Long after your acne has cleared up, you may deal with unsightly acne scars. While these scars aren’t as noticeable as pimples, they can be just as frustrating to deal with, especially since they don’t clear up easily or quickly. Without treatment, they may even stick around for years.
We reviewed plenty of acne scar creams to help you pick the best of the best. We considered each cream’s cost, effectiveness, dosage, ease of use, safety, customer reviews, and ingredients when choosing each product.
This product includes one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C on the market, making it a great choice for fighting acne scars.
After much review, the Organixx Restore Vitamin C Serum rose to the top as the best acne scar cream you can purchase. This cream contains one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C on the market, which can help reduce the appearance of your acne scars. Plus, it’s just good for your face overall and comes with very few side effects.
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The 5 Top-Rated Acne Scar Creams
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Acne Scar Cream Overall | Organixx Restore Vitamin C Serum | 5.0 |
| Best Acne Scar Cream for Women | SCANTILY Pads | 4.9 |
| Best Budget Acne Scar Cream | ScarAway | 3.8 |
| Best Acne Scar Cream for Men | Brickell Men’s Clearing Scar Cream | 4.8 |
| Best Acne Scar Cream for Body | Terez & Honor Scar Remover Gel | 4.8 |
*Ratings are current at the time of publication and can change
Best Acne Scar Cream Overall: Organixx Restore Vitamin C Serum
While the Organixx Restore Vitamin C Serum is not created for acne scars specifically, it is an excellent option for several reasons. Firstly, it contains one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C on the market. Vitamin C may be able to help reduce the appearance of your acne scars. Studies have shown that is can promote tissue regeneration, which is precisely what you’re trying to do. Other studies have even found that vitamin C may help reduce the appearance of acne scars when used topically. Because of these factors, this vitamin C serum by Organixx may be precisely what you need to reduce the appearance of your acne scars.
Another reason we loved this serum is that it comes with very few side effects. Some acne scar creams contain harsh ingredients, which can dry out your skin and even cause acne. However, this cream has very few to no side effects according to the customer reviews. It is also great for your skin even if you don’t have significant problems with acne scars. It can hydrate, soothe, and revive your complexion. Plus, it contains no preservatives or parabens and is certified clean by a third-party lab.
Organixx Restore Vitamin C Serum Key Features:
- 100% Money Back Guarantee for one year
- Tested by a third-party lab
- Promotes healthy collagen production
- Vegan and animal cruelty-free
Best Acne Scar Cream for Women: SCANTILY Pad
These pads can fight acne, prevent breakouts, and get rid of pesky acne scars.
These SCANTILY Pads are specifically designed to reduce the number, size, and severity of acne lesions. They prevent acne outbreaks from starting and help heal the ones you already have, reducing the appearance of scars caused by your existing acne. Plus, they do all of this without the common side effects of skin reddening, over-drying, peeling, and itching that occur with most acne treatments and scar creams.
These pads attack your acne at its source. It includes a unique formulation of salicylic acid, SE Microbiome Complex, and aloe vera. The Salicylic acid exfoliates your skin and unclogs your pores. It is mostly there to prevent more acne, and therefore more acne scars. The SE Microbiome Complex improves your face’s natural defenses by supporting the healthy bacteria on your face while getting rid of the cancer-causing bacteria. This promotes the healthy healing of acne, preventing scars from forming. Finally, the aloe vera soothes your face and prevents possible irritation that might come from using the other ingredients.
These pads are extremely easy to use. Preferably, you should use them in the morning and at night. However, it is recommended that you start with just the morning – just in case you react badly to the formula. After ensuring you won’t experience any adverse side effects, you can safely increase the dosage to twice a day.
SCANTILY Pad Key Features:
- Twice a day application
- Few side effects
- Contains aloe vera
Best Budget Acne Scar Cream: ScarAway
If you’re trying to get rid of your acne scars but are trying to stick to a budget, ScarAway is an excellent option. It is much less expensive than other options but is still effective against acne scars. This cream is effective against any sort of scar. It contains silicone, which is a common scar-removal ingredient. It is intended to treat and prevent scars of all sorts, including those caused by acne and things like surgeries. So, you can safely use this cream for acne scars and whatever other troublesome scars you might have as well.
