When it comes to treating blemishes, we’ve come a long way since Clearasil, Clean and Clear and T-Zone were pretty much the only brands available back in the 90s and 00s. In 2025, clear skin has never been more achievable, thanks to the vast range of spot treatments and skincare sets available with many coming from top, science-backed brands.
Whether you’re battling occasional breakouts, stubborn acne scars, or oily skin, the right products can transform your complexion and help keep acne at bay. From affordable spot patches to luxury multi-step routines – there’s a solution for every budget and skin concern.
Modern formulas are packed with powerhouse ingredients like salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and hyaluronic acid, working together to tackle blemishes while preserving your skin barrier. But don’t be scared off by the word acid, as most of them remain sensitive-skin friendly.
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Our beauty experts have scoured the web for the best picks to try this year, including brands like Paula’s Choice, Medik8 and Glacia. Whether you need an overnight fix or a complete skincare overhaul, these are our recommendations:
Glacia Hydrocolloid Spot Patches
Affordable, effective, and discreet, Glacia’s Hydrocolloid Spot Patches are a game-changer for anyone in need of a quick blemish fix. At £3.99 for a pack of 24, they’re a budget-friendly option, though you can also pick up a larger pack of 240 for £24.99 if you’d prefer to stock up so as to ensure they’re always on hand when you need one.
Formulated with tea tree oil to help minimise the appearance of redness and active breakouts, they act as a barrier to shield spots from further irritation, as they prevent picking, touching or popping. Best of all, they are ultra-thin and translucent, meaning they’re practically undetectable on the skin so can be worn out when you want to hide a pimple.
Designed for all skin types, tones and textures, the hydrocolloid spot patches are free from harsh chemicals, fragrance, alcohol, paraben, and phthalate, ensuring a gentle yet effective treatment suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
The product has received rave reviews on the Amazon website, earning it an average rating of 4.2 out of five. One person called the patches a “date night miracle” explaining how she applied the patch in the morning and ‘3 hours later I can already see that the skin on my nose is flat again’.
Another added: “These spot patches banished my blemishes overnight”, with a third commenting: “These patches are good, but if the plastic allowed for a way to remove the patches without them creasing, this would be a 5 star product.”
47 Skin 3-Step Treatment Bundle
For those wanting to shake up their skincare routine, the 47 Skin 3-Step Treatment Bundle is currently down to £74, reduced from £82. Inside, shoppers will find a trio of products that work together to clear blemishes, fade scars, and hydrate the skin.
The bundle includes a cleanser to unclog pores, a peel-off antibacterial mask and a protective serum to prevent future breakouts. All of the products contain an innovative ingredient called SilverChitoderm, which is clinically proven to kill 100% of bacteria, reduce inflammation and cause your skin cells to regenerate, whilst still being gentle and hydrating on your skin.
The mask, in particular, is ideal when your skin is looking a bit tired or you can feel a breakout coming on, and should be left on for 20 minutes before peeling to reveal ‘clearer, calmer’ skin.
The bundle has been rated 4.9 stars out of 4,692 reviews. One user who wanted to clear their skin up ahead of getting married, said: “I can’t believe how quickly it worked, I use the cleanser morning and evening along with the scar serum morning and evening, and the mask is like a little safety blanket if I feel a spot about the grow! I can honestly say, it’s really worked, the scars have faded so much, I am so happy.”
Another added: “Ordered this for my 13-year-old daughter to help with the acne on her forehead and chin. The difference in a few weeks is incredible. She is amazed with the results and follows the instructions to the letter.”
However, one user said: “I had high hopes ’cause I’ve had issues with my skin for some years, after I turned 40. These products do feel nice and my skin does have a glow to it and sits well under make-up, but I’m still breaking out. I did order more, so I can have a longer trial period to see what happens.”
Medik8 Blemish SOS Rapid Action Target Gel
Medik8’s Blemish SOS is a must for spot-related emergencies. On sale for £20, down from £25, the rapid-action gel features 2% salicylic acid, making it a maximum-strength formula that visibly reduces blemishes and calms redness quickly.
