The 14 Best Serums For Acne Scars For You To Try Out In 2023
Products that help you take your first step towards leading an acne scar-free life.
Oyendrila Kanjilal Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 2 years
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
Shiboli ChakrabortiCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
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While most of you are familiar with the pain and discomfort of acne and breakout, acne scars are another story altogether! That’s when the best serum for acne scar can come to your rescue! With their active ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, and retinol, these serums accelerate the process of scar healing and fading. They also treat skin discoloration and prevent future breakouts! If you are keen to try one for yourself, have a look at the 14 best acne scar fading serums enlisted below to get rid of those acne blemishes as fast as they appear!
In This Article
14 Best Serums That Help Fade Acne Scars
Best Overall:Glam Up Vita Hemp Cell Energy Ampoule
Image: Total Activation
Say goodbye to acne scars and give your skin a youthful appearance with this richly concentrated and potent serum from Glam Up. It is formulated with hemp seed oil that helps treat and fade acne on your face. It also regulates and balances oil production and imparts skin rejuvenation.
The serum also contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. While niacinamide treats blemishes, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and dark spots, hyaluronic acid hydrates and brightens the skin. The lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-sticky formula helps calm and soothe irritated skin, tighten pores, and strengthen the skin barrier to prevent any future breakouts. Check out this review for a detailed understanding of the product.
Key Ingredients: Hemp seed oil, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic acid
Pros - Lightweight
- Fast-absorbing
- Non-sticky
- Brightens the skin
Cons
None
Pro TipBest Anti-Aging:Shills Mandelic Acid Skin Renew Essence
Image: Shills This face serum from Shills helps with acne treatment by regulating oil production. It also reduces acne scars, dark spots, and blackheads. The mandelic acid in the serum enhances collagen production to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. This mandelic acid serum for acne scars also helps treat discoloration, including that caused by melasma. The non-drying and gentle formula revitalizes the skin, helping you achieve a younger and healthier-looking complexion.
Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid (AHA derived from bitter almonds)
Pros - Lightweight
- Non-drying
- Formulated with natural ingredients
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
Cons
- Strong fragrance
Best For All Skin Types:iUNIK Tea Tree Relief Serum
Image: Cotheon Co., Ltd This serum from iUNIK is formulated with a unique blend of natural ingredients like tea tree leaf water and centella asiatica leaf water that soothe, heal, and nourish your skin. Tea tree leaf water helps soothe irritation caused by environmental stressors, while centella water helps lighten dark spots, blemishes, and acne scars. The serum also has niacinamide and adenosine that provide anti-aging benefits to your skin. The alcohol-free and moisturizing formula provides all-day-long hydration and is suitable for all skin types. This effective serum for acne scars does not clog your pores or make your skin feel greasy or sticky. Reviewers on e-commerce sites suggest including this serum in your daily skin care routine owing to its lightweight formula that soothes inflamed skin.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree leaf water, Centella Asiatica leaf water, Niacinamide, and Adenosine
Pros - Lightweight
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-greasy
- Safe for all skin types
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
None
Best Organic:Cutis Sanus Acne Prone Serum
Image: Cutis Sanus The Cutis Sanus Acne Prone Serum is rich in acne-clearing ingredients like tea tree oil, helichrysum, and cypress that reduce acne breakouts and heal acne scars. It is formulated with a multi-source blend of nine oils containing antioxidants and vitamins and reduces blackheads, fine lines, and wrinkles. The serum deeply penetrates the skin and nourishes it with organic and natural ingredients. The essential fatty acids in the formula increase the skin’s elasticity and collagen production and regulate its natural pH levels. Just a few drops of the product will plump up and hydrate your skin while treating stubborn acne scars. A patch test is recommended before use to avoid any skin reactions later.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree essential oil, Helichrysum, and Cypress
Pros - 100% organic
- Natural ingredients
- No fillers
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Emulsifier-free
Cons
None
Best Oil-Free:Skinkissed Face Serum
Image: Skinkissed The Skinkissed Face Serum is a powerful mixture of natural ingredients that helps you achieve natural and healthy skin. It contains hyaluronic acid that plumps up and hydrates your skin while fading acne scars from your face. The serum penetrates the skin cortex and softens the scar tissue. It encourages natural healing and renewal of the skin tissues, which, in turn, leads to fading of acne scars. It also contains vitamin C to fade fine lines and wrinkles. With its highly potent concentration of ingredients the serum firms, hydrates, and rejuvenates your skin. It is suitable for all skin types and has an oil-free formula that will not clog your pores.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid
Pros - Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for all skin types
- Oil-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
Quick TipBest For Dark Spots:Paula's Choice Discoloration Repair Serum
Image: Paula's Choice The Paula’s Choice Discoloration Repair Serum uses 3% tranexamic acid with 0.5% bakuchiol and 5% niacinamide to target and steadily improve the appearance of dark spots, discoloration, and post-acne marks. The formula offers visible results in the form of improved skin tone after 8 weeks of use. The non-irritating treatment promotes an even skin tone and fights the signs of aging. It works great for all skin types and skin tones, including skin prone to melasma and hyperpigmentation. Reviews on Amazon suggest using this clinically tested serum to heal and repair damaged skin while reducing pigmentation.