This cream is made to be used twice a day – once in the morning and once at night. It is smooth, non-greasy, and odorless, so applications are quick and easy. It is suitable for use on nearly everyone, including those with sensitive skin. The convenient roller makes it far easier to apply than some other options and helps prevent you from adding too much cream to your skin. This feature also makes the cream stretch longer, saving you money in the long run.
This company also sells other scar-fighting products, which you might want to consider using in conjunction with this cream. Many customers reported excellent results with this cream on everything from acne scars to surgical scars.
ScarAway Key Features:
- Works in 60-90 days
- Gentler roller for application
- Twice a day dosage
- Contains silicone
Best Acne Scar Cream for Men: Brickell Men’s Clearing Scar Cream
While Brickell Men’s Clearing Scar Cream is specially designed for acne scars, it can also work on any sort of scars, including stretch marks. It is suitable for men of all ages and both your face and body. No matter what sort of scar you have, this cream can likely help.
It works by including a large variety of scar-fighting ingredients, including vitamin C, MSM, and antioxidants. Many of these ingredients have been proven in scientific studies, so you can rest assured that this cream is effective. A large number of included ingredients increases the odds of this cream working. Some people might respond to specific ingredients better than others. When many ingredients are included, it increases the odds that you’ll respond to at least one of them and see noticeable results. Plus, all the ingredients are high-quality and organic. There are no fillers here.
This product is straightforward to use. For acne scars, you just apply the cream at night after your usual skincare routine. For other scars, you can apply twice a day to dry skin. This cream works extremely fast as well. You should notice some results after only a few days, but some customers reported not seeing results until about two weeks in. Still, this is significantly better than most other options on the market!
Brickell Men’s Clearing Scar Cream Key Features:
- Works in only a few days
- Many ingredients
- Only once a day application
- Works on all scars
Best Acne Scar Cream for Body: Terez & Honor Scar Remover Gel
Scars caused by body acne are a bit different from scars caused by facial acne. Your face is likely more sensitive than the skin on the other parts of your body, and your scars likely look different as well. These factors often mean that a scar removal cream that works great on your face might not work so well on the rest of your body. If you’re looking to get rid of your body acne scars, we heartily recommend Terez & Honor Scar Remover Gel. This cream is made with 100% medical-grade silicone, which is a prevalent ingredient used for fighting scaring of all sorts.
It works on acne scars and a whole host of other scars as well. It is designed to flatten and minimize the look of scars, which also repairing the skin around the scar. It can be used on long-set-in scars or newer acne outbreaks to prevent scarring from occurring. It can also diminish the redness of healing wounds and relieve the itchiness and discomfort that often come with new scars.
This cream is completely odorless, colorless, and self-drying. Application is effortless and straightforward, making it suitable for treating nearly any body part. It is even appropriate to use on children and those with sensitive skin.
Terez & Honor Scar Remover Gel Key Features:
- Contains silicone
- Suitable for all skin types
- Easy application
- Reduces redness and itchiness associated with new scars
Who Should Buy an Acne Scar Cream
Some people never develop scars from their acne, while others get scars after even the tiniest outbreaks. There are a lot of factors that play into this. Many of them you can’t control, like genetics. Luckily, if you’re the type of person that tends to get acne scars quickly, there are plenty of acne scar creams on the market. While these creams are not miracle pills, they can produce very striking results in often very little time.
If you have troublesome acne scars (or scars of any sort), we recommend picking up an acne scar cream. Most scar creams have minimal to no side effects, so there is no reason not to try them. You can find plenty of scar creams available for all sorts of skin types and scar locations, so there is surely something out there to fit your needs. Scar creams are made with all sorts of different ingredients, like silicone and vitamin C, so you may need to try a few before you find one that works for you.
This product includes one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C on the market, making it a great choice for fighting acne scars.
Important Features to Consider
An acne scar cream should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting a cream for your acne scars:
- Ingredients. Acne scar creams are made with a large variety of ingredients. The most common ones are vitamin C and silicone, but other ingredients are also pretty common. Many of these ingredients are scientifically-proven, so we do know that they work at least somewhat. However, ingredients are of varying degrees of quality. You want the best ingredients that you can reasonably afford.
