A Comparative Review of the Top 9 Scar Creams in 2023
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From running marathons to raising children, our bodies can take a serious beating. And sometimes we have the scars to prove it. Whether it be a skinned knee or a surprise C-section, know that if you have a scar (or a few) you can totally let them shine — but it's also perfectly acceptable if you want to take steps to lessen their appearance. That’s where a good scar cream comes into play.
Scar creams heal the existing scar tissue and hydrate and smooth the scarred area, reducing redness and evening out the skin. From mild acne scars to deep scars from an invasive surgery, there’s a scar treatment for virtually everyone. But when choosing a treatment, there are a handful of important factors to keep in mind, says Mona Shahriari, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine and partner at Central Connecticut Dermatology. “I tell my patients to look for products that have key ingredients like silicone, tranexamic acid, hydroquinone, vitamin C, and vitamin E,” says Dr. Shahriari. “Finding a product that feels cosmetically elegant on the skin is important as well.”
So how do you know which scar cream is best for you and your specific needs? The variety of options and number of products on drugstore shelves can feel overwhelming, so Shape tested 30 products for three months (that’s over 14,400 hours of testing, for those counting at home), and narrowed down the results to determine the best scar creams for different needs and preferences. Here’s what we found.
The Boysea Professional Silicone Scar Sheets was a true winner for its accessibility and impressive results. The product comes in a roll, with perforations about every two inches, so it's easy to select the size you need. The tape reminded us of teeth whitening strips, with one smooth side and the other having a very sticky gel. We didn’t notice any residue when we removed the tape, and our skin felt smooth, soft, and supple after each wear.
We did find that the tape was not comfortable for daytime wear for any scars that were under hanging skin, like a C-section, but it was comfortable to wear on those scars during sleep.
Price at time of publish: $20
Best For: Suitable for all kinds of scars, from trauma scars due to surgery, C-section, accidental injuries, as well as most types of scars caused by post-acne, keloid, and burn scars, and stretch marks | Type: Sheets | Recommended Usage: Apply the scar sheets to the scarred area and wear for up to 24-hours | Water Resistant: Yes | Reusable: Yes
The Scaraway Silicone Scar Gel is an affordable option that contains silicones and nothing else. Its compact, rollerball applicator stick makes for smooth application, and we found it super simple to integrate into our daily skincare routine. The gel’s texture felt like aloe vera, providing a cooling effect the instant it was applied, and the best part is it works on old and new scars.
We noticed after several months of application the raised parts of the scars were less bumpy, and over time the color of the scars began to return to its original skin color. But we did not notice any drastic changes, just minor improvements.
Price at time of publish: $12
Best For: Management of old and new scars resulting from surgery, trauma, wounds, and burns. | Type: Gel | Recommended Usage: Apply twice daily | Water Resistant: Yes | Reusable: N/A
If you’re looking for a scar gel that reduces the appearance of raised and deep scars, we love the Cimeosil Scar and Laser Gel. The consistency goes on a bit tacky, but created a seal that waterproofed and protected the scar. We even showered after we applied the gel and watched water bead off the scar. The gel’s clear and odorless formula could be worn under makeup or other skin care products, and we loved how little you needed. The product can only be applied once sutures from a wound have been removed, and we did notice more improvement on smaller scars rather than larger scars.
Price at time of publish: $36
Best For: Diminishing the appearance of large, thick, raised scars caused by burns, abrasions, or lacerations. | Type: Gel | Recommended Usage: Apply twice daily in the morning and before bedtime. | Water Resistant: Yes | Reusable: N/A
If remembering to apply a scar gel twice a day isn’t for you, the Scaraway Clear Silicone Scar Sheets are a great alternative. Simply apply one of the silicone sheets to your scar and let them start working. (Pro tip: Cut a piece of the silicone sheet to best fit your scar to avoid wasting product.) They are meant to be worn for 12 hours each day, over the course of 60 to 90 days for best results, and can even be worn in the shower.
We loved how discreet they were once applied, and we noticed scars became flatter and closer to our natural skin tone. However, we found there to be a learning curve with these sheets, as you have to carefully peel the backing of each sheet off slowly; otherwise, the sheet can stick to itself and is no longer usable. We also found that while the packaging says they last for 10 days, the sheets only lasted for two to three days with continuous wear during our testing.
