The INKEY List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches

Polyisobutene is not absorbed by the skin.

Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.

Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.

It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.

While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.

If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.

While succinic acid posesses antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, these properties have not been studied in skincare products.

Fun fact: Succinic acid was known as the 'spirit of amber' in the past. This is because it used to be derived from distilling amber.

When applied to the skin, ectoin helps bind water molecules to protect our skin. The water forms a sort of armor for the parts of our skin cells, enzymes, proteins, and more.

Besides this, ectoin has many uses in skincare:

A study from 2004 found ectoin to counteract the damage from UV-A exposure at different cell levels. It has also been shown to protect skin against both UV-A, UV-B rays, infrared light, and visible light.

Studies show ectoin to have dual-action pollution protection: first, it protects our skin from further pollution damage. Second, it helps repair damage from pollution.

In fact, ectoin has been shown to help with:

Fun fact: In the EU, ectoin is used in inhalation medication as an anti-pollution ingredient.

Ectoin is a highly stable ingredient. It has a wide pH range of 1-9. Light, oxygen, and temperature do not affect this ingredient.

The chemical name for this ingredient is Tetrahydromethylpyrimidine Carboxylic Acid.

When you stick it on an open or "popped" pimple, these polymers pull in the fluid and turn it into a gel. This helps keep the spot moist and creates a barrier against outside bacteria. Plus, there's some UV blocking as well so the spot is less likely to leave a dark mark.

The current research is small but encouraging. A 2006 study found hydrocolloid dressings on acne lesions:

A 2024 manufacturer study in 41 subjects aged 12-35 showed patches significantly improved the appearance of popped pimples by Days 1 and 4, with improvements in smoothness, crusting, redness, size, and dryness.

Another 2025 trial on a related hydrogel patch reported a 35% reduction in lesion size and a 44% improvement in lesion severity by Day 2 versus the control group.

Just remember patches mostly help surface whiteheads; they generally cannot treat blackheads and do not help deeper cystic or persistent hormonal acne. There are a few case reports that link rosin-based tackifier in some dressings to contact dermatitis as well.

Because it is a patch, there's no meaningful "usage percentage".

The adhesive itself is usually 50-70% hydrocolloid powders with the rest as elastomer.