When it comes to scar creams and gels, it can be hard to know what’s actually worth buying. Marketing makes big promises, but the research tells a clearer story. Scars affect both how skin looks and how it feels, so choosing the scar treatment matters. Some products are backed by strong evidence, while others fall short of what people expect. Recent work by Klotz et al. (2025) has further clarified how moisturisers and silicone-based products compare in effectiveness, prompting this review of the evidence.
Scar tissue behaves differently from normal skin. It often has fewer sweat glands and less natural oil, which makes it more likely to become dry, tight, and itchy. When scars dry out, they can feel uncomfortable, crack more easily, and even become more noticeable over time.
Keeping scars well-moisturised helps in a few crucial ways:
In short, moisturiser is not just about comfort, it directly supports better scar healing and appearance. These findings are consistent with Klotz et al. (2025), who highlighted hydration as a critical factor in scar outcomes.
Note: The rankings below are based on hydration/barrier outcomes (TEWL and hydration in a scar model) from Klotz et al. (2025). These outcomes differ from scar remodelling (thickness, redness, pliability), where silicone products show superior evidence.
Eucerin has the strongest evidence for helping with scars. It works by drawing water into the skin and repairing the barrier, which supports healthy recovery (Lodén, 2003; Lodén, 2021; Klotz et al., 2025).
Note: Klotz et al. (2025) specifically tested Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream, not the lotion variant.
Sorbolene provides strong hydration and performs better than basic petrolatum-only creams (Lodén, 2003). Increased hydration strongly and improved TEWL moderately.
Effectiveness likely linked to mineral oil viscosity, helping the product stay on skin longer (Cork, 2009; Lodén, 2003/2021).
Ensure that it is the SLS-free formulation to avoid barrier irritation
This lotion helps keep the skin moist, but it doesn’t repair the deeper skin barrier as well as urea-based products like Eucerin (Cork et al., 2009).
Limited hydration/TEWL performance (Klotz et al., 2025); however, broader literature shows limited evidence beyond hydration i.e. scar remodelling (Surjushe et al., 2008).
Not recommended. Many versions contain SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), which can irritate skin and actually make dryness worse (Danby et al., 2011).
Key Note: Creams are thicker and more occlusive than lotions, offering greater benefit for reducing TEWL and improving skin hydration in scars.
Silicone has been used in scar management for over 30 years and is still considered one of the most effective treatments available. Unlike moisturisers, which mainly focus on hydration, silicone sheets and gels work by creating a protective barrier over the scar. This barrier locks in moisture, helps regulate collagen production, and reduces the stress on healing skin.
Research shows that consistent use of silicone sheets or gels can:
Silicone is particularly useful for raised scars, such as hypertrophic and keloid scars, where controlling collagen growth is essential. The key is consistency: silicone should be applied daily, often for several months, to get the best results (Wiseman et al., 2019).
Often considered the “gold standard” in scar treatment. Regular use has been shown to reduce thickness, redness, and improve softness and flexibility (Mustoe et al., 2002; O’Brien & Jones, 2013).
Doesn’t add much hydration, but clinical trials show it can reduce scar thickness and improve appearance by influencing how scars form (Wiseman et al., 2019). Purchase this through our shop here.
Despite its popularity, research shows BioOil does not improve scars, and in some people, vitamin E can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions (Palmieri et al., 1995; Kosari et al., 2010).
The most effective scar care combines hydration with scar remodelling. For everyday skin repair, go for moisturisers like Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream or Sorbolene. For long-term results on scar thickness and appearance, silicone-based products are the most reliable. On the other hand, BioOil and aqueous creams are not supported by research and may even cause irritation.
