We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Skin & Hair Products The 9 Best Scar Creams to Fade and Smooth Unwanted Scars, Tested and Reviewed Reduce the appearance and texture of unwanted scars with these scar creams. By Sarah Bradley Updated on March 11, 2024 Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO Fact checked by Rich Scherr Print Verywell Health / Joy Kim No matter how careful you are, scars happen. The possibilities for acquiring scars are endless, whether they be from environmental exposures to infections and injuries. While some scars are small and inconspicuous enough to go unnoticed, others may be larger, darker, rougher, or in a highly visible location. If you have a more noticeable scar, you may have considered using a scar cream to help repair it faster. Scar creams can speed healing and moisturize the skin, further promoting health and regrowth. That said, some scar creams make promises they can’t keep. We tested 30 OTC scar treatment products in the Verywell Testing Lab and assessed them based on overall effectiveness, feel, scent, ease of use, and value. Then, we spoke with dermatologists about the most important things to consider in a scar cream. We then consulted experts and had an expert from our Medical Review Board review this article for medical accuracy. Ingredients to Look For and Avoid Silicone: Scar creams with silicone are the most common OTC treatment, says Brian Brazzo, an ophthalmic and facial plastic surgeon in New York City. Allantoin: Dr. Brazzo says allantoin can hydrate the skin, soften keratin, and promote healing. For the same reason, you might also see hyaluronic acid in some scar treatments. Allantoin and hyaluronic acid stimulate collagen production, notes Dr. Brazzo, which restores the skin's natural architecture and leads to smoother skin with normal elasticity and color. Onion extract: Lastly, onion extract is an unusual ingredient in many scar creams. This ingredient is an effective complementary treatment to many more common scar-healing ingredients like allantoin and petroleum-based ointments. You'll want to avoid irritants that may cause adverse reactions, such as chemical sunscreens (such as oxybenzone or avobenzone), preservatives and fragrances, fruit acids, and retinol. Dr. Brazzo says some products include these ingredients to reduce hyperpigmentation further, but they tend to cause more irritation on the skin (which can delay the healing process). Types of Scars Vicki Rapaport, MD, dermatologist and founder of Rapaport Dermatology of Beverly Hills, says there are several types of scars, and you should determine which kind you have before choosing a treatment. Atrophic and hypertrophic: These scars are sunken into the skin, appearing as small indentations. They occur commonly after severe acne or chicken pox. On the other hand, hypertrophic scars are raised scars that sit above the skin's surface and take on a firm appearance. Silicone-based treatments are typically recommended for atrophic and hypertrophic scars.Flat: Many scars initially rise above the skin, but some will flatten out over time, creating a flat scar that often blends in with the color of your skin. If you want your scar to blend in better with your skin color, a treatment containing allantoin or onion extract may affect the pigmentation of your scar.Stretch marks: When skin changes quickly, the tissue can stretch to the point of breakage and create stretch marks. These are often red, purple, or brown initially but may fade to white or silver. Products containing hyaluronic acid or retinol-based ingredients may effectively treat stretch marks.Contracture: When a large area of skin is damaged and has to join together again in the healing process, it can create a scar that feels tight and can cause problems with your muscles and tendons. These scars often require surgical intervention, so you should see a dermatologist if you want to treat a contracture scar.Targeted body part: The best scar treatment on the market won't do much for you if it's not compatible with the part of the body you want to use it on. While silicone patches or strips can be effective treatments, helping to keep the wound moist and reducing surface tension on the wound, Dr. Brazzo says they typically don't work well for your face or jointed parts of the body that are always moving (like your knee or elbow, for example). If the scar you're treating is on your face or one of these highly mobile areas, Dr. Brazzo says you will be better off with a topical product you can apply a few times daily. When to Consult a Doctor Some scars may fade with scar creams, but others may need treatment from a medical professional like a dermatologist. For example, keloid scars form when the skin creates too much collagen during the healing process, and they typically don't go away independently over time. As a result, these scars can grow fairly large, taking on a dark, thick, rounded appearance. Because of this, they usually require treatment from a dermatologist. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Biodermis Epi-Derm C-Strip Silicone Scar Sheets at Amazon ($29) Jump to Review Best Overall Runner-Up: Boysea Professional Silicone Scar Sheets at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best Budget: ScarAway Silicone Scar Gel at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review Best for Overnight: Cimeosil Scar and Laser Gel at Cimeosil.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Discoloration: Rejuvaskin RejûvaSil Silicone Scar Gel at Amazon ($50) Jump to Review Best Sheets: ScarAway Clear Silicone Scar Sheets at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best Cream: Mederma PM Intensive Overnight Scar Cream at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review Best at Improving Texture: Aroamas Scar Professional Silicone Scar Sheets at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best Kit: Sunnie Skin Medical Grade Scar Reducing Kit at Sunnieskin.com (See Price) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Ingredients to Look For and Avoid Types of Scars Our Picks We Also Tested How We Tested the Best Scar Creams What to Look For in a Scar Cream FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall Biodermis Epi-Derm C-Strip Silicone Scar Sheets Amazon View On Amazon $29 View On Biodermis.com Pros Washable and reusable Comfortable to wear 24/7 Effective on dark scars Cons May not work for non-cesarean scars Looks dirty after 1 to 2 weeks Key Specs: Form: Sheet | Active Ingredients: Silicone | Dose: 1 strip | Usage: C-section and hysterectomy scars Why We Recommend It Even with the advances in modern medicine, women who undergo cesarean sections to deliver their babies still have to live with a noticeable scar afterward—unless they use the Biodermis Epi-Derm C-Strip Package. We found this product simple to use and more effective than most other treatments we tried. After wearing the strip 24/7 for two weeks, our editor’s purple C-section scar turned a faint white.Although it does require a prolonged commitment—you wear, wash, and reuse the strip every day, only removing it for bathing or swimming—we had zero complaints about the strip’s comfort. It didn’t stick to our clothes, come loose, pull at our skin, or leave any residue or discoloration except for a brief white cast for a few minutes after removing it. Most of the time, we forgot we were wearing it. Keep in Mind The strip looked dirty after the first week, and you only get one strip per package. Even though we were happy with the results after two weeks, we would have loved to have another go at it with a second strip without paying for an additional strip. Best Overall Runner-Up Boysea Professional Silicone Scar Sheets Amazon View On Amazon $20 Pros Sizing is easy to choose No residue or odor Leaves skin soft and smooth Cons Uncomfortable to wear for prolonged periods May work better on old scars versus new ones Key Specs: Form: Sheet | Active Ingredients: Silicone | Dose: 1 sheet | Usage: Multi-use Why We Recommend It We were so happy with how the Boysea Professional Silicone Scar Sheets cream lightened and flattened out an old C-section scar that we picked it as our runner-up for best overall treatment. It was incredibly easy to use and improved our scar enough to recommend it highly. The sheets come on a perforated roll, making it easy to tear off the size you need and remove the backing before applying it to your scar. We were happy that the sheets left no sticky residue on our skin when we removed them. In fact, our skin felt soft, smooth, and supple. Because the scar we tested with these sheets was more than four years old, we were impressed when they improved both the pigmentation and texture of the scar—especially since we only wore the sheets at night while we slept. Keep in Mind Keeping them on for the recommended 24 hours a day was pretty uncomfortable, so keep that in mind. Verywell Health / Jessica Fleming Best Budget ScarAway Silicone Scar Gel ScarAway View On Amazon $17 View On Target $13 View On Riteaid.com $30 Pros Easy, roll-on application Cooling and hydrating Lightens and smooths stubborn scars Cons Results require a lot of time and diligence Leaves a slightly sticky residue Key Specs: Form: Gel | Active Ingredients: Silicone | Dose: Thin coating, twice daily | Usage: Keloid and hypertrophic scars Why We Recommend It The Scaraway Silicone Scar Gel probably won’t work miracles on very noticeable scars, but we were pleased enough with its effects that we think it’s a solid choice for people on a budget. The scar we tested this gel on was the size of a nickel with a bumpy texture and multiple colorations. After several months, the rougher parts of the scar smoothed out, and the overall pigmentation of the scar was closer to our skin tone. While it took a while to see results, we can’t complain about how easy it was to use this product. Because it comes in a roll-on stick, remembering to use it twice daily is super simple. We loved how we could roll on a thin gel layer as part of our daily routine. The consistency made it feel like aloe and gave us a cooling, hydrating sensation. Ultimately, the effects weren’t outstanding, but they were promising