Best Pregnancy Stretch Mark Creams and Oils
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20 Best Pregnancy Stretch Mark Creams and Oils, Vetted by Dermatologists

A whole lot of new things might surprise you during pregnancy. You mightn’t feel surprised about your skin and bodily changes. However, there are many things that will bother you during pregnancy, such as mood swings and stretch marks. Like many expecting moms, you might start wondering about what are some good stretch mark creams and lotions for pregnancy.

The bad news is it’s difficult to prevent or get rid of pregnancy stretch marks completely. The good news is that some stretch mark creams and oils can help fade the appearance of stretch marks quickly. Some stretch mark creams and oils even claim to prevent the development of new stretch marks during pregnancy. Check out our guide for the best pregnancy stretch mark creams and oils.

Best Pregnancy Stretch Mark Creams, Lotions and Oils

Our Top Picks

Name

User Rating

Glow Organics Belly Butter

Glow Organics Belly Butter

4.5/5

Burts Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter

Burts Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter

4.6/5

Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil

4.7/5

Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter

4.7/5

Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy

Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy

4.5/5

Best Organic Stretch Mark Cream: Glow Organics Belly Butter

Glow Organics Belly Butter

You should try to avoid risky ingredients like parabens and phthalates in favor of organic ingredients for your belly. This organic belly butter from Glow Organics uses 100% organic ingredients to help nourish and promote skin elasticity during pregnancy. It contains organic ingredients like organic shea butter and organic cocoa butter, which are proven to improve stretch marks. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free.

Our testers found that the cream is absorbed into the skin fast, so no oily residue is left behind. Also, one of our beauty experts is a longtime fan of this belly butter, and she highly recommends adding this organic belly butter to a good skin care regimen during pregnancy!

Usage tips: Apply a small amount onto stretch marks every morning and night.

Pros

  • No parabens, synthetics, sulfates, or artificial fragrances
  • 100% organic ingredients
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Not very effective for existing stretch marks

Best Lotion for Pregnancy Belly: Burts Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter

Burts Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter

If you have sensitive skin and want something that’s formulated with sensitive skin in mind, then consider this Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter. The formula respects sensitive complexions of easily irritated skin with ingredients free of color, perfume, and harsh chemicals.

It’s made with nutrient-rich and natural ingredients like shea butter and Vitamin E, which are safe during pregnancy.

What’s more, it moisturizes the skin well and absorbs better. The set comes in a really cute box, which makes it a wonderful gift for every mom-to-be. 

Pros

  • Contains natural ingredients
  • Nourishes irritated and dry skin
  • A popular gift item for expecting moms

Cons

  • It has a natural scent
  • On the pricey side

Best Stretch Mark Oil: Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil

Weleda Pregnancy

This is yet another pregnancy body oil for stretch marks for the popular skincare brand Weleda. Weleda pregnancy body oil nourishes your skin’s elasticity during and after pregnancy with natural ingredients like sweet almond oil, vitamin E-rich wheat germ oil, and an extract of arnica. 

All of the ingredients used in this body care product are free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic preservatives, and fragrances.

Finally, the oil absorbs well into the skin during massage, and the subtle herbal scent from the arnica plant is pleasant. You can also use it as a carrier oil by adding a safe essential oil of your choice to keep your skin moisturized and nourished for a healthy glow.

Pros

  • The ingredients are helpful for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy
  • It is very effective to keep skin moisturized
  • It contains arnica oil

Cons

  • Doesn’t say anything about sensitive skin

Premium Stretch Mark Prevention Cream: Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter

Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter

Mama Mio is one of the very first pregnancy-focused skincare brands. Angelina Jolie reportedly used the cream during pregnancy.

The buttery cream uses organic ingredients like coconut oil, avocado oil, and shea butter. The formula is proven effective against pregnancy stretch marks.

All of the organic ingredients in this cream are free from parabens, xenoestrogens, and phthalates. Recommend applying to prevent stretch marks rather than fix existing ones.

Pros

  • Award-winning and clinically proven formula
  • Pregnancy-safe skincare brand
  • 100% organic ingredients

Cons

  • The cream has a strong scent, be careful if you have sensitive skin.

