The best scar treatment creams, gels & oils
Having scars in a more visible place can make you feel somewhat awkward and too conscious of your appearance, which can significantly impact your self-confidence. However, spending lots of money on plastic surgery or exfoliating treatments is not a practical option for everyone.
Fortunately, there are now scar treatment creams that can help you out. Still, you might be wondering if they actually work.
Overall, scar treatment creams work on various scars, but they differ in how they reduce or remove the appearance of scars. Although their effects tend to be more gradual, you will see results after a few weeks of consistently using them.
With that said, here are the top 12 best scar treatment creams on the market that we recommend:
Best overall & best for face
Dermefface FX7 Scar Treatment Cream
With a combination of 5 hydrating and 7 active ingredients along with 10 antioxidants, the Dermefface cream allows you to achieve a really smooth and scar-free face. Comes with a money-back guarantee!
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Dermefface FX7 is one of the most affordable scar treatment creams on the market that works effectively and quickly because of its clinically proven active ingredients and components.
In fact, it’s an excellent scar treatment solution for both men and women who want to repair and revitalize their skin. The people behind this cream understand the different layers of skin, scar formation, and ways to reduce or prevent scars.
This cream from Skinception features a yellowish hue without a noticeable odor. In addition, after it is applied, the skin quickly absorbs it without feeling sticky.
Moreover, people with sensitive skin can benefit from this because it’s formulated not to cause skin discomfort or allergic reactions. Lastly, it can also leave your skin soft and smooth after application. It even comes with a money-back guarantee. We highly recommend Dermefface FX7 by skinception above alternatives.
Best for Acne Scars & Stretch Marks
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
This product is the best choice for those who want to get rid of their stretch marks. It’s also the perfect solution for those suffering from scars due to acne, surgeries, accidents, and skin infections.
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This scar treatment from Bio-Oil has a lot of natural and potent ingredients. For example, it has vitamin A that helps renew the skin, boost skin elasticity, and promote collagen formation.
Moreover, it has chamomile oil, vitamin e oil, lavender oil, and sunflower oil that make the skin healthier and prevent inflammation. In addition, the mineral oil functions as a moisturizer and emollient.
In addition, it’s also excellent for people with light and dark tones because it evens out the skin tone, so it naturally improves the appearance of skin. Moreover, this oil works well also on acne scars and stretch marks. It has also been proven to work on damaged skin and scars.
Moreover, it’s also effective as an acne scar treatment because it is non-comedogenic. Lastly, its unique formulation does not clog the pores and makes the skin sticky. So, it helps treat scars by keeping the skin moisturized and hydrated.
Best For New and Old Scars
Mederma Advanced Scar Gel
A 3-in-1 solution, this scar treatment cream repairs, moisturizes, and regenerates skin cells, all in just a single application per day.
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This advanced scar gel from Mederma effectively removes redness, improves skin texture, and reduces the appearance of scars. In fact, many people have attested to how effective and fast it is in reducing the appearance of their scars.
Moreover, it works well on new and old scars. It can also be used in various scar types such as scars from acne, burns, cuts, and surgeries, among many others.
In addition, it’s also convenient to use since it only needs to be applied once a day. It doesn’t only save time but money as well. We also haven’t seen a scar treatment gel this effective that doesn’t need another application during the day.
Still, when using it, you need to keep in mind to apply it thinly and evenly. If you use too much, it can cause dryness of the skin. In general, you’ll notice improvement on your skin in around four weeks with daily use, with more significant changes in eight weeks.
Best for Track Marks
Aroamas Silicone Scar Removal Sheets
This is a fast-acting solution that allows you to get rid of scars, both old and new, in just around 12 weeks of continuous usage.
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It doesn’t matter where the scar came from because these silicone scar sheets from Aroamas can be used for almost any type of scars, such as those from an oven burn or a double mastectomy, or ACL knee surgery.
In fact, people who have tried it said these sheets work well and quickly. It has been clinically proven to enhance the texture, color, size, appearance of keloids and hypertrophic scars.
As a result, these sheets can be used for new and old scars. Moreover, after a few days, you’ll notice that your scars feel softer. Still, you’ll see the best results around 12 weeks.
These sheets are made from soft, breathable, flexible, and medical-grade silicone that doesn’t cause pulling on the skin.
You get four washable sheets with every pack that can be washed and reused for two weeks with proper care and maintenance. Therefore, one pack can last for two months.
Best For Black Skin
RejuveNaturals Vitamin E Oil
The RejuveNaturals cream allows you to get rid of scars and heal your skin. This is the perfect solution for people who have dark complexions.
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This vitamin E oil is made from all-natural and 100% pure vitamin E oil and non-GMO organic olives. Moreover, the distillation and extraction methods are different because olives are used instead of sunflowers. Therefore, this clear oil can be absorbed by the skin faster and feels less greasy.
In addition, because it has nutrients that promote collagen production, it improves the appearance of stretch marks, scars, acne lines, dark and sunspots, and wrinkles resulting in young and moisturized skin.
