K-beauty spot treatments are often more powerful and less expensive than their Western counterparts. Check out our favorite ones below.
We all have those days…the ones where we wake up and suddenly find that there’s a glaring spot there that wasn’t there before or when we can feel a breakout coming on even if it hasn’t yet breached the surface. They always seem to crop up right around an important event, when having clear skin is at its utmost importance. And it’s these days that popping that pimple with our fingers is at its most tempting, even though we know that popping it can lead to further infection, not to mention leave a nasty scar in its place.
But fear not, below are some of the best K-beauty dupes for Western spot treatments to fight those pesky blemishes without scarring, leaving you with clear, beautiful skin in no time.
Original: Sephora Peace Out Acne Healing Dots
Dupe: Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch or Missha Speedy Solution Anti Trouble Patch
Acne patches are a well known beauty hack for hiding acne even during the daytime, whilst simultaneously getting rid of zits fast. The Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch has emerged as a favorite even amongst Western brands. These teeny bandaid-like patches are an overnight fix for whiteheads, blackheads, and picked zits. They can even be used to speed up the healing process and flattening of cystic acne. Formulated with hydrocolloids, they adhere to the skin and can be easily hidden under makeup for those blemishes that emerge overnight. They combat breakouts by eliminating possible infection or bacteria, halting further spread, and absorbing gunk (rather than drying) to leave your skin beautiful and hydrated.
Similar to the Cosrx Acne Pimple Patch in appearance, the Missha Speedy Solution Anti Trouble Patch is a wonder if you have sensitive skin. These patches use salicylic acid and tea tree oil to both combat breakouts and reduce redness whilst still protecting from further infection and bacteria.
Original: Sephora 3-in-1 Exractor
Dupe: Skinmiso Comedo Remover
We all know the temptation with blemishes. Far too often we think that maybe just this once, popping them with our fingers will make them go away faster, forgetting that this can leave us with unpleasant scars, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation.
For those temptating days, turn to the Skinmiso Comedo Remover. It’s a dermatologist-approved tool for removing blackheads and whiteheads safely and hygienically without scarring. It even comes with two sizes for different types of blemishes and a self storage container to prevent any additional bacteria contamination after each use.
Original: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
Dupe: Etude House AC Clean Up Pink Powder Spot
I had sworn by the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion for years prior to Kylie Jenner introducing it to the world on her Snapchat story. Since she debuted the product, it’s been sold out pretty much everywhere, making it very difficult to get your hands on.
This is where the Etude House AC Clean Up Pink Powder Spot comes in. It’s a great dupe for the drying lotion. Without shaking up the bottle, dip a clean cotton swab into the pink powder and then let the powder dry onto your skin over the blemish. You’ll find that blemishes have reduced dramatically in size overnight. Because this powder is overwhelmingly pink, it is more of an overnight product, and may not be the best for use on dry skin since it does dry out the blemish in order to remove bacteria.
Original: Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Purifying Gel Cleanser
Dupe: Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
There’s a reason salicylic acid is the arch nemesis of acne. It’s a great solution for whiteheads, blackheads, and even hormonal acne.The Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser isn’t a fast-acting spot treatment like the other products on this list, but it could be a great solution if you struggle with acne on a more long term basis. This gentle cleanser is formulated with salicylic acid and tea tree oil to fight breakouts before they begin and get rid of dead skin cells and bacteria, all while still leaving your skin hydrated and soft. And it’s gentle enough to be used every day!
Original: Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel
Dupe: Acwell Anti Mark Gel Cream
Acne is never just about acne. It comes with scars and redness. That’s where the Acwell Anti Mark Gel Cream comes in. It’s a great dupe for the Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel. This gel uses niacinamide and licorice to brighten up the skin and fade redness, as well as aloe vera to soothe inflamed areas. It can also be used on healing blemishes to ensure that there’s no leftover discoloring!
Original: Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask
Dupe: Skinmiso Pore Beauty Nose Pack
I used the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask for years (even if it didn’t work on me) because I thought it was my only solution for getting rid of blackheads. The Skinmiso Pore Beauty Nose Pack is a great alternative if you don’t feel like you always see the benefits of active charcoal for blackheads. The pack is a unique three step system. It first uses a mask to draw blackheads and whiteheads to the surface of your skin for extraction. The second nose strip helps to tighten pores and calm the skin. And finally, the essence helps hydrate your skin. This product works best when used in conjunction with the Comedo Remover for extraction.
Bottom line:
If you’re switching over to a K-beauty routine, but worried that there aren’t products to fit your acne needs, there absolutely are!
