Whether you like it or not, scars are an inseparable part of the natural wound healing process. And while some prefer leaving their scars as they, others would rather lighten and reduce their appearance the easiest and fastest way possible. This is where scar removal creams come into play.
In this article, I bring together the best scar removal creams offering visible improvements for the damaged skin. An effective scar cream should contain clinically tested ingredients, should absorb fast, have great customer feedback, and, of course, an acceptable price tag.
Contents
- Best Overall: BioCorneum plus SPF 30
- Best for Kids: Mederma for Kids
- Best for Burns: MD Performance
- Best for Old Scars: Skinuva Scar Cream
- Best for Surgical Scars: XScar (Scarless MD) Silicone Scar Cream
- Best silicone Gel – Kelo-Cote Gel
- Most effective for deep scars: NewGel+E Scar Recovery Gel
- Best scar cream for acne: Puriderma Scar Cream
- Best scar cream for face: Mederma PM Overnight
- Best for all scar types: Scar Recovery Gel by SkinMedica
- Other notable scar products worth mentioning
- A note on price
- Q&A
- Q: Why does the skin on a scar appear so different from the rest of our skin?
- Q: Do scar creams really work?
- Q: How long does it take for scar creams to work?
- Q: What is the best way to use a scar cream?
- Q: What types of scars can be diminished by scar creams?
- Q. Will a scar removal cream make my scar disappear completely?
- Q: How often should I apply a scar removal cream?
- Q: Silicone-based vs. Water-based
- Scarring is a normal part of the healing process
- Scars need different kinds of attention
- You can’t control every part of scarring
- Ingredients to look for in an effective scar cream
- Natural, Plant-Based Oils that work on scars
- References
Best Overall: BioCorneum plus SPF 30
My personal take: BioCorneum is among my favorite scar creams as it is one of the very few products, containing both silicone gel and sun-protective compounds. Silicone is the only ingredient, clinically proven to reduce the appearance of scarring and fade discoloration. And the adequate SPF is a must during the healing period. (See detailed review)
- 1st and only FDA-cleared topical silicone scar treatment with SPF
- Affordable high-quality cream, providing sun protection
- Easy to apply, comfortable to wear
What I like: BioCorneum is also fragrance-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free and noncomedogenic
What I dislike: Older and larger scars need prolonged application until visible improvements are available
Best Budget: Mederma Advanced Scar Gel
My take: Mederma Advanced Gel combines onion extract and other potent ingredients that will diminish scarring. Other than that, Mederma seems to be appreciated by thousands of people, who managed to erase their marks. (See detailed review)
- An inexpensive option, suitable for all types of scars
- Require only 1x daily application
- Contains onion extract, proven to reduce the healing time
What I like: The price factor is one of the best features of Mederma Gel – this is one of the cheapest options on the market
What I dislike: The distinct onion odor
Best for Kids: Mederma for Kids
My take: Mederma is the manufacturer of one of the few scar removal products that were specially created for kids. No harsh chemicals, no parabens, and perfect for the most sensitive and fragile skin types. !00% safe for the facial skin
- Pediatrician-recommended formula
- Allantoin-based product (onion extract)
- Helps eliminate scars on all body areas, including the face
What I like: Mederma Kids should be applied only once a day
What I dislike: The purple color of the cream
Best for Burns: MD Performance
My take: MD scar formula mixes medical-grade silicone gels that show visible results after 6-8 weeks of regular application. And is dermatologist-formulated.
