From burns to acne to major surgery, you may end up with a scar for many different reasons. In fact, nearly everyone will develop some type of scar at some point in their lives. Scars can vary greatly depending on their size, location, and severity. Some scars will go away independently, while others may be permanent. Either way, a scar cream may be an effective skin care method to soothe the skin on and around the scar. Professional treatment may be required for more severe scars, but for mild to moderate scars, a scar cream or gel might be helpful.
Finding the best scar cream may have a major impact on the way your scar heals over time. Many types of scar creams and gels are available for purchase that vary based on the ingredients. There are silicone scar gels, natural scar creams, and even scar oils made from plant extracts. Below, we're sharing our top choices for scar creams, some distinguishing features of each, and tips on how to find the best scar cream to suit your needs.
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The Best Scar Cream - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall: Aroamas Scar Advanced Scar Gel
- Best Budget: Mederma Advanced Scar Cream
- Best for Face: Primal Soapworks Premium Scar Cream
- Best for After Surgery: Muraski Beauty Silicone Scar Gel
- Best for Burns: Cicatricure Face and Body Scar Gel
- Best for Kids: Mederma For Kids
- Best for Acne: T&H Advanced Silicone Scar Gel
- Best Scar Oil: Leven Rose Raspberry Seed Oil
- Best for Body: Beautivity Scar Remover Cream
- Best with SPF: BioCorneum Advanced Scar Gel
Best Overall Scar Cream - Aroamas Scar Advanced Scar Gel
SPECS
- Size: 1.58 oz.
- Active ingredients: Medical-grade silicone oil
- Amount per treatment: Not specified
- Treatment duration: Eight weeks for new scars, 3-6 months for existing scars
- Product style: Gel
The Aromas Advanced scar gel is made with medical-grade silicone. This scar gel is made with a natural formula that is safe for use on sensitive skin. You can use this scar gel on newer scars that are still healing or pre-existing scars. This gel can help improve the appearance of scars, but you'll have to use it for 3-6 months for older and eight weeks for newer scars.
To properly use this scar gel, massage it into the scar area for 3-5 minutes, 2-3 times per day. The main ingredient in this gel is medical-grade silicone, which can help to keep the scar area moisturized to promote healing. The small container is even travel-friendly, but you may have to stock back up on it regularly if you plan to use it as directed.
What We Like
- Effective ingredients
- Works on old or new scars
- Gentle formula
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Smaller container
BUY: Aroamas Scar Advanced Scar Gel
Best Budget - Mederma Advanced Scar Cream
SPECS
- Size: 0.7 oz.
- Active ingredients: Allantoin 0.5%
- Amount per treatment: Not specified
- Treatment duration: 8 weeks for new scars, 3-6 months for existing scars Product style: Cream
Mederma Advanced scar cream is a triple-action formula that helps to moisturize scar surfaces and encourage cell renewal and collagen formation. This scar cream can be used on old or new scars and the active ingredient is allantoin. The directions state that you'll need to use this scar cream for eight weeks on new scars and 3-6 months on older scars before expecting results. You can use this cream on acne, burns, or surgery scars, and given the reasonable price, we picked it as the best budget scar cream.
What We Like
- Choose from 1-pack or 2-pack
- Can be used on new or old scars
- Triple-action formula
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't work for everyone
- Small container
BUY: Mederma Advanced Scar Cream
Best for Face - Primal Soapworks Premium Scar Cream
SPECS
- Size: 1.05 oz.
- Active ingredients: Crocodile oil
- Amount per treatment: Not specified
- Treatment duration: 8 weeks for new scars, 3-6 months for existing scars
- Product style: Cream
This scar cream is made with a gentle formula that has proven effective for many users. You can use it on various types of scars, including burns, cuts, surgical, and more. Simply use this cream once or twice a day to help promote scar healing.
You can safely use this scar cream all over the body, including on the face. The label lists "crocodile oil" as the key ingredient, but there isn't a full ingredient list available for this product.
What We Like
- Soothing, gentle formula
- Safe to use on the face
- Can be used on many different types of scars
What We Don't Like
- The ingredient list isn't available online
- Small container
BUY: Primal Soapworks Premium Scar Cream
Best for After Surgery - Muraski Beauty Silicone Scar Gel
SPECS
- Size: 1.06 oz.
- Active ingredients: Silicone
- Amount per treatment: Contains a 60-day supply
- Treatment duration: 8 weeks for new scars, 3-6 months for existing scars
- Product style: Gel
The Murasaki silicone scar gel is made to help moisturize and soothe scarred skin to reduce its appearance. This scar gel uses silicone as the main ingredient. It is easy to apply and the container has a 60-day supply. You should apply this gel two to three times per day.
