Mederma

Mederma Scar Cream + SPF 30

Name: Mederma - Scar Cream + SPF 30
Brand: Mederma

SPF 30Efficacy95/100IrritancyHigh·3 UV filters

See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection

SPF 30 · 3 UV filters

Broad spectrum

SPF 30Broad spectrumChemical filtersNo white castTinted

This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.

UV spectrum

UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm

Octocrylene

Oxybenzone

Avobenzone

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

OctocryleneUVB Photo-stable A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen10%

OxybenzoneBenzophenone-3UVBUVA2Same as oxybenzone. Protects in the UVB and short UVA range. In small concentrations, used to stabilize product formulation. Can be irritating. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can penetrate the skin and get absorbed into bloodstream faster than other popular filters available in the US. The study that produced this finding did not address any potential health effects of the absorption6%

AvobenzoneButyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneUVA1Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.3%

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Ceramide 3 + 8 more

Works well

What the product description says

“UNIQUE TRIPLE ACTION FORMULA penetrates beneath the surface of the skin to help protect from harmful UVA/B exposure and retain moisture to aid collagen formation”

Source: Walmart

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: butyrospermum parkii butter, caprylic/capric triglyceride.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide 3, panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~1.5–1.9%

Ceramide 3Hero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.3–0.6%

C12-15 alkyl benzoateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumEnhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth~5.4–6.7%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~2.3–2.8%

Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~1–1.2%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.7–1.05%

SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~0.65–0.95%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%

Dicaprylyl carbonate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin~4.9–6%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~1.4–1.7%

Anti-aging

Butyrospermum parkii butter

Works well

What the product description says

“Mederma + SPF 30 Scar cream #1 doctor and pharmacist recommended brand for scars Reduces overall appearance, color, and texture of old and new scars Helps prevent sunburn with SPF 30 Unique triple action formula protects your skin from sun exposure UVA and UVB.”

Source: Walmart

This product can help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~1–1.2%

Evens skin tone

No ingredient credited for this claim

Works well

What the product description says

“Mederma + SPF 30 Scar cream #1 doctor and pharmacist recommended brand for scars Reduces overall appearance, color, and texture of old and new scars Helps prevent sunburn with SPF 30 Unique triple action formula protects your skin from sun exposure UVA and UVB.”

Source: Walmart

This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Benzophenone-3, Allium cepa bulb extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 9 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Benzophenone-3Same as oxybenzone. Protects in the UVB and short UVA range. In small concentrations, used to stabilize product formulation. Can be irritating. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can penetrate the skin and get absorbed into bloodstream faster than other popular filters available in the US. The study that produced this finding did not address any potential health effects of the absorptionHigh6%

AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~3.9–4.7%est.

Allium cepa bulb extract—High~0.9–1.1%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.6–0.9%est.

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.Medium3%

OctocryleneA weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreenMedium10%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~2.3–2.8%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~1.4–1.7%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~1–1.2%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane3%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.

More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane

Octocrylene10%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen

More about Octocrylene

Benzophenone-36%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Sun protection

Same as oxybenzone. Protects in the UVB and short UVA range. In small concentrations, used to stabilize product formulation. Can be irritating. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can penetrate the skin and get absorbed into bloodstream faster than other popular filters available in the US. The study that produced this finding did not address any potential health effects of the absorption

More about Benzophenone-3

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

C12-15 alkyl benzoate~5.4–6.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth

More about C12-15 alkyl benzoate

Dicaprylyl carbonate~4.9–6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin

More about Dicaprylyl carbonate

Alcohol~3.9–4.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol

Hydrogenated lecithin~2.8–3.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~2.3–2.8%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Panthenol~1.5–1.9%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Pentylene glycol~1.4–1.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Allium cepa bulb extract~0.9–1.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Allium cepa bulb extract

Butyrospermum parkii butter~1–1.2%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter

Glycerin~0.7–1.05%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.6–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer

Parfum~0.6–0.9%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Squalane~0.65–0.95%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane

Methylparaben~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Methylparaben

Xanthan gum~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Disodium edta~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Ceramide 3~0.3–0.6%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide 3

Sodium hyaluronate~0.2–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Butylparaben~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Butylparaben

Ethylparaben~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Ethylparaben

Propylparaben~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Propylparaben

Isobutylparaben~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Isobutylparaben

Ingredient list view

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octocrylene, Benzophenone-3, Water, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Alcohol, Hydrogenated lecithin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Panthenol, Pentylene glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Allium cepa bulb extract, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Glycerin, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Parfum, Squalane, Methylparaben, Xanthan gum, Disodium edta, Ceramide 3, Sodium hyaluronate, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben

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Walmart0.7 oz

$25.79

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/6 12:34 GMT

$26.99

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Walgreens300.7 oz

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	MedermaScar Cream + SPF 30YOUR PRODUCT	Peter Thomas RothMax Sheer Moisture Defense Lotion SPF30	NIA24Sun Damage Prevention UVA UVB Sunscreen SPF 30	M-61Hydraboost Moisturizer SPF 30
Match	—	46%	45%	44%
Price	$25.79	$28.00+$2.21	—	—
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 10	4 of 10	6 of 10
Key difference	—	Retinyl Palmitate	Ceramide 2	Urea
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
SPF	SPF 30	SPF 30	SPF 30	SPF 30
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

The ingredient list suggests that "Mederma - Scar Cream + SPF 30" can provide reliable sun protection. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).

Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.

Sunscreen filters

This sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: oxybenzone 6.00% (declared), avobenzone 3.00% (declared) and octocrylene 10.00% (declared).

Irritation risk

This moisturizer contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.