How to Use CLERIVY Patches
The best routine starts before the patch touches your skin: choose the format for the spot stage, then apply it to clean, completely dry skin before serum, moisturizer, facial oil, or makeup. Use the Microdart Spot Patch for an early bump you can feel before it surfaces. Use the Hydrocolloid Pimple Patch for a surfaced spot on healthy, intact skin. Do not apply either cosmetic patch to open, wounded, or damaged skin.
How to Use the Microdart Spot Patch
- Start before skincare. Make sure the target area is free of moisturizer, facial oil, and makeup.
- Prep. Swipe the target area with the included Blemish Clearing Pad.
- Let the skin dry completely.
- Apply. Center the 13.5 mm patch over the early bump and press firmly for 10 seconds.
- Wear. Leave on for at least 2 hours while the microdarts dissolve. For best results, leave it on overnight.
- Remove and discard after use.
Each Microdart Spot Patch has 16 fine, dissolving microdarts. It is a two-step cosmetic kit for the early bump you can feel before it surfaces.
How to Use the Hydrocolloid Pimple Patch
- Clean and dry the surfaced spot completely.
- Choose the 10 mm or 12 mm patch that covers the whole spot with a small margin.
- Peel the patch from the film and place it directly over the spot.
- Gently press the edges so the patch lies flat.
- Leave it on for 4–8 hours, or until the patch turns opaque.
- Peel it back slowly along the skin instead of pulling straight upward, then discard it.
Every pack contains both 10 mm and 12 mm patches. Each patch is for single use only.
Pimple Patch Before or After Moisturizer?
Apply the patch before moisturizer. Start with clean, completely dry skin, then place and secure the patch before applying serum, moisturizer, facial oil, or makeup around it. Do not put skincare underneath the adhesive. If you have already applied your routine, clean the target area and let it dry completely before applying a fresh patch.
How Long Should You Leave a Pimple Patch On?
Wear time depends on the format. Leave the Hydrocolloid Pimple Patch on for 4–8 hours, or until it turns opaque. For the Microdart Spot Patch, leave on for at least 2 hours while the microdarts dissolve. For best results, leave it on overnight. Wear time tells you how long to use each patch; it is not a promise of when you will see a visible change.
Why Won't My Pimple Patch Stick?
Check the surface under the adhesive first. Water, serum, moisturizer, facial oil, and makeup can keep a patch from sitting flat. Clean the area, let it dry completely, avoid touching the adhesive more than necessary, and choose a patch that covers the whole spot with a small margin. Press the edges of a hydrocolloid patch, or press the Microdart Spot Patch firmly for 10 seconds. Do not reuse a patch that has lifted.
Open or Draining Skin: Stop Before You Patch
Do not apply either cosmetic patch to open, wounded, or damaged skin. If a spot is bleeding, oozing, or draining, skip the patch.
Related Patch Questions
Water Resistance and Wear
The Hydrocolloid Pimple Patch is water-resistant, not waterproof. It is not labeled for showering or swimming. Read the full water and wear answer.
When the Patch Turns Opaque
For the Hydrocolloid Pimple Patch, follow this direction: leave on for 4–8 hours, or until the patch turns opaque. The color change alone cannot tell you how your spot has changed. Learn why hydrocolloid patches turn opaque.
Compare Patch Formats
Compare the two cosmetic formats by spot stage, size, count, and wear time. Read Hydrocolloid vs Microdart: Which Patch Do I Need?
Choose a Hydrocolloid Patch Size
Choose the size that covers the whole surfaced spot with a small margin. Read how to choose between 10 mm and 12 mm.
Cosmetic Products and the OTC Acne Drug
The routines above apply to CLERIVY's two cosmetic products: the Hydrocolloid Pimple Patch and Microdart Spot Patch. The Microdart Acne Patch is a separate OTC drug with 2% salicylic acid and a Drug Facts panel. Follow its labeled Drug Facts directions separately.
Preview the Microdart Acne Patch · Read Cosmetic Patch or Acne Drug?
Sources and Review
Last updated: September 6, 2026.
Written by the CLERIVY team based on current on-pack directions and product documentation.
CLERIVY Hydrocolloid Pimple Patch and Microdart Spot Patch are cosmetic products. They are not intended to treat, prevent, or cure acne or any other medical condition.