Key Ingredients: 3% tranexamic acid, 0.5% bakuchiol, and 5% niacinamide
Pros - Lightweight
- Non-irritating
- Suitable for all skin types and tones
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
CautionBest Hydrating Formula:The Crème Shop What Acne? Hydrating & Healing Serum
Image: The Crème Shop The Crème Shop What Acne? Hydrating & Healing Serum makes use of the best ingredients to reduce acne breakouts. This serum boosts skin moisturization by seeping through the layers of the skin to deliver the nutrients to make the skin soft and smooth. Glycolic acid helps improve the skin complexion due to its exfoliating properties and Vitamin C reduces dark spots and acne scars. This vitamin C serum for acne scars imparts soothing and calming effects as it is infused with turmeric which helps brighten your skin and combat signs of aging.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Glycolic acid, Turmeric
Pros - Natural ingredients
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- None
Best For Teens:Neutralyze Clearing Serum & Synergyzer
Image: Neutralyze The serum and synergyzer duo from Neutralyze is a multi-patented acne treatment system that works best for moderate to severe acne-prone skin types. The treatment is powered by the Nitrogen Boost Technology that releases nitric oxide, which promotes skin healing and reduces acne marks and scars. It also helps lighten blemishes and prevent blackheads and whiteheads.
The clinically-proven formula contains 2% salicylic acid and 1% mandelic acid that gently exfoliate your skin and prevent future breakouts. These ingredients reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, fade dark spots, and even out skin tone. This serum is effective for both adults and teenagers. It is non-comedogenic, dermatologist-recommended, and works for all skin types.
Key Ingredients: Nitric oxide, Salicylic acid, and Mandelic acid
Pros - Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist recommended
- Dermatologist-tested
- Safe for teenagers and adults
- For all skin types
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Might irritate very sensitive skin
Best Fragrance-Free:Bauer Beauty Niacinamide Serum
Image: Bauer Beauty The clinically-proven formula of the Bauer Beauty Niacinamide Serum helps reduce the appearance of acne scars, melasma, age spots, and hyperpigmentation. It is made with vitamins C and E, along with other minerals in the serum, that strengthen the skin barrier and maintain skin health. This serum is safe for rosacea and eczema-prone skin.
This serum for acne scars and redness is infused with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. It receives proper hydration and maintains its soft and supple look, even in the harshest of environments. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduces pore size, tightens the skin, controls oil production, and smooths out the skin texture. The product also contains zinc that helps treat acne and breakouts on the surface. Multiple Amazon reviews say that this serum works wonders on sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin E
Pros - Non-sticky
- Offers anti-aging benefits
- Limits overproduction of sebum
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- None
Best Repair Formula:BREYLEE Tea Tree Oil Acne Serum
Image: Breylee The BREYLEE Tea Tree Oil Acne Serum is made with the goodness of natural plant extracts and skin-rejuvenating ingredients, which help control acne and reduce the appearance of acne scars, bumps, and dark spots. This serum for acne scars and pimples reduces the production of oil on the skin to eliminate further breakouts. It contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide as active ingredients that provide moisturization and improve the skin’s natural barrier. The formula also has anti-aging properties and helps shrink pores. It is advised to conduct a patch test before use to avoid allergic reactions on the skin later.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Tea Tree Oil
Pros - Non-greasy
- Drug-free
- Reduces premature aging signs
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
Best For Skin Brightness:Eve Hansen Vitamin C Serum
Image: Eve Hansen This antioxidant-rich serum from Eve blurs acne scars, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin texture and elasticity, and helps combat free radicals. It is enriched with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and botanical extracts to give your skin all the hydration and nourishment it needs.
The vitamin C present in the serum helps rejuvenate and brighten your skin while providing anti-aging benefits. The hyaluronic acid in the formula locks in moisture and makes the skin smooth and plump. This skin-brightening serum for acne scars is also infused with vitamin E deeply moisturizes and protects the skin and aloe vera hydrates it. Reviewers on e-commerce websites adore this product for its ability to soothe irritation and reduce skin inflammation.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, and Aloe vera
Pros - Smells good
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologically-approved
Cons
None
Best Exfoliating Formula:Divulge Beauty Daily Exfoliating Serum
Image: Divulge Beauty The Divulge Beauty Daily Exfoliating Serum is a daily leave-on corrective serum that helps treat cystic acne, folliculitis, and hormonal breakouts on the face or body. It is infused with mandelic acid, and a mild AHA. It is a non-abrasive gel that leaves your skin feeling softer and smoother, and prevents further breakouts.
