Scars can be worn proudly, though you may have some you prefer to go unseen. Scroll through our top vetted picks of the best scar creams, read some tips from an expert, and see which one suits your needs.
Scars are a natural part of life. You trip, you fall, you get a nasty scar. Some scars can be harder to have on display because of what you may have gone through. Whether or not your scar is something you’re wearing like a badge, you may want to conceal it later on in life. Even the ones that have faded.
Not all scars respond well to at-home treatments, but for those that do, we combed the market to find the most effective scar creams and treatments available without a prescription. Read on for an expert Q&A, learn more about types of scars, and when to see a doctor about your scars.
Best overall
Mederma Advanced Scar Gel
- Skin type: all
- Size: 0.7 oz
- Key ingredients: Onion extract contains anti-inflammatory compounds and phenolic antioxidants. Allantoin reduces itching, irritation, and dryness.
This scar cream is supposed to work well for any type of scar whether the scar is new or old, including those from:
- burns
- cuts
- surgery
- acne
Reviewers tout the moisturizing, healing properties of the cream and say it’s easy to use. Those with sensitive skin also praise the product.
One thing to note: This scar cream doesn’t contain sunscreen. Since sun exposure can worsen the appearance of scars, opt for Mederma +SPF 30 Scar Cream if you’ll be spending time out in the sun with your scars exposed.
Best for superficial scars
Derma-E Scar Gel
- Size: 2 oz
- Key ingredients: Allicin conditions the skin to help reduce the appearance of scars.
- Skin type: all
Combat superficial scarring, like sunburns and stretch marks, with this easy-to-apply gel. Allicin and allantoin work in conjunction to soften and smooth scars for healthy-looking skin.
If you’re looking to stick to natural ingredients (or if you’re allergic to silicone) this gel is a great option. It uses antioxidants and vitamin B5 to keep the skin supple and hydrated.
Apply 2 to 3 times daily for 8 weeks, or for old scars apply twice a day for 3 to 6 months.
Best for burns
ScarAway Silicone Scar Gel
- Size: 0.35 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Medical-grade silicone products have been clinically proven to be one of the most effective at-home scar treatments available for a variety of scar types, including hypertrophic, keloid, acne, and burn scars, as well as surgical scars, including those from a cesarean delivery.
- Skin type: all, especially sensitive skin
ScarAway Silicone Scar Gel may work well for scars from surgery, mole removal, acne treatment, and burns.
The gel should be applied twice daily.
Reviewers comment on the lack of odor and easy-to-apply nature.
ScarAway says its roll-on scar gel works well for children as well as people with sensitive skin. However, some users say the roll-on application is tedious for large scars or slightly painful for more sensitive scars.
For larger scars, using this product wouldn’t be as cost-efficient in the long term, according to some reviewers.
Best for after surgery
Cica-Care Gel Sheet
- Size: 5 in x 6 in
- Key ingredients: Medical-grade silicones have been clinically proven to be one of the most effective at-home scar treatments available for a variety of scar types, including hypertrophic, keloid, acne, and burn scars, as well as surgical scars, including those from a cesarean delivery.
- Skin type: all
Reviewers say Cica-Care Gel Sheets are effective for softening and smoothing down scar tissue as well as for improving scar color and texture.
The sheets are comfortable to wear on most areas of the body. They can also be washed and reused several times, and, according to reviewers, they hold up well. Reviewers commented on the reusability even after multiple wears and washes.
To use, simply cut down the sheets to match the size of the scar area.
Best for whole body
Honeydew Blemish Cream
- Size: 4 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Vitamin E helps lighten the look of old and new scars.
- Skin type: combination, dry, normal, oily, acne prone
This affordable scar cream doubles as a moisturizer. It’s infused with pure, hydrating ingredients, like vitamin E, rosehip oil, and avocado oil. After continued use, you’ll begin to notice the fading of both old and new scars.
This cream also helps out with stretch mark concealment.
Bonus: There are no parabens or silicones used in this product (in case you have a silicone allergy).
Best for laser burns
Cimeosil Scar and Laser Gel
- Size: 14 g
- Key ingredients: Medical-grade silicone products have been clinically proven to be one of the most effective at-home scar treatments available for a variety of scar types, including hypertrophic, keloid, acne, and burn scars, as well as surgical scars, including those from a cesarean delivery.
- Skin type: all
If you need to apply gel more precisely or don’t want to also use a bandage, silicone gel may be a better fit for you than silicone patches.
Cimeosil Scar and Laser Gel is designed for use on scars caused by lasers, burns, cuts, and scrapes. Cimeosil states the product works particularly well for reducing keloid and hypertrophic scars.
