Review: COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch – Before & After

If you know me, I am a bit sceptic when it comes to single use products that make big claims or promise overnight results. Even regular skincare products don’t work that way. However, I was intrigued by these COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch because many people swear by them. I bought these when I didn’t have any breakouts, but I knew that they’d come in handy because I tend to break out easily, especially when I get lazy with my skincare routine.

Where to buy: These are available at Yesstyle (reward code: KBEAUTYNOTES for 5% off your order, can be used together with other coupons), Stylevana, StyleKorean, and Jolse.

Price: $2-$5

Volume: 24patches (9 Large Dots – Size: 12mm / 5 Medium Dots – Size: 10mm / 10 Small Dots – Size: 7mm) / 1 ea

Packaging: All patches have a sticky part that’s placed on a film so you can later peel them and use them.

What is the COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

A hydrocolloid patch that absorbs fluid such as oil and pus from acne while protecting the area from outside irritants to help them heal faster. By maintaining humidity, it reduces inflammation and prevents scarring as well.

Application

Gently peel off the pimple patch from the film and stick it over your active or popped pimple. Be careful when peeling so it doesn’t curl up.

Apply directly on clean, dry skin before your other skincare steps. If the skin has product on or feels oily the patch will not be able to adhere properly.

Leave it on for at least 6-8 hours. Sometimes I keep them on for a bit longer so I don’t let the wound exposed. As per instructions, you can replace it daily or remove it once it turns white.
I love using them when I go to sleep too.

Do the COSRX Pimple Patches work?

Yes, they do! I recently got this pimple with a firm white head on the surface of the skin, so it was the perfect time to test the patches. The results were amazing! The patch absorbed all the gunk from my acne overnight! I was not expecting it to work that fast or work at all to be honest.

The spot was completely flattened, but since it was an open wound, it felt very senstive and stung a little. See the picture below.

COSRX Acne Pimple Patch Before and After

I’m sorry for the gross macro shots, but I wanted to show the healing progress. After removing the patch, I cleansed my skin and placed another one on the area as a protective seal to help speed healing and avoid any bacteria getting on it.

This is what hydrocolloid dressings are designed to do in the first place: to promote healing and protect new tissue. I kept the second patch for 8 hours or so. It did help soothe inflammation further. However, if I kept using 2-3 patches on the same spot, I’d run out of them pretty fast.

So after the second patch, I used my favorite Niacinamide serum on the spot daily. I always use it on my pimples as it works extremely well.

Do pimple patches work on deep cystic ance?

Unfortunately, no. These are effective only on acne filled with pus that are on the surface. The patches don’t actually suck the gunk deep within the skin or pores, so this will not work on your deep inflamed pimples.

Why do COSRX Pimple Patches turn white?

You can see the patch turning white in the pictures and you would assume it’s because of all the gunk it has absorbed. Which some part it is, but the reason is because the hydrocolloid material turn fluids into a gel-like substance, so a lot of it is just moisture from your skin to help protect the wound.

The bonus part is that it also “pops” the pimple for you so you don’t have to pick your skin.

How long do pimple patches stay on?

The adherence power is great. Once you stick it on the acne, it won’t budge. I go to sleep wearing them and they stay put. The small ones fell off a couple of times but I think the reason could be that the whiteheads were a bit big for their size.

Are pimple patches visible?

They’re not completely invisible, but they look fine on my skin. I actually prefer to have the patch on even during daytime because it makes the head of the pimple less visible. Secondly, it prevents me from accidentally popping it and protects the area from external aggressors.

Now, I don’t see these being affordable for someone that breaks out often. You would run out of patches very fast. If you get the occasional acne here and there then they’re fine. In case you’re prone to breakouts, I think it’s better to buy them in bulk when there are sales. I really wish the pouch contained many more patches.

I also wish they didn’t come in mixed sizes. I’d prefer to choose the sizes myself.

I didn’t find the adhesive of the pimple patch to irritate my skin.

Ingredients

Hydrocolloids are moisture-retentive dressings. They work by creating a protective seal and a moist environment to foster skin healing. They turn fluids into a gel-like substance, that’s why you see the patch turning white.

Petroleum Resin, Cellulose Gum, Styrene Isoprene Styrene Block Copolymer, Polyurethane Film, Polyisobutylene, Liquid Paraffin, Tetrakismethane

Final Verdict on the COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

I would buy these again! I love the pimple patch for a couple of reasons: First, it’s effective on those ripe pimples and works fast. If you’re someone that picks your pimples, this will prevent you from doing it and “pop” them for you. It also keeps the area protected, clean and helps it heal faster.
What it doesn’t do though, is work on deep pimples that have not come to the surface, and of course, it cannot prevent acne or extract blackheads.

Did you find this COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch Review helpful? What’s your favorite product to tackle acne?

*Affiliate Links – It means I may earn a small commission when you purchase a product through the links I have provided, at no extra cost to you. I purchased this product myself.