Pimple Patches Market Assessment, By Type [Hydrocolloid, Medicated, Microneedling], By Patch Type [Liquid, Stickers], By Formulation [Chemical Based, Herbal Based], By Ingredient [Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Benzoyl Peroxid

Pimple Patches Market Assessment, By Type [Hydrocolloid, Medicated, Microneedling], By Patch Type [Liquid, Stickers], By Formulation [Chemical Based, Herbal Based], By Ingredient [Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Benzoyl Peroxide, Others], By Distribution Channel [Online, Offline] By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global pimple patches market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 601.8 million in 2023 to USD 951.96 million in 2031. Factors such as demand for medications and instant treatments for acne, rising skin concerns like inflammation in the skin due to air pollution, consumers’ desire to have flawless skin that is free from any skin issue, rising population with skin sensitivity and skin allergies, and rise of acne-causing bacteria are driving the growth of the market.

Pimple patches are effective for consumers as they are effective and absorb excess fluid from acne through a vacuum-like effect which eliminates any dirt and oil that could clog pores and cause a breakout. Following it, the current market trend of the presence of hydrocolloids as an essential ingredient in pimple patches converts those impurities from the zit into a substance resembling a gel that sticks to the patch. These patches create a barrier for any bacteria from entering through the inflamed area, solving the skin concerns of the consumers, and resulting in a rise in demand for the product.

In January 2024, starface world, inc. collaborated with Sanrio’s Hello Kitty to feature them on their pimple patches. These Hydro-stars pimple patches contain hydrocolloids and are designed to help in absorbing fluid, shrink pimples, and reduce inflammation. These pimple patches are packaged in tiny plastic compact boxes that have been designed with the themes, faces, and colors of individual characters.

In November 2023, Kao’s latest eczema care brand, Re/cover, unveiled its latest pimple patch. These latest pimple patches are free from adhesives and its two-step system of treatment includes an ultra-thin moisture patch and oatmeal-infused colloidal Eczema Serum which gives a calming effect.

Hydrocolloid to Dominate the Market

Hydrocolloid pimple patches dominate the market as they provide healing properties, absorb fluids that discharge from a pimple, and protects the skin from bacterial infection. The substance is preferred over other pimple patches as it provides the additional soaking-up effect from the infected pus. Hydrocolloid has been used to dress wounds for decades but has gained popularity to be used in pimple patches to heal acne without the requirement for popping, reducing the spreading of bacteria, and scarring.

Multi announced the launch of The Multi Patch 2.0, a biomimetic pimple patch containing hydrocolloid in October 2023. They provide antibacterial support, smoothening the inflammation, and providing a cooling sensation on the skin.

Starface World Inc. announced the launch of black star pimple patches in October 2022. These pimple patches have been formulated with hydrocolloids. To celebrate the normalcy and beauty of the imperfect skin that comes along with pimples, the company promotes showing off pimples by putting the black-hued patch. The hydrocolloid patches have two layers which speed up the process of healing while protecting the infected area from getting infected further.

Vegan and Cruelty-Free Promoting the Market

Consumers prefer vegan and cruelty-free products as they are increasingly becoming environmentally conscious and have a keen desire to bring a meaningful change to the environment by contributing to some extent. Consumers have shifted their preferences and seeking brands and companies that are sustainable, light on the environment, and serve a good cause such as cruelty-free. The products that are plant-based, contain fewer chemicals, and are free from any testing done on animals appeal to the consumers.

Starface World Inc. announced the launch of its latest vegan and cruelty free pimple patches called, Hydro-Star + Tea Tree in August 2023. These pimple patches are combined with tea tree oil and hydrocolloid, which helps in balancing the skin and smoothening it by minimizing the swelling and uneven texture of the skin caused due to acne.

Additionally, vegan pimple patches are preferred by consumers as they are gentle on the skin, causing less irritation and adverse reactions. These formulations are free from synthetic fragrances and chemicals, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions on the skin and reducing skin sensitivity.