The gel is meant to be applied twice a day. It’s water-resistant and can be worn under makeup.
Some users comment on the gel’s thickness and say it feels sticky. However, the directions state to simply wipe off any excess to remove the sticky feeling.
Best for kids
Mederma for Kids
- Size: 0.7 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Allantoin works to reduce itching, irritation, and dryness.
- Skin type: all
Medical scars from scrapes, stitches, burns, and insect bites don’t stand a chance against this safe and gentle scar cream formulated for kids. Use this cream three times daily for 8 weeks on newer scars and for 3 to 6 months on older scars.
This cream goes on purple and rubs in clear — which is likely to make the kids smile.
Best organic scar cream
Earth Mama Organic Skin & Scar Balm
- Skin type: body, including C-section scars, other scars, and surgical wounds
- Size: 1 oz
- Key ingredients: Olea europaea (olive) fruit oil and beeswax are gentle, organic ingredients
This non-GMO balm is safe to use on your skin after a cesarean delivery, otherwise known as a C-section. It doesn’t contain any artificial or petroleum-based ingredients. It’s dermatologist-tested for irritation and considered safe for children’s skin.
It absorbs quickly and is safe to use on bruises and irritations.
Best scar cream with SPF 35
Derma E Scar Cream Sun Protectant SPF 35
- Skin type: face and body
- Size: 1.5 oz
- Key ingredients: Panthenol (pro-vitamin B-5), zinc oxide, and allantoin moisturize and soften skin, reducing teh appearance of scars and promoting skin healing
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The sun can worsen scars by drying out and burning tender skin. This scar cream has an SPF of 35, so you can use it to protect your skin from the sun while also lightening and healing scar tissue.
Scar creams may not work for everyone
While scar creams do wonders for some people, they may have little to no impact on others. It may take some time to find one that works for you, or it may not work at all. Talk with your healthcare professional about the best way to treat and fade scars.
How we chose the best scar creams
We looked at the active ingredients in popular products and consulted what the research had to say about each. We also culled reviews from people who have used scar ointments and creams to find out what works and what doesn’t.
These products come from trusted manufacturers and contain ingredients that may reduce the appearance of scars.
Our team has vetted each product for business and medical standards.
Types of scarring
Scarring is the body’s way of healing and replacing injured skin. There are many types of scars, and each one needs a different type of care. Here are some of the different types of scars:
- Fine-line scars: Superficial wounds like cuts and abrasions cause fine-line scars. These scars fade significantly over time, becoming nearly invisible without treatment. While some scars don’t contain melanin, others can be hyperpigmented. Fine-line scars may become more noticeable in people who don’t use sun protection.
- Atrophic scars: Atrophic scarring is sometimes referred to as pitted skin. This type of scar typically looks like an indented hole, or pit. These scars are often caused by severe acne or by chicken pox blisters that are damaged by scratching or picking. These scars don’t typically respond to at-home treatments, but medical treatments such as chemical peels or soft tissue fillers can be effective in reducing the appearance of atrophic scars.
- Keloid scars: These scars are thick clusters of raised scar tissue that may be round in shape and have irregular borders. These can happen whenever you have a skin injury. They may appear flushed or dark in color depending on your skin tone. They’re formed from excess collagen that is produced after an initial wound, and they can be larger than the original wound. In some instances, keloid scars may not appear for several months after the initial wound occurred. Steroid injections and cryotherapy may help treat keloid scars.
- Hypertrophic scars: These scars are similar in appearance to keloid scars, but hypertrophic scars form only within the boundaries of the initial wound. It may take several months to form completely, and they may also fade over years without treatment. However, they can be treated medically with corticosteroid injections or with at-home treatments, such as silicone sheets.
How to choose a scar cream
- Ask a doctor: It’s best to talk with a doctor, like a dermatologist, about the best type of treatment for your scar. This can save you time and money in the long run. They can also offer suggestions and tips and answer any questions or concerns.
- Look for effective ingredients: Consider products with ingredients shown to be effective at reducing the appearance of scars. These include:
- silicone
- onion extract
- aloe vera
- green tea
- Read the full ingredients list: Double-check the full list of ingredients, including inactive ingredients, to make sure the scar cream doesn’t contain anything you’re sensitive or allergic to.
- Know the manufacturer: Look for information on the manufacturer. If it’s difficult to find information about the company or the product beyond third-party retail sites, this can be a red flag. Always buy from a trusted manufacturer. If a product’s claims seem too good to be true, they probably are.
- Be price smart: Effective scar creams are available at all price points. The most expensive product may not be the best for your skin.
Consider your scar
Scar tissue doesn’t contain sweat glands, but it may contain tiny blood vessels. It may also appear to be thicker than unscarred skin, but it is, in fact, weaker.