Moreover, many users love how convenient it is to apply the product. The consistency is as thin as water-based serums and as sticky or thick as other vitamin E oils.
Overall, the Rejuvenaturals oil is excellent for people who want to treat their face and body using an organic product. It’s free from harmful chemicals, allergens, or additives. Lastly, it’s also vegan and cruelty-free.
Best For Kids
Kelo-cote Advanced Formula Scar Gel
This is the perfect scar treatment solution for younger individuals. It’s specially formulated to make it safe and effective in removing scars among teens and children.
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Aside from reducing the appearance of new and old scars from injury, acne, burns, cuts, insect bites, and acne, this ScarAway formula can also decrease the redness and flatten and soften raised scars.
It also has a patented scar prevention technology that many patients report as good or very good in various scars. As a result, this product is ideal for kids and those who have sensitive skin. Moreover, this colorless and odorless scar gel has a smooth, water-resistant, and non-sticky consistency.
The treatment duration tends to vary from each person and type of scar. Still, it is effective throughout the day when applied twice daily. In fact, the recommended treatment period is between 60 to 90 days. Moreover, it has a unique blend of silicone that adheres well to the skin to treat scars.
Best For Burns and Surgery
Derma Sciences Improved Medihoney Wound Gel
A product that works best for cleansing and healing wounds and burns, the Medihoney gel helps you deal with up to second-degree burns alongside wounds due to trauma and surgery.
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Medihoney is a known brand across the globe for its medical-grade honey products for wound and burns management. Therefore, you can expect their wound and burn and dressing to be beneficial throughout the healing process of the wound.
In fact, clinicians recommend this product for managing and treating burns and acute, stalled, or chronic wounds. Moreover, this wound and dressing gel is effective and safe to eliminate necrotic tissue.
It functions well when treating non-draining to moderately oozing wounds by giving moisture and reducing the pH of the wound. As a result, this creates a perfect environment for the wound to heal.
It also has a thick formula that becomes more stable when applied to the wound. Therefore, it’s highly recommended for superficial to large wounds. Because it has high osmolarity, it also works in cleaning and debriding the injury.
Best Overnight Cream for Hyperpigmentation
Mederma PM Intensive Overnight Scar Cream
Those suffering from hyperpigmentation can greatly benefit from this product. It’s designed to lighten scars and hyperpigmentation even as you sleep.
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This night scar cream from Mederma has tripeptol that provides nourishment to the skin. It also has antioxidants, peptides, and collagen that prevent free radical skin damage and give healthy skin. Moreover, this cream also makes the scars less visible and smaller.
In addition, this is the first and only scar cream made specially to work more effectively while you sleep. Since the bodies regenerate and repair skin cells fast, the cream takes advantage of this.
So, when applied once every night, clinical studies show that visible improvements on scars can be seen within 14 nights of use. In addition, you can safely use the Mederma PM cream with your other skincare products, such as lotions. Nevertheless, we recommend talking to a healthcare professional if you plan to use it with other prescribed topical medications or products.
Best for Body And Breast Augmentation
Cicatricure Face And Body Scar Gel
Not only does this product help you get rid of the appearance of scars, but it also improves the quality of your skin, making it an excellent addition to your skincare routine.
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This face and body scar gel from Cicatricure has a formula and ingredients that make the color and texture of the scars better.
In addition, it also softens and hydrates to make the skin more rejuvenated and healthier. Besides reducing the appearance of scars from burns, injuries, surgery, and acne, it works well on hypertrophic and keloid scars.
This radiant scar gel cleanses and brightens the skin, resolves uneven skin tone, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and protects the skin from harsh sunlight. Moreover, it can be applied to both your face and the body, but we recommend using it on your body.
For the best results, it is recommended to apply the gel four times for eight weeks if you have recent scars. For older scars, it’s best applied four times a day for up to six months to see the best results.
Best For Face Stitches
Terez & Honor Scar Remover Gel
This scar treatment gel is the perfect choice for those who want to get rid of the scars left behind by face stitches. It’s also fast-acting and works on all types of skin.
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Working well on surgery and facial scars and stretch marks, this silicone scar gel from Terez & Honor is heavy-duty and medical-grade. However, many people can still use this, including children, because it suits all ages and is free from unnecessary and harmful chemicals or additives.
Moreover, it is colorless, odorless, and quick-drying, making it excellent for application on the face and the body. It also doesn’t matter if you have an old or new scar because the gel provides hydration to the scar and lightens it over time.
It has natural antiseptic properties because of the peppermint oil content. So, you just need to remember to apply it two to three times a day and put SPF over the exposed area if you are going out.
Best For Tummy Tuck Scars
Sientra bioCorneum Advanced Scar Treatment
A highly recommended product among professionals, the bioCorneum cream contains topical silicone gel to minimize and remove the appearance of scars, particularly for those who underwent a tummy tuck surgery.
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Because it combines medical-grade silicone gel and SPF 30 protection, this product from bioCorneum is an excellent scar treatment cream. It protects the scars from redness and discoloration when exposed to sunlight and relieves itchiness and discomfort of the skin.
