10 Best Acne Scar Treatments in the Philippines 2026 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
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!
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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Types of Acne Scars
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.
Flat Scars Can Naturally Heal Over Time
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.
Atrophic Acne Scars Are Sunken or Depressed
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:
- Ice pick scars - small holes in the skin oftentimes mistaken for “large pores.”
- Boxcar scars - depressed scars with well-defined edges.
- Rolling scars - depressed scars with smooth contours and edges.
Hypertrophic Scare Are Raised and May Look Quite Thick
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).
How to Choose an Acne Scar Treatment - Buying Guide
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.
Choose the Right Ingredients That Can Target Your Skin Woes
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.
Salicylic Acid Is One of the Best Peeling Agents for Acne Scars
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.
Exfoliate, Renew, and Get Brighter Skin With Glycolic Acid
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.
Gently Exfoliate the Skin’s Surface With Lactic Acid
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.
Niacinamide Can Help Improve the Appearance of Oily and Blemish-Prone Skin
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 Can Help Prevent Excessive Scarring
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.
Vitamin C Is an Established Skin-Lightening and Antioxidant Agent
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.
Pick Between Cream, Gel, Ointment, and Serum
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 Are Ideal for Those With Dry Skin
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 Formulas Are Best for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
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.
Ointments Are Recommended for Those With Disrupted Skin Barriers and Excessively Dry 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.
Serums Are More Concentrated and Are Ideal for Targeting a Specific Skin Concern
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.
10 Best Acne Scar Treatments to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Details | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Active Ingredients | Best for | Formulation | Net Content | Application | ||||
1 | SKIN SENSATION Scarminator Cream |  | Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Arbutin | Acne Scars, Dark Spots, Blemishes | Cream | 30 g | Once a Day | |
2 | LANBENA TCM Scar and Acne Mark Removal Gel Ointment |  | Niacinamide, Arbutin | Acne Scars, Stretch Marks, Scars | Gel | 30 g | Several Times a Day | |
3 | Greenika G-Light Dark Spot Cream |  | Niacinamide, Licorice Extract, Vitamin C | Dark Spots, Hyperpigmentation, Uneven Skin Tone | Cream | 30 g | Twice a Day | |
4 | La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M |  | Niacinamide | Acne, Blackheads, Post-Acne Marks | Cream | 40 mL | Once Daily | |
5 | ICE LERSKIN Precision Acne Spot Serum |  | Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid (BHA), AHA, Colloidal Sulfur, Zinc Oxide | Acne, Acne Marks, Blemishes | Serum | 10 mL | Once or Twice Daily | |
6 | Dermatix Ultra Advanced Scar Formula |  | Vitamin C | Scar Reduction, All Scar Types | Gel | 15 g | Twice a Day | |
7 | Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum |  | 10% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) | Enlarged Pores, Uneven Skin Tone, Breakouts | Serum | 30 mL | Twice a Day | |
8 | COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum |  | Niacinamide 15% | Dark Spots, Acne, Breakouts, Uneven Skin Texture, Sebum Control, Moisturizing, Soothing, Exfoliating | Serum | 20 mL | Once or Twice Daily | |
9 | NOSCARNA Gel |  | Heparin Sodium, Allantoin, Dexpanthenol | Acne Scars, Hypertrophic Scars, Keloid Scars, Surgical Scars | Cream | 10 g | Several Times a Day | |
10 | Y.O.U Acne Plus Spot Care Pro Serum |  | Niacinamide | Acne, Redness, Acne Marks | Serum | 15 g | Once or Twice Daily | |
| Active Ingredients | Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Arbutin |
|---|---|
| Best for | Acne Scars, Dark Spots, Blemishes |
| Formulation | Cream |
| Net Content | 30 g |
| Application | Once a Day |
LANBENATCM Scar and Acne Mark Removal Gel Ointment
| Active Ingredients | Niacinamide, Arbutin |
|---|---|
| Best for | Acne Scars, Stretch Marks, Scars |
| Formulation | Gel |
| Net Content | 30 g |
| Application | Several Times a Day |
| Active Ingredients | Niacinamide, Licorice Extract, Vitamin C |
|---|---|
| Best for | Dark Spots, Hyperpigmentation, Uneven Skin Tone |
| Formulation | Cream |
| Net Content | 30 g |
| Application | Twice a Day |
| Active Ingredients | Niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Best for | Acne, Blackheads, Post-Acne Marks |
| Formulation | Cream |
| Net Content | 40 mL |
| Application | Once Daily |
| Active Ingredients | Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid (BHA), AHA, Colloidal Sulfur, Zinc Oxide |
|---|---|
| Best for | Acne, Acne Marks, Blemishes |
| Formulation | Serum |
| Net Content | 10 mL |
| Application | Once or Twice Daily |
| Active Ingredients | Vitamin C |
|---|---|
| Best for | Scar Reduction, All Scar Types |
| Formulation | Gel |
| Net Content | 15 g |
| Application | Twice a Day |
| Active Ingredients | 10% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) |
|---|---|
| Best for | Enlarged Pores, Uneven Skin Tone, Breakouts |
| Formulation | Serum |
| Net Content | 30 mL |
| Application | Twice a Day |
| Active Ingredients | Niacinamide 15% |
|---|---|
| Best for | Dark Spots, Acne, Breakouts, Uneven Skin Texture, Sebum Control, Moisturizing, Soothing, Exfoliating |
| Formulation | Serum |
| Net Content | 20 mL |
| Application | Once or Twice Daily |
| Active Ingredients | Heparin Sodium, Allantoin, Dexpanthenol |
|---|---|
| Best for | Acne Scars, Hypertrophic Scars, Keloid Scars, Surgical Scars |
| Formulation | Cream |
| Net Content | 10 g |
| Application | Several Times a Day |
| Active Ingredients | Niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Best for | Acne, Redness, Acne Marks |
| Formulation | Serum |
| Net Content | 15 g |
| Application | Once or Twice Daily |
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas
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.
Does Packaging Matter in 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.
Can Acne Scars Be Removed Permanently?
No. But fortunately, due to advancements in technology, there are many treatment options, which can significantly diminish all kinds of acne scars.
How Long Does It Take for Acne Scars to Naturally Disappear?
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.
Do Topical Treatments Help Heal Boxcar Scars?
No, they do not. In order to improve atrophic scars, controlled skin injury is necessary to stimulate collagen without excessive inflammation or injury.
More Ways to Achieve Blemish-Free Skin
Want to get rid of zits and achieve healthy and flawless skin? Start by upgrading your skincare routine! Here are a few of our recommended anti-acne products.
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Re-editor: Danielle Trinidad
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
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.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
