Woman applying face cream-1

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Some people want to lighten their appearance, while others want to keep their scars.

We combed the market to find the most effective scar creams and treatments that are available without a prescription.

“We looked at the active ingredients in popular products and consulted the research on them. We looked at reviews from people who have used scar creams and ointments to find out what works and what doesn’t.”

These products are made from trusted manufacturers and have ingredients that reduce scars.

Each product has been vetted by our team for business and medical standards. Read more about our process.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $20
  • $$ = $20–$40
  • $$$ = over $40

Best scar cream overall

Mederma Advanced Scar Gel

  • Price: $$
  • Size: 0.7 ounces (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 — including those from burns, cuts, surgery, or acne — whether the scar is new or old.

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.

Pros

  • The appearance of scars is reduced.
  • eliminates redness
  • improves skin texture
  • Only once a day is required.

Cons

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Best scar cream for face

SkinCeuticals Phyto +

  • Price: $$$
  • Size: 1 oz.
  • Key ingredients: Arbutin glycoside and kojic acid work at lightening heavily pigmented scars. Hyaluronate penetrates skin and provides moisture. Thyme oil contains thymol, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

This serum’s ingredients help with scarring and discoloration while also brightening the skin. While the arbutin and kojic acid get to work on the scars, the thyme and cucumber extracts soothe and brighten the skin.

The SkinCeuticals says this is a good product for all skin types. Reviewers say there is no smell associated with the product. Users should apply a couple of drops twice a day and use a sunscreen.

Reviewers say it works well for their hands.

Pros

  • There are benefits for both old and new scars.
  • It is fragrance-free.
  • works well for all skin types
  • The appearance of scars and discoloration can be reduced with the help of a light-colored skin.

Cons

  • pricey
  • It is recommended to apply sunscreen and a hydrating product twice a day.
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Best scar creams after surgery

Cica-Care Gel Sheet

  • Price: $$
  • Size: 5 inches by 6 inches
  • Key ingredient: Medical-grade Silicone.s 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.

Reviewers say Cira-Care Silicone Gel Sheets are effective for softening and smoothing down scar tissue as well as for improving scar color and texture.

The sheets are It was comfortable.to wear. Reviewers said they hold up well, and that they can be washed and reused several times. Reviewers commented on the reusability after multiple wears and washes.

To use, cut down the sheets to match the scar area.

Pros

  • It was comfortable.
  • “It’s a reuse.”

Cons

  • “It’s possible that areas with lots of movement won’t stay in place.”
  • Medical tape may be needed to stay in place.
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Best scar creams for laser burns

Cimeosil Scar and Laser Gel

  • Price: $$
  • Size: 0.18 oz.
  • Key ingredient: 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.

“Silicone gel is a better fit for you than Silicone patches, if you need to apply gel more precisely or don’t want to use a bandage.”

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 say the gel feels sticky. The directions state to wipe off any excess to remove the sticky feeling.

Pros

  • It can be applied to a large area.
  • “Doesn’t need a bandage to stay in place.”
  • It works well for scars withloid and hypertrophic structures.
  • water-resistant

Cons

  • It may feel sticky.
  • thick consistency
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Best scar cream for burns

ScarAway Silicone Scar Gel

  • Price: $
  • Size: 0.35 oz.
  • Key ingredient: 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.

ScarAway Silicone Scar Gel may work well for scars from surgery, mole removal, acne treatment, and burns.

The gel should be applied twice a day.

Reviewers said the nature was easy to apply.

The roll-on scar gel works well for children and people with sensitive skin. Some users say the application is not very easy for large scars or sensitive scars.

“Reviewers said that using this product wouldn’t be as cost-effective for larger scars.”

Pros

  • It is inexpensive.
  • water-resistant
  • “It’s good for active lifestyles.”
  • Can be worn under makeup.

Cons

  • “Reviewers don’t like the roller ball applicator.”
  • It may not be cost efficient for larger areas.
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Best scar cream for acne

Tosowoong Green Tea Natural Pure Essence

“Reviewers of Tosowoong’s Green Natural Tea Pure Essence say they use it for their skin problems. People say it works well for sensitive skin. Some reviewers say it helps to keep their skin hydrated.”

One thing to note is that the formulation includes witch hazel extract, which can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Pros

  • The skin is bright.
  • It absorbs quickly.
  • There was no smell or sticky substance.

Cons

  • There is witch hazel.
  • It may be harmful to sensitive skin.
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Best scar cream for body

Honeydew Blemish Cream

  • Price: $
  • Size: 4 oz.
  • Key ingredient: Vitamin E helps to lighten the look of old and new scars.

This affordable scar cream is a good choice for daily use. It has hydrating ingredients like vitamins E, rosehip oil, and avocados oil. You will begin to notice the fading of old and new scars after continued use.

This cream helps out with stretch mark concealment.

There are no parabens or Silicones in this product.

Pros

  • Natural ingredients like vitamins E, rosehip oil, and avocados oil are infused.
  • The appearance of wrinkling is reduced.
  • Unsane.

Cons

  • It takes a few months to see the differences.
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Best scar cream for kids

Mederma for Kids

  • Price: $
  • Size:.7 oz
  • Key ingredient: Allantoin works to reduce itching, irritation, and dryness.

This scar cream is safe and gentle and can be used on medical scars. For 8 weeks on newer scars, use this cream three times daily.