Dermatologist Recommended Stretch Marks Cream: Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy

Mederma Stretch marks cream

Do you prefer using dermatologist-recommended brands to pregnancy-proof your skincare regimen? Then you will like this stretch marks therapy cream for Mederma, one of the top dermatologist-recommended brands for stretch marks. 

Mederma’s nourishing cream formula includes cephalin, hyaluronic acid, and Centella Asiatica plant extract. The nearly perfect combination helps improve skin elasticity in an instant, which is key to improving the appearance of stretch marks.

Take note that it’s paraben-free. However, it has a pleasant smell. Some users reported that they didn’t like the smell. 

Usage tips: Use it for at least four weeks, two times a day, to see some major improvements.

Pros

  • Clinically proven effective stretch marks cream
  • Makes skin smooth
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • It’s a little pricey
  • It has a strong fragrance

Pregnancy Stretch Mark Creams, Lotions and Oils

Rated Highly by Parents and Experts

Name

User Rating

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Daily Skin Therapy Cocoa Butter Body Lotion

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula

4.5/5

Mustela Maternity Stretch Marks Cream

Mustela Maternity Stretch Marks Cream

4.6/5

Japanese Camellia Body Oil Blend

4.6/5

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil

4.6/5

Bio-Oil Skincare Body Oil

4.6/5

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula

If you are struggling to find a pregnancy-safe lotion to apply to your belly, check out Palmer’s cocoa butter formula massage cream. 

It’s formulated with cocoa and shea butter, along with natural antioxidants and an oil blend. The cocoa butter formula softens and rejuvenates your skin elasticity to minimize the formation of new stretch marks. The formula also improves the appearance of old stretch marks. 

Best part? The formula is free of parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances. So it won’t trigger allergic reactions in sensitive skin. Plus, it’s dermatologist approved.

Pros

  • Moisturize well
  • Free of harmful ingredients
  • Effective for treating and preventing stretch marks

Cons

  • The product has a light yummy scent.

Mustela Stretch Cream

If you are unsatisfied with all the natural and organic creams, try this premium stretch marks prevention cream from Mustela. 

To start with, Mustela uses patented skincare formula for this cream. In addition, this cream comes in two versions: fragrance-free for sensitive skin and lightly fragranced for insensitive skin. 

It is also free from alcohol and caffeine. Our experts found that the cream works best to prevent the appearance of stretch marks for expecting mothers, not to treat the old stretch marks. 

Pros

  • Comes in both fragrance-free or lightly fragranced
  • Safe and effective for pregnancy stretch marks
  • Specially formulated for expecting moms

Cons

  • Doesn’t absorb well

ELEMIS Japanese Camellia Body Oil Blend

You will rarely find a cream that nourishes, conditions and softens your skin at the same time.

But here it is, a premium beauty cream that many pregnant women use to treat and prevent stretch marks: ELEMIS Japanese Camellia Body Oil Blend.

The light texture rehydrates and rejuvenates your dry skin so that your skin stays soft and moisturized for hours.

It’s packed with Japanese camellia oil and sweet almond oil, along with Vitamin E. The antioxidant properties of camellia oil nourish and condition the skin while improving the appearance of stretch marks.

The cream is fast-absorbing and light-scented. Very effective for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy and improving skin elasticity.

Pros

  • Contains Japanese camellia oil, almond oil, and Vitamin E
  • Safe to use during pregnancy
  • Light-textured and not sticky

Cons

  • The cream has a very subtle scent, which mightn’t go well with sensitive skin
  • It is a little pricier

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil

Do you prefer oil to cream? In this case, here is a good alternative to Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Cream. Along with the cocoa butter formula, it includes argan oil to hydrate and softens dry skin.

There is also an exclusive blend of natural ingredients like Vitamin E, Cetesomate-E, Canola Oil, and Sesame Oil. Each of these ingredients works together to improve the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks. 

Lastly, the lightweight formula has no preservatives, phthalate, or mineral oils. Our testers found the product very moisturizing and quick to absorb. Expecting moms can expect improved results with consistent use.

