8 Best Scar Creams and Gels of 2023: How to Use and What to Buy

Apr 18, 2024

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Tackle stubborn scars with these option.

Scars are a natural part of life, and there’s nothing that says you can’t have a scar—or five. But some scars are more noticeable than others. If you have a mark on your skin and it bothers you, it makes sense to want to try one of the best scar creams to try to clear it up.

Scar creams aren’t perfect, though. “Keep in mind that there are different types of scars and each scar evolves differently over time,” says Susan Massick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “The cause of the scar, the skin type of the person, the location of the scar, your genetics, and the adherence to wound care while healing all play a role in how well your skin heals and how your scar will look.”

Keep in mind that you may not be able to fully get rid of a scar, but you can help blend it into the surrounding skin so it’s less visible, Dr. Massick says. That said, scar creams can help, especially if you use them soon after your wound has healed, says board-certified dermatologist Ife J. Rodney, M.D., founding director of Eternal Dermatology Aesthetics.

Meet the experts: Susan Massick, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; Ife J. Rodney, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and founding director of Eternal Dermatology Aesthetics.

But what should you look for in a scar cream and what are the best creams for scars out there? Scroll down for more.

Mederma’s Advanced Scar Gel is packed with ingredients to help tackle visible scars. A big one is allantoin, which promotes faster wound healing and scar formation, per Dr. Massick. It also boasts moisturizing ingredients and promises to show results in as little as eight weeks.

What the reviews say: “The gel goes on easier than the cream and it goes a long way,” says a fan. “Had hip replacement and this stuff is really working on the scar. Most of it is gone now.”

Strataderm contains silicone—which is proven to help with scar healing—and is designed for old and new scars. While it’s powerful, the tube contains just 0.17 ounces of treatment, making it ideal for smaller scars.

What the reviews say: “I have a relatively new scar under my nose. By relatively new; I mean it’s been there 18 months,” said a user. “I knew that I still had a ways to go before it didn’t stand out. I bought the 5 gram tube and three months later, I can say I have had a vast improvement.”

A scar cream sheet allows you to stick on a formula and go about your day while it gets to work. These sheets from Cica-Care are self-adhesive and packed with silicone to help pamper your skin and speed up the healing process. Just a heads up: You’ll need to cut the sheet into strips or pieces yourself for the right size for your scar.

What the reviews say: “Unlike other similar products, this one sticks very well and helps a little to improve the situation,” said a customer.

Old scars can be tricky to tackle. Amazon bestseller Nuvadermis is packed with ingredients to help reduce their appearance, including retinol and allantoin. A handy pump makes it easy to dispense this gel.

What the reviews say: “This stuff works,” said a user. “While I give a ton of credit to my surgeon’s skill, Nuvadermis has definitely accelerated the deeper healing that moves scars from red to white. I didn’t begin using it until after my last surgery, and I’m thrilled with the progress.”

Keloid scars, which keep growing after the wound is healed, are tricky to treat. That’s why Dr. Rodney recommends seeing a dermatologist if you suspect your scar is a keloid. But while you’re waiting for an appointment, consider this gel. It’s packed with silicone to help soften and flatten your scar.

What the reviews say: “When they removed the stitches, my doctor informed me that I needed to use silicone gel to help reduce scaring,” said a fan. “I’ve been using Kelo-cote for about three weeks now and I can definitely see an improvement.”

Stretch marks can be stubborn, but Bio-Oil is specially designed to help reduce their appearance. The oil uses vitamin E, chamomile, and lavender oil to help soothe your skin and infuse moisture. The generous 4.2 ounce container also allows you to cover plenty of area.

What the reviews say: “This product definitely made my skin hydrated and helped with some of my stretch marks,” shared a happy customer.

Mederma’s PM Intensive Overnight Scar Cream is specially formulated to help repair your skin while you sleep. The gel uses known scar-fighters dimethicone (a type of silicone) and cepalin (an onion derivative) to boost your skin. The brand promises that you’ll see noticeable results in as little as two weeks.

What the reviews say: Shared a happy customer: “I had a terrible case of poison ivy this summer which left me with huge ugly red scars on my arms. This product has made a HUGE difference in the appearance of the scars in a short amount of time!”

Stubborn scars need some serious power. This kit from ScarAway features two scar sheets and a gel to help provide 24-hour coverage. The sheets are water resistant and self-adhesive, so you can wear them in the shower.

What the reviews say: Shared a fan: “Nice packaging and easy use. Bought this to help with my C-section two months ago. So far, happy with my buy.”

Doctors say there are a few ingredients to look for in scar creams:

“A good scar cream also has a nice texture that should be easy to apply and absorb into the skin without leaving a heavy or greasy residue,” Dr. Rodney says. “It should also be geared to your skin type—for example, hypoallergenic—so you can avoid potential skin irritation.”

Doctors say it’s important to let your wound heal first, if you’re trying to prevent scarring. After that, go for it with scar cream. “The sooner, the better after a wound has healed, whether a surgical site with stitches or staples where the skin edges heal together or a traumatic injury where the wound bed fills in,” Dr. Massick says. “For best effect, try to use consistently over three months while the scar continues to evolve.”

Not all scars are created equal, Dr. Massick points out. These are the most common ones you may encounter:

To choose the best scar creams, we consulted two dermatologists for their input on what to look for in these products. We then looked at the most popular scar creams on the market and analyzed each for ingredients and value. We also carefully evaluated reviews from users to ensure we had the best view on how these creams perform for a variety of people.

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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