Acne scars can be as bothersome as acne. After the flare-up, you're left with marks that can leave you insecure. And what's more heartbreaking is that acne scars are permanent. But worry not, as we've found the perfect solution! Acne scar treatments can help fade the marks left by acne flare-ups, and there are several topical options available.
In our buying guide, we discussed the different considerations to make when choosing an over-the-counter product, reviewed by dermatologist Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas. To help you narrow down your choices, we also listed our top 10 picks for the best acne scar treatment products available online. Keep scrolling to learn more!
Quick List - Top Acne Scar Treatments
Y.O.U
Triple-Action Gel for Calming Redness, Fading Scars & Treating Acne
Dr.Leo
Anti-Acne Serum with Salicylic Acid to Calm Breakouts and Fade Scars
Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas is a board-certified dermatologist from the Philippines. She enjoys teaching and gives lectures here and abroad. She is also very active in social media educating the public and correcting misinformation online. Her other special interests include aesthetic and procedural dermatology such as cosmeceuticals, injectables, lasers, and energy-based devices.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Scars form from the healing of the skin as they repair the damage caused by an injury or trauma. We'll discuss the different types below, so keep on reading.
When the acne has healed, a discoloration on the skin ranging from red, purple, brown, or even darker follows. This discoloration is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH. It’s not a true scar, but the skin’s natural response to inflammation. PIH is flat, not sunken or raised.
Macular or flat scars may be reddish, brownish (hyperpigmented), or pale and lighter than your normal skin color (hypopigmented). These scars usually resolve on their own without any intervention but it may take some time.
You might have already heard about atrophic acne scars, which are classified into three subtypes: ice pick scars, rolling scars, and boxcar scars. Ice pick scars are deep and usually less than 2 millimeters narrow. They resemble an injury from being poked with an ice pick.
Meanwhile, rolling scars are round and oval in shape and are usually wider than 4 to 5 millimeters. Boxcar scars are round to oval depressions on the skin and can be 0.1 to 0.5-millimeter shallow or less than 0.5 millimeters deep and are often 1.5 to 4.0 millimeters in diameter. Additionally, they are classified as superficial or deep.
Depressed or atrophic scars are the most common types and form as a result of loss of tissue or from the body producing too little collagen, leading to the formation of depressions or pits in the skin.
Atrophic scars are further classified into three types:
The other types of scars are hypertrophic and keloidal scars. Hypertrophic scars are typically pink, raised, and firm but are generally "neater" compared to keloidal scars. The latter are reddish-purple papules and nodules that grow beyond the borders of the original wound.
To treat them, dermatologists offer various acne scar treatments such as derma peels, dermabrasion, skin needling, and topical prescriptions. Consulting with a dermatologist is always recommended for proper scar assessments and treatments. However, if you are still considering over-the-counter products, getting the right information is always advantageous.
Raised or hypertrophic scars, which are often seen on the nose, chin, jawline, chest, and back, form when the body produces too much collagen as it tries to heal the damaged skin and tissues, resulting in a raised mass on the skin’s surface. This type of acne scar is more common in people of color (eg. Asians, Hispanics, and African Americans).
When selecting acne scar treatments, it's essential to focus on choosing the right ingredients and the most suitable formulation, be it cream, gel, ointment, or serum. For more in-depth guidance, we recommend reading our detailed buying guide below.
If your only option is to rely on over-the-counter products, the market offers various topical ointments, gels, and creams loaded with clinically proven ingredients to help with your acne scars. Because let’s face it, trips to a dermatologist can be quite expensive.
You might have heard about how chemical peeling is a widely used procedure in managing acne and acne scars. Through exfoliation, new skin tissues are produced.
Salicylic acid is one of the key ingredients in this procedure. It is an antiseptic, anti-acne, and anti-aging exfoliant that is used to treat various skin disorders. It is also one of the best and safest peeling agents for acne scars.
Salicylic acid is great for oily and acne-prone skin because it is an oil-loving, anti-inflammatory ingredient that breaks down dead skin cells and gets deep inside your pores, clearing out dirt and debris, and dissolving keratin plugs and comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). I recommend using products containing 1-2% of salicylic acid in any form that best suits your needs.
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from fruit and milk sugars. It proves to be beneficial for acne-prone skin and is an effective treatment for atrophic acne scars. It can promote the shedding of dead skin, paving the way to a renewed and smooth skin surface.