As you age, your skin loses collagen and fat. This may make your skin more susceptible to wounds that cause scarring. Cuts and bruises may also take longer to heal. The longer a wound remains open, the more time it has to become infected, which may also worsen scarring.
Each scar forms and heals differently, just as everyone’s skin type is different. This means that certain ingredients could help a certain skin type or type of scar more than others. Some scars can fade or reduce over time without any ointment, cream, or special attention.
Many scars do, however, respond well to over-the-counter (OTC) products, like the ones mentioned in this article. In addition to at-home or medical treatments, your scar will fade faster if you keep it protected from the sun.
Keep in mind that scars can take months or years to disappear significantly. Most scars do not vanish completely, even if they’re no longer visible.
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Best ingredients for remedying scars
As we mentioned earlier in this article, certain ingredients may be the most beneficial for scar healing or reducing the appearance of scars.
Studies have found that some ingredients, like silicone and green tea, have benefits. Others, like onion skin and aloe verae, may also have benefits for scarring; however, the evidence is less conclusive than other ingredients. They may, however, have value for soothing and calming skin.
When you shop for scar creams, consider the ingredients below. But also make sure to read the ingredients list in full before purchasing to make sure you’re not allergic to anything.
As always, consult a dermatologist if you have concerns or want something more intense than an OTC cream or gel.
Silicone
Silicone is the most commonly found ingredient in scar creams, and while some people may experience slight irritation, very few people are allergic to silicone. Silicone sheets and gels can help reduce the appearance of minor scars.
A 2020 review of six studies found that topically applied silicone was beneficial for preventing postoperative scar formation. Researchers also found that topically applied silicone sheets or gel significantly reduced scar pigmentation and height.
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
EGCG is an antioxidant found in green tea. Since it is water soluble, it can’t adhere to skin or scar tissue on its own.
As an ingredient in topical treatments, it has been found to reduce inflammation and to be beneficial at various stages of wound healing, including tissue remodeling. Tissue remodeling refers to the cleanup of inflammatory cells that occurs as a wound is healing and scar tissue forms.
EGCG also reduces the collagen buildup and fibrous connective tissue buildup that causes keloid and hypertrophic scars.
Q&A with Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN
Can scar creams work?
Scar creams can definitely affect many types of scars. The type and age of your scar and your age will often determine how effective a scar cream will be.
What are the limitations of scar creams when it comes to scar reduction?
A limitation of scar cream is the fact that no treatment is universally successful for every type of scar. Scars may require a combination of treatments that will often include scar creams.
The severity of the scar will often determine the success of treatment or whether a scar cream alone will be helpful.
Be aware that many types of treatments have a limited success rate. Keep in mind that when using scar creams, it may take several months before results are seen.
Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
How to use scar cream
- Read the label: When using a scar cream, follow the package directions. Some scar creams are meant to be used once a day. If so, using them more often won’t make your scar heal any faster.
- Start with a clean area: Wash and dry your skin where the cream or silicone sheet will be applied.
- Use in combination: Talk with a doctor about supplementary treatments, which may make the use of scar cream more effective. These include skin massage and wearing compression garments.
- Don’t use too soon: Remember that wounds don’t heal overnight. Scars, whether old or new, don’t change overnight. Trying to reduce a scar before your skin has fully healed can make it worse.
- Have patience and be persistent: Use the product as directed for the time indicated. It may take 2 to 6 months before you begin to see significant results.
How well do scar creams work?
Scars vary in type and severity. Mild scars tend to fade on their own over time, becoming almost invisible.
However, severe or deep scars may only fade with medical treatments such as:
- cryosurgery
- laser therapy
- injections
- radiation
For scars that fall somewhere in between mild and severe, at-home treatments, including scar creams, may have benefits.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends talking with a doctor before using OTC scar cream. They can determine if it’ll be beneficial for the type of scar you have.
Sometimes, your doctor may recommend waiting up to 1 year for the scar to heal and mature before any treatment is attempted completely. In other instances, immediate treatment will be recommended.
When to see a doctor about scarring
Scars can be bothersome, especially if they’re in visible areas such as the face. If you have scars that you want to have removed, talk with a dermatologist about scar removal treatment.
Certain types of skin cancer can sometimes resemble scars. If a scar appears on your skin without being preceded by a wound, it’s wise to see a dermatologist.
You should also see a healthcare professional for any wound or scar that may be infected. Signs of infection include:
- flushed appearance
- swelling
- oozing
- pain, discomfort, or itching
Takeaway
Scar creams can be an effective choice for certain types of scars.
The ingredients in OTC scar reduction products that have been clinically found to be the most effective include silicone and EGCG, an extract of green tea.