The Best Spot Treatments to Bust a Breakout

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17)

This cult-classic literally dries up nasty zits while you hit the hay. Stick a Q-tip straight through the dual-layered formula—don’t shake it or stir it—and apply it directly to your skin. Just a few hours later you’ll be bump-free.

Karuna Spot+ Melting Boost ($18)

These stickers, which are designed to be placed directly over blemishes, only work when you layer the brand’s Face Mask on top. But the results are pretty remarkable: cleaner pores and fewer spots. 

Osea Essential Corrective Complex ($32)

Harnessing a blend of pure botanical and essential oils like tea tree, white thyme and juniper, this antibacterial blemish buster also helps to put breakouts on the path to healthy healing. 

Le Mieux A & E Corrector ($28)

Dab this spot corrector on blemishes to dry them up in a flash. It’s even a favorite of professional makeup artists for those times when clients show up with something unexpected on their skin. 

GlamGlow Super Mud Treatment ($69)

You may use this mask as your go-to when it comes to calming inflamed skin and getting a good deep-down clean, but it can also be used on isolated breakouts—you can even sleep in it, too. Just dab a drop on the area and let it sit for about 30 minutes, letting the acids and charcoal work to heal your skin. 

Epionce Lytic Plus TX ($54)

Loaded with salicylic acid, this superpowered cream breaks up acne-causing bacteria, but does so in a way that doesn’t cause skin to become red or irritated. 

MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Blemish Control Gel ($23)

This oil-free acne fighter is perfect for layering under makeup because it won’t peel or cause your foundation to ball up. 

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel ($9)

A favorite among dermatologists, this fast-acting gel relies on the power of 10 percent benzoyl peroxide to deliver a steady dose of skin-clearing capabilities throughout the day.