Its invisible, fast-drying formula makes it ideal for use under makeup or during the day, and it’s effective on all skin types. Designed for small, targeted application, it not only tackles blemishes but also helps decongest the skin, preventing future breakouts, too.
Nip + Fab Salicylic Acid Fix Oil Control Routine Kit
Priced at £39.95 (down from £75.25), Nip + Fab’s Salicylic Acid Fix Oil Control Routine Kit offers a comprehensive five-product regimen to reduce oil, treat blemishes, and prevent breakouts. The haul includes everything from a salicylic acid cleanser to hydrating serums and spot patches, making it the ultimate solution for acne-prone skin.
Key products like the Salicylic Fix Gel Cleanser and Day & Night Pads work to unclog pores and balance sebum production, while the Hyaluronic Fix Extreme4 Serum provides much-needed hydration. There’s also a hydrating Hyaluronic Fix Extreme4 Hybrid Gel Cream and pack of Salicylic Fix Spot Patches, which allow you to cover and treat at the same time.
Some users may find the multi-step process overwhelming, and the products may take a few weeks to show significant results. However, for those who stick with it, the payoff is clearer, healthier skin that will thank you for your consistency.
Kate Somerville Breakout Busters Set
This high-value set is one of the best offers we found. Worth £87, the Kate Somerville Breakout Busters Set is now available for £25, and combines clinical-grade acne solutions into a simple three-step routine. Featuring the EradiKate Sulfur Daily Foaming Wash, Acne Treatment, and Oil-Free Moisturiser, it targets blemishes while soothing and hydrating the skin.
The sulfur-based cleanser doubles as a mask for targeting blackheads and sebaceous filaments, while the acne treatment dries out active breakouts effectively. Meanwhile, the lightweight moisturiser is ideal for oily or combination skin, though because of this, it may not be suitable for those with dry skin types. Then, at the first sign of a pimple, shoppers can use the EradiKate Acne Treatment. With this product, use a clean cotton swab to apply the pink sediment to affected areas.
Shoppers have raved about the kit, which is now less than a third of the usual retail price. One said: “Love this set, such good value for money. Iv been using the face wash and spot treatment for over a year now and couldn’t recommend enough … definitely contributed to my clear skin following years of acne breakouts. The moisturiser is nice if you have oily skin or to use in the summer and the hydration may not be sufficient for the winter.”
Another wrote: “This is a good set if you’re trying out a new skincare and don’t want to pay for the full size each one. The cleanser is full size anyways so a good deal. I wouldn’t say it’s cleared up my acne but has definitely made my face less red and has reduced my spots. Would recommend.”
Paula’s Choice Breakout-Fighting Bestsellers
Paula’s Choice continues to be a favourite in the spot-busting category with its 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which is currently part of a reduced Breakout-Fighting Bestsellers set. For anyone new to Paula’s Choice, this set is an affordable way to test their cult-favorite formulas.
Priced at £22 , down from £29, it includes travel sizes of the Clear Cleanser designed to wash away makeup, dirt and oil, as well as the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which unclogs your pores to prevent breakouts and blackheads. Then the 10% Azelaic Acid Booster is a powerhouse if you want to fade discoloration, like brown spots or post-breakouts marks.
“After trying many products for my acne prone skin I decided to try these three products cleanser, lotion and booster, within a week I could see a difference,” said one shopper. “I did not have any more breakouts and pimples, my skin is getting clearer and looking healthy now. Will definitely recommend this products. All the products are amazing.”
Another added: “I’ve always struggled with blackheads since I was a teenager. Tried everything going I’m 43 and finally found something that works. I bought the small ones just incase they did not work. I’ve been using them for three months and my skin is clear !!! Definitely buying the bigger bottles.”
While a third penned: “Took the redness away from my forehead which is my problem area however the bumps have remained there and aren’t leaving. After using the products as instructed I found that in the mornings my face was super dry and I struggled to move it, which was uncomfortable. Overall helped with some but definitely did not clear my forehead breakouts.”
Still looking for other solutions for spot-prone skin? You can find our roundup of our favourite concealers here.
