The Best Scar Creams

Saturday, September 30th

2023 Scar Cream Reviews

Nuvadermis Advanced Scar Gel

• $19.11 for 1.7 oz of scar gel
• Ingredients include retinol, allantoin, vitamin E, betaine. panthenol
• Works well with several other products by Nuvadermis
• Can be used on both new and old scars of all types
• Most customers qualify for free shipping
• Almost 10,000 five-star customer reviews

Nuvadermis specializes in skincare treatments for moisturization, anti-aging, acne, and scars. Every product is formulated with high-quality, cruelty-free ingredients - including their extensive line of scar remedies.

Effective scar treatment for under $20

The flagship product in Nuvadermis' scar treatments is the Advanced Scar Gel. For just $19.11, you get almost two ounces of product (and you'll likely get free shipping too). Ingredients include retinol, allantoin, vitamin E, betaine and panthenol, which work together to nourish and moisturize the site of your scar, regardless of your scar type or skin type.

See results in as soon as 8 weeks

The recommended usage of this scar treatment is twice per day, gently massaged into the skin. Advanced Scar Gel can be used on both new and old scars, with a recommended usage length of 8 weeks and 3-6 months, respectively.

Consider silicone scar tape and sheets

If you want an even more effective scar treatment, Nuvadermis has several other products that can be used in tandem with the Advanced Scar Gel. These include silicone scar sheets and scar tape, applied to the affected area and worn for 8-12+ hours each day.

Over 10,000 five-star reviews

Although Nuvadermis doesn't have a listing with the Better Business Bureau, and its 30-day return policy falls short of being a satisfaction guarantee (because only unopened products are officially eligible for a refund, though you may still get your money back if you reach out to customer service), we still feel confident in making this our #1 scar treatment. Why? Simply put, no other product in our evaluation has more than 10,000 five-star reviews and an overall average of 4.2 stars out of 16,000+ customer ratings. And that's just looking at the Scar Cream Gel as a standalone product, not at any of the complementary components you could use along with the gel for maximum results.

Before and after photos

We appreciate all of the customer-submitted before-and-after photos, offered as even further proof that Nuvadermis' scar products actually make a difference in the appearance of scars. The one area where some people complain is about the stickiness of the silicone tape and sheets (or lack thereof), but even those gripes are few and far between compared with the people who praise Nuvadermis for being the only treatment that resulted in an improvement in the appearance of their scars.

Best overall scar treatment

Nuvadermis' Advanced Scar Gel is affordable and effective, especially when used hand-in-hand with the scar tape and/or sheets in the product line - just look at the thousands of five-star reviews as proof. Although we'd love to see a generous satisfaction guarantee here, to be in line with some of Nuvadermis' closest competitors, the low price point and high levels of customer satisfaction are still enough to put Advanced Scar Gel in our #1 spot.

Scar Control

• 3 available sizes: 4mL ($13.95, rollerball), 11mL ($25.95), 30mL ($83.95)
• All-natural blend of marigold, mustard seed, quartz, and several essential oils like helichrysum and rosemary
• Suitable for all types of scarring
• Made in the USA
• 90-day money-back guarantee
• Free shipping on orders over $49
• In business since 1999
• "A+" rated by the BBB

Forces of Nature was created in 1999 and is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in natural, organic medicine. The company is both FDA-registered and USDA Certified Organic, with all products made in the USA. Forces of Nature offers Scar Control as a remedy for all types of scarring: burns/contracture, hypertrophic, atrophic/acne, and so on.

Fantastic blend of natural ingredients

What ingredients constitute this scar treatment? You'll find marigold to promote healthy skin and healing, mustard seed to dissolve scar tissue, quartz to address scar pain, and a blend of sesame, rosehip seed, helichrysum, rosemary, and lavandin oils for overall skin health and softness.

Watch for sensitivity at first

To use this product, 2-3 drops of Scar Control should be applied three times a day, directly to the scar and rubbed in gently. Because some people may be sensitive to essential oils, Forces of Nature recommends starting with just a drop for the first few treatments to make sure there's no reaction. They also encourage users to consult a physician if you're pregnant or nursing, or if you would like to use Scar Control on a child under the age of 2.