Invisible Patches Driving the Growth of Pimple Patches Market

The invisible pimple patches are gaining popularity in the market as they provide an even and seamless base for layering and applying other products like makeup, sunscreen, or moisturizer without peeping from beneath. Thus, active acne can be hidden and protected from being contaminated and spreading bacteria to the applicators, which may cause acne whenever used in the future. Key players are using the opportunity wisely to market their products and launch various new offerings to cater to the ever-growing demand for invisible pimple patches.

For instance, in July 2023, Kiehl's, L’Oréal USA, Inc. launched its latest truly targeted acne-clearing solution, which is an invisible liquid pimple patch. The invisible pimple patch is claimed by the brand and can be seamlessly layered with makeup and sunscreens. The formulation contains 2% Salicylic acid for treating active and sub-surface acne, 4% Niacinamide, and 0.2% Licorice Root to calm the inflammation and fade the acne marks. Thus, the product provides three effects on the acne, clearing, fading, and preventing the breakouts without being visible on the skin when applied.

Retail Expansion to Fuel Market Growth

Retail expansion is fueling the growth of the market as it helps consumers in purchasing products with convenience. Infrastructural development such as the building of new malls, outlets, and various other retail locations inducing the growth of the retail sector. The increasing use of the internet and its accessibility has led to a surge in the retail expansion of skincare and beauty products such as pimple patches. The presence helps the brand reach out more audiences and become accessible to the growing number of consumers.

For instance, Peace Out, LLC announced its launch at Ulta Beauty in February 2023, which is the biggest retailer in the United States in beauty industry. The brand's overall skincare offerings are available on Ulta.com with some products launched in 1,359 Ulta Beauty stores, including the launched range of acne dots, namely, Acne Day Dot and Night Duo, along with the Acne Healing Dots. Peace Out partnered with Ulta Beauty to address the skincare needs of consumers in a better way and by becoming accessible to everyone.

No B.S. Skincare brand entered the market of offline retail expansion in 2022 by launching itself at the CVS Health Stores at 3200 different locations. Afterward, it continued to be a constant product on the shelves of CVS's healthy skin section. It continued to grow and launch 3400 Walgreen’s stores and on BJs.com in quarter 4 of year 2023.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

The key players are continuously innovating and launching their products in the market. Currently, some companies have entered light therapy skincare and formulating their products around it. It is anticipated that soon, the skincare industry will be highly dominated by the led-light therapy products and almost all products will be incorporated with it.

For instance, in October 2023, Wonderskin launched a new brand Light Activated Beauty (L.A.B.). Wonderskin’s co-founder partnered with LED Technologies’ CEO to develop an LED device. The brand launched its Acne Light Therapy Patches at USD 24.50, which is a reusable pimple patch, combining blue and red-light therapy which helps in combating inflammation and acne-causing bacteria. The product is designed to shrink pimples, providing treatment of 33 minutes without rechanging or battery changing.

The ground-breaking technology of light therapy is revolutionizing the pimple patch market and providing quick and instant results to consumers, inducing them to demand more for such skincare products.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key players in the market of pimple patches are helping in the growth by focusing on continuous product innovation, technological progress, retail expansions, and strategic collaborations. The manufacturers are actively expanding their product portfolio, increasing the base of customers and catering to their evolving needs.

For instance, Hero Cosmetics expanded its operations to Canada at various online and offline retail stores in April 2023, after its great success of pimple patches, Mighty Patch. The expansion resonates to the continuous growth of brand which is the result of its innovation in the pimple patches market. Hero Cosmetics launched nationwide in Canada, in stores and online at Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart and Amazon. In Canada, it debuted its best-sellers, namely, Mighty Patch Original patches, Mighty Patch Nose patches, Mighty Patch Invisible+ patches and Mighty Patch Surface patches. The brand plans to expand its pimple patches offering in 2024 to further strengthen its place in the market.

Peace Out Skincare expanded its breakthrough innovation which is its patented Acne Dot Line by adding the latest 2% Salicylic Acid Early Stage Acne Dot to its offerings. The single-step treatment targets the blemishes which are below the surface of the skin and helps reduce the pimples before they start to become visible. With more than 75 million acne patches sold till December 2023, Peace Out Skincare has been successful in capturing an overly saturated market through its distinct, clean, patented, and medicated pimple patch offering.