Beauty

These are the Top 5 Acne Treatments to Try, According to the Experts at Birchbox

Published by
Jenny Altman

While working at Birchbox this spring, I got to sample lots of monthly beauty goodies. The serums, sunscreens, and lip balms were like candy to me, but I also got to try out some of the best acne treatment products on the market–and a few were life-changing discoveries.

Image via @xoalynicole

At the top of that list was acne spot remover Mighty Patch by Hero Cosmetics. Game. Changer. If you have not yet tried these tiny little life-savers, you must: These blemish patches work like little clear bandaids that you stick on your zit to, literally, suck the junk out of your skin. I wear them to sleep (the BF has never noticed), but braver souls totally wear them outside–yes, outside–since they are completely clear. They’re the most effective spot treatment I’ve tried.

Image via @loveesherri; Featured: Up on a Tuesday Black Vegan Leather Jacket!
While Mighty Patch is my favorite quick fix, the skincare experts at Birchbox have opened my eyes to some other amazing acne spot removers/zit zappers. Some of these are spot treatments like blemish patches, others are all-over skin serums for acne. There are a lot of good products with amazing customer reviews, but I’m lucky enough to have Renee Pacor, Birchbox’s Senior Skincare Merchant, available by speed-email whenever I need personal recommendations. Straight from the experts, here are five of the best acne treatment products you need to know about now.

1. Balance Me Congested Skin Serum

Image via Birchbox

This serum can be used as an all-over daily routine as well as an acne spot treatment. With no parabens or sulfates, it refines pores and soothes skin. Yes, please!

Shop It: Balance Me Congested Skin Serum

2. Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Invisible Acne Patches

Image via Birchbox

Great for acne-prone skin, these super-thin blemish patches have a matte finish and tapered edges. That means you can actually wear them under concealer during the day while they pull impurities out of your pimple.

Shop It: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Invisible Acne Patches

3. Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Image via Birchbox

Use this all-over treatment to exfoliate, clear acne, and even out your skin tone. Oh, and it’s a leave-on formula, so no need to rinse!

Shop It: Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

4. Evologie Intensive Blemish Serum

Image via Birchbox

With ingredients including tea tree oil, willow bark, and salicylic acid, this all-over serum helps banish blemishes without irritating your skin or causing more complexion issues like dryness. Use it twice daily to reduce inflammation and redness, as well as treat scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Shop It: Evologie Intensive Blemish Serum

5. Avene Cleanance Expert

Image via Birchbox

A moisturizer and acne treatment product in one? Yup. The formula of this multitasker includes thermal spring water for soothing, as well as pimple-fighting ingredients. Plus, it’s fast-absorbing and ideal for wearing under makeup.

Shop It: Avene Cleanance Expert

Pro tip: If you like a kit like I do, the newly-launched exclusive Birchbox Battle Breakouts Kit includes several of the top five acne treatment products above.
Image via Birchbox
Have you tried any of these zit zappers? Tell us your favorite acne treatment products you’ve used in the comments!
Jenny Altman is an intimates expert and writer based in New York.

(Influencer images are not endorsement of products)

View Comments

Recent Posts

  • Fashion

What to Wear to a Casual Fall Wedding: A Guest Guide to Effortless Autumn Style

A casual fall wedding comes with one of the trickiest dress codes: looking celebratory without…

2 days ago
  • Fashion

Friday Stylist Favorites: September 18, 2026

Welcome to the first edition of Friday Stylist Favorites, a new weekly series where we…

6 days ago
  • Fashion

Wedding Guest Guide: What to Wear to a Fall Wedding, No Matter the Dress Code

Fall weddings have a magic all their own. Colorful foliage, crisp air, candlelit receptions, and…

1 week ago
  • Fashion

Fall 2026 Bridal Trends Are Here, and They’re Full of Romance and Drama

Planning an autumn wedding? Fall 2026 at Lulus is bringing sleek fabrics, rich colors, and…

1 week ago
  • Fashion

Wedding Guest Guide: What to Wear When the Invite Says Black Tie Optional

You RSVP’d yes, marked your calendar, and then spotted those three little words on the…

2 weeks ago
  • Fashion

The It List: 8 Fall Fashion Trends That Should Be in Your Closet for 2026

A new season brings a fresh fashion perspective--and for Fall 2026, the mood is rich,…

2 weeks ago