3 product sizes to choose from

You've got three purchase options for Scar Control: a small 4mL rollerball bottle for $13.95, a 11mL bottle for $25.95, or a 30mL bottle for $83.95. Forces of Nature offers free shipping on orders over $49, so you might want to jump right in with the biggest bottle or add a few other products to your cart.

People say it really works

Scar Control gets plenty of rave reviews from users. We found over 1000 customer ratings averaging around 4.3 out of 5 stars - and hundreds of people who give this scar treatment a perfect score. Many note that the appearance of their scars improved within just a few days of use, and even greater healing happened with consistent use over time. Plus, Forces of Nature earns a perfect "A+" from the Better Business Bureau: great evidence that the company can be trusted.

90-day satisfaction guarantee

Best of all, if you give this scar treatment a try and aren't satisfied with the results, you can get a full refund if you return the bottle within 90 days. Just keep in mind that Forces of Nature's refund policy only allows for the return of up to three bottles.

Excellent, all-natural choice for treating scars

Forces of Nature is an excellent company dedicated to creating all-natural, all-organic products that actually work, and Scar Control definitely does. Because of the enthusiastic feedback from customers and the generous 90-day satisfaction guarantee, this scar treatment continues to earn one of our highest recommendations as well. Be sure to consider Scar Control as you decide which treatment is right for your skin.

H Scars Formula

• $34.95 for a 11mL bottle, $69.95 for a 33mL bottle
• 100% natural, homeopathic ingredients
• 90-day money-back guarantee
• Made in the USA
• "A" rated and accredited by the BBB
• In business for over 20 years

Healing Natural Oils has been offering top-quality, all-natural remedies for over 20 years, with more than a million products sold worldwide. Everything they offer is made in the USA, packaged in environmentally-friendly glass containers, and never tested on animals (or made with animal products).

Effective on new and old scars

Healing Natural Oils offers their H-Scars Formula to treat - you guessed it - scars of most varieties, including keloids and acne. Active ingredients include Calendula Officinalis 12C and Silicea 12C, while inactive ingredients include an essential oil blend (helichrysum, lavender). You only need to use a few drops per application, rubbing them directly into the scar with your finger or a cotton swab. Just be aware that H-Scars Formula should not be used by children under the age of 4 or by women who are pregnant or nursing. However, it can be used on fresh wounds to reduce the likelihood of scarring in the first place.

Hassle-free, 90-day return period

Healing Natural Oils says that you should expect visible results within 6-8 weeks for old scars, and within 4-8 weeks with new scars. All of their products come with an unconditional 90-day money-back guarantee, which should give you plenty of time to see if H-Scars Formula is making a difference in the appearance of your scars.

A few ways to save money

H-Scars Formula is priced at $34.95 for an 11mL bottle or $69.95 for a 33mL bottle: obviously the latter offers the best value, especially since it also comes with free shipping. You could save a little bit more on your order if you sign up for Healing Natural Oils' Healthy Living community (in other words, providing your email address). That will get you $5 off your first order; just watch for the pop-up as you browse the site or go to the link at the top of the page.

Highly-rated product and company

Does H-Scars Formula work? According to most users, it does. Across more than 400 reviews in just the last year, this scar treatment had an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. We encourage you to read through the customer comments because they're pretty compelling: from people who say that this oil blend worked better for them than traditional silicone treatments to those who saw noticeable improvement in just a few days, there's no shortage of evidence that this is a scar remedy that delivers what it promises. And, you don't have to worry about Healing Natural Oils as a company either: the Better Business Bureau gives the retailer accreditation and an "A" rating.

A top pick for gentle scar treatments

H-Scars Formula continues to be one of our preferred options for treating scars. The all-natural blend of ingredients is extremely effective while still being gentle, and customers swear by it. Add to that the 90-day no-hassle refund policy and the company's strong reputation overall, and it's easy to understand why this Healing Natural Oils product is still near the top of our list among scar treatments.

