No. According to its German product information, Contractubex is a gel whose active substances are onion extract, heparin sodium and allantoin, and silicone is not among its listed ingredients. Scarless is a silicone gel.
Comparison
Scarless vs Contractubex: silicone gel or onion-extract gel?
Scarless is a topical silicone scar gel from Goodness Care. Contractubex is described in its German product information as a gel whose active substances are onion extract, heparin sodium and allantoin. They take two different approaches to scar care, and both are used once the wound has closed. This page explains how they differ; it does not compare results.
Reviewed by Raed Salah, Pharmacist and Technical DirectorLast reviewed September 2026
The 30-second comparison
- These are two different kinds of scar gel: Scarless is built on silicones that dry to a film; Contractubex's active substances are onion extract, heparin and allantoin.
- Alongside its silicones, Scarless lists squalane and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a vitamin C derivative.
- Contractubex is massaged in lightly several times a day until absorbed; Scarless is spread in a thin layer two to three times a day and left to dry.
- Contractubex has published studies on the finished gel, with limitations; no published study on Scarless as a finished product has been identified.
- No published study comparing Scarless and Contractubex directly has been identified, so neither can be said to work better.
Quick comparison
| Scarless | Contractubex | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Type of product | Self-drying silicone gel | Gel with onion extract, heparin and allantoin as active substances |
| Formula | ||
| Ingredients listed | Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Dimethicone, Silica, Squalane, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Isopropyl Myristate | Active substances: onion extract, heparin sodium, allantoin. Other ingredients: sorbic acid, methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, xanthan gum, macrogol 200, fragrance, ethanol, purified water |
| Silicones listed | Dimethicone, dimethiconol, cyclopentasiloxane, cetyl dimethicone | Not listed in its German product information |
| Onion extract, heparin, allantoin | Not listed | All three, as active substances |
| Vitamin C derivative | Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate | Not listed in its German product information |
| Squalane | Listed: an olive-derived emollient | Not listed in its German product information |
| Application | ||
| How it is used | A thin layer, rubbed in gently until it dries | Massaged in lightly until absorbed; hardened older scars possibly overnight under a dressing |
| How often | Two to three times a day | Several times a day |
| How long | Two to three months; established scars take longer | Several weeks to months, depending on extent and severity |
| Practical use | ||
| On the skin | Dries to an invisible film | Massaged in until absorbed by the skin |
| Formats and sizes | ||
| Pack sizes | 15 g tube | 30 g, 50 g and 100 g (Germany) |
| Intended use | ||
| Scar types named by the manufacturer | Surgical, C-section, burn, hypertrophic and keloid-type scars | Hypertrophic, keloid-like, movement-restricting and cosmetically disturbing scars after operations, amputations, burns and accidents; also contractures |
| New or older scars | New and older scars, with the same routine | Fresh scars: avoid extreme cold, UV light and excessive massage. Hardened older scars: possibly overnight under a dressing |
| Open wounds | Not on open wounds. Closed, fully healed skin only | Used after wound closure |
| Children | Suitable once the skin has fully healed; ask a doctor or pharmacist before use in infants | Age and pregnancy guidance varies by market; consult the locally approved Contractubex leaflet. |
| Evidence | ||
| Studies on the product itself | No published study on the finished product identified | Two controlled trials and one observational study of the gel, all with limitations |
| Direct comparison studies | None identified | None identified |
What they have in common
Based on each product's own published information:
- A gel. Both are gels applied to the skin.
- Applied to the scar. Both are applied directly to the scar.
- After the wound has closed. Both are used once the wound has closed.
The differences that matter most
The formulation approach. Scarless is built on a multi-silicone system that dries to a film over the scar, with squalane and a vitamin C derivative added. Contractubex's German product information names three active substances, onion extract, heparin sodium and allantoin, in a water-based gel, and lists no silicone. This is a difference in approach, not in the number of ingredients.
