22 best creams and products for acne scars that people who tried them are swearing by

As if pimples aren’t bad enough, post-acne scars are a whole other battle that’s got to be dealt with. And this is a battle all those with acne-prone skin know too well – using product after product that claims to fade acne scars but still ending up with dark spots and hyperpigmentation. But, worry no more, here is a list of best creams for acne scars that those have tried say will fade those pesky spots.

One thing to take note though: Acne treatments do take some time to work and show results. So, while some of these products may not work instantly, it does not mean they don’t work at all. There are no other ways to speed up the process, so patience is key!

1. Murad Post-Acne Spot Lightening Gel

The Murad Post-Acne Spot Lightening Gel is a favourite among beauty enthusiasts everywhere. Formulated with hydroquinone, this lightening gel can quickly reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and post-acne scarring.

Hydroquinone is one of the most popular and strongest ingredients in many skin lightening products, as it can effectively decrease the production of pigmentation. Besides hydroquinone, this lightweight gel treatment is also composed of willow bark and tea tree, both of which can help prevent acne.

Labelled as a ‘miracle worker’, reviewers have noticed significant differences when using this product consistently. True to its claims, this gel treatment can boost clarity and even out skin tones – guaranteed to give you a clear and glowing complexion! Oh, and did we mention it’s cruelty-free? What’s not to love?

Murad Post-Acne Spot Lightening Gel retails at SGD92.90 and is available at Lookfantastic.

2. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (Most affordable!)

The Ordinary has really risen in the ranks as a cult beauty favourite. Providing not only effective but ridiculously affordable products, this brand has really changed the skincare game. In particular, their Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is an effective solution for uneven skin tones and acne scars. Specifically formulated to brighten and lighten, azelaic acid is a multi-functional, naturally produced ingredient that reduces the look of blemishes.

Reviewers said that they start to see results within weeks, noticing significant differences with consistent use. This is a lightweight cream that’s perfect for all skin types. Even reviewers who had sensitive skin faced no problems! However, to be safe, remember always to do a patch test.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% retails at USD7.90 and is available at Beautylish.

3. Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

Also known as Vitamin A, retinol is often classified as a ‘super’ ingredient. Said to be the answer to all skincare problems, retinol promotes collagen production and cell turnover, helping your skin look healthy and even. The Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream is designed to reduce redness and scarring, as well as soothe inflamed skin.

While it may be on the pricier side, it’ll last you a long time. With just a little dab, this cream will already work its magic. Take note that some reviewers say those who have sensitive skin may need to go easy on this cream and that it may take a while to get used to it.

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream retails at SGD105 and is available at Sephora.

4. Bio-Oil

An oldie but a goodie, Bio-Oil has been around for ages, gaining a reputation for being a deeply moisturising oil that fades away scars and uneven skin tones. This star ingredient in this product is the Purcellin Oil, which is said to improve the absorption of the product so that the other beneficial ingredients can be delivered more efficiently. This product is certainly one of the first ones that comes to mind when you talk about creams and solutions for acne scars.

Bio-Oil retails for SGD15.50 and is available at leading pharmacies including Guardian and Watsons.

5. Cosrx Centella Blemish Cream

Marketed to be an all-natural cream that solves all acne problems, this has easily become a highly rated product for acne-prone skin and acne scars. Formulated with a key ingredient in Korean skincare products called Centella Asiatica, this cream heals damaged skin and helps fade and prevent acne marks. Also soothing inflamed pimples, it decreases the likeliness of scarring. Oh, and did we say it works almost instantaneously? Reviewers reported significant differences with just one night’s sleep. This is definitely one of the best creams for acne scars.

Cosrx Centella Blemish Cream retails at SGD30.90 and is available at Watsons.

6. Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector and Optimiser

The Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector and Optimizer is a two-in-one product that combines a strong serum that reverses the appearance of dark spots, and a soothing cream that calms the skin and prevents future scarring. This product promises lasting brightness and smooth skin. Thanks to the antioxidants that are in the formula, reviewers say that they see their skin getting healthier and brighter over time. While it takes a while to see significant differences, this product is definitely worthwhile.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Correct and Optimizer retails at SGD105 and is available at all Clinique counters, as well as Sephora.

7. Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

You read that right – it’s snail! Snail mucin may sound weird, but it is a popular skincare ingredient found in many K-beauty products. The ingredient is well-loved for its antioxidant properties and ability to boost collagen production in skin.

The Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence promises to repair damaged skin and acne, all while fading the appearance of hyperpigmentation. With 96% snail mucin, this beloved product will replenish and revitalise your skin, improving elasticity and hydration. Reviewers have seen their acne scars fade a lot faster, and their skin texture vastly improving. This ‘slimy’ essence may take a while to get used to, texture-wise, but judging from the positive reviews we’re seeing, we’re sure this K-beauty favourite will find a home in your skincare routine.

Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin retails at SGD28.90 and is available at Watsons.

8. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

Formulated with Vitamin C, E and Ferulic, this SkinCeuticals product is considered one of the best Vitamin C serums in the game, by both beauty experts and newbies. Promising to help you achieve a brighter complexion and the reduced appearance of pigmentation, this serum is suited for most skin types. Most reviewers have seen drastic differences in their complexion and observed less obvious pigmentation on their skin. This is definitely a holy grail for anyone suffering from acne scarring.

Check out a comprehensive review of the CE Ferulic serum that Daily Vanity did.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic retails at SGD248 and is available at its counter in TANGS, as well as authorised retailers.

9. SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence

SK-II has always been known to come out with some of the most popular skincare products and this is one of them. The SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence specifically targets dark spots and aims to brighten the skin’s complexion. Formulated with Japanese Plum Extract and Lumina Sea Kelp Extract, this lightweight serum has helped many reviewers combat pigmentation. Reviewers also love that their skin feel refreshed and plump after using it.

SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence retails at SGD187 and is available at all SK-II counters and Sephora.

10. Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop

Fret no more, Dear, Klairs is here to save the day! The Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is one of the best introductory Vitamin C serums out there. Formulated with a 5% concentration of Vitamin C, this serum is a safe and non-irritating product that will liven up your skin tone and fade all those pesky dark spots.

While it does take some time to take effect, it may just be worth the wait; reviewers saw their hyperpigmentation fade and their complexion even out after a couple of weeks.

Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop retails at SGD28.90 and is available at Guardian.

11. Troiareuke Acsen Recovery Cream

A cult K-beauty favourite, the Troiareuke Acsen Recovery Cream is a lightweight yet powerful cream that heals acne scars and calms redness. Formulated with soothing ingredient Centella Asiatica, this cream helps boost skin regeneration and relieve any irritation or red spots. In addition to its ability to fade pigmentation, this beloved cream can also rejuvenate and hydrate your skin – leaving your face looking dewy and clear!

Reviewers swear by this product, often citing it as a ‘holy grail’ product from anyone suffering from any kind of acne. With all its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients, this cream can also strengthen your skin barrier, reducing future pigmentation.

Troiareuke Acsen Recovery Cream retails at SGD83 (25ml) and SGD186 (80ml) and is available at Amazon.

12. Skin Inc Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is one of the most popular ingredients for treating acne scars, thanks to its ability to stimulate collagen and exfoliate skin. If you’re looking for a vitamin C serum that helps reduce the appearance of acne scars, try the one by Skin Inc. Combined with Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E, this serum is designed to lighten pigmentation and reduce excessive sebum production.

Perfect for those with oily and acne-prone skin, this serum is non-irritating and will quickly absorb into the skin. Reviewers love this product so much that some said they have repurchased it more than three times!

This retails for SGD68 at all Skin Inc outlets as well as Sephora.

13. The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil

This product has been raved frequently by skincare influencers and we’re not surprised why.

Its main ingredient is Rosehip Seed Oil, a natural source of vitamin C, which is known for its brightening benefits. This product helps regulate sebum production and treat hyperpigmentation. It further reduces the look of acne scars by boosting cell regeneration and collagen production. Made with all-natural ingredients, this product is well-loved by those with sensitive skin because it isn’t irritating.

Reviewers with oily skin also highly recommend it because it is a dry oil that sinks quickly into skin without leaving behind a greasy film.

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil retails at USD9.80 and is available at Beautylish.

14. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum (Most all-rounded benefits!)

Infused with stabilised Vitamin C, this serum can quickly fade acne scars and restore your skin’s youthful radiance. A hydrating serum that leaves the skin looking healthier and plumper, this is also loved by users who notice a glow in their complexion. Many even say that they were able to see visible results over just one night – no wonder so many people call it their ‘holy grail’ product that they swear by for getting rid of acne scars.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum retails at SGD126 and is available at Sephora.