Apart from its exfoliating effect, it is also a known anti-aging ingredient due to its moisturizing, hydrating, and skin-soothing benefits. In particular, it can reduce age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. You can also try products with citric acid, another type of AHA.
Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular weight amongst all the other alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), making penetration into the skin easy and more efficient. It breaks the bonds that hold skin cells, causing old skin cells to slough off, revealing new skin cells underneath.
Glycolic acid can also stimulate collagen production and is good for most skin types, even those with dry skin. It is indicated for targeting uneven pigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Lactic acid is a form of PHA extracted from milk, perfect for individuals with sensitive skin. It is a multi-purpose cosmetic ingredient used as a preservative, moisturizer, and exfoliant.
It also contains hydrating properties and helps brighten uneven skin tones. A pilot study using lactic acid showed a definite improvement in the texture, pigmentation, and appearance of the treated skin, as well as the lightening of scars.
Lactic acid works similarly to glycolic acid, but it has a bigger molecular size and is unable to penetrate as deeply. This makes it more ideal for sensitive or reactive skin as it is less likely to cause irritation than other acids.
Another popular ingredient, niacinamide, is lauded because of its potent skin-restoring properties. It offers multiple benefits for blemish-prone skin, such as improving the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines, dullness, and weakened skin surface.
Niacinamide is beneficial in individuals with oily and acne-prone skin. One study reported that topical 4% niacinamide was effective in treating acne when used twice daily for 8 weeks, probably due to its anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to affect sebum production.
Niacinamide also downregulates melanogenesis by interfering with the melanosome delivery that happens between keratinocytes and melanocytes. It downregulates the amount of melanosomes transferred by approximately 35–68% by interfering with keratinocyte phagocytosis, resulting in changes in pigment production and deposition.
Allantoin is a botanical extract known to have healing, calming, and soothing properties. Some studies have noted the effectiveness of allantoin with other ingredients like extractum cepae and heparin in preventing excessive scarring.
Allantoin (aluminum dihydroxy allantoinate) is a compound extracted from plants, most often the comfrey plant, but it is also sometimes made in the labs. Allantoin is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hydrating, soothing, and healing properties. It is said to be good for all skin types and can be used on a daily basis.
You’ve heard a lot about the health and skincare wonders of vitamin C. Apart from boosting our immune system, it also brings us its skin lightening, anti-aging, and antioxidant properties. Moreover, it promotes collagen synthesis, protection from ultraviolet rays, lightening hyperpigmentation, and other skin benefits.
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes oxidative stress and helps fight off free radicals that our body is exposed to. It is also beneficial in cell regeneration and repair and improves wound healing. When used in the morning, it offers protection against photo-aging. Vitamin C is also essential for collagen synthesis and is a good addition to an anti-aging regimen.
There are various over-the-counter acne scar treatments, and you’re left to choose between cream, gel, ointment, and serum. One may be beneficial than the other, depending on your skin type.
Creams and lotions usually provide more moisturization, making them a good choice for those with dry skin. Note that creams are thicker than lotions, so they could feel a bit heavier on the skin. When choosing, we recommend that you get one that you think is not overly sticky; otherwise, it might feel uncomfortable.
Creams and lotions are emulsions of oil-in-water or water-in-oil and are the most popular forms you will find in the market. Creams are generally thicker and more viscous than lotions. They can be used anywhere in the body including the face and neck.
Gel-type formulas are highly recommended for those with oily and acne-prone skin because their formulation is lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin. This type usually doesn't leave a sticky and greasy feeling. When choosing, go for ones that are also labeled "oil-free."
Gels are non-oily, non-comedogenic, easily absorbed, and are recommended for use in hair-bearing areas, and by individuals with oily skin.
Individuals who have excessively dry and rough skin or those with disrupted skin barriers will benefit more from ointments because this is the thickest and heaviest type among all the formulas, making it highly effective in sealing or trapping moisture to the skin. Adapalene usually comes in this format.
Ointments, which are mostly made up of fats, waxes, oils, and hydrocarbons, are waterproof and are ideal in barrier-disrupted or really dry skin or when occlusion is required. However, they are sticky and can stain clothing, and are not recommended for use in moisture-bearing areas such as the intertriginous areas.
Since serums have a more concentrated formula and have a more viscous consistency than essences, this is the best choice for targeting specific skin concerns. These are also meant to be applied in small amounts.