The application routine. Contractubex is massaged in lightly several times a day until the skin has absorbed it; for hardened older scars it may be left on overnight under a dressing, and fresh scars should be kept from extreme cold, UV light and excessive massage. Scarless is spread in a thin layer two to three times a day and left to dry to a film in a few minutes, after which sunscreen or make-up can go over it.
Product-specific evidence. Contractubex itself has been studied: two controlled trials in caesarean-section scars, each against no treatment, and a large observational study, all with limitations described below. For Scarless, the published research is on silicone as a class and on its individual ingredients; no study of Scarless as a finished product has been identified, and no study has compared the two.
Formula compared
Scarless. Its full ingredient list has seven INCI entries: silicones (dimethicone, dimethiconol, cyclopentasiloxane and cetyl dimethicone) with silica, plus squalane, isopropyl myristate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a vitamin C derivative.
Contractubex. According to its German product information, its active substances are a liquid onion extract (Allium cepa), heparin sodium and allantoin. The other ingredients are sorbic acid, methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, xanthan gum, macrogol 200, a fragrance mixture, ethanol and purified water.
Two different approaches. In Scarless, silicone is the scar-management technology, with squalane as an emollient and a stable vitamin C derivative. Contractubex relies on its three active substances instead, and silicone is not among its listed ingredients. Neither the silicone, squalane or vitamin C derivative in Scarless nor the onion extract, heparin or allantoin in Contractubex appears in the other's list.
Different, not ranked. A different formulation approach does not make either gel better. Each approach has its own research, set out in the evidence section below, and no study has compared these two products.
Application and daily routine
Each manufacturer's own information, side by side:
- How to apply. Scarless: squeeze out a small amount, spread a thin layer over the scar and rub in gently until it dries. Contractubex, according to its German product information: massage it lightly into the skin or scar tissue until the gel has been absorbed.
- How often. Scarless: two to three times a day. Contractubex, according to its German product information: several times daily.
- How long. Scarless: two to three months, and longer for established scars. Contractubex: several weeks to months, depending on the extent and severity of the scar.
- Fresh and older scars. Contractubex's German product information advises keeping fresh scars from extreme cold, UV light and excessive massage, and says hardened older scars may be treated overnight under an ointment dressing.
- After applying. Scarless dries in a few minutes, after which cosmetics or sunscreen can go over it. See how to apply Scarless.
Scar types, stages and intended use
- After the wound has closed. Scarless is applied once the wound has fully closed and sutures are removed, never on open wounds. Contractubex's German product information says it is used after wound closure.
- Scar types each one names. Scarless: surgical, C-section, burn, hypertrophic and keloid-type scars. Contractubex's approved indication in Germany: hypertrophic, keloid-like, movement-restricting and cosmetically disturbing scars after operations, amputations, burns and accidents, as well as contractures such as Dupuytren's contracture and atrophic scars.
Practical-use considerations
- Sun. Contractubex's German product information advises avoiding UV light, especially on fresh scars. Scarless has no built-in SPF, and sunscreen can be applied over it once it has dried.
- Time per application. Contractubex is massaged in until absorbed, several times a day. Scarless needs only a thin layer, rubbed in gently, and then a few minutes to dry.
What the evidence can and cannot tell us
Silicone as a class. Silicone gels and sheets are widely recommended in scar-management guidance, particularly for hypertrophic scars and keloids. However, systematic reviews have found that the certainty of evidence for some outcomes is low or very low.
Contractubex itself: controlled trials. Two trials tested the gel after caesarean section, each against no treatment. In a randomised trial of 61 women at a single centre, sponsored by Merz, the marketing authorisation holder, scars treated with Contractubex scored better on the women's own ratings at six weeks, but the observers' ratings showed no significant change. In 120 women having a repeat caesarean with scar revision, six months of the gel reduced scar redness, pigmentation and height compared with no treatment. Neither trial used a placebo gel, and the second did not describe blinding.
Contractubex itself: daily practice. An observational study of 1,268 patients reported improvements in scars over four to five months of early use. Without a comparison group, it cannot separate the gel's effect from the way scars naturally mature.