NewGel+E

• $33.25 for 0.5 oz of silicone scar treatment gel
• 100% medical grade silicone with Vitamin E
• Effective for most scar types (new and old)
• Fragrance-free
• Safe for adults and children
• Free shipping for most customers
• Made in the USA
• Hundreds of five-star reviews

If your doctor has recommended silicone to improve the appearance of your scars, NewGel+E is an excellent choice. This product uses medical grade silicone plus Vitamin E to reduce, flatten, fade, and smooth scars, and it's used at hospitals and clinics worldwide. NewGel+E is suitable for treating both new and old scars, for everything from c-sections and burns to acne and stretch marks.

Expensive but concentrated

NewGel+E isn't cheap: you'll pay $33.25 for a half-ounce of this silicone scar treatment (but at least most customers will get free shipping). Fortunately, it only takes a pea-sized amount to treat the majority of scars; the formula is very concentrated, and a little goes a long way.

Usage instructions are a little vague

Make sure your skin is clean and dry, with no oils or moisturizers applied, before you use NewGel+E. You can "wear" the gel from 6-24 hours per day, but the company doesn't really indicate how long you should expect each application to last or how many times you should use it in a 24-hour period.

Best results after three months

How long will it take to see improvement? You can use this scar treatment on both new and old scars, but naturally newer ones will be more susceptible to the gel's healing ingredients. NewGel+E could deliver noticeable results in a few weeks, but the company says to expect "optimal results" after three months of consistent use.

Works for almost everyone, with any type of scar

NewGel+E is one of the most popular scar products in our review, with over a thousand ratings averaging an exceptional 4.4 out of 5 stars. While there's obviously no scar cream that's going to work for every single person who uses it, this one gets a lot of praise from users with a variety of scars: Mohs surgery, accidents, keloids, burns, and so on. The user-submitted before-and-after photos are pretty compelling as well, and we love that they're authentic (and not just submitted by the manufacturer). The only complaint (beyond the handful of people who didn't see improvement while using NewGel+E) is that the tube is small for the price.

A few small drawbacks

The only reason why NewGel+E doesn't earn our #1 spot is because it's a pretty basic silicone + Vitamin E formula - and for people who have already tried a silicone-based scar treatment, this isn't likely to add anything new to their healing process (compared with other top options on our list that use essential oils or other approaches to improving the appearance of scars). We also didn't spot any kind of return policy or satisfaction guarantee, so if that small tube doesn't go as far as you were hoping or you don't see any changes in a few weeks, we're not sure you'd be able to get your money back.

Top choice for silicone-based scar treatments

However, if you've been told that silicone is the right approach for treating your scar and you're looking for a product that's been effective for most people using it, NewGel+E is absolutely worth a try. Sometimes simple is best, and there's nothing complicated in the formula of this scar remedy. It's our preferred silicone-based treatment for scars.

Zenmed

• $69.99 for 4oz of microdermabrasion scrub and 1oz of dark spot corrector serum
• Ingredients include clay, activated charcoal, walnut shells, and plant extracts (scrub) as well as aloe, sunflower oil, marine algae extract (serum) and more
• Best used on scarring resulting from acne, aging, or sun damage
• Free shipping on orders over $75
• 60-day money-back guarantee
• In business since 1999

ZENMED, established in 1999, specializes in creating cruelty-free skincare products that are formulated by doctors and based on natural ingredients. While none of their products are hyper-focused on improving major scars (like those that come from surgery or injuries), their Skin Eraser Kit is designed to address scarring and skin discoloration caused by acne, aging, and sun damage.

2-step process

The Skin Eraser Kit utilizes a chemical peel-like approach to enhance the skin's appearance, primarily on the face. You start with a microdermabrasion scrub used 1-2 times per week, while the SKINCORRECT+ Dark Spot Corrector is applied twice a day to clean skin. ZENMED recommends using sunscreen in conjunction with the serum, as it may increase sensitivity to sunlight.