It calms and soothes acne, helps clear dark spots, and diminishes the appearance of scars, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage over time. Lactic acid, another AHA, helps get rid of dead skin cells and helps improve overall skin texture for a healthy and glowing appearance. This dark spot corrector for acne scars has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that soothe irritated skin and promote healing. Conduct a patch test before use to avoid any irritation.
Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, Hyaluronic acid, Lactic acid
Pros - Lightweight
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free formula
- Fragrance-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Contains alcohol
Best Non-Comedogenic:CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Image: Cerave The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains encapsulated retinol that improves the texture of your skin and reduces the appearance of skin blemishes and post-acne scars. It also contains licorice root extract, ceramides, and niacinamide that refine your skin and make it healthy. The licorice root extract helps brighten the appearance of the skin, while the ceramides help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. The niacinamide in this dermatologist-recommended serum helps in calming the skin and hydrating it. It is formulated by dermatologists and is non-comedogenic.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, Licorice root extract, Ceramides, and Niacinamide
Pros - Gentle
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-greasy
- Formulated by dermatologists
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin
Best Long-Lasting:Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
Image: Drunk Elephant The Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum is a long-lasting product that stays active on your skin for 72 hours. It is packed with powerful antioxidant complexes like pumpkin ferment extract, pomegranate enzyme, l-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, and vitamins C and E. These ingredients reduce acne scars and keep the skin firm, healthy, and smooth while fighting the signs of aging.
Key Ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, Ferulic acid, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E
Pros - Lightweight
- Silicone-free
- Essential oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- SLS-free
Cons
None
Note: As these serums contain active ingredients, do a patch test before using them on your face.
Not all ingredients work well to reduce acne scars from your face. Scroll down to the next section to find out which ingredients effectively reduce acne scars.
Ingredients To Look For In Acne Scar Serums
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and reduce redness and swelling. It also has healing properties that accelerate the production of collagen to fade acne scars.
- Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid is an exfoliant that gently removes dead skin cells, dirt, and other debris from your skin.
- AHAs: The AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) remove dead skin cells by mildly exfoliating the outer layer of your skin. They also help improve the skin texture and reduce skin discoloration.
- Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce skin damage and increases the level of fatty acids in the skin to prevent your skin from losing moisture. It also repairs the outer layer of the skin. It also reduces hyperpigmentation when applied topically.
Other than the ingredients, you should keep a few other points in mind while purchasing a serum to fade acne scars.
Things To Consider While Buying A Serum To Fade Acne Scars
- Fragrance: Some serums have a strong artificial fragrance. If you are sensitive to such scents, opt for a fragrance-free serum. Sometimes, serums with a strong scent may not suit sensitive skin and cause allergic reactions. Hence, a fragrance-free serum is ideal.
- Formula: If you have oily skin, choose an acne scar serum with a water-based formula that is free of oils and does not clog your pores. Also, look for a formulation that minimizes sebum production. For normal or dry skin, go for oil-based formulas that moisturize your skin.
Note: Many of these products contain active ingredients, the use of which may cause skin purging. Purging is when your skin reacts to an ingredient by breaking out. So, be patient while using these products, and don’t get demotivated if you get acne. This just means that the serum is working well, and your skin is getting used to it.
The Bottom Line
Acne can be painful. Once the acne breaks out, it leaves dark spots on the skin that do not fade easily. You can get relief from the outbreaks and scars by investing in soothing acne serums that manage acne and fade away the acne spots. The serums on our list are infused with ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid, and niacinamide, which improve the process of fading and prevent further breakouts. The Shills Mandelic Acid Skin Renewssence’s gentle AHA exfoliation improves skin texture and clears out blemishes, the iUNIK Tea Tree Relief Serum soothes irritated skin, and the Paula’s Choice Discoloration Repair Serum evens out skin tone, giving you naturally radiant skin, are some options worth the bucks. These products are lightweight and non-comedogenic, and some are cruelty-free as well. However, some products may not be suitable for sensitive skin. The buying guide will help you select the product that suits your skin type.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach and loves writing comprehensive beauty content for her readers. She believes that serums help to diminish the appearance of unwanted marks and scars on the skin. So, she checked user feedback and researched deeply to provide you with the best serum for acne scars. These serums tighten the pores, smooth your skin, prevent acne breakouts, and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see results from an acne scar serum?
The result may vary depending on the serum that you are using. Some serums may show visible results within a week, while some may take up to 12 weeks to show any result.
How often should I use an acne scar serum?
Since acne serums are formulated with active ingredients, using them twice or thrice a week will be safe for your skin.
How long does it take for acne scars to fade?
Some stubborn acne scars take six to twelve months to fade, while others take only three months.
How can I remove scars from my face permanently?
Remove scars from your face permanently with laser treatments, dermabrasion, skin needling, or chemical peeling. You can also rely on efficient skin care products, but the process might take longer.
How do I know if my acne scar is healing?
Consult a dermatologist to know if the treatments and the correct use of skin care products are healing your scars. You can also check whether the scars have stopped itching and are slowly fading away.
