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Everything Dermatologists Recommend to Help Fade Acne Scars at Home—From Peels to Serums to LED Masks
No, you don’t need to get professional lasers and peels.
At this point in my life, I’ve know exactly what type of products to use to treat my acne, whether it be blackheads, whiteheads, or the occasional hormonal flare-ups. The scars and marks that linger post-breakout though? That’s a whole different story. Acne scars can be notoriously tricky to treat—especially at home when you don't want to go the in-office laser or peels route. What can you do, though? Well, I consulted four dermatologists on their favorite acne scar treatments you can do at home, then tested all of the popular ones to find truly the best of the best.
Our top picks for best products for acne scars of 2025:
Best Award-Winning Acne Scar Treatment
ALLIES OF SKIN Azelaic & Kojic Advanced Clarifying Serum
Read more
Keep reading for all the need-to-know info on how to treat different types of acne scars plus a full rundown on the 15 best acne scar products to try right now.
Pros
- Includes light diffusers and blurring powder for immediate smoothing on your acne scar
- Super easy to incorporate in your skincare routine, so great for beginners
Cons
- Those with sensitive skin may have to start out only using it once per day and see how their skin reacts
Why we love it: I mean, the ingredients are top-tier. Namely, the gold standard in acne treatment, salicylic acid, which is an anti-inflammatory and exfoliates your skin to keep your pores clear. This BHA—combo’ed with dark-spot-lightening antioxidants, hydroxytyrosol, and vitamin C—results in cellular turnover—i.e., the key to smooth, even, glowing skin.
One Cosmo editor says: “I’m obsessed with this easy-to-use resurfacing skin treatment that’s filled with a slew of acne-fighting MVPs. Not only does this treat old marks, but it also works to prevent new breakouts from happening in the first place. I apply this in the morning and evening post-cleansing to decrease my acne scar size, depth, and coloring."—SIENA GAGLIANO, FORMER ASSOCIATE EDITOR
| Key ingredients | Salicylic acid, hydroxytyrosol, vitamin C |
| Usage | Morning and/or night |
Pros
- Clarifies and brightens at the same time
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Cosmo Acne Award winner
Cons
- Because it's so gentle, it can take a while to see results
Why we love it: This clarifying serum has everything you need to both treat existing acne as well as fade dark spots. Gold-star azelaic acid and kojic acid help reduce hyperpigmentation (azelaic is also amazing for soothing irritation, btw), while bakuchiol and licorice root brighten. Together, it's an easy-to-implement all-in-one treatment for those who don't wanna fuss with a bunch of products. No wonder it won a Cosmo Acne Award this year.
A Cosmo expert says: "This is an amazing multipurpose product that targets breakouts and pores as well as post-acne redness and hyperpigmentation. I recommend using this once daily in the morning or at night underneath moisturizer and sunscreen. The formula is packed with a powerful combination of ingredients to target acne, skin texture, excess oil, and uneven skin tone.” —DERMATOLOGIST CONNIE YANG, MD
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Azelaic acid, bakuchiol, kojic acid, licorice root extract |
| Usage | Morning and/or night |
Pros
- Combines vitamin C and kojic acid for mega brightening
- Formulated with all skin tones in mind
- Helps hydrate and soothe a bit with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera
Cons
- Sells out often
Why we love it: Vitamin C really is the GOAT when it comes to brightening dark spots. But it's gotten a bad rap for being hard to use, smelly, and irritating. But Hyper Skin's has been a tried-and-true Cosmo editor favorite for years now (it even won an Acne Award this year). It's packed with both vitamin C and kojic acid to seriously help brighten skin, but it also lightly hydrates with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
One Cosmo editor says: “I deal with so much stubborn hyperpigmentation, and this serum has done wonders to fade it. It melts into my skin like butter and layers perfectly under my SPF and makeup. It’s the type of product that will have you saying ‘wow’ when you catch yourself in the mirror.” —JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Vitamin C, kojic acid, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera |
| Usage | Morning |
Pros
- Zero downtime
- Uses salicylic and dioic acids to unclog pores and smooth skin
Cons
- Very pricey
Why we love it: Don't let "peel" fool you, though. This one is suitable for sensitive and dry skin and won't actually make your face peel.