Lots of skin-healthy ingredients

What's in this ZENMED duo? The ingredient lists are lengthy, but you might be familiar with some of the components. The scrub makes use of clay, activated charcoal, ultra-fine ground walnut shells, extracts (chamomile, sea kelp, sage, coltsfoot, yarrow, balm mint, rosemary, althea, wild thyme, horsetail), rose essence, and more. In the Dark Spot Corrector, active ingredients include aloe leaf juice, rosehip fruit oil, marine algae extract, white mulberry extract, and many others.

Several ways to save

ZENMED's Skin Eraser Kit is priced at $69.99 for a two-month supply (4oz of the scrub, 1oz of the serum), with free shipping for orders over $75. You can also save 20% by signing up for the company's email newsletter: just scroll to the bottom of the page if you don't get a pop-up offer. And, at the time of this review, ZENMED had a lot of special offers, ranging from savings of $10 off of $75 to free products with a minimum order of $150.

60-day money-back policy

We love that all purchases here are backed by a 60-day satisfaction guarantee: customers have the opportunity to try the Skin Eraser Kit (or any other ZENMED product) without any risk, getting a full refund no matter how much of the product was used.

Plenty of praise for the company, not as much feedback on scar product

ZENMED itself gets a lot of love from its customers. Although we still couldn't find a Better Business Bureau listing for the company, there were more than 2000 independently-verified reviews posted on the site, averaging an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars. But what about the Skin Eraser Kit specifically? There were almost 500 reviews at the time of our evaluation, and almost all of them were 4- and 5-star ratings. But, when we read through them, many referenced other products in the ZENMED line (like sunscreen) and not specifically the Skin Eraser Kit. There were a few compliments from people who had specifically used the product to target scars, and those all said that they had seen improvements.

Worth trying but not designed for major scarring

So, should you try ZENMED's Skin Eraser Kit for your scar treatment? Perhaps. There's definitely no risk to giving it a shot, since you can get a full refund (minus shipping costs) even if you use it all up while waiting to see results. And, many people swear by the effectiveness of the entire range of ZENMED's reconstructive skincare products. However, because the Skin Eraser Kit isn't really designed to target scars (or really even areas beyond the face), it might not be the best option for all types of scarring. Keep ZENMED's Skin Eraser Kit in mind after you've looked at its higher-ranking rivals.

Dermefface FX7

• $59.95 for a 1-month supply
• Combines antioxidants, moisturizers, and other ingredients to reach all skin layers and minimize blemishes
• Discounts available when buying 3- or 6-months' supply
• Free shipping on all orders
• Parent company is "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB

Dermefface FX7, a product developed by Dr. Dave David, a renowned Board Certified Gynecologist with over 32 years of experience, is part of the Skinception line offered by Leading Edge Health. Dr. David's expertise has been recognized in prestigious publications like Time Magazine, and he has made appearances on various television networks, including NBC, CNN, and Fox. The Skinception line was specifically formulated to cater to individuals who may not be suitable candidates for surgical, laser, or injectable treatments.

Long list of ingredients

Dermefface FX7 claims to employ "scar-fade technology" utilizing seven clinically proven active ingredients, ten potent antioxidants, and five super moisturizers to target every layer of the skin and minimize blemishes. The general concept is that these ingredients expedite the healing process, encourage the removal of scarred cells, and promote the production of healthy cells to replace the damaged ones. We're pleased that, unlike in the past, Dermefface FX7's ingredients are now published, though you might not exactly recognize them all: actives include Symglucan, Pentavitin, DI-Panthenol, Vitalayer, Pro-Coll-One+, Niacinamide, and Allantoin. The extended list includes a few names that we recognize, though: soybean fiber, bilberry fruit extract, goji extract, chokeberry fruit extract, and so on.

Refunds available within 67 days

According to the manufacturers, Dermefface FX7 can visibly reduce the appearance of scars in as little as four weeks of use. For minor surface scars, optimal results can be achieved within 3 to 4 months, while deeper surgical or injury scars may require at least 6 months. The company offers a 67-day return policy, allowing you to receive a refund without any questions asked. But, since they say it can take more than that timeframe to actually see results, we're not sure that this return policy really matches the usage instructions.