Price at time of publish: $15
Best For: Treatment and prevention of scars resulting from injuries, burns, and surgeries | Type: Sheets | Recommended Usage: One sheet lasts for 10 days of wear. Can be worn in the shower, but do not expose to water for prolonged periods of time. | Water Resistant: Yes | Reusable: Yes
The RejûvaSil Silicone Scar Gel is designed to flatten raised scars and relieve itchiness that can come with the healing process. The product was easy to apply and adhered well to the scar, but we found that if you used too much it could pill on the skin. A pea-sized amount was all that was needed. We loved how smooth and cooling the gel felt, and we noticed discoloration of the skin and the scar improved after just a few uses.
Price at time of publish: $50
Best For: Facial and pediatric scars | Type: Gel | Recommended Usage: Apply two to three times a day. | Water Resistant: Yes | Reusable: N/A
Durable, self-adhering, and long-lasting, the Rejûvaskin Scar Fx Silicone Sheeting is a great treatment for deep or dark scars. The product comes in nine different sizes that range from as small as 1.5’’ x 3’’ to one that can cover almost your entire back. The sheet is designed to adhere to the scarred area for up to 45 days of continual wear but can be removed while taking a shower and during long-term exposure to water. We noticed our scars lightened faster with this product compared to the topical gel treatments we tested, and we liked that you could cut the sheet to fit just the scarred area.
We did notice that clothing, activity, and sweat caused the product to shift, which made it less adhesive over time.
Price at time of publish: $30
Best For: Surgical and traumatic scars, and burns | Type: Sheets | Recommended Usage: Each sheet lasts between 30- 45 days. They can be washed with a mild soap and water and reused. | Water Resistant: Yes | Reusable: Yes
Specifically formulated to work with your skin's night-time regenerative activity, the Mederma PM Overnight Scar Cream helps reduce the appearance of scars. We loved how rich and luxurious the cream felt, and it made for a perfect addition to any bedtime routine. It quickly removed the appearance of red or raised scars, compared to other topical creams that we tried, and you only needed a small amount.
We did notice that if you applied too much it became tacky on the skin, and the musky smell was intense at first and may not be for everyone.
Price at time of publish: $22
Best For: Appearance of scars caused by acne, surgery, burns, and injury | Type: Cream | Recommended Usage: Apply once nightly for at least 8 weeks on new scars and 3-6 months on existing scars. | Water Resistant: No | Reusable: N/A
In addition to the silicone tape and scar gel, the Sunnie Skin SCAR SMOOTH™ Medical Grade Scar Reducing Kit comes with a vibrating beauty bar that allows you to massage the gel directly into the scar for best results. We loved how gentle the vibrations were and felt like the product really absorbed into the skin after each use. The gel had no odor or sticky residue, and the scar sheets felt like second skin and stayed on easily. They didn’t leave any residue or adhesive and could be worn all day with no issues.
The only minor problem we ran into was wishing the scar tape came pre-cut to make for easier application.
Price at time of publish: $95
Best For: Treatment of a variety of scar conditions like post-surgery scars, C-Section, lacerations, household accidents, burns, and acne | Type: Scar tape, scar gel, and vibrating beauty bar | Recommended Usage: Apply a thin layer of ScarSmooth Gel over the scar after cleansing or showering. Then use the beauty bar over the gel to gently massage into the wound for up to 2 minutes. Once complete, apply the scar tape over the gel and press into place. Scar tape can be worn for up to 23 hours | Water Resistant: No | Reusable: The scar tape is reusable and should not be worn in the shower or in water.
Designed for the treatment of C-section or hysterectomy scars, the Biodermis Epi-Derm C-Strip Package can really be worn for any scar that is in a relatively straight line. The product comes in pre-cut strips that should be applied directly to the scar and worn all day. We loved that it didn't pull at the skin or stick to any clothing, and the texture was hydrating and nourishing. We noticed a definite improvement over time of the scar's color, which changed from purple to faint white. The strip did leave a white cast when we removed it, but that only lasted a few minutes.