- Cost. Scar creams can be expensive, but there are several inexpensive options available as well. There isn’t always a clear benefit to buying the more expensive scar cream either. Be sure to consider the benefits of a more expensive cream before purchasing it. Many inexpensive creams work just as well and contain the same ingredients. Often, you’re just paying for the brand name.
- Application. Most creams need to be used once or twice a day. Usually, this isn’t too big of a problem. You just add it to your usual wakeup and bed routine. However, twice a day can be a problem for some people, so consider your situation when choosing a cream. A cream isn’t going to be useful if you don’t use it as directed.
- Effectiveness. How well a cream works is likely one of the most important factors of all. If a cream doesn’t work or works very poorly, it is worthless. Conversely, everyone is looking for that miracle cream that is going to make all your scars disappear in a few days. Realistically, most creams are somewhere in between these two extremely.
- Safety. Most creams are incredibly safe. However, it is possible to purchase a cream that contains potentially dangerous ingredients. Some knock-off creams do exist. It is vital to purchase your creams from a reliable source and consider the source of the cream that you’re purchasing. You preferably want one made in the USA or a similar country that has strict regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you smooth out acne scars?
Acne scars can get pretty bad for those with severe, regular outbreaks. Sometimes, these scars can be just as bad as the acne itself, especially if they are red and itchy. Luckily, there are plenty of acne scar creams on the market that can help. Some even tackle this redness directly on top of healing the scars. Check out our review section for plenty of creams that can help reduce your acne scars.
Can acne cream fix deep acne scars?
Yes. There are even some creams designed specifically for deep acne scars. These scars may never go away entirely or may require years of treatment depending on exactly how bad they are. However, you may notice significant improvement after only a few weeks of using a high-quality acne scar cream.
Will acne scars go away?
Typically, any sort of scar will fade with time. However, this fading is often prolonged and the scars may never significantly heal by themselves. If you want your scars to heal, we recommend investing in a great acne scar cream. Many of these include scientifically-proven ingredients that can significantly heal your acne scars and sometimes even prevent new scars from forming.
Can you treat old acne scars?
Older scars are usually somewhat harder to treat than newer scars. However, they have likely already done a significant amount of healing on their own. It is never too late to treat acne scars, primarily if you use a quality cream.
Other Acne Scar Creams We Reviewed
This product includes one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C on the market, making it a great choice for fighting acne scars.
We looked at 20 other acne scar creams as well. Even though they didn’t make our five best creams for acne scars list, they’re the best of the rest, and each is still a great option. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Best Acne Scar Creams for Women
- Best Acne Scar Creams for Men
- Best Body Acne Scar Creams
- Best Acne Creams for Sensitive Skin
Best Acne Scar Creams for Women
This scar gel is for all skin types and useful on a large variety of scars, making it an extremely versatile option. For new scars, results should be seen in 30-40 days.
Key Features:
- Contains silicone
- Promotes the healing of scar tissue
- Works for a variety of scars
Cost: $16
Cutie Academy Scar Removal Cream for Old Scars
For a brighter complexion and fewer scars, this cream is a great option. It is specifically designed to treat older scars, making it perfect for those puberty acne scars you still have lingering about.
Key Features:
- Natural
- 30-40 days for treatment
- Removes old scars
Cost: $20
Keeva Organics Tea Tree Oil Acne Treatment
This cream can treat acne and get rid of acne scars. It contains tea tree oil, which is somewhat rarer than other ingredients. This might be a suitable option if other acne scar creams haven’t worked for you.
Key Features:
- Easy application
- All-natural
- Contains tea tree oil
Cost: $25
Le Roche-Posay Effaclay Adaplene Gel
Though it was previously only available via a prescription, you can not purchase it over the counter. It can treat acne, prevent acne scars, and heal acne scars that have already formed.
Key Features:
- Prescription-strength
- Easy application
- Once-daily use
Cost: $30
Mederma PM Intensive Overnight Scar Cream
This overnight scar cream is specifically designed to treat your most prominent scars while you’re sleeping. It only needs to be used once per day right before you go to bed.
