Imagine, for a second, that you could have a superpower — any superpower. What would you choose? Flying would be pretty righteous, provided you’re not afraid of heights; telekinesis means never having to get up off the couch mid-episode of Stranger Things to refill your wine glass ever again.
But the most super of all possible superpowers might just be the ability to snap your fingers and watch your breakouts vanish. Sure, it doesn't have quite the same sparkle as being able to shapeshift or read minds, but when it comes down to it, what wouldn't you do to be able to clear your skin instantly?
But back to earth: Superpowers aren't real, you can't buy an invisibility cloak at Zara, and there's no known incantation one can mutter to erase all their zits just like that. In the absence of magic or molecular manipulation, these fast-acting breakout-fighters are the next best thing. And whether you're willing to splurge or want to keep your budget around $5, there's a super-powered, internet-approved spot treatment perfect for you, ahead.
Welcome to Hype Machine, our hit-list of the top reviewed products across the web — according to a crowd of die-hard shoppers. Call this your 4-star & up only club, with entry granted by our devoted-to-the-goods shop editors.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 4,583 reviews on Amazon
I've relied on this stuff since I was a teenager and have gone through more tubes than I can remember. It worked for teenage breakouts, and I still go back to it for the occasional flare-up now that I'm in my 20s. Clearly, I'm not alone in my adoration of the product. (FYI: If you're sensitive to benzoyl peroxide, be sure to do a patch test before applying it to your face.) "I get cystic acne and nothing seems to help, even prescriptions that I've tried," shares one Amazon reviewer. "This product cleared up my skin fast — some of the deeper blemishes took a little longer to go away but I haven't had any new flare-ups since I started using it. The tube is pretty big for the small amount that you need so it's worth the price."
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, $, available at Amazon
Versed Game Over Acne Drying Treatment
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 10 reviews on Revolve
Chic packaging aside, Versed's fan-favorite acne-clearer is a formidable foe against juicy whiteheads thanks to a one-two punch of 10% sulfur and two types of clay (kaolin and bentonite) to absorb impurities. "This really helped clear my skin," reveals one Revolve reviewer. "I just apply it overnight and by morning, the pimple has either dried out or just completely gone. Not trying to sound commercial but [it's] definitely magical."
Versed Game Over Acne Drying Treatment, $, available at Revolve
Innbeauty Project Pimple Paste
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars and 204 reviews on Sephora
Come for the joy-sparking packaging, stay for the pimple vanishing act. Inspired by the old beauty hack of applying toothpaste to breakouts (Writer's Note: Don't do this!), this potent treatment ditches mint and fluoride for sulfur, willow bark, and azelaic acid to clear acne and minimize hyperpigmentation. "It’s hard having acne during your adult years, so I am always searching for a good spot treatment," writes one Sephora reviewer. "I leave it overnight and wake up to my pimple seeming slightly smaller and less irritated."
INNBEAUTY PROJECT Pimple Paste Overnight Blemish Drying Paste, $, available at Sephora
Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars and 341 reviews on Murad
2% salicylic acid and a proprietary complex get to work within hours to visibly reduce size and redness of even your most irritated flare-ups. "I used to use a different brand that cost about half the price of Murad’s spot treatment," writes one reviewer who splurged on the pricey tube. "The other brand would help dry up the pimple, however my skin would get so dry it would peel around the treatment area. I haven’t had that issue with Murad’s product, plus it actually reduces the redness so the pimple is much less noticeable after application!"
Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment, $, available at Sephora
Bliss Clear Genius Spot Treatment
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 451 reviews on Target
"I will try anything as I am a 23-year-old woman who's been battling acne since middle school," writes one Ulta Beauty reviewer. "I owe this product my soul." In short, the blend of clarifying actives (salicylic acid, niacinamide, and witch hazel) and calming botanicals like cica amount to one seriously magical spot treatment.
Bliss Clear Genius Spot Treatment, $, available at Target
Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA and Azelaic Acid Acne Spot Treatment
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 410 reviews on Sephora
This newcomer spot treatment has wasted no time in skyrocketing to bestseller status — and for good reason. "This spot treatment is my favorite that I’ve tried out so far," shares one Sephora reviewer. "I love that they included azelaic acid as an ingredient as well as the 2% BHA, because not only is it a treatment for existing blemishes, but it can also work to prevent possible new ones as well!"
Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA and Azelaic Acid Acne Spot Treatment, $, available at Sephora
Kinship Pimple Potion
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 90 reviews on Ulta Beauty
Kinship's non-irritating spot treatment is another highly slept-on favorite of mine for gently yet effectively reducing blemish size overnight. "[It's] literally my favorite product — it works so well I'm buying a second tube," says one Ulta reviewer. "I always break out on my forehead and chin when I'm stressed, and I'll put this on once or twice a day and it minimizes the breakout dramatically."
Kinship Pimple Potion Retinal + Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 28,210 reviews on Amazon
The mind-blowing number of reviews speaks for itself, but don't just take the internet's word for it. This bestseller from Mario Badescu (which is currently in my bathroom) is powered by acne-fighting stalwarts like sulfur, zinc oxide, and salicylic acid, along with soothing calamine is the best way to nix breakouts and ease inflammation overnight. (One Amazon reviewer refers to the stuff as "bottled wizard tears to kiss away your spots!")
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, $, available at Amazon
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 566 reviews on Ulta Beauty
The price isn't a typo: This concentrated blemish-fighting formula is as potent as anything else you'll find on the market, and it's one of the most affordable, too. With a strong dose of 2% salicylic acid to keep pores clear and a special form of gentle, alcohol-free witch hazel, you can use it to nix existing zits or for all-over maintenance. "I tried this product day and night and within three days, this product completely demolished the blackheads on my nose," shares one Ulta reviewer. "It feels so much smoother and it looks so much better — it's made a world of difference."
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Eve Lom Dynaspot
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars and 4 reviews on Nordstrom
Everything you could ever need to stop a breakout in its tracks is hiding in this tiny-but-mighty tube, which incorporates salicylic and glycolic acid and skin-soothing extracts like chamomile and fennel in a vegan formula that even helps cut down on redness and hyperpigmentation. "I am seriously allergic to sulfur, which can be a big ingredient in products marketed for adult and hormonal blemishes," shares one Nordstrom reviewer. "This is a great drying alternative that isn't harsh and clears things quickly."
Eve Lom Dynaspot, $, available at DermStore
Indie Lee Banish Stick
The Hype: 4.2 out of 5 stars and 34 reviews on Credo
About as clean and chic as an acne treatment gets, this travel-friendly wand doesn't just look good: The clear, non-sticky solution packs in zinc, witch hazel, and salicylic and glycolic acids to reduce inflammation on contact and zap zits at warp speed. "[It's] easy to use, clear, and I think it's really calmed my breakouts," writes a Credo reviewer. "It's also been gentle enough for my sensitive and rosacea-prone skin. Will definitely be repurchasing when I run out."
Indie Lee Banish Stick, $, available at Credo
M-61 Powerspot Clear
The Hype: 4.0 out of 5 stars and 18 reviews on Bluemercury
It may be virtually undetectable on skin, but fear not — this powerful treatment is working its magic behind the scenes. "PSA: I have discovered the world's greatest beauty product," declares one Bluemercury reviewer. "Now I preemptively apply it to problem spots and if I feel a bump coming I cover it and nothing develops." Glycolic and salicylic acid star as the hero ingredients to zap zits, while plant-based components like witch hazel, aloe, camphor, and tea tree gently soothe and address inflammation. (You can also wear it under your foundation during the day to get round-the-clock treatment.)
m-61 Powerspot Clear, $, available at Bluemercury
Renée Rouleau Anti Bump Solution
The Hype: 4.9 out of 5 stars and 32 reviews on Renée Rouleau
Esthetician Renée Rouleau has a cult-like following of celebrity clients, beauty editors, and armchair skin-care enthusiasts alike — and this revolutionary anti-acne serum is one of her biggest hits. Unlike most other topical treatments, it actually delves deep into pores to reduce redness and inflammation associated with large, painful underground cysts that take forever to heal. "I've used this for years," writes one loyal customer. "Many years ago I would get cystic breakouts on my face and would have to go to my derm for a cortisone injection, which hurt badly too! I have not had one breakout since I started using this product."
Renée Rouleau Anti Bump Solution, $, available at Renée Rouleau
CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 690 reviews on Ulta Beauty
To "put a band-aid on" a problem is usually a euphemism for covering something up without actually solving the root of the issue, but these waterproof patches do both. "If you struggle with white heads and clogged pores these are a must," writes one Ulta reviewer. "They work in just a few hours, and when removed you can see the results. Overnight the pimple is drawn out and almost every time will be flat." Stick one on a particularly nasty zit before bed and the hydrocolloid bandage will absorb gunk from pores and reduce inflammation overnight, all while protecting your skin from further irritation.
CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch - Original Care, $, available at Ulta Beauty
The Better Skin Co. Better Skin Zit No More
The Hype: 4.2 out of 5 stars and 110 reviews on Amazon
Has there ever been an easier way to "take care of" breakouts Tony Soprano-style than with this handy rollerball that contains zit-zapping salicylic acid and tea tree and nourishing rosehip and vitamin E all in one bottle? No, there has not. "I applied this to my swollen, angry pimples, and they calmed down within hours," shares one Amazon reviewer. "Like, I've never had that happen before. Treatments hardly work, but this thing? Like, wow. Just wow."
The Better Skin Co. Zit No More Acne Spot Treatment, $, available at Amazon
Peace Out Pore Treatment Strips
The Hype: 4.0 out of 5 stars and 1,480 reviews on Sephora
You already know and love acne-spot patches — now meet the next great innovation in the world of things you can stick on your face. These detoxifying strips use the same hydrocolloid technology to absorb oil, debris, and impurities from clogged pores while zapping blackheads and refining skin texture with vitamin A. Unlike other "pore strips," they peel away gently and easily so you don't tear your first layer of skin off in the process. "I love these for getting all of the gross stuff out of my pores, especially on my nose and chin," (over-)shares one Sephora reviewer. "They don’t hurt when you remove them and it’s satisfying to see everything they pulled out!"
Peace Out Pore Treatment Strips, $, available at Sephora
DHC Acne Spot Therapy
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 13 reviews on Dermstore
"No other product treats my acne and I have tried many," reports one Dermstore reviewer. "Works fast too. This is the best on the market for me." This unassuming tube looks like something you'd spot on the pharmacy shelf through the pickup window while you're waiting for your prescription — clinical, generic, not cute. But what's inside is a multitasking acne treatment that reads like a laundry list of everything you could ever need to fight a breakout: pore-purifying sulfur, clarifying Chinese skullcap, soothing vitamin E, brightening licorice, replenishing aloe vera, antioxidant-rich green tea...
DHC Acne Spot Therapy, $, available at DermStore
Verso Blemish Fix
Beyond just combating breakouts, this lightweight gel does for your skin-care routine what Ikea does for your home furnishings: streamlines, simplifies, and makes good skin — like good taste — seem accessible. By pairing acne-fighting ingredients like retinol and lactic acid with vitamins and antioxidants sourced from turmeric and portulaca, you get a well-rounded treatment that fends off dryness, irritation, and the development of fine lines, too. (Oh, and it's from Sweden.)
Verso Blemish Fix, $, available at Barneys New York
Amanda Lacey Miracle Tonic
It goes without saying that, if you're going to call something a "miracle," it better be good. Fortunately for fans of this powerful concoction, from the eponymous skin-care line of one of London's top facialists, it delivers on all fronts, using salicylic acid to clarify and a blend of soothing mint and rosemary to soothe and heal — not to mention how very, very chic it'll look in your bathroom cabinet.
Amanda Lacey Miracle Tonic, $, available at Shen
Yes To Detoxifying Charcoal Zit Zapping Dots Facial Treatment
The Champagne-taste-on-a-beer-budget version of pimple patches, these $8 detox dots are formulated with salicylic acid, charcoal, and exfoliating tomato extract to lift the gunk out of your pores. Available in your choice of black or red stickers, they're not subtle or remotely flattering — but they get the job done.
Yes To Detoxifying Charcoal Zit Zapping Dots Facial Treatment, $, available at Target
111Skin 3 Phase Anti-Blemish Booster
Yes, the first thing that stands out about this hard-working spot treatment is the absurd price tag — but that sticker shock won't hurt quite so badly once you see what's inside. Formulated with a handful of ingredients you've already heard of (salicylic acid, willow bark extract, sodium hyaluronate, colloidal sulfur) and a few you probably haven't (horse chestnut extract, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, colloidal silver, kojic acid), the formula works in three phases, taking care of pre-, post-, and presently broken out skin while hydrating, too. Pat it onto blemishes straight or mix a couple drops in with your moisturizer; either way, $160 is a comparatively reasonable price to pay for clear, healthy skin.
111Skin 3 Phase Anti Blemish Booster, $, available at DermStore
Boscia Charcoal Spot Corrector
Resist the urge to shake, shake, shake this cute little bottle, and just dip a cotton swab into the charcoal sediment on the bottom instead. It's a lot less entertaining than watching it all swirl around, sure, but the potent combination of calamine, zinc, colloidal sulfur, willow herb extract, salicylic acid, and — yes — activated charcoal nixes blemishes practically overnight. (Which, by the way, is when you'll want to use it.)
Boscia Charcoal Spot Corrector, $, available at Sephora
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