This scar gel can be used on new or old scars. The ingredient label isn't listed for this product, but it does state that silicone is the main ingredient. You can use this on any type of scar, from surgical scars to acne and stretch marks.
What We Like
- Decent-sized container provides a 60-day supply
- Non-greasy formula
- Can be used for new or old scars
What We Don't Like
- The other ingredients are not listed
- Higher price point when compared with other options
BUY: Muraski Beauty Silicone Scar Gel
Best for Burns - Cicatricure Face and Body Scar Gel
SPECS
- Size: 1 oz.
- Active Ingredients: Onion extract (Allium cepa), Chamomile extract (Chamomilla recutita), Thyme extract (Thymus vulgaris), Nacre shell extract, Walnut extract (Juglans regia), Aloe extract (Aloe vera).
- Amount per treatment: Not specified
- Treatment duration: 60 days
- Product style: Gel
The Cicatricure scar gel is made from natural ingredients like onion extract and chamomile. This scar and stretch mark treatment works to hydrate and soften the skin. It is recommended that you apply this gel four times per day for 60 days, but you may be able to see results in as little as two weeks.
This scar cream can be used on the face or body, but it is not recommended for keloid scars. The one-ounce container is small but travel-friendly. This is a great option if you want a scar cream with more natural ingredients.
What We Like
- Natural ingredients
- Travel-friendly container
- Can be used on the face or body
What We Don't Like
- Some users reported a sticky texture
- Small container
BUY: Cicatricure Face and Body Scar Gel
Best for Kids - Mederma for Kids
SPECS
- Size: 0.7 oz.
- Active ingredients: Cepalin botanical extract
- Amount per treatment: Apply enough to cover the scar 3x per day
- Treatment duration: 8 weeks for new scars, 3-6 months for existing scars
- Product style: Cream
This scar cream is designed specifically for children. Mederma for Kids is made with Cepalin botanical extract. This scar cream can be used on scars from cuts, stitches, burns, surgery, or insect bites.
There are many reasons why kids get scars. Their gentle, soft skin can scar easily, so using a scar cream can help to prevent scarring or lessen the appearance of scars that already exist. This cream can be used on old scars and new scars.
What We Like
- Designed specifically for children
- Clinically-backed ingredients
- Can be used on new or old scars
What We Don't Like
- This scar cream can stain fabrics
- Has a strong scent
BUY: Mederma For Kids
Best for Acne - T&H Advanced Silicone Scar Gel
SPECS
- Size: 1.06 oz.
- Active ingredients: Medical-grade silicone
- Amount per treatment: Apply a small amount 3-5 times per day
- Treatment duration: Not specified
- Product style: Gel
The T&H silicone scar gel is made with gentle, non-toxic ingredients. It is safe for sensitive skin and can be used on all types of scars. This scar gel is colorless and odorless.
This scar gel can be used on adults or children, and it can help to relieve itching, as well. This scar gel can also provide some shielding from the sun, but it is important to use sunscreen to keep sun exposure to scars as minimal as possible.
What We Like
- Safe for use on adults and children
- Gentle, non-toxic ingredients
- Made with medical-grade silicone
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Small container
BUY: T&H Advanced Silicone Scar Gel
Best Scar Oil - Leven Rose Raspberry Seed Oil
SPECS
- Size: 1 oz.
- Active ingredients: Raspberry seed oil
- Amount per treatment: Varies
- Treatment duration: Varies
- Product style: Oil
The Level Rose raspberry seed oil can be applied topically to help soothe the skin. This natural remedy can be used on acne scars and other blemishes to help moisturize the skin. This is a great choice if you want to soothe your skin with a more pure and natural option.
Because raspberry seed isn't specifically formulated to be used on scars, there are specific instructions regarding how often to apply this. It may also help protect your skin from the sun, which can help with scar healing.
What We Like
- A natural and pure skin oil
- No additives or chemical ingredients
- Effectively moisturizes skin
What We Don't Like
- No scar-specific instructions on how often to use it
- The label says organic, but there is no organic certification
BUY: Leven Rose Raspberry Seed Oil
Best for Body - Beautivity Scar Remover Cream
SPECS
- Size: 1 oz.