Key Features:
- One daily application
- Noticeable results in a few weeks
- Formulated to work with your body while you sleep
Cost: $31
Best Acne Scar Creams for Men
Honeydew Scar Removal Cream for Old Scars
This scar cream is specially designed for those who have older scars. It is carefully formulated to repair scars and nourish your skin.
Key Features:
- Works on older scars
- Can heal stretch marks as well
- All-natural
Cost: $10
Keeva Organics Intensive Acne Scar Removal Treatment
This cream is made for those extra-stubborn scars that haven’t responded to other treatments. It may also work for very apparent scars and produces results very quickly.
Key Features:
- No chemicals
- Few side effects
- For all skin types
Cost: $25
Primal Soapworks Scar Removal Cream
This scar removal cream is effective at treating scars left by acne and a variety of other wounds, including surgeries. It is formulated to remove old scars in particular but is likely effective on newer scars as well.
Key Features:
- Works on a variety of scars
- Smooths skin
- Can be applied anywhere on the body
Cost: $20
If you have stubborn scars that haven’t responded to other treatments, this cream may be what you need. It is designed to be used once to twice and day and can treat nearly any sort of scar, including those caused by acne.
Key Features:
- Daily use
- Effective on old and new scars
- Simple formula
Cost: $13
Tetyana Naturals Scar Removal Cream
For all sorts of scars and stretch marks, this cream is a suitable option. It works with natural herbal extracts to reduce the appearance of scars and prevent new ones from forming.
Key Features:
- Hypoallergenic
- For all skin types
- Lightens scars
Cost: $27
Best Body Acne Scar Creams
This scar gel can treat a considerable number of scars, including those caused by acne. It contains medical-grade silicone, which is a popular ingredient in scar creams.
Key Features:
- 100% Medical grade silicone
- Natural
- Works on new and old scars
Cost: $30
This oil is designed to be used all over your body wherever you have scars or stretch marks that need healing. It includes a variety of vitamins and is suitable for all skin types.
Key Features:
- Carefully formulated with a variety of vitamins
- Locks in essential moisture
- Does not clog pores
Cost: $17
CeraVe Body Wash with Salicylic Acid
This body wash contains salicylic acid, which is a conventional acne treatment. It is suitable for rough and bumpy skin and may help reduce the appearance of scars.
Key Features:
- No micro-beads
- Skin-smoothing formula
- Contains essential ceramides
Cost: $13
CeraVe Retinol Serum for Post-Acne Marks
This serum can be used all along your body to reduce the appearance of post-acne marks. It can minimize the appearance of pores and refines your skin’s textures as well.
Key Features:
- Fragrance-free
- Minimizes pores
- Treats post-acne marks
Cost: $17
This balm cream is the perfect spot-treatment for scars caused by body acne. It hydrates your skin and comes with very few side effects.
Key Features:
- All skin types
- Certified organic ingredients
- Satisfaction guarantee
Cost: $15
Best Acne Creams for Sensitive Skin
Cystic Acne Treatment and Acne Scar Remover
If you’re looking for something a bit stronger, this cream may be a good option. It prevents cystic acne while also getting rid of acne scars.
Key Features:
- Unique formula
- Contains a variety of ingredients
- Natural
Cost: $26
Honeydew Natural Scar Cream for Sensitive Skin
This cream is best for sensitive skins and older scars, though it can work on newer scars as well. It is also effective against stretch marks.
Key Features:
- Contains a variety of vitamins
- Antioxidants
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cost: $10
This cream is firstly designed to treat acne while also moisturizing your skin. However, it can also reduce the effects of aging and lessen the appearance of scars.
Key Features:
- Contains a variety of active ingredients
- Improvements seen in as little as 24 hours
- Effective on all skin types
Cost: $18
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Facial Cream
This cream fights acne and prevents scars from forming. It is perfect for sensitive skin and contains no oil at all.
Key Features
- Quickly absorbed
- Does not contain oil
- Grapefruit scent
Cost: $7
Voibella Beauty Acne and Blemish Remover
For all your skincare needs in one bottle, this cream has everything you need. It is anti-aging and can prevent acne, while also healing the scars you already have.
Key Features:
- Can be used on your whole body
- Anti-aging
- No mess
Cost: $21
