Some 'iffy' remedies returned? On the surface, that's rough (5)
I believe the answer is:
emery
'on the surface that's rough' is the definition.
(rough due to being coated in emery)
'some iffy remedies returned?' is the wordplay.
'some' says the answer is hidden in the clue (some of the parts of the word are used).
'returned?' says the letters should be written backwards (I've seen 'returns' mean this).
'yreme' is hidden within 'iffy remedies'.
'yreme' written backwards gives 'EMERY'.
(Other definitions for emery that I've seen before include "Hard black-grey mineral used in grinding and polishing" , "old comedian" , "Hard, grey-black mineral used as 11 down" , "Hard grey-black mineral used as an abrasive" , "Rock used as abrasive" .)