15. Innisfree Bija Trouble Gel Cream

Formulated with a combination of bija seed oil and 2% highly-concentrated salicylic acid, the Innisfree Bija Trouble Gel Cream can soothe and relieve any irritants and redness, as well as acne scars. With salicylic acid as one of the main ingredients, this product chemically exfoliates the skin leaving so that radiant, even skin can be revealed.

This gel-cream is lightweight and has a smooth consistency that isn’t greasy or thick. Perfect for oily skin, this cream can effectively treat acne scarring and prevent future acne breakouts.

Innisfree Bija Trouble Gel Cream retails at SGD25 and is available at all Innisfree stores.

16. Verso Dark Spot Fix

Formulated with Retinol 8, the Verso Dark Spot Fix is an effective spot treatment that lightens dark spots and acne scars. With regular use, you can gradually see acne scars fade. It also increases the skin’s collagen production, aiding in treating the appearance of pitted scars.

This product is a little tricky to use, according to some reviewers, so make sure to apply it only on targeted spots. When used correctly and regularly, reviewers saw significant results, with some seeing their dark spots lighten just within a week!

Verso Dark Spot Fix retails at SGD214 and is available at Amazon.

17. By Wishtrend TECA 1% Barrier Cream

Teca is a highly concentrated extract of Centella Asiatica, a popular ingredient in Korean skincare that’s known for its anti-bacterial properties. This product can effectively heal pimples and treat post-acne scars, as well as naturally strengthen the skin’s barrier, which will help maintain a clear complexion.

Suitable for sensitive skin, this is an extremely soothing cream that won’t irritate or inflame the skin. Reviewers particularly love the versatility of the product, with many using it as a full-face moisturiser or primer, while some use it as a spot treatment.

By Wishtrend TECA 1% Barrier Cream retails at SGD31.90 and is available at Guardian.

18. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo cream is an oil-free acne spot treatment that fades acne scars and other types of pigmentation. Highly raved by those who have tried it, this cream claims to lighten scars just within 12 hours. Formulated with salicylic acid and niacinamide, this spot cream reduces inflammatory effects and can even reduce hyperpigmentation.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo retails at SGD42.90 and is available at Guardian and Watsons.

19. Origins Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel

An acne-fighting spot treatment, this gel-cream can help heal pimples and lighten post-acne scarring. Formulated with caffeine and algae, it helps relieve irritating spots and calm any bumps on the skin.

Considered an ‘overnight fix’ by some reviewers, this product has helped calm down pimples and reduce scarring. Reviewers report feeling a slight tingling sensation when applying this but don’t fret – it’s nothing to worry about. It’s just simply the product’s ingredient working its magic.

Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Gel retails at SGD34 and is available at Sephora.

20. Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHA

A gentle serum infused with Vitamin C and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), the Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHA is an effective solution for anyone suffering from post-acne pigmentation.

Formulated to heal, soften, brighten and smooth acne-prone skin, this serum can show visible results in just one week. Beyond treating acne scars, reviewers also reported seeing a visible glow after using this serum. It looks like bright and clear complexion isn’t impossible!

Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHA retails at SGD140 and is available at Sephora.

21. PCA Skin Pigment Gel

PCA Skin is a skincare line founded by physicians and aestheticians and guarantees gentle, yet highly effective, products for people of all skin types. Their Pigment Gel treats dark spots caused by acne or hormones. Formulated with Kojic and Azelaic Acid, this product can even out skin tones and significantly lighten the look of hyperpigmentatio – it even claims to prevent the occurrence of pigmentation in the future!

While many reviewers swear by it, they also mentioned that it takes time for this product to work. So if be ready to be patient and be persistent, in order to see significant results over time. The product may also be quite drying on the skin because of its ingredients, so remember to moisturise intensely when you start using it.

PCA Pigment Gel retails at SGD68.90 and is available at Amazon.

22. Benton Snail Bee High Content Stream Cream

Yes, this cream contains snail secretion and bee venom – a little weird but super effective. Snail mucus is known to be a highly effective ingredient for fading acne spots and scars while bee venom has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce levels of acne-inducing bacteria on the skin and can soothe the skin. Who knew!

Benton may not be very well-known in Singapore, but it has a cult following who swear by its products. Reviewers who raved about this product also mentioned that it has a cooling effect that makes it perfect for irritated skin.

Benton Snail Bee High Content Stream Cream retails at SGD18.90 and is available at Amazon.