Skincare ingredients for acne scars and marks
Our research data links 18 ingredients to acne scars and marks. Strongest evidence comes first, each with the studies behind it.
A research list, not medical advice. If a skin condition worries you, see a dermatologist.
Which ingredients have the most evidence for acne scars and marks?
In our data, the strongest evidence for acne scars and marks is behind Azelaic acid, Tranexamic acid, and 4-Butylresorcinol.
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| Ingredient | Evidence | Studied at | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azelaic acid | 🧪 Clinical evidence | PIH/PIE 15% gel; PIH comparison 20% cream | Moderate concern |
| Tranexamic acid | 🧪 Clinical evidence | post-acne PIH clinical 5% solution | Low concern |
| 4-Butylresorcinol | 🧪 Clinical evidence | PIH stand-alone effective concentration N/A; studies for other pigment disorders are in sections 2 and 4 | Low concern |
| L-Ascorbic Acid | 🧪 Clinical evidence | PIH stand-alone effective concentration N/A; studies for other pigment disorders are in sections 2 and 4 | Low concern |
| Isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol | 🧪 Clinical evidence | PIH stand-alone effective concentration N/A; studies for other pigment disorders are in sections 2 and 4 | Low concern |
- Azelaic acidModerate concern
Studied at PIH/PIE 15% gel; PIH comparison 20% cream
15% 12-week placebo-controlled study and a 20% active-comparison dataset. Consider the PIE and PIH outcome measures and natural improvement in controls together.
- Reference: Shucheng et al., 2024
- Reference: Sobhan et al., 2023
Pregnancy: not advised against on skin · Listed in 86 products
- Tranexamic acidLow concern
Studied at post-acne PIH clinical 5% solution
Compared with 20% azelaic acid in a 12-week single-blind study, 30 people each completed. Both groups improved; with no placebo, natural resolution and the absolute effect cannot be fully separated.
- Reference: Sobhan et al., 2023
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 452 products
- 4-ButylresorcinolLow concern
Studied at PIH stand-alone effective concentration N/A; studies for other pigment disorders are in sections 2 and 4
Mainly extrapolated from other pigment disorders. The stand-alone effective range for PIH is N/A, and this differs from evidence for restoring scar structure.
- Reference: Huh et al., 2010
- Reference: Khemis et al., 2007
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 28 products
- L-Ascorbic AcidLow concern
Ascorbic Acid
Studied at PIH stand-alone effective concentration N/A; studies for other pigment disorders are in sections 2 and 4
Mainly extrapolated from other pigment disorders. The stand-alone effective range for PIH is N/A, and this differs from evidence for restoring scar structure.
- Reference: Humbert et al., 2003
- Reference: Espinal-Perez et al., 2004
- Reference: Murray et al., 2008
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 1,422 products
- Isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinolLow concern
Studied at PIH stand-alone effective concentration N/A; studies for other pigment disorders are in sections 2 and 4
Mainly extrapolated from other pigment disorders. The stand-alone effective range for PIH is N/A, and this differs from evidence for restoring scar structure.
- Reference: Lima et al., 2021
- Reference: Lekhavat et al., 2026
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 5 products
- N-Acetyl-D-glucosamineLow concern
Acetyl Glucosamine
Studied at PIH stand-alone effective concentration N/A; studies for other pigment disorders are in sections 2 and 4
Mainly extrapolated from other pigment disorders. The stand-alone effective range for PIH is N/A, and this differs from evidence for restoring scar structure.
- Reference: Bissett et al., 2007
- Reference: Kimball et al., 2010
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 474 products
- NiacinamideLow concern
Studied at PIH stand-alone range N/A; general pigment and barrier clinical 2-5%
Mainly extrapolated from other pigment disorders. The stand-alone effective range for PIH is N/A, and this differs from evidence for restoring scar structure.
- Reference: Bissett et al., 2004
- Reference: Draelos et al., 2006
- Reference: Kimball et al., 2010
- Reference: Korea Ministry of Government Legislation, 2023
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 8,542 products
- MadecassosideLow concern
Studied at combination clinical 0.1% + LAA 5%; stand-alone N/A
- Reference: Haftek et al., 2008
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 2,284 products
- AsiaticosideLow concern
Studied at N/A
- Reference: Hu et al., 2023
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 1,852 products
Copper Tripeptide-1
Studied at N/A
- Reference: Badenhorst et al., 2016
- Reference: Badenhorst et al., 2016
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 1,233 products
- Asiatic acidLow concern
Studied at N/A
- Reference: Opatha et al., 2024
- Reference: Diniz et al., 2023
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 1,640 products
- Madecassic acidLow concern
Studied at N/A
- Reference: Bylka et al., 2013
- Reference: Witkowska et al., 2024
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 1,627 products
sh-Oligopeptide-1
Studied at N/A
- Reference: Kim et al., 2022
- Reference: Stoddard et al., 2017
- Reference: Ying et al., 2024
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 718 products
Which ingredients for acne scars and marks need a doctor?
5 ingredients here are prescription-only or for in-clinic use in the US. We list them so you can look them up; they never go into a PERBETE routine.
Retinoic Acid
Studied at PIH original paper 0.1%, 40 weeks
A PIH controlled study in Black patients. Because irritation can cause new PIH, the same concentration cannot be applied uniformly.
- Reference: Bulengo-Ransby et al., 1993
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Not in our product list yet
Studied at clinical/drug 0.005% = 50 ug/g
For the number of atrophic scars in patients with active acne and prevention of new scars. It does not mean complete restoration of already old, deep scars.
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Not in our product list yet
Studied at atrophic acne scar clinical 0.1%
A 36-person split-face comparison. A small study against microneedling, not data confirming equivalence for all scars.
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
- Reference: Phillips et al., 2002
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Not in our product list yet
Studied at PIH stand-alone range not confirmed in this review, N/A; melasma comparison 3-4%
Mainly extrapolated from other pigment disorders. The stand-alone effective range for PIH is N/A, and this differs from evidence for restoring scar structure.
- Reference: Balina and Graupe, 1991
- Reference: Espinal-Perez et al., 2004
- Reference: Janney et al., 2019
- Reference: Lim, 1999
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 1 product
p-Hydroxyanisole
Studied at PIH stand-alone effective concentration N/A; studies for other pigment disorders are in sections 2 and 4
Mainly extrapolated from other pigment disorders. The stand-alone effective range for PIH is N/A, and this differs from evidence for restoring scar structure.
- Reference: Fleischer et al., 2000
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Not in our product list yet
Which ingredients for acne scars and marks are advised against in pregnancy?
In our data, pregnancy guidance advises avoiding All-trans-Retinoic Acid (Tretinoin), Trifarotene, Tazarotene, and Hydroquinone. Each ingredient page names the source.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Check new products with your doctor or midwife.
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