- Potent silicone compounds providing fast efficacy on severe burns and scar formations
- Safe for all skin types
- Dermatologist-recommended product
What I like: Improvements in the texture and color of the tissue treated are reported by many
What I dislike: The amount is insufficient if you intend to treat larger scars
Best for Old Scars: Skinuva Scar Cream
My take: Developed by physicians, Skinuva scar cream is a reliable option for managing larger scar formations, following surgery, trauma, or burns. The formula is dermatologically tested and trusted by medical professionals worldwide. It contains Growth Factors complex of hyaluronic acid, aloe, centella asiatica, vitamin c, and silicone cream to promote fast skin rejuvenation
- Patented formula, created by medical professionals
- Packed with healing and hydrating ingredients
- Appreciated by most of those who tried it
What I like: The patented formula is natural, 100% free of any harsh or drying chemicals and parabens
What I dislike: Skinuva cream is among the more expensive scar management options
Best for Surgical Scars: XScar (Scarless MD) Silicone Scar Cream
My take: The formula combines silicone, antioxidant ingredients, deep penetrating oils, and vitamins, aiming to restore the damaged tissue and diminish the appearance of scars. (See detailed review)
- No odor, non-Greasy formula for clear application
- Created by doctors
- Silicone-based cream, proven perform better than silicone dressings
What I like: The formula is developed by doctors who were frustrated with the current scar treatments, so they decided to create a real evidence-based product
What I dislike: The company rebranded Scarless MD and decided the new name of the product should be XScar and I believe it’s a bit confusing for consumers
Best for Body: Derma E Scar Gel with Panthenol
My take: Panthenol (or vitamin B5) is very gentle to the irritated skin. It softens and smoothes the skin immediately upon application
- A formula, enriched with allicin, allantoin, and antioxidants
- Flattens raised scars and evens out skin texture
- Super affordable and easy to use
What I like: Derma-E cream is 100% vegan and cruelty free, and does not contain parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, lanolin, gluten or GMOs.
What I dislike: Should be applied 3 to 5 times daily in order to provide optimal effect, which I consider a too overwhelming
Best silicone Gel – Kelo-Cote Gel
My take: Kelo-Cote Gel is completely transparent and made of 100% medical-grade silicone. My keloid (raised) scar is almost invisible after 3 months of application. Reviews report Kelo Cote is beneficial for hypertrophic scars, as well.
- 100% medical-grade silicone
- Fast absorption, completely transparent
- Protects the damaged area, while improving the appearance of scars, dark marks and other imperfections
What I like: It’s invisible so I could apply the product directly to my face
What I dislike: It takes more than 5 minutes to get completely absorbed
Most effective for deep scars: NewGel+E Scar Recovery Gel
My take: NewGel is a notable scar treatment option, combining siloxanes (silicones) and tocopherol (vitamin E). The compounds work together to diminish the appearance of existing scars while the antioxidant effect of vitamin E protects the area of free radicals. (See detailed review)
- Works on all types of scars
- Proven by clinical studies, trusted by hundreds of customers
- Contains Medical-grade Silicone gel + Vitamin E
What I like: It’s often recommended by plastic surgeons and doctors
What I dislike: The amount in the tube is 1 ounce (30g), which is enough for the entire treatment of a smaller scar, but not for larger marks
Best scar cream for acne: Puriderma Scar Cream
My take: Puriderma uses herbal extracts like chamomile, dandelion, and aloe and is safe for all skin types. The tender facial skin responds well to natural compounds and moisturizing agents. (See detailed review)
What I like: Puriderma provided great improvements for both newly formed and older scars, according to multiple reviewers. Plus, it can also be used on burns, cuts, surgery scars, and more
What I dislike: Allergic reactions to the product may cause adverse effect on the acne-prone skin. I highly recommend performing a patch test before the initial application of Puriderma. Also, make sure you’re not allergic to the ingredients in it.
Best scar cream for face: Mederma PM Overnight
My take: The base ingredient in Mederma PM is Dimethicone, a silicone-based polymer used as a skin protectant; it prevents water loss by forming a hydrating barrier on the skin.
- Overnight scar cream, perfect for facial application
- A little goes a long way
- Reduces redness, irritation and swelling
What I like: Just apply Mederma PM before going to bed and wash the area in the morning. It is that simple. Plus, it works on both new and old scars. And the price. The price is awesome
What I dislike: There are reviewers saying they saw no effect after using Mederma PM religiously
Best for all scar types: Scar Recovery Gel by SkinMedica
My take: Centelline-based, doctor-recommended formula. Centelline is a proprietary blend comprising Centella Asiatica, Bulbine frutescens and Oleuropein. The product is appreciated by most of those who tried it. Within 3 to 4 weeks, users report amazing effect – scars greatly diminish in size, while the discolorations (redness or brown marks) fade.
