The best spot treatments for acne can take breakouts from angry, red, and inflamed to flattened and soothed in a matter of hours, providing you know what to look for in the ingredient list. Board-certified dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD, founder of Image Dermatology, recommends a spot treatment that contains one or more of the following actives: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and/or retinoids. “Spot treatments are designed to target and treat specific blemishes by delivering the active ingredients right where you need them,” she says.
However, while a strong concentration of actives can shrink pimples fast, they can also trigger flare-ups of dryness and irritation. That’s why board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, says that it’s also important to seek out formulas with soothing ingredients, such as “niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid,” to help balance acne-prone skin.
With these dermatologist tips in mind and several rounds of editor testing, we chose the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Multi-Target Acne Treatment as our top spot treatment overall. The noncomedogenic formula combines salicylic acid, niacinamide, and lipo-hydroxy acids to clear mild to moderate acne without over-drying skin. Keep reading for options that target more severe and persistent breakouts, as well as formulas that fight whiteheads, target cystic acne, and fade dark spots.
The best spot treatments for acne, at a glance
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La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Multi-Target Acne Treatment
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We started by asking dermatologists for their top spot treatment recommendations, as well as the best acne-fighting ingredients to look for in products. Our editors and contributors also shared their favorite treatments. During testing, we evaluated the formula’s concentration of active ingredients, how quickly they worked to heal pimples, and how irritating or drying they felt, as well as how they performed on a variety of skin types. We also took into account whether they contained soothing ingredients to help counteract irritating side effects.
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Multi-Target Acne Treatment
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Original photo from Emily Tannenbaum Testing La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Multi-Target Acne Treatment
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Multi-Target Acne Treatment
- Pros: Gentle yet effective; less drying than other formulas we tested
- Cons: Best for mild to moderate acne, as opposed to severe breakouts
Both of our dermatologist sources recommend this spot treatment for combating a variety of common breakouts, including whiteheads, blackheads, and mild to moderate inflammatory acne. The lightweight, noncomedogenic formula features a low dose of salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acids, which work together to penetrate breakouts, refine large pores, and increase skin cell turnover. With an added dose of niacinamide and La Roche-Posay’s proprietary thermal spring water, Dr. Downie calls this “a gentle but effective treatment that can help significantly while not being too irritating.”
What our tester says: “When I get breakouts, they’re pretty persistent and tend to pop up in clusters. This treatment managed to flatten my little chin bumps in about two days, leaving behind just a bit of redness, which is very typical for my skin and should go away in a week. It’s a bit drying, so be sure to moisturize if you want to avoid peeling and wear sunscreen if you’re applying throughout the day,” says Glamour contributor Emily Tannenbaum.
Best Benzoyl Peroxide: Neutrogena On-the-Spot Treatment
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Original photo from Jenifer Calle testing Neutrogena On-the-Spot Treatment
Neutrogena On-the-Spot Treatment
- Pros: Affordable; a little goes a long way
- Cons: Benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabric, so be careful with clothes and pillowcases
This 2.5% benzoyl peroxide treatment clears acne-causing bacteria, which helps treat existing breakouts and prevent future pimples, Dr. Garshick says. She also praises the lightweight, noncomedogenic formula for how easily it absorbs into the skin. “Additionally, a little goes a long way,” she says. “A little dab is all that is needed.”
What our tester says: “I used this spot treatment on some forehead and jawline pimples, and it helped reduce the redness without drying the area. I had a white pimple on my eyebrow that was completely reduced to a tiny bump and then gone the next day. I miraculously didn’t pop it like I normally do, and it healed nicely without any scarring. I would recommend applying a couple of times throughout the day. I like that it feels like a lightweight moisturizer and absorbs quickly,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle, who deals with hormonal acne.
Best Budget: Bubble Knock Out Acne Spot Treatment
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Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Bubble Knock Out Acne Spot Treatment
Bubble Knock Out Acne Spot Treatment
- Pros: Affordable; reduces swelling and pimple size within hours
- Cons: The sponge-tip applicator isn’t the most hygienic
At only $12, this is the most affordable spot treatment on this list, yet just as effective as its pricier counterparts. “Combining both salicylic acid, wintergreen extract, and willow bark extract, this spot treatment helps to address clogged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads,” says Dr. Garshick. “It also contains elderberry antioxidants to help calm and soothe the skin.” The slim size makes it perfect for tucking into a purse and flattening random pimples that pop up.
What our tester says: “I’ve had mixed results with acne spot treatments throughout the years, so I was interested to see how well this salicylic acid spot treatment would do. It’s a lightweight, gentle, clear gel—a far cry from the typical pasty spot treatments that may come to mind. I liked that a little went a long way with this one; it managed to stick right on and stay put overnight. By the time I washed it off in the morning, I noticed that the very red pimple I put it on was a lot less inflamed. It smoothed it out a bit, and although the raised texture wasn’t completely gone, it did shrink it. Pretty great for under $20,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary who has oily, acne-prone skin.
Best Toner: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
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Original photo from Jazmin Gathers testing The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Pros: Alcohol-free; affordable; large size can be used on face and body acne
- Cons: May be too irritating for nightly use as instructed on the package; stick to once a week at first