Serums are either water- or oil-based and are used to deliver active ingredients to the skin. They usually contain few ingredients with a specific purpose (e.g., vitamin C, peptides, etc.). Serums are usually applied to the face and neck, and they should be applied to freshly washed or cleaned skin.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Active Ingredients | Best for | Formulation | Net Content | Application | |||||
1 | Y.O.U AcnePlus Triple Action Spot Care X | ![]() | Triple-Action Gel for Calming Redness, Fading Scars & Treating Acne | Encapsulated Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica | Flat Scars | Gel | 15 g | Once or Twice a Day | |
2 | LANBENA Skin Care Gel | ![]() | Scar Fading Cream for Acne Marks, Stretch Marks & Skin Texture | Centella Asiatica Extract, Allantoin, Nicotinamide (Niacinamide), Glycerin | Atrophic Acne Scars | Cream | 30 g | Several Times a Day | |
3 | Dr.Leo Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment | ![]() | Anti-Acne Serum with Salicylic Acid to Calm Breakouts and Fade Scars | Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Colloidal Sulfur | Atrophic Acne Scars | Serum | 15 mL | Once or Twice a Day | |
4 | NOSCARNA Gel | ![]() | Korean Scar Treatment Gel for Acne Marks & Skin Repair | Dexpanthenol, Heparin, Allantoin | Atrophic Acne Scars | Gel | 10 g | Twice or Thrice a Day | |
5 | La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) | ![]() | Acne Spot Treatment for Clearer, Smoother, Less Red Skin | Salicylic Acid, LHA, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Thermal Spring Water | Atrophic Acne Scars, Flat Scars | Cream | 40 mL | Once or Twice a Day | |
6 | ICE LERSKIN Precision Acne Spot Serum | ![]() | Lightweight Anti-Acne Serum for Clearer, Calmer Skin | Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica, Glycerin | Flat Scars, Atrophic Acne Scars | Serum | 30 mL | Once or Twice a Day | |
7 | Dermatix Polysiloxane Vitamin C Gel | ![]() | Advanced Scar Gel with Silicone and Vitamin C for Smoother, Brighter Skin | Polysiloxane, Vitamin C Ester (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate) | Hypertrophic Scars, Atrophic Acne Scars | Gel | 15 mL | Twice a Day | |
8 | Bioaqua Pure Skin Acne Rejuvenation Cream | ![]() | Blemish-Fighting Formula with Tea Tree & Salicylic Acid | Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Extract, Allantoin, Glycerin, Niacinamide | Flat Scars, Atrophic Acne Scars | Cream | 30 mL | Twice a Day | |
9 | SKIN SENSATION Scarminator Cream | ![]() | Peeling Scar Cream for Smoother, Clearer-Looking Skin | Collagen, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Plant Extracts | Flat Scars | Cream | 30 g | Once a Day | |
10 | Greenika G-Light Dark Spot Cream | ![]() | Brightening Cream for Fading Dark Spots and Evening Skin Tone | Niacinamide, Licorice Extract, Vitamin C, Glycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract | Flat Scars | Cream | 30 g | Twice a Day |
Users appreciate how this spot treatment works on both active acne and leftover marks. It’s often noted for calming redness within a few uses, and some report flatter pimples overnight. Many like its gentle formula and fast-drying, non-sticky texture.
Active Ingredients | Encapsulated Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica |
---|---|
Best for | Flat Scars |
Formulation | Gel |
Net Content | 15 g |
Application | Once or Twice a Day |
Features and benefits:
Many users mention visible fading of dark spots and acne scars after consistent use. Some also report improved skin texture and reduced stretch marks over time. It’s commonly praised for being gentle, non-greasy, and working on sensitive areas.
Active Ingredients | Centella Asiatica Extract, Allantoin, Nicotinamide (Niacinamide), Glycerin |
---|---|
Best for | Atrophic Acne Scars |
Formulation | Cream |
Net Content | 30 g |
Application | Several Times a Day |
This serum is often praised for reducing the size of pimples overnight and calming redness with regular use. Its lightweight, non-sticky formula is gentle on sensitive skin, making it easy to layer with other products. Some also noted that dark spots gradually faded and skin felt smoother over time.
