Overview
What it is
Facial treatment with 1 ingredient
Cool Features
It is vegan, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe
Suited For
It has ingredients that are good for scar healing
Free From
It doesn't contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
Fun facts
Walgreens is from United States. This product is used in 5 routines created by our community.
We independently verify ingredients and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Does this product need an update? Let us know.
What's inside
Benefits
Ingredients Explained
Hydrocolloid is not an INCI ingredient. It's a soft, gel-forming material that got its start in hospital wound care.
A typical hydrocolloid layer is coated with a mix of gelatin, pectin, xanthan gum, carrageenan, and Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose (the parts that soak up fluid) into a sticky rubber base, and then pressed into a thin film backing.
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.
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Where it's from
Walgreens is a American brand
Often compared with
We're dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date and science-backed ingredient info out there.
The data we've presented on this page has been verified by a member of the SkinSort Team.
Read more about us· Published June 8, 2024 • Added by lonelydeath