enough to motivate us to stick with it (and considering how easy the gel is to use, that was fine with us). Keep in Mind: There was a little residue, but not enough to bother us. Also, this product requires dedication, as it won't give noticeable results overnight. If you need speedy or drastic results, you should consider other options. Verywell Health Verywell Health Best for Overnight Cimeosil Scar and Laser Gel Amazon View On Cimeosil.com Pros Noticeably lightens and flattens small scars Creates a waterproof seal for maximum healing Can be used twice daily Cons Strange, plastic-like texture Works better on small scars versus large ones Key Specs: Form: Gel | Active Ingredients: Silicone | Dose: Thin coating, twice daily | Usage: Keloid and hypertrophic scars Why We Recommend Using this gel was a bit like laying down a waterproof seal of plastic wrap on our scars, so we recommend the Cimeosil Scar and Laser Gel for nighttime use (i.e., when no one will be giving your scar the side-eye). But we can’t argue with its effectiveness—we used this treatment twice a day for the duration of testing, and by the time we were done, the large scar we were treating had more flesh tones and less reddish-purple tones in it. It also felt both flatter and more sensitized to the touch. Meanwhile, the small scar we treated had a significant reduction in both color and puffiness, flattening out and lightening more to our skin tone. Keep in Mind Our biggest issue with the Cimeosil gel was its texture and consistency. It created a noticeable tacky seal over the skin that was waterproof but also noticeable for the first few hours before blending better into the skin. Unfortunately, over time, it clogged up some of our pores. We didn’t mind it, but that kind of application and appearance isn’t for everyone. Verywell Health / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger Best for Discoloration Rejuvaskin RejûvaSil Silicone Scar Gel Amazon View On Amazon $50 View On Walmart $24 View On Rejuvaskin.com Pros Easy, smooth application Visibly lightens some types of scars Good for older scars Cons May work better on old scars versus new ones Does not affect the texture of scars Key Specs: Form: Gel | Active Ingredients: Silicone | Dose: Thin coating | Usage: Multi-use Why We Recommend It We tested the RejûvaSil Silicone Scar Gel on two flat scars—one about two years old and only three months old. The goal in treating both of these scars was to lighten their pigmentation since neither was raised at the start of our testing. While we saw a noticeable difference in the older scar, noting that it faded nicely to the point of mostly blending in with our skin, we didn’t see the same kind of results with the newer scar. That said, this gel was fairly easy for us to incorporate into our daily routine; we could smoothly spread a pea-sized amount over each scar, and it left no residue or odor behind. With the right scar (i.e., an older one) and some patience, this gel might improve discoloration. Keep in Mind At $50, we think this one is a bit overpriced for the results it delivers, but the manufacturer also recommends using the gel two to three times per day, and we only managed once on average. Verywell Health / Dana Sorkin Best Sheets ScarAway Clear Silicone Scar Sheets ScarAway View On Amazon $15 View On Walgreens $39 View On Target $16 Pros Smoothing and hydrating Flattens and softens scars Can be worn for up to 10 days Cons Hard to apply Sheets need to be trimmed for small scars Key Specs: Form: Sheet | Active Ingredients: Silicone | Dose: 1 sheet | Usage: Multi-use Why We Recommend It If you’re looking for something budget-friendly but don’t think a gel-based product like the Scaraway Silicone Scar Gel is for you, we recommend using the Scaraway Clear Silicone Scar Sheets instead. These soothing, hydrating gel sheets were a dream to wear and became nearly invisible on the skin. They also changed the texture and appearance of four out of five scars we tested, which Dr. Rapaport says is one of the best reasons to use them. According to Dr. Rapaport, the sheets can minimize the visibility of existing and fresh scars, helping to flatten, soften, and smooth them out. Keep in Mind We had trouble peeling off the adhesive backing without the sheets sticking to themselves, which decreased their overall value (because we had to throw two out of six sheets away immediately). We had to trim the sheets to smaller sizes and didn’t get the extended wear advertised with some of our applications. We used them on our feet, so you might have better luck using them on a different body part. Verywell Health Verywell Health Best Cream Mederma PM Intensive Overnight Scar Cream Mederma View On Amazon $17 View On Walmart $29 View On Target $17 Pros Lightweight but hydrating formulation Multiple ingredients for improving coloration and texture Only needs to be applied once per day Cons Takes a long time to absorb Strong scent Key Specs: Form: Cream | Active Ingredients: Dimethicone, panthenol | Dose: Thin coating, once daily | Usage: Multi-use Why We Recommend It We thought the Mederma PM