Master Patch Intensive
What it's good for
Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.
A sticker you put over a spot overnight. It pulls out the gunk and excess oil and, just as importantly, stops you picking at it, which is half the battle with scarring. Works best on whiteheads that have come to a head, but the no-touching benefit helps any spot you'd otherwise pick at.
Good for: Anti-acne, Barrier repair
A natural acne spot-treatment that kills the bacteria behind red, painful pimples. Slower than benzoyl peroxide but with fewer side effects when used at 5%.
Good for: Anti-acne, Anti-inflammatory
Goes into your pores and dissolves the oil and dead skin clogging them. Best for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily, acne-prone skin.
Good for: Anti-acne, Exfoliating
Evidence behind the ingredients
Real citations from our research database, one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.
A sticker you put over a spot overnight. It pulls out the gunk and excess oil and, just as importantly, stops you picking at it, which is half the battle with scarring. Works best on whiteheads that have come to a head, but the no-touching benefit helps any spot you'd otherwise pick at.
Nguyen N, Dulai AS, Adnan S, Khan ZH, Sivamani RK, Narrative Review of the Use of Hydrocolloids in Dermatology: Applications and Benefits, Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025 — narrative review: hydrocolloid dressings are an established treatment in chronic/acute wound care, but for acne the authors conclude evidence is early and more clinical studies are needed
Jaturapisanukul K, Udompataikul M, Kanokrungsee S, et al. Efficacy and safety of a novel water-soluble herbal patch for acne vulgaris treatment: A randomized, assessor-blind controlled, intra-individual split-face comparative study. Dermatologic Therapy. 2021 May;34(3):e14939. — Split-face RCT (n=49); hydrocolloid acne patch reduced inflammatory acne in median 6 days; used as active control demonstrating clinically validated efficacy.
Chao CM, Lai WY, Wu BY, Chang HC, Huang WS, Chen YF, A pilot study on efficacy treatment of acne vulgaris using a new method: results of a randomized double-blind trial with Acne Dressing, Journal of Cosmetic Science 2006;57(2):95-105 — randomized double-blind trial: the hydrocolloid Acne Dressing group showed a statistically significant greater reduction in overall acne severity and inflammation over days 3-7 vs control tape, no significant adverse events
A natural acne spot-treatment that kills the bacteria behind red, painful pimples. Slower than benzoyl peroxide but with fewer side effects when used at 5%.
Najafi-Taher R et al., A topical gel of tea tree oil nanoemulsion containing adapalene versus adapalene marketed gel in patients with acne vulgaris: a randomized clinical trial, Archives of Dermatological Research 2022;314(7):673-679 — RCT showed tea tree oil + adapalene nanoemulsion gel produced significantly better reduction in total, inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions than standard adapalene
Zambello A et al. Tea tree oil contact sensitization in children. Contact Dermatitis. 2021;84(2):123-124. doi:10.1111/cod.13699 — Documents allergic contact dermatitis from tea tree oil exposure in pediatric patients identified through patch testing; highlights sensitization risk in children.
Malhi HK, Tu J, Riley TV, Kumarasinghe SP, Hammer KA, Tea tree oil gel for mild to moderate acne; a 12 week uncontrolled, open-label phase II pilot study, Australasian Journal of Dermatology 2017;58(3):205-210
Goes into your pores and dissolves the oil and dead skin clogging them. Best for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily, acne-prone skin.
Liu Y et al., Clinical Efficacy of a Salicylic Acid-Containing Gel on Acne Management and Skin Barrier Function: A 21-Day Prospective Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70353 — salicylic acid gel reduced acne lesions, regulated sebum, improved hydration and barrier function
Ye R et al., 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel vs. adapalene gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: multicenter, randomized, evaluator-blind, parallel-controlled trial, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2024;23(6):2125-2134 — 2% SSA hydrogel was equally effective as adapalene gel for mild-to-moderate acne
Brumley C et al. Allergic contact dermatitis to salicylic acid: A case series of relevant sensitization. Contact Dermatitis. 2024;91(2):133-138. doi:10.1111/cod.14573 — Case series of 489 patch-tested patients (2020-2024): 21 positive reactions to salicylic acid. Documents that ACD to SA is likely underreported; testing at 5% concentration feasible.
Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.
Full ingredient list
Everything on the package label, not just the tracked actives above.
- Contains fragrance: Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf OilWorth knowing if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
+−Show all 6 ingredients
Listed in the order printed on the package. By regulation, ingredients at 1% or higher are listed in descending order by concentration, so the first entry is the largest part of the formula.
- Cellulose Gum
- Hydrogenated Poly(C6-20 Olefin)
- Polyisobutene
- Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer
- Salicylic Acid
- Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Layering conflicts
Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.
- Retinolhigh
Retinol + salicylic acid can over-exfoliate and damage the barrier. Alternate nights.
- Tretinoinhigh
Tretinoin + salicylic acid — major irritation risk. Strict separation required.
- Glycolic Acidmedium
AHA + BHA stacking risks over-exfoliation. Use a pre-formulated AHA/BHA product or alternate days.
Similar comparisons
Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.