Free shipping

Dermefface FX7 is available in one-month ($59.95), three-month ($129.95), or six-month ($199.95) supplies. Although we didn't spot any of the free gifts with purchase that used to come with Dermefface FX7, we were glad to see that Skinception is now offering free shipping on all orders with no minimum purchase.

Not enough feedback from actual users

Now, the real question: does Dermefface FX7 work? Although the website offers several before-and-after photos, there are no independently-verified customer reviews provided. We're glad to see that Skinception's parent company, Leading Edge Health, has an "A+" rating and accreditation - so you aren't likely to get ripped off if you decide to try this scar cream. Still, any product can have a few photos that supposedly show improvements to the skin; we'd much rather hear directly from customers, even those who said it didn't work for them, because that would promote our overall confidence in the product and in the company itself.

Good but not the best

At the end of the day, Dermefface FX7 seems to be a scientifically-backed scar cream with considerable potential. However, the lack of substantial customer feedback is a drawback, as it would be helpful to gauge the experiences of those who have used the product. Moreover, Dermefface FX7 is somewhat pricier than some of its competitors. While it's not a bad choice as a scar cream, it may not be the first option to consider when looking at its higher-ranked rivals.

Enessa

• $62 for a 15mL bottle
• Essential oil-based scar treatment
• Best for scars that are 6 months old or less
• 30-day exchange policy
• Free domestic shipping on orders over $75

Enessa is a company that specializes in skincare products, offering a diverse range of options such as cleansers, toners, sun protection, serums, elixirs, and moisturizers. Everything they sell is organic, using the highest-quality plant extracts, essential oils, and bio-actives.

More expensive than most

Among their product lineup is the Diminish-Scar treatment elixir, which comes in a 15 mL bottle and is priced at $62. That price point itself is considerably higher than most of the scar creams and treatments in our evaluation, but bear in mind that you only administer one drop 2-3 times per day. You can also save 15% by signing up for the Enessa email list; just watch for the pop-up or go to the link at the bottom of the site. Unfortunately, free shipping at Enessa starts at $75, so you'd need to add more than just one bottle of Diminish-Scar to your cart to qualify.

Ingredients might have a strong scent

The elixir is formulated with certified organic ingredients known for their high content of vitamin E and essential fatty acids, aiming to promote skin health and achieve smoother skin texture. These include seaberry, tamanu, rosehip, and sacha inchi oils, as well as helichrysum oil and yarrow. For what it's worth, Enessa describes the aroma as "strong herbaceous" , so keep that in mind if you're sensitive to smells.

Limited feedback, not for use on long-term scarring

Does Diminish-Scar work? We were glad to see more customer reviews than the last time we evaluated this Enessa product, but there were still only six in total: not exactly enough to determine if this scar treatment is likely to be effective for most users (especially since those reviews could very well be filtered: they were all five stars). It's also important to note that Diminish-Scar is only recommended for use on scars that are up to six months old, not for anything you've had for a long time.

Active company but not much buzz from users

We also have mixed feelings about Enessa when it comes to customer service. On the one hand, the company was actively posting on two different social media channels at the time of this review, with new videos and posts within a few days of our visit to the site. The company also has various ways to get in touch beyond social media, including an online form, customer care email, and phone. On the other hand, we couldn't find any Better Business Bureau listing for Enessa, and overall customer feedback was pretty scarce.

Returns may only qualify for an exchange

Enessa provides a 30-day window for customers to exchange their purchased products for something else. However, their policy does not mention refunds, suggesting that once a purchase is made on the Enessa website, it may not be eligible for a refund, regardless of the circumstances. That's another reason why this scar treatment falls short compared with many higher-ranked options in our evaluation.

Consider rival scar treatments first

Enessa's commitment to high-quality skincare products is noteworthy, including the Diminish-Scar treatment. However, due to the limited customer reviews and the relatively high price for a small bottle, we recommend that you explore other scar reduction options with more customer-friendly return policies and higher ratings before considering the Enessa scar treatment.