Active Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Colloidal Sulfur |
---|---|
Best for | Atrophic Acne Scars |
Formulation | Serum |
Net Content | 15 mL |
Application | Once or Twice a Day |
Features and benefits:
Many users find this gel effective for gradually lightening old and new acne scars. It’s appreciated for its non-greasy feel and easy absorption. Some mention noticeable fading of post-acne marks and smoother skin with consistent application, especially when used twice daily.
Active Ingredients | Dexpanthenol, Heparin, Allantoin |
---|---|
Best for | Atrophic Acne Scars |
Formulation | Gel |
Net Content | 10 g |
Application | Twice or Thrice a Day |
Users appreciate how quickly this treatment reduces the size and redness of pimples—sometimes overnight. The texture feels light and non-irritating, even on sensitive skin. Many also noted that it helped fade dark spots left behind by acne with consistent use.
Active Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, LHA, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Thermal Spring Water |
---|---|
Best for | Atrophic Acne Scars, Flat Scars |
Formulation | Cream |
Net Content | 40 mL |
Application | Once or Twice a Day |
This serum is often praised for visibly reducing active pimples within a few days. Reviewers love its watery, non-sticky texture that layers well with other products. Some also noticed that it helps fade acne scars and soothes irritation with continued use.
Active Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica, Glycerin |
---|---|
Best for | Flat Scars, Atrophic Acne Scars |
Formulation | Serum |
Net Content | 30 mL |
Application | Once or Twice a Day |
Features and benefits:
Reviews often highlight visible improvements in scar appearance with regular use. The gel is appreciated for its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture and non-greasy finish. Some users note that it works well under makeup and sunscreen, making it easy to include in a daily routine.
Active Ingredients | Polysiloxane, Vitamin C Ester (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate) |
---|---|
Best for | Hypertrophic Scars, Atrophic Acne Scars |
Formulation | Gel |
Net Content | 15 mL |
Application | Twice a Day |
Reviewers note clearer skin and reduced redness after regular use, especially on active breakouts. The cream is appreciated for its fast absorption and non-sticky feel. Some users also mention improved skin texture and less visible pores over time.
Active Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Extract, Allantoin, Glycerin, Niacinamide |
---|---|
Best for | Flat Scars, Atrophic Acne Scars |
Formulation | Cream |
Net Content | 30 mL |
Application | Twice a Day |
Features and benefits:
Shoppers appreciate that this cream gradually fades scars and dark spots without causing irritation. It's often praised for gently exfoliating rough areas and making the skin feel softer and smoother over time. Others also mention that it layers well with other moisturizing products.
Active Ingredients | Collagen, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Plant Extracts |
---|---|
Best for | Flat Scars |
Formulation | Cream |
Net Content | 30 g |
Application | Once a Day |
Features and benefits:
Some users say this cream helps fade stubborn blemishes and gives the skin a more even appearance with continued use. It’s appreciated for its light texture, fast absorption, and how it leaves skin looking brighter without feeling greasy. Others like that it works well under makeup or as part of a nighttime routine.
Active Ingredients | Niacinamide, Licorice Extract, Vitamin C, Glycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract |
---|---|
Best for | Flat Scars |
Formulation | Cream |
Net Content | 30 g |
Application | Twice a Day |
We're sure that there are still some things you'd like to clarify to make the most out of your purchase. To help you with that, we've asked Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas some of the most searched questions about acne scar treatments.
How a product is packaged is very important. Once a product is opened, it gets exposed to microbes that can accumulate and grow inside the bottle or tube. Apart from that, some ingredients are particularly sensitive to air and light exposure (e.g., vitamin C), which usually come in airtight, opaque containers. To minimize contamination of products, make sure that your hands are clean when handling them, and use a spatula for those contained in jars.
No. But fortunately, due to advancements in technology, there are many treatment options, which can significantly diminish all kinds of acne scars.
There is no definite answer as results depend on several factors such as the type of scar, the treatment procedure done, the patient's healing response, the administrator's technique, etc. But one thing is for sure—you will need more than a few sessions to see significant improvement.
No, they do not. In order to improve atrophic scars, controlled skin injury is necessary to stimulate collagen without excessive inflammation or injury.
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Re-editor: Danielle Trinidad
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Y.O.U|AcnePlus Triple Action Spot Care X
No. 2: LANBENA|Skin Care Gel
No. 3: Dr.Leo|Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment
No. 4: NOSCARNA|Gel
No. 5: La Roche-Posay|Effaclar Duo (+)
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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