22 Best serums for acne scars (2023)

Acne is annoying when battling pesky whiteheads, but it can also leave long-lasting marks. Even if your skin is clear, you may have acne-related scars below the surface. Because 2023 is your time to shine, here are 22 of the best serums for acne scars.

1. Blu Atlas Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is one of the most effective ingredients to use when fighting against redness and acne-related scars. It’s naturally filled with antioxidants that help brighten the skin, renew cells and reduce redness.

With so many vitamin C serums on the market, only one truly takes the cake. Blu Atlas, a New York–based men’s personal care company, has become one of the finest modern brands. Their offerings include shampoo, face wash, shaving cream and oils, are clean, vegan and tested by skincare professionals. Although they market their products to men, anyone can use their contemporary line of products to transform their skin, body and hair.

The Blu Atlas Vitamin C Serum is an intense, concentrated formula with vitamin C that infuses the skin with its antioxidants.

Ingredients like mulberry root extract reduce visible signs of irritation, unevenness and discoloration. Pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract is often overlooked in the skincare world, but this ingredient is one you’ll fall in love with. It works to preserve the skin’s natural moisture, protect against free radicals and prevent future damage from occurring.

Plus, ascorbic acid and aloe vera help the skin form collagen and detoxify reactions. Use a few drops of this serum on the skin as needed, and soon your face will be vibrant, glowing and radiant. Get your hands on the best serum for acne scars as soon as you can.

2. CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

CeraVe is one of the most reputable brands in the skincare game. Many dermatologists and skincare experts recommend using their products if you want great results without needing a prescription.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum is one of the best serums for acne scars on the market today. It’s formulated with 10% I-ascorbic acid, which is the purest form of vitamin C. Ascorbic acid helps brighten the skin, balancing the skin tone and masking unevenness.

Most serums tend to dry out your skin, but not CeraVe. This serum is also formulated with hyaluronic acid, which adds intense nourishment and creates a healthy-looking complexion. As if CeraVe didn’t already give you enough to combat acne scars, they also throw in three essential ceramides that help maintain lipids in the skin barrier.

CeraVe doesn’t just care about the ingredients, however. The packaging helps prevent oxidation, keeping the serum fresh and at its highest performance. This serum is suitable for any skin type, as it’s non-greasy, paraben-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and allergy tested.

Make 2023 your best skincare year yet by getting rid of those acne scars and ensuring your skin looks flawless with this stellar product from CeraVe.

3. Éclat Natural Skincare Vitamin C Serum

Not all vitamin C serums are created equal, which is why it’s important to get the purest form of it for the best results. Éclat Vitamin C Serum doesn’t use ascorbic acid, which can be too unstable to be effective. Instead, the brand opts to use sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which – in certain studies – has been shown to reduce dark spots and add more radiance than ascorbic acid.

If you have intense acne scars, this is the vitamin C serum for you. It’s highly concentrated, with 20% vitamin C, brightening the skin without over-drying. Other synergistic ingredients like retinol, jojoba oil, vitamin E, aloe vera and MSM work to accelerate skin renewal and cell turnover, increasing the result time by up to six times compared to just vitamin C alone.

Éclat Vitamin C Serum is cold-processed for maximal potency. Other serums, produced at higher temperatures, deplete the vitamin C and lose strength. Furthermore, this serum is packaged in FrostProtect glass that blocks light and oxygen, which can lead to destabilization.

Free of parabens, silicones and other toxic ingredients, this vegan and cruelty-free product is one of the best serums for acne scars.

4. Bio-Oil Store Skincare Oil

2023 is the year of the fresh face. It’s time to get rid of your scars and start the year off with a bright, fresh complexion. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil is an innovative oil that targets a variety of skincare concerns, especially scarring.

Filled with natural oils, this product can help repair skin damage from any type of scar – acne, injury, surgery, pregnancy and aging. It’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t cause you further acne or irritation.

Rich in vitamin A oil, which aids in collagen formation, skin renewal and skin elasticity, your skin will look like it got a salon-quality facial. Other ingredients, such as vitamin E oil, chamomile oil, sunflower oil and lavender oil, infuse the skin with anti-inflammatory properties and ensure it looks healthier.