Other silicone gels against Contractubex. Three trials compared Contractubex with a silicone gel, none of them Scarless, and their results differ. In 45 burn scars, silicone gel and silicone sheeting did better than Contractubex, in a small study without an untreated group. In 120 men after arm injuries, a double-blind trial found neither gel different from no treatment. In 240 eyelid-surgery patients, neither improved scar appearance compared with no added treatment over three months.
Onion extract as a group. A 2025 systematic review of 21 studies concluded that onion extract has potential use in preventing and treating scars, while calling for larger trials with longer follow-up. A 2021 meta-analysis of 13 randomised trials found onion extract gel better than no treatment but not better than other common topical treatments, with more side effects. Both look at onion extract preparations as a group, not at Contractubex specifically.
The ingredients beyond silicone. The research on squalane and on vitamin C derivatives looks at the ingredients themselves, not at Scarless as a finished product.
Scarless itself. The published research that Goodness Care cites is on silicone, on the individual ingredients and on related formulations, not on Scarless as a finished product.
A direct comparison. No published study comparing Scarless and Contractubex directly has been identified.
Scarless may help improve the appearance of scars. More on the research, and its limits, is on the published research page.
Which may suit different priorities?
Each has documented features that may matter to different people:
- Contractubex may suit someone who prefers an onion extract, heparin and allantoin approach, is comfortable massaging a gel in several times a day, or values studies on the finished gel itself, keeping their limitations in mind. In Germany it is also sold in larger packs of 30 g, 50 g and 100 g.
- Scarless may suit someone who prefers a silicone film approach with squalane and a vitamin C derivative, a thin layer two to three times a day that dries in a few minutes, and a gel that sunscreen or make-up can go over once dry.
- If you are not sure which suits your scar, a pharmacist or doctor can advise.
Differences between markets
Pack sizes. This page uses Germany as the reference market for Contractubex, where it is sold in 30 g, 50 g and 100 g packs, plus a 500 g hospital pack. The Austrian leaflet lists 10 g, 20 g and 50 g tubes.
Age and pregnancy guidance varies by market; consult the locally approved Contractubex leaflet.
Frequently asked questions
Its German product information lists three active substances: a liquid onion extract (Allium cepa), heparin sodium and allantoin, in a gel that also contains sorbic acid, methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, xanthan gum, macrogol 200, a fragrance mixture, ethanol and purified water.
Scarless's full ingredient list has seven INCI entries: silicones (dimethicone, dimethiconol, cyclopentasiloxane and cetyl dimethicone) with silica, plus squalane, isopropyl myristate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a vitamin C derivative. It lists no onion extract, heparin or allantoin.
Contractubex is massaged lightly into the scar several times a day until the skin has absorbed it, according to its German product information. Scarless is spread in a thin layer two to three times a day, rubbed in gently and left to dry to a film in a few minutes.
Contractubex's German product information says hardened older scars may be treated overnight under an ointment dressing, and advises keeping fresh scars from extreme cold, UV light and excessive massage. Scarless uses the same routine for new and older scars.
Yes. Contractubex itself has been studied: a randomised trial of 61 women after caesarean section, sponsored by Merz, found better patient-rated but not observer-rated scar scores than no treatment; a trial of 120 women having a repeat caesarean found less scar redness, pigmentation and height than no treatment; and an observational study of 1,268 patients reported improvement, without a comparison group. None used a placebo gel.
No published study of Scarless as a finished product has been identified. Silicone gels as a group are widely recommended in scar-management guidance, though systematic reviews rate the certainty of evidence for some outcomes as low or very low, and research on squalane and vitamin C derivatives looks at the ingredients themselves.
Scarless must not be applied to open wounds or unhealed incisions, or before sutures are removed. Contractubex's German product information says it is used after wound closure.
Age and pregnancy guidance varies by market; consult the locally approved Contractubex leaflet. For Scarless, ask a doctor or pharmacist before use in infants.