- High-quality performance in the management of severe scars
- Potent blend boosting skin regeneration
- Improves the appearance of scars within a short period of time
What I like: Scar Recovery Gel absorbs quickly into the skin, without leaving a sticky residue. Over 90% of people who bought this scar gel left super positive feedback after using the product for 1 or 2 months
What I dislike: The price seems a bit higher, compared to similar products
Other notable scar products worth mentioning
- Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil with Rosehip Fragrance
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter is great for moisturizing the damaged area. It combines potent ingredients to help the scarred skin recover faster. - Kate Blanc Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip oil is well known for its’ strong antioxidant effect. 100% organic product, trusted by thousands of consumers. - ScarAway Scar Repair Gel
ScarAway combines Polysiloxanes, and Silicon Dioxide – both ingredients are clinically proven to reduce and improve the appearance of scarring. The patented design makes the application of the product super easy – the gentle roller applicator allows you to apply just the right to the area damaged. (See detailed review) - Derma Sciences Medihoney Gel Wound and Burn Dressing
The honey-based dressings can be applied to deep wounds that haven’t formed a scar yet. Medihoney dressing provides optimal hydration, stimulating the healing process. - COS Naturals Stretch Marks and Scars Cream
The gentle lotion, packed with natural ingredients is an affordable option for optimal hydration of the skin. Over time, stretch marks, scars and other imperfections fade and the amount provided goes a long way. - Skinceuticals Phyto + Botanical Gel for Hyperpigmentation
A formula, specially formulated for people with reactive skin types. Potent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic activity visible after the initial application. - Cica-Care Gel Sheet
Easy to use, reusable gel sheet, backed up with dozens of satisfied customers who managed to successfully reduce scarring. Cica-Care sheets are self-adhesive and made of 100% medical-grade silicone. - Cimeosil Scar and Laser Gel
Long self-adhesive silicone strip for the management of keloids, hypertrophic and burn scars. Washable and self-adhering. Suitable for the removal of surgical scars. - Scar Gel by Derma e
An affordable all-natural option, enriched with allicin (derived from onion bulb). The compound is shown to be very effective, especially for the management of post-operative scars. - Honeydew Blemish Scar Cream
Indeed an affordable option with Avocado, Jojoba, Vitamin E and rosehip that diminishes the appearance of scars by lightening the area treated - Tetyana Naturals Advanced Scar Removal Cream
Tetyana is the name of a hypoallergenic scar removal cream, combining natural extracts. The cream has an extremely good reputation among customers, thanks to the fast and noticeable effect provided. - LDreamam Scar Cream
LDreamam scar cream doesn’t have the best reputation among customers. Some did like the effect on their scars but there are lots of disturbing reviews about adverse skin reactions, following the application of this cream. - Amanda Pure Scar Removal Cream
Simply formulated with no harmful chemicals, Amanda Scar cream contains nourishing compounds helping the skin recover as fast as possible. The herbal extracts in the formula helped most people to erase severe scar formations. - Toulifly Scar Removal Cream
An intensive formula, suitable for the treatment of all types of scars. It also lightens the area affected, making it less noticeable. - Aichun Beauty Scar Repair Cream with SPF 30
A budget-friendly option for those seeking for regenerative and sun-blocking compounds. Requires 1x daily application - Aliver TCM Scar Removal Cream
Aliver with TCM, a traditional Chinese compound that is said to provide an optimal effect on the damaged skin within less than two months. However, reviewers are not super enthusiastic about the results obtained. - Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Original
Good old vaseline, combining an affordable price and strong moisturizing effect. You can find Vaseline almost everywhere, and it will be just as good as any other scar cream, aiming to hydrate the deeper skin layers.
Scar products you might want to consider with your scar cream
- Best tinted SPF – Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36
This sun protection product is a great option for anyone looking for both effectove SPF + reliable coverage for scars. Alastin protects your skin of UVA and UVB rays and pollutants that may worsen the condition of your scar and slow down the healing process. - Best scar patch – ScarAway Silicone Scar Sheets
ScarAway is a notorious brand when it comes to scar removal. The medical-grade silicone sheets should be applied to the area affected and the visible effect will come within less than a month if you are trying to eliminate a newly formed scar. For older cars, it may take longer, but there will be noticeable improvements. - Best oil – Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
A unique blend of natural ingredients, plant-based extracts, and vitamins. Absorbs well into the skin without leaving it greasy. It contains vitamins E and A, Calendula, Lavender, Chamomile, and Rosemary oils. - Tosowoong Green Tea Natural Pure Essence
Affordable and potent skin brightening essence with fast action. Easily absorbed and providing a strong antioxidant effect. - Best body makeup – Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup
If your marks are bothering you, Dermablend offers a safe and effective formula to cover up the imperfections. It will also take care of the scarring. - For fresh injuries – Medline Skintegrity Wound Cleanser
While the fresh wound is still healing, it is very important to keep it clean to avoid the proliferation of bacteria. Medline Skintegrity spray is super easy and convenient to use, and, just like most other Medline products, it comes at an affordable price. - Scar FX Silicone Sheeting by Scar Heal
Reusable silicone sheeting, recommended by plastic surgeons, dermatologists and Gynecologist around the world. It limits the production of collagen, while fades discolorations. - Aroamas Advanced Silicone Scar Sheets
Medicated silicone-based sheets to flatten and soften both newer and older scars. Work on all types of scarring, visible effects can be expected in about 12 weeks
A note on price
When it comes to scar removal creams, the price aspect is not always definitive for the quality of the product. You can find either cheaper and more expensive options that are equally effective – it all depends on the quality of the ingredients used and the tolerance of your skin.
