What Are Onion Cream Supplements Used For?
Onion cream supplements, often made from onion bulb extract (Allium cepa), treat scars, wounds, stretch marks, and skin inflammation. They contain quercetin and sulfur compounds that may reduce collagen buildup and inflammation in hypertrophic or keloid scars.[1]
How Long Until You See Results?
Visible improvements typically start after 4-8 weeks of twice-daily application. Scar redness and height often decrease by 50-80% after 3-6 months in studies. Full effects can take 6-12 months, depending on scar age and size. Fresh scars respond faster than older ones.[1][2]
Factors Affecting Speed of Results
- Scar type and age: New scars (under 6 months) improve in 4-12 weeks; mature scars need 6+ months.[2]
- Consistency: Apply 2-3 times daily on clean skin; results slow with missed doses.
- Combination use: Pairs faster with silicone gels or massage, shortening time by 20-30%.[1]
- Skin type: Oily skin absorbs slower; dry skin sees quicker softening.
Evidence from Studies
A 2018 review of 6 trials (399 patients) found onion extract cream reduced scar volume by 18% more than placebo after 3 months. Another study on postoperative scars showed 71% improvement at 6 months vs. 43% for controls.[2][3] No large trials exist for stretch marks or acne scars, where anecdotal reports cite 2-4 months.
What If It Doesn't Work?
No change after 3 months suggests it's ineffective for your case—switch to laser therapy or corticosteroids, which act in 4-6 weeks but carry risks like thinning skin. Stop if irritation occurs (rare, <5% of users).[1]
Alternatives and Comparisons
| Treatment | Time to Results | Cost (per month) | Evidence Level |
|-----------|-----------------|------------------|---------------|
| Onion cream | 4-12 weeks | $10-20 | Moderate |
| Silicone sheets | 2-8 weeks | $20-40 | Strong |
| Mederma (onion-based) | 4-8 weeks | $15-25 | Moderate |
| Laser (e.g., fractional CO2) | 1-4 weeks | $200+ per session | High |
| Corticosteroid injections | 2-6 weeks | $100+ per session | High |
Onion creams like Mederma are over-the-counter; generics cost less but match efficacy.[3]
[1]: Drugs.com - Onion Extract Topical
[2]: Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery - Onion Extract Review (2018)
[3]: Cochrane Review - Topical Treatments for Scars (2017)