Overnight Scar Cream would be too heavy and thick for our liking. We were pleasantly surprised to find that it had a silky, lightweight application that hydrated our skin and improved the color and texture of our red, raised scar, leaving the skin soft and smooth after using it. Dr. Rapaport credits the cream's effectiveness to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, onion extract, and peptides, which she says have all been shown to minimize the appearance of scars and enhance the skin's texture. Plus, she notes that allowing your skin to absorb the nutrients in the cream overnight aids in its ability to leave you with a healthier, more even complexion. We found we could get away with using less cream to avoid a sticky feeling and still notice obvious results. The texture and effectiveness of the cream combined make it a solid choice for people looking for a more traditional scar treatment. Keep in Mind While the cream required a bit of patience—the drying time was one of the only things we didn’t love about the Mederma PM cream (along with the strong medicinal smell, which we could have done without). Verywell Health / Kelly Meehan Brown Best at Improving Texture Aroamas Scar Professional Silicone Scar Sheets Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Walmart $20 View On Aroamasllc.com Pros Effective even when using less than the recommended dose Smooths and flattens raised scars No residue or odor Cons May not stay in place for 24 hours Sheets need to be trimmed for small scars Key Specs: Form: Sheet | Active Ingredients: Silicone | Dose: 1 sheet | Usage: Keloid and hypertrophic scars Why We Recommend It We tested the Aroamas Scar Professional Silicone Scar Sheets on a four-year-old facial scar where the skin was damaged enough to prohibit hair growth in that area. While it was a little awkward to cut the sheets down to the appropriate size for a facial scar (and we couldn’t leave the sheets on 24/7, as recommended), we were still impressed with the results we saw. Even though we only used the sheets at night, the scar lightened a bit in color and improved in texture. In fact, the scar flattened and smoothed out enough that hair began growing again over the scar for the first time in years. Keep in Mind While the sheets were relatively easy to use and didn’t leave any residue or have any odor, we were a little annoyed that they didn’t stick to our skin or stay in place as well as advertised. Even though it wasn’t practical for us to wear the sheets for a full, 24-hour day, we were disappointed by the strength of the adhesive (though using them on a different part of the body might give you different results). Verywell Health Best Kit Sunnie Skin Medical Grade Scar Reducing Kit Sunnie Skin View On Sunnieskin.com Pros Three tools to reduce the appearance of scars Takes only five minutes per day Painless and easy to use Cons May work better on new scars versus old ones Sheets need to be trimmed for small scars Key Specs: Form: Gel | Active Ingredients: Panthenol, allantoin, silicone | Dose: Thin coating, once daily | Usage: Multi-use Why We Recommend It If you’re ready to seriously invest in treating a scar yourself, the Sunnie Skin SCAR SMOOTH™ Medical Grade Scar Reducing Kit contains more than one tool to help you reduce the appearance of scars. Even though the kit had three components (a gel, a wand, and a roll of scar tape), it didn’t take us more than five minutes a day to go through all its steps. Our scar was pretty tough: a pea-sized keloid scar we’ve had for about 20 years. While we didn’t see dramatic results (that’s to be expected with keloid scars, which usually require surgery), we noticed a less dense scar at the end of testing. In fact, we think the wand is one of the pieces that makes this kit stand out from other gel-based or sheet-style products. It’s designed to break up scar tissue, and we could feel it painlessly doing just that when we used it. We think this treatment trio could be worth the investment for people with newer scars or scars that cover a larger surface area. Keep in Mind This kit may work better on new scars versus old ones. Also, if you're using this on small scars, we suggest trimming the sheets as they may be too big. We Also Tested Avéne Cicalfate+ Scar Gel: This gel was easy to use and apply, leaving little to no scent or residue behind, but it wasn’t overly moisturizing and didn’t really seem to effect any measurable change. Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil: This oil was super hydrating but also kind of messy. While it helped clear up our mild scabbing, it didn’t do much to change the appearance of our scars.Mederma Scar Cream + SPF 30: The Mederma Scar Cream with SPF was non-greasy and easy to apply. However, the instructions said it should be used three times per day, which felt like a lot, considering it didn’t make our scars look any different.Derma E Scar Gel: We liked the ease of application with this gel. However, the lavender scent was overpowering, and the small amount you get for the cost seemed a little unreasonable since it didn’t have a hugely noticeable effect on our scars.Cicatricure Face & Body Scar Gel: We definitely didn’t hate this treatment—it seemed to lighten the appearance and reduce the depth of our acne scars. But you need to apply it four times daily, and it takes 10 to 15 minutes to absorb fully, so it’s not easy to use. How We Tested the Best Scar Creams The products were also tested on various scars, some old and some new, some raised and others flat or hollow. In total, we tested 30 OTC scar creams. Throughout the lab testing phase and our research, we also relied on the expertise of several dermatologists and plastic surgeons, both in the Lab phase of our testing and during the research process. We narrowed our list down to the final nine based on the following criteria: Overall effectiveness: We followed the manufacturer's instructions and applied as directed to the best of our ability. We paid close attention to our scars during the testing process—to see if they were changing—and did a photo-based comparison at the end of our testing to get an objective look at any significant reduction in scarring.Feel: When using the treatments, we inspected how the product felt and any accompanying sensations it gave us. We considered their comfort and whether they were easy to wear for the instructed time.Scent: While using, we noted if any scents were strong, off-putting, or lingered around.Ease of use: When following the directions throughout the test, we monitored how easy it was to use the product in our daily routines. We also took into account the product's design and whether it was user-friendly or not.Value: At the end of our test, we compared the product's performance with its price to see if the cost matched its value. What to Look For in a Scar Cream Form: Dr. Brazzo says that the actual form of your treatment isn’t that important (aside from choosing the right product for the right body part). It’s more a matter of personal preference: Some people find oils messy, some people like the easy absorption of creams, and others like thicker ointments to keep the wound moist. Consider what product type you’ll be happy to turn to multiple times daily. Potential interactions: Depending on the type of product you choose, you may need to look out for allergic reactions. Open skin is more sensitive to allergens, says Melanie Palm, MD, a dermatologist at Art of Skin MD. She adds that while silicone-based products are unlikely to cause a reaction, some OTC treatments contain other ingredients that increase the likelihood of a response. Our Experts We use expert input at every step of reporting, testing, and writing this story. Here are some of the experts we consulted along the way: Brian Brazzo, MD, an ophthalmic and facial plastic surgeon in New York City Melanie Palm, MD, a dermatologist at Art of Skin MD Jeremy Fenton, MD, dermatologist and Medical Director for Schweiger Dermatology Group Vicki Rapaport, MD, dermatologist and founder of Rapaport Dermatology of Beverly Hills Frequently Asked Questions How does scar cream work? It depends on what ingredients it relies on, but scar creams typically promote the regrowth of skin cells so the scar can be filled with normal, undamaged skin. However, different creams work differently based on their ingredients.Dr. Palm explains silicone, for example, creates a negative pressure environment on an evolving, new scar that stops collagen from overdeveloping and creating keloids. Plant-based ingredients like allantoin and onion extract work by rehydrating and moisturizing the skin, softening the skin bonds, and allowing for regrowth. How soon can I use scar cream after surgery? You should follow your physician’s directions, says Dr. Palm, but most scar creams can and should be used shortly after your sutures are removed. However, you may need to use a treatment for several months to see the best results. How quickly can you see results when you use a scar cream? It depends on the severity of the scar, says Dr. Rapaport, as well as your age, skin type, and the product being used. She recommends giving a product at least two weeks before expecting to see a noticeable difference. Why Trust Verywell Health Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017—everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that manage everyday health conditions, from GI issues and allergies to chronic headaches and joint pain. 5 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Stanford Medicine Health Care. Different Types of Scars and Treatments. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Acne scars: Diagnosis and treatment. Conti V, Corbi G, Iannaccone T, et al. Effectiveness and tolerability of a patch containing onion extract and allantoin for cesarean section scars. Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:569514. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.569514 American Academy of Dermatology Association. Scars: Signs and Symptpms. American Academy of Dermatology Association. "Stretch Marks: Why They Appear And How To Get Rid Of Them." Accessed August 12, 2023. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit