The 9 Best Scar Creams for Unwanted Scars in 2024: For Burns, Surgery, Acne, and More

A quick look at the best scar creams

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.

Healthline’s picks for the best scar creams

Comparison of the best scar creams

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.

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 vera, 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.

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

Frequently asked questions about scar creams

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.