Scar Rid

• $72 for 1 fl.oz tube of gel and 1 fl.oz tube of repair cream
• Silicone-based scar gel + repair cream
• 60-day money-back guarantee

Approved Science carries a large product line of nutritional health supplements targeting a wide variety of situations and conditions, from Adrenal Health and Acid Reflux to Varicose Veins and Wart Removal. For scars, their primary product is Scar Rid: a two-step system designed to help your scar fade, balance your skin tone, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

Two steps to treating scars

There are two components to the Scar Rid system, a silicone-based gel and a rejuvenating repair cream:

• Gel: contains dimethicone, cyclomethicone, dimethiconol, cyclopentasiloxane, and dimethicone/vinyl - in other words, your traditional silicone gel. This seals in moisture and helps promote internal healing.
• Repair Cream: contains aloe, safflower, sunflower seed oil, onion bulb extract, tocopheryl acetate, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, allantoin, vitamin C, palmarosa oil, helichrysum, soybean lecithin, potassium sorbate, lavender oil, citric acid, and butylated hydroxytoluene. The cream helps replenish the skin's nutrients, promote skin elasticity and tone, and boost cell renewal.

Although you can buy and use each component separately, it is recommended that you apply them together three times daily and allow 30 minutes to absorb before covering (if needed).

Most expensive scar product on our list

When purchased together, Scar Rid's gel and repair cream cost $72, usually with an additional delivery fee of $6.95. It's hard to tell how long those one-ounce tubes will last, especially if you're applying it three times a day, but we suspect that it wouldn't likely last more than a few weeks. That makes Scar Rid one of the most expensive scar creams in our evaluation.

Concerns about reputation and reviews

While on the surface Scar Rid and Approved Science look reputable, we grew more uncomfortable as we started digging. For example, there are discrepancies between the main product images and the posted videos for the product. There's also no listing for Approved Science with the Better Business Bureau, and there's not a ton of buzz for the company overall.

Fake customer feedback?

Beyond that, we found some analyses of product reviews for Approved Science's entire product line, and all of them suggested that up to 25% of their posted customer feedback is fake. We only found about 200 reviews for Scar Rid averaging a respectable 4.2 out of 5 stars, but we don't feel like we can put our full confidence in those comments which may or may not have come from legitimate customers.

Could you actually get a refund?

What does that mean for the 60-day money-back guarantee they promise? We're not sure. We'd like to think that the company would honor it and let you return Scar Rid if it doesn't work for you, but it's hard to tell one way or the other.

Not competitive with higher-ranked scar treatments

Scar Rid doesn't strike us as a miracle scar cream, especially at a price point of $72 that likely wouldn't last a full month. There are plenty of other treatments you could try first - for less money and with much more verified customer feedback (like before-and-after photos or thousands of confirmed reviews). Until we see more evidence of Approved Science's reputability, we can't give Scar Rid much of a recommendation.

ScarAway

• $24.99 for two reusable silicone scar sheets + .35 oz scar gel
• Most customers get free shipping
• Visible results within 4-8 weeks
• Can be used on both new and old scars
• Safe for ages 3+

ScarAway offers a traditional silicone-based scar treatment with a two-pronged approach: use the self-adhesive, reusable silicone sheets along with the silicone gel to make your scars softer, flatter, and less visible. If your doctor is recommending silicone as the ideal treatment for your scars, ScarAway could fit the bill.

Alternate between gel and sheets

Not familiar with silicone sheets and gel? No problem. ScarAway sheets are applied by first washing and drying the scar area (which should be fully healed first). Remove the liner from the adhesive side of the sheet, and apply it directly to the scar. Each sheet is washable (and should be washed daily) for up to 10 total days of use.

Fit your scar

You can also cut the sheet to fit the size of your scar, or use two sheets side-by-side if you're treating a larger scar. For the gel, wash and dry the area and apply a thin coat, allowing it to dry fully before moving on with your day. It's recommended that you alternate every 12 hours between the two products, keeping your scar fully covered at all times - for 60 to 90 days.

