Are you looking for the best scar gel? If so, you’re in the right place!
Scars often cause us tremendous anxiety and stress, especially ones on our face.
I’ve had acne scars for many years (and still do) and have tried my fair share of scar gels, including brands like Mederma and ScarAway.
ⓘ In this post, I’m going to reveal the best scar gels based on real medical research and my own years of personal experience! 👌
Related: Best Scar Cream
What Is The Best Scar Gel?
Here are my top recommendations for the best scar gels:
- NewGel+ Advanced Silicone Gel for Scars [Best Overall Pick]
- SkinMedica Scar Recovery Gel [Best for Scar Redness]
- Kelo-Cote Advanced Formula Scar Gel [Best Value for Money]
- BioCorneum Plus SPF 30 Advanced Scar Treatment [Best for Sun Protection]
- ScarAway 100% Silicone Scar Gel [Best Budget Option]
My Top 4 Recommendations
Last Updated: 2020-04-02 / Images from Amazon PA API
The 5 Best Scar Gels in 2020
1. Best Overall Pick: NewGel+ Advanced Silicone Gel for Scars
- Works on all scars
- Helps reduce and fade scars
- Works on facials scars
Last Updated: 2020-04-02 / Images from Amazon PA API
NewGel+ is a great option for all types of scars, including keloids, hypertrophic scars, burn marks, and post-surgical scars. The ingredients are very simple:
- Polymerized Siloxanes: silicone is recommended by the International Panel on Scar Management as first-line therapy for hypertrophic scars and keloids
- Vitamin E: helps moisturize & soften your scars while also providing antioxidant benefits
Customer reviews of NewGel+ have been very positive. Some of the comments include:
- Flattened raised scars
- Faded surgical scars
- Reduced scar redness
- More even skin tone
- Smooth texture and dries quickly
As with any silicone gel, you should apply this product twice a day to maintain continuous coverage on your scar. Thankfully, NewGel+ has a smooth and lightweight texture that makes it easy to wear for long periods of time.
2. Best for Scar Redness: SkinMedica Scar Recovery Gel
- Suitable for all skin types
- Reduces the appearance of red or pink scars
- Comprises of Centelline which is a synergistic complex that contains Centella asiatica
Last Updated: 2020-04-02 / Images from Amazon PA API
A respected name in dermatology, SkinMedica’s Scar Recovery Gel helps minimize and reduce the appearance of red and pink scars (very common after cosmetic procedures like laser resurfacing).
This scar gel features the key ingredient Centelline, which is a synergistic blend of:
- Centella Asiatica: a native plant in many Asian countries and commonly known as Gotu Kola. Medical research indicates it may be helpful for minor wounds and burns.
- Bulbine Frutescens: a species of flowering plant found in Southern Africa. Researchers have found that the gel from the leaves of this plant increases collagen formation and maturation.
- Oleuropein: a chemical compound extracted from green olives. Research has shown that this olive leaf extract can accelerate wound healing in a lab environment.
Many customers noted that this product significantly improved their surgery scars and was available at a lower price on Amazon than at their dermatologist’s office.
SkinMedica Scar Recovery Gel should be used twice a day, both in the morning and evening, and for at least 3 months on new scars and up to 6 months on old scars.
3. Best Value for Money: Kelo-Cote Advanced Formula Scar Gel
Last Updated: 2020-04-02 / Images from Amazon PA API
Kelo-Cote is a popular brand of high quality silicone gels designed to reduce the appearance of both hypertrophic scars and keloids. The main ingredients are:
- Polysiloxanes (Silicone Gel)
- Silicon Dioxide (Protective Layer)
Kelo-Cote features a silicone technology known as Advanced Silliclear™ Complex. This blend of cross-linking silicones bonds tightly with your skin for 24-hour scar coverage and protection.
Once applied, Kelo-Cote forms a thin, flexible, and breathable gel layer that helps soften and flatten the underlying scar tissue to restore normal and healthy-looking skin.