- Active ingredients: Elastonyl
- Amount per treatment: Not specified
- Treatment duration: Varies
- Product style: Cream
The Beautivity scar cream is made with naturally derived ingredients like shea butter, rosehip seed oil, and cocoa butter. The key ingredients, Elastony and Collaxyl, work to reduce scar appearance and soothe skin.
You should apply this scar cream daily, every 3-4 hours, to see results. You can use this cream on scars and stretch marks. The intended action of this scar cream is to boost collagen production to smooth out the skin.
What We Like
- Contains natural ingredients
- Affordable price
- Can be used on scars and stretch marks
What We Don't Like
- You have to apply it very frequently (every 3-4 hours)
- Small bottle
BUY: Beautivity Scar Remover Cream
Best with SPF - BioCorneum Advanced Scar Gel
SPECS
- Size: 1.73 oz.
- Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, meradimate, octisalate, octocrylene
- Amount per treatment: Apply a small thin layer to the scar surface
- Treatment duration: A few weeks to months
- Product style: Gel
The BIOCORNEUM scar cream comes with SPF 30 sunscreen included, so it can double as a sunscreen for added protection. Benefits of this product include that it is two products in one and that the SPF can help the scar heal.
This cream adheres to the skin once it dries, providing long-lasting sun protection for 12-24 hours. You can use this cream on all types of scars, including surgical scars, wounds, burns, and more.
What We Like
- 2 products in one
- Long-lasting sun protection
- Can be used on old scars
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Takes some time to dry and may have a sticky feeling after
BUY: BioCorneum Advanced Scar Gel
How to Choose the Best Scar Cream
You'll want to consider some important factors when shopping for scar cream. Below, we're sharing some key features to look for in your scar cream to help you find the best one to suit your needs, including active ingredients, treatment duration, and product style.
Active Ingredients
The active ingredients are an important distinguishing feature of scar creams. Active ingredients vary, and some may work better than others. Many scar creams are made with silicone which can effectively help to reduce the appearance of scars. You may be looking for a more natural, non-toxic option. If this is the case, you may want to look for a scar cream with more natural ingredients, like raspberry seed oil or shea butter.
Treatment Duration
The treatment duration is when you'll have to use the scar cream before expecting results. This varies from product to product and will also vary for each person. Generally, many scar creams have a treatment duration of eight weeks for new scars and three to six months for older scars.
Product Style
Some scar treatment products are a gel consistency, while others are more of a cream. There are even scar oils that can be helpful with scar appearance, too. Before purchasing, check the product to see if it is a gel or cream. The product's style and consistency will affect how it feels when it goes on the skin. Some gels will dry on the skin and leave some residue, while others will rub in better. Creams usually feel more like a lotion when applied to the skin. If you use scar oil, you may feel like it sits on your skin more than a cream. Either way, it is helpful to massage scar treatments into a scar for a few minutes at a time (usually three to five minutes) for optimal results.
FAQs About Scar Cream
Are scar creams effective?
Generally, scar creams are an effective method to help scars heal. They can help reduce the appearance of scars and even help the raised skin on scars go back to normal. As with any product, every person can expect different results when using a scar cream. So there is always the possibility that a scar cream may not work for you. Scar creams are usually more effective on smaller, more mild scars. Regardless of the size and severity of your scar, trying a scar cream is still a good idea. It may not work, but it is certainly worth trying.
How do you fade scars fast?
The key to having a scar fade is taking steps to help it heal properly. You can start using healing methods when a scar is new by supporting and soothing the skin. There are a variety of different skincare approaches that can help with reducing the appearance of scars. Scar creams and gels can help the scar fade while it is still healing. Look for a scar cream that contains silicone, vitamin E, onion extract, or cocoa butter because these are all helpful ingredients. Using sun protection on scars helps with scar healing, as well. So look for a scar cream with added SPF or pair it with sunscreen for optimal results.
How long does scar cream take to work?
Generally, you can expect a newer scar to take up to eight weeks to fade and an older scar to take 3-6 months to fade when using scar cream. The effects of a scar cream vary depending on the product itself and whether the scar is new or old. For an older scar, it will take longer to see results when using scar cream. You may use a scar cream for more than six months before seeing results, or you may never see results. Every person will react differently to the effects of scar cream. What works great for one person may not work well or at all for another person. You may have to try more than one scar cream before finding one that works best for you.
How can I naturally lighten my scars?
You can try several natural scar treatments, including raspberry seed oil and lemon or lime juice. These methods may help naturally lighten your scar, but they haven't been clinically proven. If you want to use a scar cream but shy away from synthetic chemical ingredients, then look for one that contains natural ingredients like onion extract.