Could get expensive

What does that mean price-wise? ScarAway costs $24.99 for the gel and two reusable scar sheets. Depending on the size of your scar and how much gel you apply, you could theoretically make a box last for a significant portion of that two to three recommended months of treatment - or you could be needing a new box every 10 days. At least most customers will get free shipping.

Customers aren't thrilled with this scar product

ScarAway doesn't exactly get rave reviews from users. We only found a handful of ratings, and almost all of them gave this scar product a one-star score. Complaints included "doesn't stick" , "big box with hardly any product" , and almost no one recommended buying it. Combine that with the fact that ScarAway offers no return policy or satisfaction guarantee, and you'll see why we don't exactly give this scar treatment our highest recommendation either.

Other scar products are a better choice

Yes, silicone is the gold standard for traditional scar treatments, but ScarAway doesn't give you nearly enough for your money - and the limited feedback from users say that the pads don't stick for an hour, let alone for 10 days of repeated washing and reusing. You'll want to look at other options instead, and we suggest that you buy one of the higher-ranked scar creams and treatments on our list before potentially wasting your money on ScarAway.

Scar Recovery Gel

• $106 for a 2 oz bottle
• Save 20% when you subscribe to automatic replenishment
• Free delivery on all orders over $30
• 60-day returns on unopened products only

Dermstore is a one-stop skincare shop, created by a dermatologist in 1999 to give his patients access to professional-strength formulas from the best brands. The retailer's flagship scar treatment is SkinMedica's Scar Recovery Gel, offered in a 2-oz bottle.

Solid blend of ingredients

So, what's in Scar Recovery Gel that makes it effective in treating scars resulting from minor injuries, c-sections, or cosmetic surgery? At its core is Centelline, which is described as "a synergistic complex comprising centella asiatica, bulbine frutescens, and oleuropein" . Okay, then! We had to look at the "At a Glance" section to get that in a little plainer language: alpha hydroxy acids, antioxidants, castor oil, dimethicone, essential oils, lactic acid, and olive oil.

Might be more suitable for new scars

This scar treatment is easy to use. Just apply it directly to the scar morning and evening until it looks flat and white without redness. What if your scar is already flat and white and you want to reduce its appearance? Dermstore doesn't really say if this product would be helpful in that case.

Very costly but there are ways to save

At the time of our most recent visit to the Dermstore site, there was a promotion in place offering 15% off our purchase, no code needed. That brought the price down to $90.10 from Scar Recovery Gel's everyday price of $106 per bottle. Dermstore was also offering a SkinMedica Lumivive sample worth $66 when ordering at least $175 in products in the SkinMedica line. You can save anytime by subscribing to auto-replenish, which drops the cost of Scar Recovery Gel to just $72.08 (on top of the 15% savings sitewide).

More reviews than before

Will this product work for you? There were twice as many reviews this time (we love that), averaging a fairly impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars. Most people said that Scar Recovery Gel did improve the appearance of their scars, but it's hardly a miracle treatment by any means.

No refunds on used products

Also, there's no satisfaction guarantee on this scar treatment. Dermstore only accepts returns within 60 days of purchase if products are in "pristine" condition - in other words, not opened or used. That makes Scar Recovery Gel a spendy experiment.

Store is unreliable

Unfortunately, since our last evaluation of Scar Recovery Gel, Dermstore's reputation has absolutely tanked - going from a praiseworthy "A-" to a bottom-of-the-barrel "F" with the Better Business Bureau. Just two months before this more recent evaluation, the BBB had reached out to the company regarding a pattern of complaints from customers not receiving orders or getting a response regarding refunds - and Dermstore had failed to respond even to the BBB. With 375 complaints filed there in the last three years and 80+ of those coming within the most recent 12-month period, that's not a good look for Dermstore.

Get your act together

It's possible that Scar Recovery Gel works miracles, but unless you actually receive what you pay for, it won't do anything for you. And, when you're spending anywhere from $72 to $100+ per bottle, you should be able to order knowing that Dermstore will respond to you if you have an issue. We're disappointed to have to drop Scar Recovery Gel to the bottom of our rankings until or unless Dermstore gets its act together.