Q&A
Q: Why does the skin on a scar appear so different from the rest of our skin?
A: As soon as a wound is present, the body forms new collagen fibers to restore the damage, resulting in a scar formation. The newly formed scar tissue has a different texture and quality than the surrounding skin. They can have different texture, color and integrity.
Q: Do scar creams really work?
A: A wound that stays wet without making a dry crust is less likely to leave s scar. This is the concept behind all products, aiming to eliminate scars – keeping the area well moisturized while protecting it from environmental contaminants.
It has been proven that if the wound is kept moist and covered all the time, the tendency to form bad scar decreases. Most of the best scar creams do the same thing while making the scars softer, smoother, and less noticeable.
Scars appear in the process of forming new connective tissue and recovering the damaged one can sometimes take a little longer than expected. Most scar creams available on the market promote wound healing while improving their overall appearance, color, and texture.
Most scar creams available on the market promote wound healing while improving their overall appearance, color, and texture.
Q: How long does it take for scar creams to work?
A: It depends on multiple factors but the most important one is whether the scar is newly formed or it is older than 2 years. For fresh scars, the first visible improvements require no more than 2-3 weeks. Older scar formations require more prolonged application until they start fading and diminishing in size. Sometimes, it takes 6-8 weeks to a year.
Q: What is the best way to use a scar cream?
A: Each scar fading product comes with how to use directions. Following those directions guarantees optimal results. Most creams require 2x daily application.
Q: What types of scars can be diminished by scar creams?
A: Scar creams can reduce the appearance of scars from surgical wounds, scars, following an injury, acne scars, and stretch marks.
Keloid scars are harder to improve after applying a scar cream, though this method is quite successful when there’s a newly formed keloid scar.
Silicone-based creams, gels, and sheets are clinically proven to greatly improve the condition of freshly formed scars and scars, following surgical interventions.
Q. Will a scar removal cream make my scar disappear completely?
A: Unfortunately, scars can’t disappear completely. However, the proper and timely treatment can make the mark barely visible, so, the sooner you start taking care of the damaged tissue, the better for the aesthetic appearance of the scar.
Q: How often should I apply a scar removal cream?
A: Each scar cream should be applied as directed, usually 2 times a day – in the morning and before bedtime.
Q: Silicone-based vs. Water-based
A: Silicone-based creams, gels, and sheets are widely used in the management of hypertrophic and keloid scars. Silicone forms a thin flexible sheet over the
newly epithelialized wound or a more mature scar, keeping it well moisturized and protected.
Water-based formulas are indeed effective for the hydration of the damaged tissue, which is helpful during the regeneration process. However, such formulas allow the penetration of bacteria and various pollutants, which is something to avoid.
Scarring is a normal part of the healing process
Every wound, except for the smallest ones, will leave a scar on the skin. Although scars often appear thicker than the surrounding skin, the tissue is actually weaker. Scars are a normal part of the healing process and everyone has at least one.
Scars need different kinds of attention
Since the structures and characteristics of different scar types vary, the treatment required is also different.
- Hypertrophic scars
These scars occur after surgeries, accidents and injuries, as well as after skin diseases, especially acne. Hypertrophic scars are reddish-bluish bumps, that have the size of the skin defect. They never itch or hurt. Fortunately, most of these scars tend to go away after a couple of months or years, even without a particular therapy. Anti-scar creams and sheets fasten the recovery process and reduce the healing time
- Scar keloids (raised)
Keloid scars differ due to their tendency to become larger over time, significantly exceeding the initial size of the skin defect. Like benign tumors, they grow over time to a size that is difficult to predict. As they develop, keloid scars can hurt or itch with varying intensity, often causing significant discomfort. Proper and timely treatment is recommended. Surgical scar removal is often administrated and post-operative scar management in the form or silicone-based gels or creams is usually prescribed
- Scar contractures (burns)
Treating scars after a burn is difficult, time-consuming, and sometimes frustrating because there is no universal treatment. Combination therapy with moisturizing agents and / or injections and dermatological lasers is usually administrated.
You can’t control every part of scarring
Keep in mind that the development of a scar does not completely depend on the size and severity of the wound. Other factors are even more determined, such as your age, your skin type, your lifestyle (this includes your diet, whether you are a smoker or not, if you have specific health conditions and many other factors)
Ingredients to look for in an effective scar cream
- Silicone
The technology of this pharmaceutical ingredient smoothes and softens the scar tissue [1], helping to fade and erase new and old scars. It can be used as a preventative therapy on closed wounds to minimize scarring or after laser treatment.
- Vitamin A
Retinoid [2] is a term meaning the compound vitamin A – retinol and its derivatives. Their properties to refresh and renew the skin, to fight with inflammation, dryness and wrinkles make them popular, but their most famous пропертъ is that they provide a strong healing effect on the damaged tissue.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C provides a strong lightening effect [3] to hyperpigmented skin, It boosts skin cell turnover and has an exfoliating effect
- Vitamin E
While looking for a good cream for scars, make sure Vitamin E [4] is one of the ingredients existing in the formula. Vitamin E aids the body to heal open or closed injuries whilst speeding up the level of cell regrowth inside of all skin layers.
- Glycerin
This compound [5] soothes and moisturizes without the unpleasant sensation of grease that creates the oils, even the lightest ones, and it also creates an invisible protective layer against the aggression of the environment.
- Allantoin
Allantoin [6] is a good alternative to urea. It was originally a plant metabolic product, but today it is produced synthetically. It relaxes dead skin cells and promotes the flow of sebum, thus being especially suitable for cosmetics for oily, problem skin. In addition, allantoin is thought to help with wound healing, skin smoothing, and cell regeneration, but has a slightly lower moisture-binding effect than urea.
- Copper Peptide
Some of the best scar creams use copper peptide [7] in their formulas to improve the elasticity of the skin and the scar tissue during the regeneration process. It can be used with little to no side effects for a long period of time.
Natural, Plant-Based Oils that work on scars
Plant-based oils and extracts are studied, tested, and proven to promote skin healing. They restore the natural barrier of the skin [8], while protecting it from inflammation.
- Lavender oil for keloid scars
Lavender oil stimulates the growth and division of skin cells. This effect is especially useful for the successful regeneration of the skin in the area of the scar and the gradual return of its smoothness in the affected area. The earlier scar treatment is started, the more positive the results are expected. It is important that the wound has already healed so as not to provoke additional skin irritation.
- Coconut oil for depigmented scars from burns
Most scars left after skin burns have altered pigmentation. Most often they are darker than the surrounding skin. Coconut oil is suitable for their treatment in two aspects. It prevents infections before the final healing of the wound and slows down the proliferation of skin cells. This reduces the risk of the scar hypertrophying and rising above the level of the skin. In addition, coconut oil helps to lighten the skin. After the wound has healed, coconut oil can be applied together with lemon juice to enhance the effect and even out the pigmentation of the skin in the affected area.
- Olive oil for hypertrophic scars
Olive oil is an excellent choice for retaining moisture in skin cells. Thus it maintains its elasticity and facilitates the contraction of hypertrophic scars formed above the skin surface. In addition, olive oil facilitates the secretion of superficial epidermal cells that form the bulk of hypertrophic scars.
- Geranium oil for all types of scars
The strong antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties of geranium oil make it a great option for fighting topical scars. According to a clinical study [9], published in 2013, its’ anti-inflammatory effect prevents potential skin reactions, such as redness and irritation, during the recovery process.
References
- The Efficacy of Silicone Gel for the Treatment of Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids
- The Role of Topical Retinoids in Prevention and Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scarring
- Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications
- The effects of topical vitamin E on the cosmetic appearance of scars.
- The effect of moisturizers or creams on scars
- Effect of allium cepa-allantoin-pentaglycan gel on skin hypertrophic scars
- Copper Peptides in Acne Scars
- Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Plant Oils
- Rose geranium essential oil as a source of new and safe anti-inflammatory drugs
Last update on 2023-10-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
