Mederma Advanced Scar Gel Review: Would Buyers Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this gel in person. This verdict rests on published trial summaries and commentary listed at the end. Much of our evidence is secondary (a reference article summarizing older trials and a competitor's marketing blog), and we found no new independent trial of the current Advanced formula. We say so below. Our method.
Safe to try, but do not expect more than moisturizing
We could not support a skip: the gel is easy to use, widely available and unlikely to harm. But the independent evidence we found is unflattering. Summaries of older trials report that onion-extract gel did no better than plain petroleum jelly, and the one source arguing for silicone is a silicone seller. Treat Mederma as a moisturizing scar gel, not a proven scar fixer, and ask a dermatologist about silicone products or other options for raised, large or painful scars.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- have a small, fresh, minor scar and want a simple daily routine
- are happy with a low-risk option and modest expectations
- want a gel that is easy to find
Skip it if you…
- expect visible scar fading beyond what a plain moisturizer gives
- have raised, painful or large scars (see a dermatologist)
- want a product backed by strong independent trials
Mederma Advanced Scar Gel is a topical gel sold to make new and old scars look softer and less noticeable. Its main marketed ingredient is an onion-bulb extract. Buyers use it for surgical scars, cuts and marks left after skin injuries.
This review summarizes sources and user experiences and is not medical advice. Scars that are raised, painful, itchy, growing or on a joint should be checked by a doctor or dermatologist. Results vary from person to person.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
What the evidence says
Why we did not say skip
These trials are old and small, and we could not verify whether they tested the current Advanced formula. We also could not read the original studies, only summaries. The manufacturer itself says no product makes scars disappear. Because the gel is low-risk and some buyers like the routine, we land on "depends".
Silicone comparison, with a caution
A silicone seller's blog says the American Academy of Dermatology reports onion extract has not been found to improve scar appearance, and describes silicone as better supported. That blog is marketing and cites no studies by name, so we treat it as a pointer, not proof. Silicone gels and sheets are the commonly suggested alternative; a dermatologist can advise.
Practical tips
- Wait for the wound to close fully before applying any scar product.
- Use sunscreen on the scar, since sun exposure can darken fresh scars.
- Judge honestly: compare with a plain moisturizer or petroleum jelly on a similar scar before paying for a branded gel.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Simple daily gel
- Widely available
- Low risk for most people
- Hydrates the scar area
What owners complain about
- Independent evidence for onion extract is weak
- Older trials found no edge over petroleum jelly
- Results for old or raised scars are doubtful
- Evidence available to us was mostly secondary
Other options buyers compare
These are common comparisons for scar and skin-repair care.
| Option | Type | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mederma Advanced Scar Gel (this review) | Onion-extract gel | You want a simple branded routine | See on Amazon |
| Aquaphor Healing Ointment Read our review | Petrolatum-based ointment | You want a plain, inexpensive-style emollient | See on Amazon |
| Bio-Oil Skincare Oil Read our review | Skincare oil | You want a popular scar and stretch-mark oil (evidence also limited) | See on Amazon |
| Silicone scar sheets or gel | Silicone | You want the option dermatology sources more often suggest | — |
Want to try a simple scar gel?
Check the current price and size options on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Does Mederma make scars disappear?
No. Even the manufacturer says no product makes scars disappear completely.
Is onion extract proven for scars?
In the summaries we read, trials found it no better than petroleum jelly, though the studies are small and older.
Is silicone better?
Silicone is the more commonly suggested option in the sources we saw, but our main source for that is a silicone seller. Ask a dermatologist.
Can I use it on a fresh wound?
Wait until the wound has fully closed, and check with a doctor if unsure.
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Sources we analyzed
- Wikipedia: Mederma — summary of older trials and a news report
- Biodermis: Mederma vs silicone gel — silicone seller's comparison (biased source)
Figures reflect each source as of October 21, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.