Customer reviews have been very strong and many people noticed improvements in their keloid and post-surgical scars.
4. Best for Sun Protection: BioCorneum Plus SPF 30 Advanced Scar Treatment
- The only advanced scar treatment with FDA-Cleared Silishield patented crosslinking medical grade silicone and SPF 30 that prevents and minimizes the formation of...
- Decreases the appearance of old scars
- Protects scars from sun exposure’s darkening effects
Last Updated: 2020-04-02 / Images from Amazon PA API
BioCorneum combines the benefits of a silicone scar gel with the protection of a sunscreen.
Sun protection is very important during scar treatment to prevent further discoloration or hyperpigmentation. Scar tissue is particularly sensitive to UV damage from the sun.
If you’re someone who typically forgets to apply sunscreen, this product will be convenient for you!
Many customers noticed steady improvements in post-surgical scars within a few months. Some customers were referred to BioCorneum by their doctor or dermatologist.
Unfortunately, this product is fairly expensive compared to other silicone scar gels.
5. Best Budget Option: ScarAway 100% Silicone Scar Gel
- EFFECTIVE: ScarAway scar treatment is clinically supported to flatten and soften raised scars, reduce redness and fade discoloration of scars both old and new.
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: ScarAway's scar treatment gel features patented, transparent, self-drying silicone gel technology. It is ideal for exposed or hard-to-treat...
- WORKS ON VARIOUS SIZES: Ideal for scars of various sizes, shapes, and locations. ScarAway's scar treatment gel is safe, effective and discreet and may be used on...
Last Updated: 2020-04-02 / Images from Amazon PA API
Scaraway is another household name in scar treatment that is often recommended by dermatologists and surgeons. I’ve used many of their silicone scar sheets and gels in the past for my keloid scars.
What makes this scar gel unique is the roller ball applicator at the end of the tube. You use this to gently massage the gel into the scar tissue area.
Massage therapy can be an effective technique for breaking up scar tissue and encouraging better alignment of collagen fibers. This technique is often used by physical therapists.
Buyer’s Guide to Scar Gels
When it comes to scar gels, there are two types of products:
- Silicone scar gels
- Onion extract scar gels
Here’s what you need to know.
RELATED:
Silicone Scar Gels
Silicone has been used for scar treatment since the 1980s. It’s generally recognized as an effective prevention and treatment tool for all types of scars.
More recently, silicone gels have become quite popular.
These are easier to use than silicone gel sheets and completely invisible. This makes silicone gels a clear choice for facial scars and other highly visible areas.
The exact mechanism behind silicone is still not understood. Some researchers believe silicone works on scars through occlusion (skin protection) and hydration of the skin.
Silicone gels should be applied twice a day for at least 2 months.
Onion Extract Scar Gels
The second type of scar gel uses onion extract (namely, Mederma).
Clinical studies on this ingredient have been somewhat mixed.
Some studies found no significant difference on scar results between onion extract gels and using good ol’ Vaseline.
Other studies showed onion extract gels were better than corticosteroid injections for hypertrophic scars.
Quercetin, a plant flavonoid found in onions and kale, could be the missing link. It’s thought to inhibit collagen growth and soften keloid and hypertrophic scars.
How to Use Scar Gels
I recommend applying the scar gel twice a day and staying as consistent as you can with it.
For some people, that could mean waiting up to 6 months or more before seeing any results. Keep a record of before/after pictures to help monitor your progress.
If you can’t wait that long, you may want to consider corticosteroid injections, another well-established method of flattening keloid and hypertrophic scars.
Make sure to use adequate sunscreen and sun protection during the day. Scars can easily become more discolored from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.
Conclusion
I hope our buyer’s guide helps you find the best scar gel for your situation.
Remember, nothing can replace patience and consistency! Scar gels must be used twice a day for several months before seeing any dramatic improvements.
Our top recommendation is NewGel+ Advanced Silicone for Scars.