20 Best Acne Scar Treatment Products, Tested & Reviewed for 2023

“True acne scarring is like a bad boyfriend—it needs attention from lots of different products and just when something seems to be working, it can stop being as effective. I find that acne scarring does best with a combination of procedures and skin care products, but two easily available products that can help are Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peel Pads and Differin Gel. These glycolic and salicylic acid-containing two-step peel pads are portable and help to exfoliate the skin. They can prevent future breakouts and help to lighten the dark spots that are often left over even after you’ve kicked your acne. These are great for patients with active acne, dark spots, and dullness. Both of these can be irritating, so starting slow and building up to two to four times a week (for the pads) or every other day to every day for Differin,” says Dr. Papri Sarkar.

Sephora star rating: 4.5/5 stars

“The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% targets the brown spots and redness left behind from healing acne spots while also helping to clear whiteheads and blackheads. It works best for those who already have an acne regimen as an add-on treatment. [The treatment] helps post-inflammatory redness and hyperpigmentation resolve more quickly,” says Dr. Cindy Wassef.

Ulta star rating: 4.4/5 stars

“Differin Gel an OTC retinoid, containing adapalene, is a great option as not only does it work to prevent breakouts, but it also treats acne and helps to improve scarring. It can [diminish] discoloration and textural changes that go along with acne scars by evening out the skin tone and boosting collagen production. [The gel] can be used once daily and it is often best to start just a few times per week and increase the frequency as tolerated. It can be used by all skin types and can be used while getting active breakouts and should continue to be used after breakouts subside to help reduce scarring and prevent new breakouts from forming,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick.

Amazon star rating: 4.6/5 stars

If you want prescription-grade results at an affordable drugstore price, CeraVe’s Acne Foaming Cleanser delivers. Formulated with benzoyl peroxide to attack active breakouts, this cleanser helps to control acne so you won’t risk breakouts turning into scars.

Ulta star rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer said: “I asked for a good face cleaner for sensitive skin to get rid of acne and one of the girls gave me this one. After 4 days, all my redness is gone and my acne is pretty much cleared up.”

An important step in reducing the appearance of acne scars is sun protection. Apply Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen liberally to ensure your dark marks won’t get any darker.

Ulta star rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “Was worried about the texture at first, but it is smooth, not greasy, and feels great on the skin and under makeup.”

The minute you see a breakout forming, reach for your Starface pimple patches. Formulated to stop stubborn breakouts right in their tracks, the patches are made of hydrocolloid, which aids in minimizing the look of pimples.

Target star rating: 4/5 stars

A Target reviewer said: “Love this! They work really good as pimple patches, and they’re also cute enough for you to wear out of the house! It has also helped a lot with scarring!”

Add retinol to your routine to help slough away dead skin and lighten the appearance of dark marks breakouts can produce. ZO Skin Health offers different strengths to choose from for different skin types.