Best Face Oil for Scars: What Really Works

Human written by Dr. Heather Smith without affiliate links.

Scars are frustrating. Whether from acne, injury, or surgery, they linger longer than we’d like—and the search for effective scar treatments is confusing, expensive, and filled with overblown promises. Some of the best face oils for scars can be found easily and without high costs.

As both a medical doctor and a skincare expert specializing in face oils, I want to help you cut through the noise.

This guide is based on science, not hype. I’ll explain how face oils can support the skin’s natural healing process, what to look for in a product, and how to choose the best face oil for your skin type and scar type.

TL/DR: There’s no single miracle oil for facial scars — but understanding how oils support skin healing can help you choose the best one for your skin.

How Do You Fade Scars Fast?

Let’s be clear: you don’t fade scars fast. True scar healing takes time, but there are proven ways to speed up and support the process.

Here’s how oils can help with scar healing:

• Reduce inflammation: Calming inflammation is key, especially for fresh or active scars. Reducing redness will instantly help the appearance of your scars.

• Prevent new scars: Treating breakouts early reduces your chances of future scarring. No matter how tempting it is, don't pick or pop any acne lesions.

• Deliver essential nutrients: Oils rich in fatty acids and antioxidants help repair the skin barrier.

• Improve hydration: Oils seal in moisture, supporting soft, pliable skin that heals more evenly. It's the prevention of water loss and restoration of the skin barrier that is key, and that's what oils do best!

• Address post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: A lot of what looks like scar is actually increased pigment in the skin. This is often seen in the final stages of healing and can be targeted using various ingredients like vitamin C.

• Protect from UV damage: Always pair oils with daily SPF—sun damage can make scars darker and more stubborn.

What Makes an Oil Good for Scar Treatment?

Before you can choose a specific oil, you need to understand what makes a good oil for scar care. Since keeping a scar moisturized is the main benefit of oils, you probably will see effects with most options. However, to ensure you're getting the most benefits, look for these traits:

• Non-comedogenic: Oils that won’t clog pores or worsen breakouts.

• High in linoleic acid: Excellent for acne-prone and oily skin. Antiinflammatory and barrier supportive.

• Rich in antioxidants: Protects skin from environmental stress, includes natural vitamin E.

• Anti-inflammatory: Oils that calm irritation and support healing. Replaces missing fatty acids within the skin layers.

• Stable: Less likely to oxidize and irritate sensitive skin.

These criteria form the basis of the recommendations below. Oils that meet all these qualifications can be incredibly effective, especially when used consistently.

Best Face Oils for Scars: Expert Picks and Shopping Tips 

DIY Approach

If you prefer a DIY approach, these are some of my top picks based on anti-inflammatory potential, non-comedogenic ratings, and antioxidant content:

• • Abyssinian Oil: High in erucic acid, it supports cell repair and reduces transepidermal water loss.

  • Meadowfoam Seed Oil: Exceptionally stable and rich in long-chain fatty acids. Helps balance oil production and protect the skin barrier.

  • Borage Oil: Contains high levels of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which helps reduce inflammation and restore the barrier. May also help target hormonal acne due to its relationship with prostaglandins.

  • Hemp Seed Oil: Non-comedogenic, rich in omega-3s and linoleic acid, ideal for acne-prone or inflamed skin.

  • Grapeseed, Sunflower, Camellia: All light, fast-absorbing, and rich in skin-friendly nutrients.

💡 Want to go deeper? Check our full guides to the best oils for acne-prone skin, non-comedogenic oils, and oils for sensitive skin.

Buying a Face Oil? What to Look For

If you’re shopping for a premade face oil, make sure to review the ingredient list. 

Look for:

• • Non-comedogenic carrier oils from the list above

  • Key ingredients that include soothing botanicals like aloe, chamomile, calendula, or bisabolol

  • Added antioxidant-rich extracts (e.g., green tea, turmeric)

Avoid:

• • Heavy oils like coconut oil or wheat germ that can clog pores

  • Essential oils used at high concentrations (especially tea tree)

  • Artificial fragrance or dyes

What About Vitamin E, Essential Oils, or Bio Oil for Scars?

Vitamin E Oil for Face Scars

Vitamin E is one of the most talked-about ingredients for scars, but the evidence is mixed. It's a very strong antioxidant and will support the skin barrier. But, it's got a thick and sticky texture and a risk or irritation for some people. The happy medium is to use face oils that are naturally high in vitamin E, rather than using the pure tocopherol directly on your face. 

Bio Oil for Acne Scars

Bio Oil has been marketed for scars and stretchmarks for decades. It's a lovely oil, but it contains a lot of fragrance as well as mineral oil derivatives.

Verdict: Bio Oil may help some people, but better options exist—especially if you’re sensitive to fragrance or want completely natural options.

Essential Oils for Scars on the Face

Certain essential oils have wound-healing, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. These include:

• • Lavender: Shown in studies to promote healing and reduce inflammation

  • Carrot seed, Cedarwood, Neroli, and Frankincense: Antioxidant and soothing properties

But essential oil blends must be diluted and used carefully. Tea tree oil, in particular, can be irritating and isn’t recommended for scar care. If you know how to properly dilute the oil you're interested in trying, using one of the carrier oils we listed above would be a great blend.

Silicone Gel for Scars vs Oils

Silicone-based products (ie. gels, sheets, strips) are widely marketed for scar treatment. They work by creating an occlusive barrier that locks in moisture. The thing is, that's what oils do too!

• Pros: Backed by decades of use and clinical data

• Cons: Not biodegradable, often petroleum-derived, bioaccumulate

Silicone has more clinical trials behind it, but oils offer antioxidant and nutrient-rich benefits that silicone doesn’t. Plant-based oils achieve similar moisture retention with added antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits—without contributing to microplastic waste accumulation. That’s why many people are now looking for the best natural oil for scars as an alternative.

Other Ways to Heal Scars

Scar treatment often requires a multi-pronged approach. If scars are deep, raised, or severe, oils alone will not be enough.

As a physician, I always recommend consulting a dermatologist or plastic surgeon before pursuing in-office scar treatments. Thick scar tissue and complex or hypertrophic scars, including keloid, boxcar, and icepick, will need multimodal therapy.

Consider these options under proper medical supervision:

• Chemical peels

• Microneedling

• Laser therapy

• Steroid injections

• Scar revision surgery

Pairing these with a supportive skincare routine (including oils) will optimize results.

FAQs

Can I use face oil every day for scars? Yes! Daily use is necessary to see long-term benefits. Start with 1x/day and adjust based on your skin’s needs.

How long does it take to fade scars with oil? You may start seeing subtle changes in 4–8 weeks, but noticeable improvement often takes several months.

Best oil for surgical scars on face? Try a stable, barrier-repairing oil like meadowfoam, combined with scar-specific support like calendula or aloe extract.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single oil that’s best for all scars, but with a bit of knowledge and consistency, you can support your skin’s healing. There’s no “one oil to rule them all.” But if you understand how oils work — and choose the right ones — you’re already ahead of the game.

The key is consistency, patience, and choosing oils that suit your unique skin.

References:

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