Best scar removal cream for stretch marks, acne scarring and keloids (2023)

Best for: a natural approach to treating stretch marks

Specially formulated for C-section scars and stretch marks, this hydrating, natural and vegan balm contains turmeric (said to help particularly well with this type of scarring), while liquorice and marshmallow roots work to renew the skin and reduce redness. The texture itself is non-greasy and absorbs quickly, while being completely fragrance-free.

Best for: minor burns and reliable results

As mentioned above, this family favourite has been recommended by medical professionals for years, such as Guy’s and St Thomas’s who include it on their scar care leaflet, highlighting the fact that it’s non-perfumed, so less likely to irritate fragile scarred skin. It’s especially good for use on burns and skin grafts when massaged in twice a day (always ask your GP or consultant for advice beforehand).

Best for: treating and preventing keloid scars

According to Dr. Maruthappu “Darker skins are 15-20 times more prone to developing hypertrophic and keloids scars. If you plan to have a surgical procedure and are concerned about forming keloids, a silicone gel bandage can be used after the wound has healed for two to three months.” This gel sheet hydrates and moisturises the scarred area, helping to appear flatter and more faded over time.

Best for: acne scarring

This new K-Beauty line is co-founded by a former nuclear physicist and combines high-tech wizardry with ancient Korean remedies.

Their multi-correctional face oil serum is formulated from a 17^th Century skincare prescription, written during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. It contains rosehip and sacha inchi oil, which can both help with the appearance of mild acne scars.

Best for: newly scarred skin

While newly scarred skin is prone to irritation, this contains 5 per cent panthenol to calm any redness and speed up the healing process. Its antibacterial properties make it good to use on razor nicks and acne scabs to prevent infection and long-term scarring.

Best for: soothing and reducing redness

Aloe vera is renowned for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it’s often the first port of call when it comes to irritated skin and sunburn.

This cooling gel contains a bioactive, double-strength dose of the stuff, which helps to soothe itchy scar tissue and minimise redness.

Best for: hyperpigmentation

Rosehip oil contains a high amount of linoleic acid and Vitamin C both of which help battle with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a type of scarring caused primarily by acne and sun exposure, which leaves dark patches on the skin. It also helps to regulate oil production, to help clear up active acne and prevent it from returning.

Best for: post-surgery scars

A celebrity favourite, this all-natural balm is highly prized among plastic surgeons in LA for healing post-cosmetic surgery scars.

As the legend goes, it’s the same formula for a cream found in ancient Egyptian tombs – whether you believe that or not, it’s definitely has a reputation as a cult buy and comprises a nourishing concoction of olive oil, beeswax, royal jelly, pollen and propolis.

Best for: treating older scars and preventing new ones

Vitamin A is partly comprised of retinol, which works to exfoliate and renew skin – which is the reason why quite a few dermatologists recommend it for treating post-acne red marks and pigmentation.

It can also help clear up current acne conditions and work on fine lines around the mouth and eyes too. Ecooking’s version is encapsulated for maximum potency. Just twist off the top to open the capsule and gently squeeze the serum into the palms of your hands before applying.

Best for: a top-notch vegan formula

Having scooped up multiple awards, this completely natural, vegan cream stars calendula, a potent anti-inflammatory to help minimise recent scarring. (Sufferers of the skin condition lichen sclerosus also swear by this stuff to help alleviate symptoms.)