Price at time of publish: $29
Best For: Treatment for C-section and hysterectomy scars. | Type: Sheets | Recommended Usage: Apply the strip directly to the scar. Only remove when showering or swimming, and wash the strip once a day | Water Resistant: No | Reusable: Yes
We tested the Mederma Advanced Scar Gel, but did not like how the product felt once it was applied. It stung, tickled, and felt tight around the scar. We also noticed that the product took a long time to absorb.
We also tested the Mederma Scar Sheet. We did notice some change in discoloration, but there was no change in the raised nature of the scar. The sheets came in strip form and felt like applying a BandAid. We wish they adhered more to the skin, so we could have worn them for longer.
When we tried the Aroamas Scar Professional Silicone Scar Sheets, we found the product to be sticky and slimy. We had to cut each sheet to the right fit for each scar and found the adhesive to not be as sticky as the packaging suggested, so we could not reuse them.
To determine the best scar creams, we did comprehensive research on the most popular and widely available products on the marketplace. From there, we selected 30 products and tested each of them on a variety of scars for three months, following each product's instructions.
We photographed 'Before' photos of the scar, then photographed the scar once the product was applied to show how it sat and worked on the skin. Then we documented if the product absorbed quickly, left a white cast, and how it felt. Finally, we took 'After' photos to show how much, if at all, the scar lightened over the course of the test. We documented any changes throughout the process.
We also interviewed Dr. Jeremy Fenton, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City and Long Beach, NY, who provided expert guidance during the testing process. We also interviewed Dr. Mona Shahriari about the efficacy and safety of using scar creams.
There are several different types of scar treatments, but the most common over-the-counter options are gels, creams, and sheets. Gels are usually silicone-based and creams work by providing an extra layer of moisture to hydrate the skin. Scar sheets or tape are typically used on larger or deeper scars and create a protective barrier over the scar, to prevent further production of excess scar tissue.
A little background info first: Our bodies repair skin injuries differently based on the depth of laceration, and collagen plays a critical role in scar formation. Too little collagen can result in sunken atrophic scars while too much collagen can result in raised scars.
Dr. Shahriari says that one of the benefits of scar creams is they can prevent the excess production of collagen during the wound healing process, and can help prevent abnormal scar formation. They can also add moisture and hydration back to the skin, which allows for younger cells to rise to the surface, creating younger, healthier-looking skin.
"Scar creams that have lightening agents in them can also address the post-inflammatory pigment alteration that is associated with some scars," says Dr. Shahriari.
Like any over-the-counter medicine, always follow the product's instructions. Most scar creams need to be applied at least twice a day to clean skin, while scar sheets can usually be left on for hours or even days. If you're unsure what product or type of scar treatment is right for you, consult with your dermatologist.
Just as with so many other things about your skin, how quickly and effectively your scars heal with scar creams will vary from person to person. It depends on how severe the initial injury was, how you cared for the area at the time, and the natural pigmentation of your skin.
"Remember, scar creams will not work overnight, and in some cases, it can take weeks to months to see a noticeable difference, so be patient to achieve the best results," says Dr. Shahriari. "Also, don't forget to apply sunscreen to scars since those areas are more prone to the damaging effects of the sun."
Most scars will naturally fade over time, but if you are concerned about the appearance of a scar, it’s best to seek advice from a board-certified dermatologist. They can answer any questions and provide guidance on minimizing the visibility of your scar, ensuring that you are treating it safely and effectively.
Lauryn Higgins is a journalist whose work focuses primarily on public health and wellness. She reviews products in the fitness, beauty, and lifestyle categories. She currently works as a freelance journalist and adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her work has appeared in NPR, Women's Health, RealSimple, Well + Good, Health.com, and Teen Vogue. Her work tracking the COVID-19 pandemic at the New York Times was part of a team that won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.
Mona Shahriari, MD, is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine, the Associate Director of Clinical Trials at CCD Research, and a senior editor for the Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis. She also serves her local dermatology community as President of the Connecticut Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. Shahriari's clinical and research interests include inflammatory skin conditions and the study of novel therapeutics for skin disease. Her clinical focus includes psoriasis and eczema, in particular treatment regimens utilizing biologics. She has served as principal investigator and sub-investigator for numerous multi-center clinical studies, published articles in well-renowned peer-reviewed journals, and served as an invited speaker at local, national, and international conferences.