Aside from redness and discoloration, it can also work on softening and flattening scars because of its patented and cross-linking silicone feature called Silishield. This is also the first and only topical silicone scar gel with SPF approved by the FDA.
Best After Blepharoplasty
Skinuva Next Generation Scar Cream
This cream’s excellent healing properties allow you to remove scars after undergoing blepharoplasty. It’s also effective in promoting collagen production as well as reducing hyperpigmentation.
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Skinuva’s scar cream is a breakthrough cream that’s been tested and developed by physicians, scientists, chemists, and stem cell experts.
In fact, it can lessen the appearance of scars up to 70% because of its powerful ingredients, such as silicone, vitamin C, aloe, and hyaluronic acid. As a result, it’s effective for treating scars that are larger than 6 inches.
Overall, this is recommended for those who went through breast lifts, breast reductions, abdominoplasties, blepharoplasties, and facelifts, among many others. The recommended use of Skinuva cream is twice a day for at least three to six months to see optimal results.
What to Look for in a Scar Treatment Cream
Type of scar
In general, skin injuries differ in size, depth, and type. Therefore, scar treatment creams tend to work differently on different scar types. Moreover, not all scars can be removed by these creams. In general, they are usually effective on hypertrophic scars, keloids, and scars from burns.
Silicone- or water-based
Scar treatment creams can be either silicone- or water-based. Generally, silicone-based treatment creams are recommended if you tend to have raised or pigmented scars. By making a barrier on the skin, silicone-based treatment creams prevent textured scars from forming.
In addition, overproduction of collagen is also prevented because the barrier controls moisture loss and helps flatten and smoothen the scar.
On the other hand, water-based creams are not as effective in controlling the loss of moisture. Therefore, you have to wait longer for scars to heal. Lastly, they are not also recommended for children because they can cause skin irritation.
Ingredients
Before buying one, you must check the ingredients to ensure that it won’t cause any allergic reactions. After reviewing any ingredients that you might be sensitive or allergic to, you can check the active ingredients that help treat and strengthen the skin.
These include components such as vitamins A, C, and E, glycerin, or allantoin. In addition, aloe vera, green tea, and onion extract are excellent at preventing the appearance of scars.
Brand
When choosing your scar treatment cream, we highly recommend opting for a more known brand. In addition, you also check the manufacturer’s contact details.
However, finding this information from third-party stores can be challenging, so it’s best to be careful and do your research. Lastly, we recommend avoiding products with claims that appear too good to be true.
Formulation
In terms of formulation, the thickness of scar treatment creams is crucial in determining how effective they are.
This is because creams with thin consistency cannot create a skin barrier that helps in the treatment. On the other hand, creams with thick consistency can clog the skin. Therefore, you should go for a lightweight cream or gel.
Drying period
Overall, we recommend using a scar treatment cream that does not take a long time to dry after application. Nevertheless, it would be best to avoid creams with alcohol since this can irritate the skin and cause pain when you apply it to the wound.
In general, you need to wait for about 3 to 5 minutes for silicone-based creams to dry and 1 minute for water-based creams.
Price
Nowadays, scar treatment creams are often priced between $10 to $50. However, expensive does not always mean the cream is effective.
That is why it is best to determine your scar type and check the ingredients to see if they’re suitable for your needs. In general, more expensive creams usually have three or more active ingredients.
Nevertheless, we still suggest visiting a dermatologist first to know which cream is the most effective treatment for you.
FAQ
Can a scar treatment cream remove a scar completely?
In general, these creams can do wonders in lightening scars and making the skin smooth. However, it’s best to remember that these do not work overnight. Moreover, some scar treatment creams work better on certain skin types and scars.
In addition, even if you see noticeable improvements, you might need to undergo medical procedures to remove severe scars altogether.
How often do I need to apply scar treatment creams?
Depending on your chosen cream’s active ingredients and formula, the recommended frequency of application varies. Therefore, it’s best to check the instructions. Nevertheless, in general, it’s recommended to use them once or twice a day.
Moreover, it’s best to remember that applying the cream more than what’s indicated doesn’t mean that you will see improvements sooner.
How long do I need to wait to see the effects of scar treatment creams?
To see the best results, you need patience and consistency when applying the cream. In general, using scar treatment creams may result in improvements around two to six months after regular use.
Nevertheless, the treatment’s effects will still depend primarily on your skin type, scar type, and age.
When can I apply scar treatment cream after my surgery?
You shouldn’t use a scar treatment cream if your wound from surgery has not yet fully healed. This is because when you use a cream before the skin is fully healed, your scar’s appearance can worsen.
Final verdict
Finally, you know some of the best scar treatment creams available on the market. We recommend these because all of these products are known to prevent and reduce the appearance of scars. However, it’s best to determine your scar type and choose the one that fits your needs and budget. In addition, we also recommend visiting a dermatologist first to see if your skin can benefit from your scar treatment cream of choice.