The kids will be excited by the clear rub on this cream.

Pros

  • “It’s safe for kids to use.”
  • It helps speed up the production of cells.
  • The scent is kid-friendly.

Cons

  • It takes a few months of use to notice a change.
  • It is not possible to use broken skin.
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Best scar cream for superficial scars

Derma E Scar Gel

  • Price: $$
  • Size: 2 oz.
  • Key ingredients: Allicin helps reduce the appearance of scars. Allantoin conditions the skin to reduce the appearance of scars.

This easy-to-apply gel is great for fighting superficial scarring. Allicin and allantoin work together to make scars smooth.

If you want to stick to all-natural ingredients, this gel is a great option. It uses vitamins B5 and Antioxidant to keep the skin supple.

For old scars, apply twice a day for 3 to 6 months.

Pros

  • It is cruelty-free.
  • vegan

Cons

  • It takes a longer time to see results when compared with medical-grade Silicone.-based gels.
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Price Size Key ingredients
Mederma Advanced Scar Gel $$ .7 oz – allantoin
– onion bulb extract
SkinCeuticals Phyto + $$$ 1 oz – arbutin glycoside
– kojic acid
– thyme oil
– hyaluronate
Cica-Care Gel Sheet $$ 5 inches by 6 inches medical-grade Silicone.
Cimeosil Scar and Laser Gel $$ .18 oz medical-grade Silicone.
ScarAway Silicone Scar Gel $ .35 oz medical-grade Silicone.
Tosowoong Green Tea Natural Pure Essence $ 2 oz green tea. leaf extract
Honeydew Scar Cream $ 4 oz. vitamin E
Mederma for Kids $ .7 oz allantoin
Derma E Scar Gel $$ 2 oz – allantoin
– allicin

  • 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 that have been shown to be effective at reducing the appearance of scars. These include:
  • 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. There are effective scar creams across all price points, so don’t make the mistake of thinking that the most expensive is the best.

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  • 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 amount of time indicated. It may take 2 to 6 months before you begin to see significant results.

There are different types and severity of scars. Mild scars fade on their own, becoming almost invisible.

However, scars that are severe or deep may only be faded with medical treatments.

At- home treatments for scars that fall between mild and severe may have benefits.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends talking with a doctor before using over-the-counter (OTC) scar cream. They can determine if it’ll be beneficial for the type of scar you have.

If you have a scar that needs to be healed up before any treatment can be attempted, your doctor may recommend waiting a year for the scar to mature. Immediate treatment will be recommended in some instances.

Q&A with Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN

Can scar creams work?

Many scars can be affected by scar creams. The age and type of your scar will affect how effective a scar cream is.

What are the limitations of scar creams?

scar cream is limited by the fact that no treatment is universally successful for every scar. Treatments for scars may include scar creams.

The success of treatment depends on the severity of the scar and whether a scar cream is helpful.

Many treatments have a limited success rate. It may take several months before the results are seen when using scar creams.

Answers are opinions of medical experts. All content is not a substitute for medical advice.

Scarring is a common part of healing

A host of issues can cause scars, including cuts, burns, surgery, and cysts. Your skin tries to close itself when you have a wound to protect it from germs andbacteria. This is a scar.

If left alone, scars, including surgery scars, can fade on their own.

Scars need different kinds of attention

“It may contain blood vessels, but scar tissue doesn’t have sweat glands. It is not as strong as it may appear, but it is not as thin.”

Scar tissue in a wound is formed quickly by parallel collagen fibers. If too much collagen is produced, the scar may become raised, forming a hypertrophic scar.

If a significant amount of excess collagen is produced, a keloid scar may form. This type of scar grows larger than the original wound and is best checked out by a doctor.

You can’t control every part of scarring

The susceptibility of skin to form scars may be related to a genetic link. The scars you get may be affected by your age.

Some scars do well with scar creams

It is not right to use scar creams for every scar. Many scars respond well to OTC products.

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..

Before purchasing scar cream, make sure you read the ingredients list.

If you have any concerns or want something more intense, you should consult a dermatologist.

How does scar cream work?

scar creams work by:

  • The upper layer of skin is very important.
  • trapping in water by providing a barrier
  • The cells below the scar are helping to regenerate.

This may be achieved and supported by various ingredients, including medical-grade Silicone.. Some scar creams also contain ingredients that help brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of discoloration.

How long does it take for scar cream to work?

This depends on the age of the person and the type of scar.

The directions to follow for scar creams will state the length of recommended use, which can range from a few weeks to several months.

What’s the best way to heal a scar?

It is best to talk with a doctor about the best way to heal your scar. There are many factors at play, including the age, the type of scar, and the type of scar.

“If medical treatment isn’t an option, OTC scar creams can be used with other remedies, such as compression garments, skin massages, and moisturizing the skin.”

What else can I do for scars?

If your scar is deep and not responding well to scar creams after a long time, you can look into surgical removal. You can look into lasers or injections to lighten or reduce the appearance.

How do I avoid scarring?

It is important to clean a new wound as soon as possible. You need to keep the area moist and cover it with something to keep thebacteria out. Make sure to not move that area.

What are the negative effects of scar cream?

Some users may experience burning, irritation, redness, and itching after applying.

Some scars can be treated with scar creams.

The ingredients in OTC scar reduction products that have been clinically found to be the most effective include Silicone. and The onion extract is made from onion..