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 | Study dose: not found yet | Moderate concern |
| Tranexamic acid | 🧪 Clinical evidence | 5% | Low concern |
| 4-Butylresorcinol | 🧪 Clinical evidence | Study dose: not found yet | Low concern |
| L-Ascorbic Acid | 🧪 Clinical evidence | Study dose: not found yet | Low concern |
| Isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol | 🧪 Clinical evidence | Study dose: not found yet | Low concern |
- Azelaic acidModerate concern
Study dose: not found yet
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: use with care · Listed in 89 products
- Tranexamic acidLow concern
Studied at 5%
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: – · Listed in 767 products
- 4-ButylresorcinolLow concern
Study dose: not found yet
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: – · Listed in 39 products
- L-Ascorbic AcidLow concern
Ascorbic Acid
Study dose: not found yet
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: – · Listed in 2,002 products
- Isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinolLow concern
Study dose: not found yet
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: – · Listed in 10 products
- N-Acetyl-D-glucosamineLow concern
Acetyl Glucosamine
Study dose: not found yet
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: – · Listed in 603 products
- NiacinamideLow concern
Studied at 2-5% (other use)
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: – · Listed in 12,904 products
- MadecassosideLow concern
Studied only mixed with other actives
- Reference: Haftek et al., 2008
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 3,532 products
- AsiaticosideLow concern
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Hu et al., 2023
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 2,957 products
Copper Tripeptide-1
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Badenhorst et al., 2016
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 2,137 products
- Asiatic acidLow concern
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Opatha et al., 2024
- Reference: Diniz et al., 2023
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 2,558 products
- Madecassic acidLow concern
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Bylka et al., 2013
- Reference: Witkowska et al., 2024
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 2,538 products
sh-Oligopeptide-1
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Kim et al., 2022
- Reference: Stoddard et al., 2017
- Reference: Ying et al., 2024
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 1,297 products
– = no pregnancy research data yet
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 0.1%
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 0.005%
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 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
Study dose: not found yet
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
Study dose: not found yet
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 in our product list yet
– = no pregnancy research data 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.
Use with care (the reason is on each ingredient page): Azelaic acid.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Check new products with your doctor or midwife.
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