The global acne treatment market is growing more than 5% a year and will reach nearly $17.5 billion by 2032, according to analysts. With brands like Neutrogena and Clean & Clear, Kenvue is a leader in the acne treatment space. Its product formulas include active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinol in cleansers, spot treatments and moisturizers.

One of the newest innovations in Kenvue’s acne arsenal is the hydrocolloid patch. Unlike other acne products, the patches don’t contain actives; instead, they provide an environment for healing. Kenvue researchers recently detailed that environment to industry professionals from around the world at a Congress in Paris.

The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress brings together global leaders in dermatological science. EADV has more than 12,000 from all around the globe. It is committed to building an international community that develops, shares, and adopts best practices within dermatology and venereology. At last month’s EADV 2025, Kenvue presented posters on a range of topics. One of them was entitled, “The Science Behind a Viral Trend: Demonstrating Tolerance and Efficacy of Hydrocolloid Patch for Facial Acne.”

Acne is multifaceted, explained Adam Ricciardone, global head of R&D, skin health & beauty, Kenvue.

“Consumers want a toolkit to treat acne,” he told Happi. “They want cleansers and topical treatments to target the lesion. They want patches to hide acne lesions and provide a good barrier to prevent picking and scarring. We’re making sure we can offer a complete toolkit.”

Hydrocolloid patches are non-medicated; reducing the appearance of pimples after one use. They absorb moisture to alleviate acne lesions and protect pimples from picking and popping. In the study, 43 subjects (male and female ages 12-35) with at least two identifiable inflammatory/acne lesions (open and closed) were randomized to treatment or control groups in a 2:1 ratio for 14 days with visits on Days 0, 1, 2, 4, 7 & 14.

What makes this hydrocolloid patch different from other hydrocolloid patches on the market? The Kenvue patch is specifically designed for sensitive skin. It’s thinner than competitors’ patches, according to Ricciardone.

“The patches won’t overly irritate skin and they won’t leave a residue,” he explained. “They’re easy to apply and easy to remove.”

The adhesive is gentle to the skin and releases easily. It has the right level of tack; it won’t pull or cause pain, according to Ricciardone.

The Hydrocolloid Patch Study

The treatment group washed their faces twice daily with a gentle face wash. They applied hydrocolloid patches to both acne lesions overnight for the first seven days. The control group washed their faces twice daily with a gentle face wash.

Both clinically graded and subject assessed full face cutaneous tolerance demonstrated no significant differences between treatment and control group. Both popped and closed pimples showed significant improvement in several endpoints compared to the control. Popped pimple treatment v. control groups showed statistically significant improvements (p<0.05) for the following:

                  • Crusting/scabbing on day 2;

                  • Smoothness and elevation on days 1, 2 and 4;

                  • Erythema on days 1 and 4;

                  • Size (diameter) on days 1, 2, 4 and 14; and

                  • Dryness/scaling on days 2 and 4.

The closed pimple had a significantly greater reduction in size (diameter) on day 4 and significantly less dryness/scaling on Days 2 and 7 (p<0.05).

Subjects liked what they saw… and felt. In fact, subjects liked the acne patches the more they used them. For example:

                  • 86% agreed patches were comfortable to wear and kept them from picking at their acne by Day 4.

                  • 100% agree patches help flatten appearance of popped pimples by Day 7.

                  • 83% agree patches draw out impurities by Day 7.

According to the authors, the study demonstrated that the non-medicated hydrocolloid patches were safe and effective when used overnight on closed and popped facial pimples for seven nights. Popped pimples covered with the hydrocolloid patches showed significant improvements in healing compared to control after just one once. More than 90% of subjects agreed that the patch helps heal and flatten the appearance of their pimples.

Per Kenvue, consumer perception of the hydrocolloid patches was positive. Subjects strongly agreed that the patch helps heal and flatten the appearance of their pimples. Furthermore, consumer perception of the hydrocolloid patches was positive. Subjects “strongly agreed” that the patches improved the look of their acne, were comfortable to wear and kept them from their acne.

The Kenvue authors concluded these results demonstrate meaningful benefits for young acne sufferers looking for fast, overnight results.