This oil also targets dryness, uneven skin tones, lines and wrinkles, and stretch marks. Because it’s so versatile and affordable, this is one of the best serums for acne scars, and it’s one you’ve got to try in 2023.

5. Poppy Austin Clearing Serum

Poppy Austin Clearing Serum is a cocktail of the best skincare ingredients around. If you’ve wanted to try a few different products but didn’t want to shell out the money, here is your chance to have everything in one convenient bottle.

Vitamin C works to brighten the skin, reducing discoloration and unevenness. Hyaluronic acid is a veritable miracle if you suffer from dry, irritated skin. It leaves the skin nourished and moisturized. Niacinamide, one of our favorite ingredients, brightens the skin and reduces redness, which is often an issue with acne scars. Other ingredients, such as retinol and salicylic acid, reduce acne and visibly soften the skin.

Made from plant-based elements, Poppy Austin makes vegan and cruelty-free products that are guaranteed to satisfy. If you aren’t happy with the serum, simply reach out to Poppy Austin for a full refund.

6. Cos De Baha AZ Azelaic Acid 10 Serum

This sexy, sleek red bottle would look absolutely darling sitting on your dresser. Well-designed packaging can be the difference between displaying your product and keeping it stashed away in the medicine cabinet, and this one will certainly be displayed.

Formulated with a 10% powder solution, this multi-action serum features some of the best ingredients on the market. Azelaic acid aids the skin in reducing acne, blemishes, scars and discoloration. Niacinamide gently clears the pores, adding hydration and brightening powers to everything it touches.

You only need a few drops of this potent serum to get the best results. Use daily or as needed. Be sure to pair this with a nourishing moisturizer and an SPF, as some products make your skin more susceptible to sun damage.

7. TruSkin T+ Tea Tree Super Serum+

Powerhouse ingredient tea tree oil can be used for just about anything. You often find it in haircare and skincare products because it works that well. If you’re tired of having acne scars but you also still have acne, you need a product that can tackle all of your needs.

TruSkin Tea Tree Super Serum + is ready to rock your world. It’s going to take care of those pesky acne-related scars and oil that never seem to go away, no matter how many times you wash your face.

Tea tree oil works to absorb excess oil and balance out the skin tone. This helps your pores naturally heal and reduces oil production. Salicylic acid also helps with this by unclogging pores, exfoliating the skin and absorbing excess oil.

Other key ingredients, like retinol and hyaluronic acid, help hydrate the skin and add brightness to dark and uneven spots. As it uses plant-based vegan ingredients, this serum also ticks off your new year’s goals of using clean, sustainable ingredients.

8. Derma-E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum

Make your 2023 bright and fresh by giving your skin the gift of antioxidants with Derma-E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals that add brightness and color, ensuring your complexion looks stunning and vibrant throughout the year.

Vitamin C is the breakout star of this concoction, adding rich antioxidants to the skin. Those antioxidants reduce discoloration, acne scars and dullness. Green tea and provitamin B5 promote collagen health, reduce sun damage and add moisturization.

Vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free and GMO-free, this serum is good for you and the environment.

9. RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum

The winter months can cause your skin to look dry and dull, which only makes your acne scars look worse. RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum is a powerhouse serum packed with the finest ingredients to get your skin glowing.

This serum contains everyone’s favorite ingredient, vitamin C. It’s rich and powerful, and will help reduce the appearance of acne-related scars and add brightness where your skin needs it.

Vitamin C also works to make your skin look tighter, smoother, softer and more radiant. In just four weeks of usage, your skin will look rejuvenated. No matter what your skincare concern is, RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum can take care of it.

10. Paula’s Choice Boost C15 Super Booster

Does your skin need a boost of brightness? Since it’s a new year, it’s time to make some resolutions about your skin. Your skin deserves to be bright and glowing in 2023, which is why we are recommending one of the best serums for acne scars available over the counter.

Paula’s Choice Boost C15 Super Booster is the perfect serum for anyone who wants a product they know will work. It’s great on any skin type, so you don’t have to shell out a ton of cash on multiple skincare products.

It’s made with Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster, vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid. These powerhouse ingredients visibly soften and reduce the signs of aging, add brightness and glow where needed, and tighten the skin.