One Cosmo editor says: “The effects of this at-home peel are comparable to one you’d get in a medspa. The combo of exfoliating acids and soothing plant extracts helps unclog pores and fade the look of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (ya know, those stubborn red and brown marks left behind by old breakouts). I use this every other day the week before my period and my hormonal breakouts are way less intense.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Salicylic acid, dioic acid, nianicamide |
| Usage | One to two nights per week |
Pros
- Helps treat and prevent current acne, as well as encourage collagen production to help reduce scarring over time
- Cosmo Holy Grail Beauty *and* Acne Award winner for 2025
Cons
- Has to be used daily, which is obviously tedious and can be difficult to keep up with
Why we love it: This at-home LED mask incorporates red and near-infrared light which penetrates deep into the dermis (deeper than topical skincare can get) to stimulate fibroblasts and smooth the look of acne scars, says dermatologist Dan Belkin, MD. Plus, it's also got an "acne clearing" protocol that For best results, use the mask on clean skin five times a week (the device will tell you how long based on the protocol you choose—between three and eight minutes), and in four weeks you can potentially see a visible difference in your skin texture and acne scars.
One Cosmo editor says: “I use this mask every night because it really works. You get the benefits of multiple LED treatments plus cryo-cooling pads under each eye to depuff during your session. The remote tracks your progress—I love watching my session count go up every night. Since I started five months ago, I’ve definitely seen a real improvement in my skin.”—JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | N/A |
| Usage | Three to eight minutes daily |
Pros
- Ideal for quickly fading single spots and scars, and treating active acne
- Great for travel and on-the-go usage
Cons
- May be too strong for sensitive skin types
As someone who has tested almost every popular pimple patch on the beauty market, the Peace Out Acne Dots have improved my acne and acne scars the most and thus secured its spot as a Cosmo 2024 Acne Award winner. And yes, pimple patches are most commonly known to treat your active breakouts, but your acne scars can see a ton of benefits from them as well. These genius patches are designed with teeny tiny micro darts that infuse spots and marks with a concentrated blend of niacinamide and salicylic acid to help fade dark spots and exfoliate for smoother, more even skin.
One Cosmo editor says: "They really do what they say: bring an angry pimple to the surface so it doesn't fester under the skin for weeks."—OLIVIA TRUFFAUT-WONG, FORMER EDITOR
| Key ingredients | Niacinamide, salicylic acid |
| Usage | Anytime, but best in evening worn overnight |
Pros
- Easy to use and layer with other skincare products
- Made without drying alcohols commonly found in other at-home peel pads
Cons
- Some testers say the pads can begin to dry out if you don't use them up quickly
I swear by these treatment pads for fading the v annoying dark, purplish marks along my cheeks and jawline (the result of an ongoing battle with hormonal acne). Each pad is pre-soaked with a blend of glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide to shed dead, discolored skin cells and regulate pigment production.
One Cosmo editor says: “I really love how convenient and easy to use these pads are too. Just swipe one on after cleansing, wait a minute or two for it to dry down, and then follow with the rest of your skincare routine. In my testing experience, they never cause whatever product you apply on top to pill, ball up, or feel greasy."—SG
| Key ingredients | Glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, niacinamide |
| Usage | Morning and/or evening |
Pros
- Contains Rx-strength adapalene to treat acne *and* acne scars
Cons
- Can make skin red and flaky during the few weeks of use
Why we love it: The hero ingredient in this topical treatment is adapalene, a type of retinoid for acne that was previously available via prescription but is now for sale at the drugstore, Dr. Belkin. In my testing experience, adapalene is not only great for clearing up active acne (including whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts), but for fading the dark marks and scars they leave behind too. And since adapalene can help stimulate collagen production, the ingredient can smooth rough, uneven texture from old breakouts too.
A Cosmo expert says: “Differin 0.1 percent Gel is the over-the-counter version of the powerful Rx retinoids doctors recommend for treating acne and also signs of aging. It’s gentler and less drying than prescription options, making it ideal for sensitive skin or mild comedonal acne.” —SHARI MARCHBEIN, MD, DERMATOLOGIST
| Key ingredients | Adapalene |
| Usage | Evening (start once a week for one week, then twice a week for two weeks, until you can tolerate three to four nights a week) |
Pros
- Made without fragrances, dyes, parabens, or phthalates
- Affordable and widely available at local drugstores
Cons
- Can cause irritation if too much product is applied
Proof that you don’t need to spend a ton of $$ on retinol treatment for your acne scars? This top-rated option from drugstore skincare brand Neutrogena. It contains a stable, time-released form of the ingredient to gently fade acne marks and scars without causing irritation or drying out your skin like some other retinol products have a tendency to do.
