HealFast vs ScarAway vs Mederma vs Biocorneum: Best Scar Gel Comparison

After an operation or an injury, patients are usually advised to apply a scar gel to improve scars over time. However, there are several choices available - all with similar claims about making scars less visible, improving the texture, and aiding the skin's recovery process.

You should keep in mind that not all scar gels are the same. Their compositions vary greatly when it comes to active ingredients, method of action, and the amount of scientific evidence supporting their claims. A product that might work very well for a new post-surgical incision might not be quite so effective for older or much more complex scars like keloids.

Choosing a suitable scar treatment early in the healing process is important, as the initial postoperative phase requires a well-maintained, moisture-rich environment to support optimal wound healing and scar formation (3).

In this article, we will explore a structured comparison of the most commonly used scar gels - HealFast, ScarAway, Mederma, and Biocorneum, based on their ingredients, mechanisms, scientific backing, and actual usage in real life. 

Quick Overview of the 4 Best Scar Gel Brands

What Type of Scar Are You Treating?

Before picking out a scar gel, it really helps to identify the type of scar you have. Scar tissue behaves quite differently depending on how it formed, where it's located, and how long it has been there. That really affects which treatments will actually work.

Let’s break down:

1. Surgical Scars: Formed from carefully planned cuts such as C-sections, orthopedic operations, or cosmetic surgery. These scars are usually quite straight and follow the cut's path, with their appearance varying based on healing conditions and each person's skin reaction itself.

2. Hypertrophic Scars: Rise above the surface, appearing red and rather firm, all contained within the original wound area. They result from an increase in collagen formation throughout the healing process.

Worth Reading - Collagen vs Collagen Peptides: Which Is Best for Scar Healing?

3. Keloid Scars: Very thick, raised scars that actually grow beyond the original wound edges. They're a bit influenced by your genes and might even keep growing over time.

4. Atrophic (Pitted) Scars: Depressed or sunken scars - often seen after acne or certain types of infections. They occur because there's a lack of underlying tissue during the healing process.

5. Burn Scars: Sometimes quite large and quite varied in appearance indeed. They could be flat, raised, or even contractive based on the depth and severity of the burn.

6. Mature or Older Scars: Scars that have finished the active healing phase, typically appearing much flatter, not so dark in color, and a bit more stable themselves. These scars tend to be less reactive to change when compared to newer scars.

Detailed Overview of Scar Gel Brands

1. HealFast Silicone Scar Gel - Editor's Choice ⭐

HealFast scar gel is formulated specially for post-operative and injury recovery, available at reasonable prices. The formula is based on 100% medical-grade silicone, widely known by dermatologists and plastic surgeons as the very best topically-applied ingredient for managing scars.

Our scar gel is designed with a pure silicone crosspolymer base - no additives or fillers included, safe for kids. 

This silicone-based scar gel forms a very thin yet breathable coating on the skin when you apply it, giving you a controlled, hydrating environment that helps protect healing tissue. This barrier promotes a more balanced collagen response, which is key to minimizing raised or uneven scars. 

Silicone also helps decrease redness and the discomfort associated with scar formation, and it shields the area from all sorts of other environmental factors that can cause overproduction or persistent scarring.

Key Ingredient Used in HealFast Gel:

Medical-grade silicone (crosspolymer-based formulation)

Evidence & Clinical Support Behind HealFast Scar Gel:

Medical-grade silicone remains one of the most consistently recommended ingredients in scar care.

It is recognized as the #1 ingredient recommended by dermatologists and plastic surgeons for scar treatment, according to U.S. physician surveys. This aligns with how silicone has been used in clinical practice for decades as a first-line approach to both preventing and managing abnormal scars.

Based on clinical research available through the National Library of Medicine (NLM), silicone-based products have been used in scar management since the 1980s and are widely regarded as the gold standard, first-line therapy for both prevention and treatment of pathological scars such as hypertrophic scars and keloids (4).

Research also highlights that consistent use of silicone can help improve key scar characteristics such as thickness, color, and overall appearance, particularly when started early.

Physician perspectives reinforce this further. As noted by Jessica Chang, M.D., topical silicone gel has demonstrated efficacy in improving hypertrophic scars in multiple high-quality studies and is supported by Level I evidence.

Which Scars Does HealFast Scar Gel Work Best On:

Post-operative scars, C-section scars, and injury-related scars in the early stages of healing (once the wound has closed). It is primarily suited for supporting proper healing and minimizing the risk of abnormal scarring as new scars form.

2. ScarAway Silicone Scar Gel

ScarAway Gel, a cost-effective silicone treatment, has been formulated with medical-grade silicone and is made for managing both recent and long-standing scars, including hypertrophic scars and keloids. It can be used on scars caused by surgery, burns, injuries, and trauma.

The gel dries into a clear, scentless layer, so it is just right for application on both the face and the body - even very noticeable or hard-to-treat areas. It's applied twice daily, giving you 24-hour effectiveness every time you use it consistently.

ScarAway is meant for use once your wound has completely closed and can be used for stopping abnormal scarring from forming, as well as for improving existing scars themselves. It is also reported to be quite gentle on sensitive skin.

Key Ingredients:

Polysiloxanes, Silicon Dioxide

Clinical Evidence:

The main ingredient in ScarAway Gel - medical-grade silicone is widely supported by clinical research and dermatologists. As discussed above for HealFast Scar Gel, silicone-based therapies are really considered the gold standard in topical scar care, with many studies demonstrating their effectiveness in improving scar texture, color, and overall appearance.

3. Mederma Advanced Scar Gel

Mederma is one of the most well-known scar treatment brands, often used for mild or superficial scarring such as acne, burns, injuries, and surgical scars. Its formula is based on Cepalin(R) botanical extract (onion extract) and is made for both new and long-standing scars.

