The new Smart pimple patch erases acne in just 7 days

A new DNA chip acne patch eliminates pimples in just seven days and could open the way for future medical treatments far beyond skin care.

Waking up with a button does not need to be stressful. The button patches are small sticker type bandages that cover imperfection and support for healing.

A research team reporting APS materials and interfaces Created a two-step patch system that uses tiny tips to grasp the skin and provide antibacterial or anti-inflammatory ingredients directly to the button. In human clinical trials, the buttons treated with this approach disappeared within seven days.

Often called acne stickers, these patches are generally made from polymers that absorb excess oil and humidity. Some versions include drugs that calm inflammation or fight against infection. Many drug products use DNA chips (arranged adolescence tips) that cross the external layer of the skin to deposit active compounds. However, microresseaux can move while being worn and can irritate the skin.

To solve this problem, Shayan Fakhraei Laahiji, Yong-Hee Kim and his colleagues decided to develop a patch of drug acne with a DNA chip platform that remains in place.

Innovative patches design

To create their patch, the researchers first printed a microorineseau of peak peak using a specialized 3D printer. This unique form has helped the patch lock in place when attached to the skin. The backbone of the patch is in hyaluronic acid – A sticky polymer which is a common care ingredient – which has been mixed with antibacterial agents (including salicylic and Sativa cannabis Extract) or anti-inflammatory agents (including the extract of niacinamide and chamomile).

These fixes were tested clinically on 20 participants. On the first day, the participants applied the antibacterial patch and for the next six days, they applied a new anti-inflammatory patch. The hyaluronic acid -based microororeseau dissolved in the skin in 30 to 90 minutes, without pain or irritation. After three days, the participants noted a reduction of 81% of acne lesions in the areas treated compared to the unrealized buttons, and after seven days, the treated buttons had completely disappeared. In addition, researchers noted a significant reduction in sebum – an oily substance that causes acne. About 95% of participants report that they were satisfied with the results of the treatment.

The researchers plan to make their new patch available to the purchase in the fall of 2025, in South Korea and the United States. In addition, technology could be reformulated to provide other therapies, beyond the compounds of combating acne.

“Our work highlights the potential of DNA chip fixes as a platform for applications beyond acne treatment, ranging from skin disorders to obesity therapies and the delivery of vaccines,” explains Kim.

Reference: “Patches of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory micro-roreals self-inflammatory antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs for the effective treatment of vulgar acne” by Jisook Park, Jaehyun Kim, Shayan Fakhraei Laahiji and Yong-Hee Kim, July 31, 2025, APS materials and interfaces.
Two: 10.1021 / ACSAMI.5C07718

The authors recognize the financing of the technological development program of the Korean ministry of SMEs and startups; Korea’s R&D R&D R&D project through Korea Health Industry Development Institute; and the Korean Ministry of Health and Well-Being.

The authors are organic curriculum employees, a company focused on technologies based on DNA fleas.

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