One shopper says: “I had a red mark from a cyst that wouldn’t go away after eight months. I tried all the treatments including lasers and nothing worked. Then I purchased this and it's working remarkably well! I use it consistently at night and my spot is definitely fading.”
| Key ingredients | Retinol, hyaluronic acid |
| Usage | Evening |
Pros
- Gentle formula is safe for all skin types and tones
- One of the most affordable options on the list
Cons
- Takes weeks of consistent use to see a visible reduction in discoloration
Designed with all skin tones and skin types (even those with reactive, sensitive skin) in mind, this gentle, yet effective, serum from The Ordinary helps to minimize the look of uneven texture and acne scars while helping to soothe and calm skin. During the testing process, I was impressed by the lightweight, fast-absorbing texture and how my skin looked calmer and clearer after just a few weeks of use.
One shopper says: “This is a really great solution for acne scarring. It’s affordable and it feels lightweight on the face. I used it to target post-acne scarring and felt like I noticed a difference in my skin.”
| Key ingredients | Aloe leaf powder, pentapeptide-4, N-acetyl glucosamine |
| Usage | Morning and evening |
Pros
- Ideal for treating red, scaly spots and acne marks
Cons
- Won’t fade super-dark areas of hyperpigmentation
This nourishing balm is another great option for treating that post-inflammation hyperpigmentation and redness that lingers after your breakout has healed, says dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, MD. It reduces redness, inflammation, and scaly texture with a blend of moisturizing panthenol, softening and strengthening peptides, and vitamin E to improve tone and texture. It’s also great for layering under makeup if you decide to cover up your acne scars with concealer or foundation.
One shopper says: “I had a very big scar after picking a pimple that looked like a hole on my forehead. Normally these scars take up to two weeks to heal for me, but I used this product three three days, and wow! The scar is basically gone!”
| Key ingredients | Peptides, panthenol, beta glucan |
| Usage | Daily as needed |
Pros
- Gives skin an instant glow
- Improves pore size and softens fine lines
Cons
- Contains fragrance that may potentially irritate skin
- Needs to be used with daily topicals to effectively smooth and brighten skin
Dr. Garshick recommends this weekly face mask for anyone dealing with acne scars and marks. “Using a blend of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, this resurfacing treatment helps to exfoliate to get rid of dead skin cells, improving the appearance of acne scars and blemishes,” says Dr. Garshick. “It also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and nourish the skin so it won’t be left feeling dry or irritated.”
One shopper says: “This product did everything it said it would do and more. After the first use my skin was so soft and glowing so now I am using twice a week,” writes a tester. “Yes, it is pricey, but it’s definitely worth it,” says another reviewer.
| Key ingredients | Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, polyglutamic acid |
Pros
- Multitasking formula has anti-aging benefits in addition to fading acne scars
Cons
- Expensive compared to most face serums
Smooth and brighten your skin with this top-rated serum from U Beauty. “The formula’s main ingredient is glycolic acid,” says Dr. Belkin. The fruit-derived acid has been shown not only to exfoliate but also to stimulate dermal collagen production—two key things for reducing the appearance of acne scars and uneven texture.
One shopper says: “I was dealing with some spots and they just wouldn’t go away. This morning when I woke up I looked in the mirror and felt truly happy with my skin. This product is amazing—and took the place of three different products in my routine. Seems pricey, but it’s worth it if you ask me.”
| Key ingredients | Glycolic acid, mandelic acid, hyaluronic acid, retinol |
| Usage | Morning and/or evening |
Dr. Idriss Major Fade Active Seal Dark Spot Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer
Pros
- Lightweight, noncomedogenic formula won't clog pores
Cons
- May not be hydrating enough for dry skin types
This face moisturizer from board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss's skincare line is a regular in my skincare rotation—especially post-breakout when I’m trying to fade a dark mark or spot. The lightweight gel texture feels amazing on my skin, and the combo of brightening vitamin C and 4-butyl resorcinol helps visibly fade hyperpigmentation and give my skin a nice glow.