The product really works deep below the skin's surface to hold in moisture, support cell renewal, and actually help make more collagen. Mederma gel is created to get absorbed right into your skin.

It is usually applied once each day, making it a very practical choice for regular use. For the best results, it is recommended to use the product for a minimum of 8 weeks on new scars and 3-6 months on older scars.

Key Ingredients:

Cepalin® (Onion Extract) and Allantoin.

Clinical Evidence:

Mederma Advanced Scar Gel has been clinically proven to visibly decrease the overall look of scars made by acne, burns, injury, and surgery. The brand is positioned as a top-recommended treatment for scars, based on data collected from a survey of U.S. physicians and pharmacists by an independent research firm.

4. Biocorneum Scar Gel

Biocorneum SiliSilk Advanced Scar Gel utilizes advanced silicone technology to create a very thin, breathable, and invisible layer on your skin, helping support just-right hydration and collagen balance at the scar site itself. It also offers SPF protection, making it suitable for scars in sun-exposed areas.

The gel has a grease-free texture, making it really simple to add it to your daily routine. Its water and sweat-resistant properties make it stay put all day while feeling really comfortable on your face, chest, or even joints. 

It is formulated with high-quality silicone technology, where SiliShield cross-linked silicone forms a nearly invisible layer that helps with the optimal healing process and improves the appearance of scars.

Key Ingredients:

SiliShield® Crosslinked Silicone

Clinical Evidence:

Professional-grade silicone technology is backed by established clinical evidence for scar management. The product is also suggested by dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and med spa providers all over the country.

For a detailed breakdown of the clinical evidence behind silicone-based scar therapy, refer to the Evidence & Clinical Support Behind HealFast Scar Gel section above.

Check Out: Dos and Don’ts for Scar Care After Surgery

HealFast vs ScarAway vs Mederma vs Biocorneum - Comparing Leading Scar Gels

Which Scar Gel Should You Use? (By Scar Type) 

How to Use Scar Gel Correctly

1. Begin using it only after the wound has fully closed
2. Cleanse and dry the area very well before application
3. Apply a thin, even layer carefully
4. Use it consistently every single day
5. Continue using scar gel for at least 8-12 weeks
6. Protect your scar from all sun exposure
   
   

Also read How Does Dimethicone Help Heal and Protect Scars?

FAQs

Q 1. Can old scars still improve with scar gel?

Yes, scar treatments can help improve older scars, but they require consistent, long-term use. Results are typically slower and less noticeable compared to treating scars early. Silicone-based scar gels are widely considered the gold standard for managing scars, including keloids and hypertrophic scars, but outcomes may vary depending on the age and type of the scar. (2).

Q 2. Silicone vs Onion Extract - Which is better for scars?

Silicone-based scar gels work by creating a protective, hydrating barrier that helps regulate collagen production, which is essential for reducing raised and visible scars. Onion extract–based products help with mild or superficial scars, but they lack strong, consistent clinical evidence compared to silicone. For most scar types, especially post-surgical, hypertrophic, or keloid scars, silicone is the preferred choice.

Q 3. How long should you use HealFast Silicone Scar Gel?

For best results, use HealFast Silicone Scar Gel for 6–12 months. Consistency is key, and results may vary depending on the type, size, and age of the scar.

Conclusion

Not all scar gels work the same, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in how your scar heals and appears over time.

When comparing HealFast, ScarAway, Mederma, and Biocorneum, the right pick really depends on the scar you are treating and what you want from the formulation.

Biocorneum is the strongest choice for scars in sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, or hands, since the built-in SPF protects against UV-driven discoloration. The trade-off is price, which runs from $55 to $130. ScarAway is the budget silicone option, starting around $10, and it works well on hypertrophic and keloid scars once the wound has closed. Mederma uses onion extract (Cepalin) rather than silicone and is best suited to mild, surface-level marks like acne scars or stitch lines, where the goal is gradual cosmetic improvement.

HealFast Scar Gel is built around 100% medical-grade silicone crosspolymer with no fillers or additives, which makes it the right fit for early-stage scar care after surgery, C-sections, injuries, or any newly closed wound. The formulation creates a thin, breathable barrier that hydrates the wound site, regulates collagen response, and helps reduce redness and discomfort as the scar matures. Silicone has been the gold-standard, first-line topical for scar management since the 1980s and remains the #1 ingredient recommended by dermatologists and plastic surgeons in U.S. physician surveys (Wang et al., 2020). HealFast is also safe for use on kids, priced at $24.99, and available across healfastproducts.com, Amazon, Walmart, and iHerb. If you are starting scar care early and want a clean silicone-only formulation, HealFast is the pick.

Ultimately, the best results come down to early use, correct application, and consistency over time. Start at the right stage, stick with your routine, and choose a formulation backed by evidence, because when it comes to scar care, what you use and how you use it both matter.

Take the next step toward smoother, healthier-looking skin with the right scar care solution.

References: 

1. DermSkin Health. (n.d.). Scars: What are the options? https://dermskinhealth.com/scars-what-are-options/

2. O'Brien, L., & Jones, D. J. (2021). Silicone gel sheeting for preventing and treating hypertrophic and keloid scars. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24030657/

3. Commander, S. J., Chamata, E., Cox, J., Dickey, R. M., Lee, E. I., & Khetarpal, S. (2016). Update on postsurgical scar management. Seminars in Plastic Surgery, 30(3), 122–128. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4961501/

4. Wang, F., Li, X., Wang, X., & Jiang, X. (2020). Efficacy of topical silicone gel in scar management: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. International Wound Journal, 17(3), 765–773. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7949016/

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results may vary based on individual factors. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any scar treatment, especially if you have a medical condition, sensitive skin, or a non-healing wound.