Skin science article
The INKEY List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches Versus Starface Hydro Stars
The INKEY List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches Versus Starface Hydro Stars This blemish patch uses Hydrocolloid to cover open blemishes and absorb the fluid they release. This brightening treatment is formulated around Hydrocolloid to fade the look of da
The INKEY List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches Versus Starface Hydro Stars
This blemish patch uses Hydrocolloid to cover open blemishes and absorb the fluid they release.
This brightening treatment is formulated around Hydrocolloid to fade the look of dark spots.
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer
Cellulose Gum
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-20 Olefin)
Polyisobutene
Salicylic Acid 0.4%
Succinic Acid 0.4%
Ectoin 0.2%
Hydrocolloid 99%
Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer, Cellulose Gum, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-20 Olefin), Polyisobutene, Salicylic Acid 0.4%, Succinic Acid 0.4%, Ectoin 0.2%, Hydrocolloid 99%
Hydrocolloid
Reviews
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Hydrocolloid is not an INCI ingredient. It's a soft, gel-forming material that got its start in hospital wound care.
A typical hydrocolloid layer is coated with a mix of gelatin, pectin, xanthan gum, carrageenan, and Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose (the parts that soak up fluid) into a sticky rubber base, and then pressed into a thin film backing.
When you stick it on an open or "popped" pimple, these polymers pull in the fluid and turn it into a gel. This helps keep the spot moist and creates a barrier against outside bacteria. Plus, there's some UV blocking as well so the spot is less likely to leave a dark mark.
The current research is small but encouraging. A 2006 study found hydrocolloid dressings on acne lesions:
A 2024 manufacturer study in 41 subjects aged 12-35 showed patches significantly improved the appearance of popped pimples by Days 1 and 4, with improvements in smoothness, crusting, redness, size, and dryness.
Another 2025 trial on a related hydrogel patch reported a 35% reduction in lesion size and a 44% improvement in lesion severity by Day 2 versus the control group.
Just remember patches mostly help surface whiteheads; they generally cannot treat blackheads and do not help deeper cystic or persistent hormonal acne. There are a few case reports that link rosin-based tackifier in some dressings to contact dermatitis as well.
Because it is a patch, there's no meaningful "usage percentage".
The adhesive itself is usually 50-70% hydrocolloid powders with the rest as elastomer.