One shopper says: “After just a week of using this product, I noticed an improvement in my skin's brightness and texture. I’ve used all types of vitamin C products before but have never been happier than after trying this. I will be repurchasing the whole set!”
| Key ingredients | Vitamin C, 4-butyl resorcinol, glycerin |
| Usage | Morning and evening |
Pros
- Works immediately and also has long-term benefits
- Lightweight gel formula won’t clog pores
Cons
- Not the best choice for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
This makeup primer is a must-try for anyone dealing with atrophic (or indented) acne scarring. It helps to instantly fill in any divots or pockmarks so your foundation lays smoothly on top, and with continued use, it can help reduce the size and depth of atrophic acne scars too.
One Cosmo editor says: “While testing, I also found this primer to be *excellent* at minimizing the look of large pores and giving my skin a matte (but not overly drying) finish throughout the day."—SG
| Key ingredients | Medical-grade silicone, peptides, retinol |
| Usage | Daily as needed |
How we tested the best acne scar treatments:
Cosmo editors are constantly testing acne products to share the best options on the market to you (as well as include in our beauty awards). To compile this list, we…
- Narrowed down a list of dozens of acne scar treatments (exfoliants, toners, serums, peels, and more) based on ingredients and reviews
- Personally tested every single one to ensure they're effective but still gentle enough that they're mostly suitable for acne and sensitive skin
- Vetted our top 10 based on efficacy, ease of use, packaging, how long it takes to see results, and more
- Read thousands of reviews from testers to discover common pros and cons with each treatment that made it onto this list
Which treatment is best for acne scars?
The best most effective treatments for acne scars tend to be professional treatments—including lasers (like Fraxel and IPL), radiofrequency microneedling, and chemical peels (like a VI Peel). All of these options will give you a noticeable difference in your acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation quickly.
That said, these treatments are usually pricey (in New York City, one Fraxel session can cost $1,000) and they’re not always easily accessible, which is where over-the-counter products, tools, and devices (like the ones above) come in handy. These at-home options *do* work, but they need to be used consistently (usually for months) to see a real, noticeable change in skin.
Can you permanently get rid of acne scars?
Generally, yes, you can permanently get rid of acne scars. Unlike other forms of hyperpigmentation (like melasma), once you’ve faded your acne scars and marks, they won’t come back. The same goes for atrophic or indented acne scars, although they are much more difficult to get rid of with at-home treatments permanently.
The biggest thing to remember here is that your active acne needs to be under control before you can think about permanently fading your acne scars. My best advice is to see a board-certified derm to get your breakouts in check, then focus on fading any resulting scars and marks.
Does vitamin C remove acne scars?
Yes! Vitamin C can remove acne scars—but only the kind that looks like brown, purple, or red marks. Vitamin C helps regulate pigment production to help fade discoloration—plus, it has antioxidant properties that can help protect your skin from UV and environmental damage (two things that can make acne scars look darker).
How to choose an acne scar treatment:
First, identify the type of acne scars you have.
Most acne scars appear as are either categorized as atrophic scars or as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or post-inflammatory erythema (PIE). Atrophic acne scars (or pockmarks) appear as hollow indents or divot in the skin from a sudden loss of collagen, which is a result of inflammation that occurred at the time the acne lesion was active.
In general, atrophic scars are a result of angry, cystic acne. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation looks like flat purple or brown marks (and usually present on deeper marks), while post-inflammatory erythema looks like flat red marks (and usually present on lighter skin).
These types of acne scars are also caused by inflammation from your breakout, but instead of your skin losing collagen (which would result in pockmarks), it produces excess pigment and discoloration where your breakout was instead.
Look for ingredients best suited to your specific type of acne scarring.
If you’re dealing with atrophic acne scars, you’ll need to choose an acne scar treatment that has ingredients that stimulate collagen (like retinol or peptides) and/or have resurfacing properties, like glycolic and lactic acids.
If you’re mostly dealing with flat dark marks or red spots, an acne scar treatment with brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or tranexamic acid will be your best option.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
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