperpigmentation once the acne is addressed. There is also centella asiatica extract, which has properties to heal your acne scars.  

A few reviewers with oily skin did not like the formulation as it made their skin feel more oily. But, many reviewers who've used the product regularly noticed that newer pimples weren't as inflamed as before. They liked the solution's scent and added it left their skin feeling smooth while still tackling acne. 

Pros:

• Formulated with 0.1 percent adapalene to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and prevent inflamed acne 
• Gel absorbs easily into the skin 
• Free from oil and fragrance

Cons:

• May dry out the skin
• You may experience retinization, an adjustment period where your skin becomes inflamed before settling down
  

This topical acne treatment contains 0.1 percent adapalene, a retinoid-like compound used to promote the healing process of your acne and prevent future breakouts. This gel absorbs quickly into the skin. It doesn't contain oils or fragrances and is suitable for oily or sensitive skin. 

A few reviewers noted that the product had a drying effect, so you might want to follow up with a moisturizer to soothe your skin. On another note, many buyers confirmed that this product worked quickly on breakouts and was effective in treating cystic acne as well. It's said that this acne spot treatment cleared pores and shrank them, too! 

Pros:

• Patches protect your acne from environmental factors and help heal it faster
• Hydrocolloid patches are clinically-tested and safe for your skin 
• Can be used as a concealer to hide blemishes 

Cons:

• Only works on whiteheads; not designed for blackheads, inflamed or cystic acne
  
• Don't use if you're allergic to rubber or pectin
  

One reason why it takes acne so long to heal is the constant exposure to bacteria from the environment. With this patch, you cover up your whitehead and speed up the healing process. The patches are made with medical-grade hydrocolloid, which pulls the pus out of acne while maintaining proper skin moisture. 

Some reviewers say it worked initially but that the same pimple could come back within a few days. Meanwhile, many noted that on top of drawing out pus, the patches are also great concealers to cover blemishes. Buyers saw results within a few days! 

Pros:

• Quickly treats acne breakouts and heals acne scars with salicylic acid and witch hazel
  
• Effectively unclogs pores 
• Oat extract soothes and calms redness
  
• Not drying to the skin 

Cons:

• Might irritate sensitive skin

This spot treatment has a two percent concentration of salicylic acid to ensure quick action. It's infused with soothing ingredients like oat kernel extract, and the formula includes shea butter and glycerin to make your skin feel moisturized, too! 

A few reviewers shared that the formula caused allergic reactions, so you should conduct a patch test beforehand. Nonetheless, the majority commented that this acne spot treatment cleared up acne quickly and healed acne scars. They also loved that it didn't dry out their skin. 

Pros:

• Has 0.5 percent salicylic acid to unclog pores and treat acne
• Prebiotic complex to restore skin's microbiome
  
• Sandalwood oil and thyme leaf oil have anti-inflammatory properties to reduce acne breakouts 
• Doesn't dry out the skin thanks to the infusion of glycerin 

Cons:

• Feels sticky to the skin

This lightweight serum has naturally-derived salicylic acid from willow bark to unclog pores, and a prebiotic complex to balance beneficial bacteria on your skin. Anti-inflammatory ingredients like sandalwood oil and thyme leaf oil reduce redness and soothe.

A few buyers didn't like the sticky feeling of the formula as it dried. On another note, many reviewers shared that the product was able to clear up stubborn pimples without drying. Those with sensitive skin or rosacea confirmed that it was a very gentle treatment and didn't irritate their skin. 

Pros:

• The blend of glycolic acid and salicylic acid exfoliates the skin and reduces acne breakouts 
• Contains many nourishing ingredients, including vitamins B5, C, E, calendula extract, green tea extract, and allantoin 
• Works well in reducing acne scars, wrinkles, and discoloration 

Cons:

• You should do a patch test since it contains AHA
  
• Can leave a greasy residue on the skin 

These acne pads are formulated with 10 percent glycolic acid (AHA) and two percent salicylic acid to reduce excess sebum, prevent acne breakouts, and fade acne scars. The pads have a textured surface to exfoliate your skin and are infused with antioxidant-rich ingredients, including vitamins, green tea, and calendula extract. 

Some buyers were disappointed that these pads made their skin feel sticky. Nevertheless, the majority were happy with how well they diminished even severe cystic acne. Many said that the pads reduced wrinkles and acne scars and made their skin feel moisturized and glowy. 

Pros:

• Fights acne with salicylic acid
• Formulated with witch hazel to calm inflammation 
• Oil-free formula is suitable for acne-prone and oily skin
• Not drying to the skin

Cons:

• Smell is medicinal and not pleasant, according to some reviewers
  

With two percent salicylic acid, this acne spot treatment can clear or dry out most types of acne in just a couple of hours! Its oil-free formulation makes it an ideal product for acne-prone or oily skin. The witch hazel soothes your skin to minimize future breakouts, too.

A few reviewers complained about the medicine-like smell of the product. However, many reviewers confirmed its ability to quickly clear out acne. They further noted that it didn't dry out their skin, only their acne. Some used it twice a day on blemishes that needed urgent attention.

Pros:

• 10 percent benzoyl peroxide helps treat moderate to severe acne 
• Gets rid of acne and reduces redness quickly 
• Gel consistency

Cons:

• Strong formula might irritate the skin

This acne spot treatment from Neutrogena contains 10 percent benzoyl peroxide to clear up your current acne, prevent potential breakouts from happening, and reduce redness. It has a gel consistency and can absorb quickly into the skin. The brand suggests using a small amount one to three times per day. 

A couple of users warned this treatment was very strong and might cause rashes to those with sensitive skin. Overall, many saw an improvement in their inflamed acne. They further mentioned that this spot treatment worked really quickly. Some said their acne became better overnight.