No. No published study comparing Scarless and Contractubex directly has been identified, so neither can be said to work better. Contractubex has its own studies, with limitations; trials comparing it with other silicone gels have had mixed results and did not test Scarless.
Contractubex is a trademark of its owner, used here only to identify the product. Goodness Care is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, Contractubex or its owner.
Sources
- Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH (via fachinfo.de): Fachinformation Contractubex® Gel (Stand 05/2025, 000447-68491-101) (accessed September 27, 2026)
- Merz Pharma Austria GmbH (leaflet hosted by Österreichische Apotheker-Verlagsgesellschaft): Gebrauchsinformation: Information für Anwender – Contractubex® Gel (AT, Z.Nr. 13.883, überarbeitet Juni 2021) (Austria) (accessed September 27, 2026)
- Ocampo-Candiani J, Vázquez-Martínez OT, Iglesias Benavides JL et al. The prophylactic use of a topical scar gel containing extract of Allium cepae, allantoin, and heparin improves symptoms and appearance of cesarean-section scars compared with untreated scars. J Drugs Dermatol 2014;13(2):176-82. PMID 24509969
- Güngör ES, Güzel D, Zebitay AG et al. The efficacy of onion extract in the management of subsequent abdominal hypertrophic scar formation. J Wound Care 2020;29(10):612-616. PMID 33052789
- Willital GH, Simon J. Efficacy of early initiation of a gel containing extractum cepae, heparin, and allantoin for scar treatment: an observational, noninterventional study of daily practice. J Drugs Dermatol 2013;12(1):38-42. PMID 23377326
- Meaume S, Le Pillouer-Prost A, Richert B et al. Management of scars: updated practical guidelines and use of silicones. Eur J Dermatol 2014;24(4):435-43. PMID 25141160
- Monstrey S, Middelkoop E, Vranckx JJ et al. Updated scar management practical guidelines: non-invasive and invasive measures. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2014;67(8):1017-25. PMID 24888226
- Jiang Q, Chen J, Tian F et al. Silicone gel sheeting for treating hypertrophic scars. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021;9(9):CD013357. PMID 34564840
- Karagoz H, Yuksel F, Ulkur E et al. Comparison of efficacy of silicone gel, silicone gel sheeting, and topical onion extract including heparin and allantoin for the treatment of postburn hypertrophic scars. Burns 2009;35(8):1097-103. PMID 19766399
- Hassanpour SE, Farnoush N, Karami MY et al. The effect of silicone gel versus contractubex gel on the upper-extremity postsurgical scars: A randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2020;34:146. PMID 33437742
- Güçlü ES, Özer Ö, Çelik S et al. Comparison of the Cosmetic Efficacy of Extractum Cepae and Silicone-Based Gel in Upper Blepharoplasty. J Craniofac Surg 2024;35(7):e658-e660. PMID 39016346
- Won P, Choe D, Abu-Ghazaleh J et al. The Efficacy of Onion Extract on the Prevention or Treatment of Scars: A Systematic Review. J Burn Care Res 2025;46(1):145-153. PMID 38894613
- Yuan X, Shen J, Chen L et al. Onion extract gel is not better than other topical treatments in scar management: A meta-analysis from randomised controlled trails. Int Wound J 2021;18(3):396-409. PMID 33372412
- Kim SK, Karadeniz F. Biological importance and applications of squalene and squalane. Adv Food Nutr Res 2012;65:223-33. PMID 22361190
- Scarless: Goodness Care's product information on this site.
This is a topical gel for external use on intact, fully healed skin. Do not apply it to open wounds, unhealed incisions, or infected or irritated skin. It does not replace medical advice: ask a doctor or pharmacist about a scar that is painful, growing, restricting movement, or not improving.
Where to next
A few ways forward
See how to apply Scarless, where to find it, or ask us a question.
Order online
Order online, or find a pharmacy near you.
Order onlineHow to use it
How to apply Scarless to a fully healed scar, and for how long.
Application guideAsk us directly
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