Plus, this serum contains peptides that will help balance and hydrate your skin. You only need a few drops of this potent, stabilized serum, making this one of the best options to choose if you want your product to go a long way. Make 2023 your year to glow.

11. Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

2023 is the year for natural skincare. It’s time to get rid of those harmful products you’ve been using for years and switch to products that make you feel good (and are actually good for your body). Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum is one of the best serums for acne scars for this very reason. Not only does it magically transform your face into a scar-free wonderland, but it also only uses clean ingredients for your skin.

Vitamin C is one of the most effective and safest ingredients to use for skincare. Paired with vitamin E and ferulic acid, it increases the skin’s antioxidant protection and reduces the appearance of scars, wrinkles and discoloration.

Make 2023 your best year by giving your skin the gift of healthy, clean skin that radiates daily.

12. Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting and Brightening Serum

We all have bright ideas that, for one reason or another, we never follow up on. Especially at the start of the new year, there is so much potential to make big changes that have real impacts on our life.

Here’s a bright idea for you: Try the Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting and Brightening Serum. It’s vibrant, fruity and full of antioxidants that will whip your skin into shape. It’s also one of our favorite serums that tackle the root of the acne scars, and not just the surface level.

Formulated with antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals and sun damage, this serum is vegan and cruelty-free. After just one use, your face will look brighter, tighter and more vibrant.

13. Dr. Brenner C Serum

Dr. Brenner’s C Serum claims to be the most effective vitamin C serum developed by a dermatologist. We can’t say for sure, but this serum is certainly intensely nourishing, while working overtime to get your skin where you want it to be.

Unlike other serums, Dr. Brenner’s C Serum pairs vitamin C with 20% pure L-ascorbic acid, which makes it more powerful and effective. A few drops of this serum will help reduce acne scars, dark spots and unevenness.

Even though this serum is packed with incredible ingredients, it doesn’t add further irritation to the skin, so you don’t have to worry about your face getting dry or red. You also don’t have to worry about buying a dud from Dr. Brenner, because they make this product every two weeks, ensuring that you’re getting the freshest batch possible.

14. Tree of Life Vitamin C Serum

If you’re tired of pounding the orange juice and want to give your bladder a break, it’s time to switch to a different version of vitamin C. Tree of Life Vitamin C Serum is a brightening, softening and smoothing concoction that will give your skin all the vitamins and antioxidants it needs.

These vitamins and antioxidants help turn over skin cells, reduce the visibility of acne-related scars, and brighten dark and dull spots. Vitamin E helps to soften the skin, while aloe and jojoba oil add intense moisturization and vitality.

Use this serum in the morning with your favorite sunscreen to make your skin glow. This product is free of parabens and other harmful chemicals, and is cruelty-free. It’s 100% vegan.

15. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

CeraVe has some of the best skincare products on the market. As one of the most dermatologist-recommended brands, you can feel confident that you’re getting a great product. Even though vitamin C is a great ingredient for getting rid of acne scars, there are some people who may not want to use it.

If that sounds like you, we’ve got one of the best serums for acne scars without vitamin C. Introducing CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, one of the best-loved serums on the market. Seriously, check any website that sells CeraVe and you’ll see thousands of positive reviews raving about this serum.

It’s formulated with three essential ceramides that minimize pores and refine the skin’s texture. This smooths over any acne-related scars and allows the skin to renew itself. You only need a small amount of this product, so start off using it sparingly as you allow your skin to adjust. Non-comedogenic, paraben-free and fragrance-free…what more could you want from a serum?

16. Cetaphil Gentle Clear Triple-Action Acne Serum

Cetaphil often goes head to head with CeraVe for the best skincare brand on the market. We won’t pick favorites, because both brands have exceptional offerings. Cetaphil Gentle Clear Triple-Action Acne Serum is small but mighty.

With PHA, BHA, prebiotics and succinic acid, it has exfoliating and healing powers other serums can only dream of. Even though it packs a punch, it’s formulated specifically for sensitive skin, so you don’t have to worry about your skin getting dried out.

17. Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment

The worst thing about waking up in the morning is when you realize you have a fat new zit on your face. It’s embarrassing and annoying, especially if you have important plans that day. If you’ve ever wished for a product that could zap away your blemishes, try this serum from Urban Skin.

Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment gets to work right away, reducing the appearance of existing blemishes while preventing future ones from occurring. It’s one of the best serums to quickly improve the appearance of the skin, adding brightness where needed and reducing dullness.

This serum can tackle any type of acne, including whiteheads, blackheads, clogged pores, pimples and cystic acne. With 5% benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid, this serum is going to be your favorite product of 2023.

18. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Concentrated Derma Serum

Say goodbye to those pesky pimples with IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Concentrated Derma Serum. We get it: Even though you have a top-notch skincare routine, it feels like you can never get rid of your blemishes.

This concentrated derma serum uses salicylic acid to break down clogged pores and shrink existing acne. Lactic acid and postbiotic ferment gently exfoliate the skin, getting rid of dead skin cells and promoting a healthy complexion. It’s formulated for sensitive skin, meaning it won’t dry out your skin or clog the pores.

Use this serum twice a day, after washing the face, and you’ll quickly start to see a cleaner, clearer complexion.

19. DermaSkin Vitamin C Serum

Refreshing, nourishing and full of vitamins: That’s everything we love about DermaSkin Vitamin C Serum. It’s like a bottle full of sunshine, especially if you live in a colder climate where you’re missing the sun.

This juicy cocktail contains vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ferulic acid, witch hazel, aloe and jojoba oil. It’s potent and ultra-powerful. You only need a few drops a day to reduce pores, acne scars and brighten dark areas. Plus, this serum does a great job of repairing skin cells and fighting against inflammation.

Say goodbye to cold, dark days and say hello to rays of warmth and sun with DermaSkin Vitamin C Serum.

20. CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

It’s no surprise that CeraVe has a plethora of products on our list; they’re just that good! You can find their products at any drugstore or grocery store, as well as online. Their offerings are accessible and affordable, so it’s no wonder the brand manages to stay on top.

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is here to wipe away those pesky acne scars and leave your face glistening. It’s formulated with CeraVe’s highest concentration of hyaluronic acid, which retains the skin’s natural moisture and keeps it hydrated.

This serum is gel-based, lightweight and soothing. It won’t clog your pores and it won’t make your skin feel heavy or greasy. We also love the inclusion of vitamin B5, which softens and improves the appearance of the skin.

This serum also features CeraVe’s patented MVE ingredient-delivery technology, which continually releases moisture into the skin for 24 hours. That means your face will glow throughout the day, giving you time to focus on other things.

21. Neutrogena Stubborn Texture Niacinamide Serum

You’ve probably used a Neutrogena product before, and we’re here to recommend one you’re guaranteed to love. Neutrogena Stubborn Texture Niacinamide Serum is the perfect serum for oily and acne-prone skin. Whether you’re trying to get rid of acne scars or are currently fighting blemishes, this serum can help.

It’s a great blend of 10% niacinamide and 4% neoglucosamine. These two potent ingredients break up the pores, unclogging them and removing dead skin cells, dirt, oil, grime and makeup residue. Once your pores are clear, they can start healing. The niacinamide does a great job at improving the complexion of your face. It enhances dull and dark spots, giving them a youthful glow. This serum also helps reduce oil, leaving your skin with only the necessary moisture.

Use this serum as part of your daily skincare routine to see the best results. In just a few weeks, you will notice a dramatic improvement in your skin. Because Neutrogena only crafts the best skincare products, this is free of fragrances, parabens, dyes and phthalates.

22. Mountain Top Vitamin C Serum

Rounding out our list is a serum that targets not only acne scars but also age-related marks. Mountain Top Vitamin C Serum is a perfect blend of vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. Vitamin E is the go-to ingredient when your skin needs some intense TLC. It’s great at reducing scars, redness and irritation.

Whether you’re targeting acne scars or wrinkles, vitamin E can help. It’s accompanied in this product by hyaluronic acid, which infuses your skin with intense hydration. Having hydrated skin reduces future visible aging, like wrinkles and crow’s feet. However, if you already have visible marks, this serum can still help reduce the appearance of scarring.

It’s also paired with retinol, witch hazel, jojoba oil and ferulic acid, which work to make your skin look youthful and radiant. You’ll feel replenished and look hydrated every time you use this serum, so make your 2023 your best yet with Mountain Top.