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Join for free →Pirfesca Scar Gel is a clinically robust, Pirfenidone-based treatment for scars, but consumers must navigate conflicting online information to understand its true formulation and realistic benefits.
₹730 • Analysed 16 October 2026
Pirfesca Scar Gel by Cipla is positioned as a specialized scar management solution in the Indian market, with a premium price point (Rs.730-875 for 30gm). The product's core active, Pirfenidone, and its claims of 'treatment' for hypertrophic scars and keloids, clearly place it in the drug-cosmetic boundary, with MrMed explicitly stating it's a 'prescription topical anti-fibrotic gel'. The brand has strong clinical evidence, including published studies on Indian participants, supporting its safety and efficacy claims, which is commendable for the Indian context where such evidence is often lacking. However, the 'Scar Removal' claim on Flipkart and contradictory ingredient lists on some retailer sites are ASCI concerns that could mislead consumers.
Independent and free. The Clean Sheet takes no money from brands to review, rank, or approve a product. This is a web evidence review, not a Clean Sheet certification. We checked the ingredient list, publicly available test reports, marketing claims, and formula logic using only public information available at the time of review.
Supported by multiple clinical trials on 8% Pirfenidone gel (Pirfesca) demonstrating efficacy in scar regression and prevention.
Supported by clinical trials showing statistically significant scar regression and improvement in Vancouver Scar Scale scores for existing hypertrophic scars.
The confirmed INCI for Pirfesca Scar Gel lists Pirfenidone, Purified Water, Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, and Methylparaben. It does NOT list Polydimethylsiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, or Phenyl Trimethicone. This claim is contradicted by the product's actual ingredient list.
Safety studies on Pirfesca Gel 8% w/w confirmed it is non-irritant, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and non-photoirritant, supporting suitability for all skin types.
Clinical trials showed significant improvement in scar features, including height/thickness and pliability (softening/flattening), and reduction in redness (lightening discolored scars).
Clinical studies demonstrated continuous monthly statistically significant scar regression and improvement in VSS scores over 6 months, including vascularity (redness) and texture.
Clinical trials specifically assessed prevention of scar formation and reduction of existing hypertrophic scars.
Clinical studies using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) measured improvements in scar height/thickness and pliability (softness).
What we could confirm from public sources and the verified ingredient list.
Ingredient Safety & Toxicity
Full ingredient list retrieved and verified against the label.
Brand describes ingredient origin in its claims.
Screened against the ingredient database (1 of 5 ingredients matched); no cosmetics-prohibited ingredient found.
Methylparaben: Weak estrogenic activity
No IARC-classified or formaldehyde-releasing ingredient found in the database screen.
No commonly-comedogenic ingredient found - a reasonable fit for acne-prone skin.
Irritation & Allergen Risk
No EU-declarable or database-flagged allergen found in the list.
No high-sensitisation preservative (MI/MCI/formaldehyde-releaser) from our screen was found.
Brand claims dermatologist testing (claim stated; underlying report not seen).
Ingredient Transparency
The full INCI list is publicly available, not just hero ingredients.
Active percentages are disclosed for the hero ingredient(s).
Ingredients are listed in the descending order required by India Cosmetics Rules 2020.
Standards & Compliance
Usage warnings and directions are clear on the label.
No retinoid or other pregnancy-cautioned active found in the screen.
Screened against a curated reference set that we are continuing to verify and expand, so “clear” means no flag from that set, not a guarantee. Not a substitute for a full toxicological or clinical assessment.
| Ingredient |
|---|
Purified Water |
Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether |
Pirfenidone |
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 |
Methylparaben |
INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
Flags are based on publicly available INCI only. Not a substitute for full regulatory compliance review.
“specialized topical formulation by Cipla designed to help prevent the formation of scars”
The active ingredient Pirfenidone and claims of 'treatment' for hypertrophic scars push this into drug territory, as indicated by MrMed calling it a 'prescription topical anti-fibrotic gel'.
“improve the appearance of existing old or new hypertrophic scars”
Claims of 'improving' and 'treating' hypertrophic scars with Pirfenidone, a known anti-fibrotic agent, align with drug-like action.
“contains key ingredients such as Polydimethylsiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, and Phenyl Trimethicone, which…”
Claim about specific ingredients is contradicted by the product's actual INCI list, which is a violation of truthful advertising.
“helping to soften, flatten, and lighten raised or discolored scars with consistent use”
These are direct therapeutic effects on scar morphology, aligning with drug-like claims.
“Regular application improves scar texture and reduces redness, promoting a more even skin tone and appearance…”
Direct therapeutic effects on scar characteristics.
“Prevents and reduces new and old hypertrophic scars”
Direct therapeutic claims for a medical condition.
“Softens and flattens raised scar tissue”
Direct therapeutic effects on scar morphology.
“Non-greasy, fast-absorbing silicone-based gel”
Claim about product base ('silicone-based') is contradicted by the actual INCI list.
Supported by multiple clinical trials on 8% Pirfenidone gel (Pirfesca) demonstrating efficacy in scar regression and prevention.
Evidence visible
Supported by clinical trials showing statistically significant scar regression and improvement in Vancouver Scar Scale scores for existing hypertrophic scars.
Evidence visible
The confirmed INCI for Pirfesca Scar Gel lists Pirfenidone, Purified Water, Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, and Methylparaben. It does NOT list Polydimethylsiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, or Phenyl Trimethicone. This claim is contradicted by the product's actual ingredient list.
Missing
Safety studies on Pirfesca Gel 8% w/w confirmed it is non-irritant, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and non-photoirritant, supporting suitability for all skin types.
Evidence visible
Clinical trials showed significant improvement in scar features, including height/thickness and pliability (softening/flattening), and reduction in redness (lightening discolored scars).
Evidence visible
Clinical studies demonstrated continuous monthly statistically significant scar regression and improvement in VSS scores over 6 months, including vascularity (redness) and texture.
Evidence visible
Clinical trials specifically assessed prevention of scar formation and reduction of existing hypertrophic scars.
Evidence visible
Clinical studies using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) measured improvements in scar height/thickness and pliability (softness).
Evidence visible
Clinical studies showed improvement in overall scar appearance and texture.
Evidence visible
The confirmed INCI for Pirfesca Scar Gel does NOT list silicones. While it is described as non-greasy and fast-absorbing, the 'silicone-based' claim is contradicted by the ingredient list.
Missing
Public evidence the brand could provide to close verification gaps
This review evaluates brand claims against visible evidence and formula logic. It does not replace a full ingredient safety analysis or a clinical product test. Results vary by individual, and the consumer should always read the full ingredient list and follow usage guidance.
Are you the brand? If you have published test data or want to request a re-review, write to us at hello@thecleansheet.in.