Pros

  • Includes lightweight formula
  • It uses natural, raw ingredients
  • One of the best-rated pregnancy stretch mark oils

Cons

  • It has a rosehip smell that many users find too harsh.

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

Here’s one of the best stretch marks oils recommended by skincare specialists.

Formulated with natural ingredients, it helps to soften the skin and prevent the formation of stretch marks. Moreover, the ingredients have anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. There are no allergic reactions to sensitive skin types.

The good news is this oil is effective on both new and old stretch marks. The formula also works great for healing acne scars and uneven skin tones.

As claimed by the brand, this pregnancy belly oil is used in 25 countries and winner of 369 skincare awards. “Give it a chance. Use it daily twice from the first trimester throughout pregnancy. You will be awed by the results!” one reviewer says.

Pros

  • All-natural ingredients
  • Free from preservatives
  • Non-greasy formula

Cons

  • It has a mild scent.

Recommended Pregnancy Stretch Mark Creams, Lotions and Oils

Name

User Rating

Earth Mama Belly Oil

4.6/5

Motherlove Pregnant Belly Salve

4.6/5

Belli Skincare Elasticity Belly Oil

4.6/5

TriLASTIN Maternity Stretch Mark Cream

4.5/5

Basq Stretch Mark Butter

4.5/5

Earth Mama Belly Oil

You might have already come across the name Earth Mama. It is a trusted brand for most expecting moms. Belly Oil is one of the most popular product lines for Earth Mama.

With its organic herbs and oils formula,  Earth Mama does a great job of preventing the formation of new stretch marks. It has a light lemony scent and soaks into the skin well. 

The oil is free from petroleum, mineral oil, parabens, or artificial fragrance.

Pros

  • 100% organic and natural
  • It has a pleasant smell
  • It has a light texture

Cons

  • It has a strong fragrance.

Motherlove Pregnant Belly Salve

What’s the big deal about Motherlove Pregnant Belly Salve?

This cream successfully combines three effective forms of scar management into one system. It’s packed with shea butter, lavender, and rose hips. 

But that’s not all. Motherlove ingredients are USDA-certified organic, cruelty-free, and Non-GMO. There’s also chamomile for relieving the itching skin.

The texture is flawless and keeps skin moisturized for hours! It’s worth a try.

Pros

  • Includes 100% USDA Certified Organic Herbs
  • Non-GMO and cruelty-free
  • Feels great on the skin

Cons

  • It’s a little pricey.
  • It has a strong smell.

Belli Elasticity Belly Oil

Did you know that Gotu Kola has anti-stretch marks properties? 

Belli Elasticity Belly Oil offers a good combination of plant extracts, which include Vitamin E, Gotu Kola, and Lavender Oil.

Belli Elasticity Belly Oil is designed keeping in mind the safety of expecting moms. Pretty much every Belli item is tested safe for pregnancy. Moreover, it’s an OB/GYN and dermatologist-recommended brand. There are no artificial dyes, fragrances, phthalates, paraben, or preservatives in it at all.

The formula is free of gluten and animal cruelty. It’s rich in antioxidants to help skin stretch without damage. It works great on sensitive skin types, too.

Pros

  • It contains Gotu Kola and Vitamin E
  • Safe for expecting and nursing moms
  • You can use it with other Belli products

Cons

  • It’s expensive

TriLASTIN Maternity Stretch Mark Prevention Cream

Would you prefer a maternity stretch mark prevention cream formulated with hypoallergenic and paraben-free ingredients?

Check out this pregnancy stretch marks cream that is packed with 15 botanical oils and extracts to keep your skin moisturized during pregnancy. It also adds antioxidants and fatty acids.

This stretch mark prevention cream maintains a skin-safe pH with its formula that helps prevent skin irritation and dryness. 

Overall, this is a great stretch mark removal cream for expecting moms who want to prevent pregnancy stretch marks. However, it has a light fragrance. Our experts feel that this might be a bad thing if you can’t stand fragrances.

Pros

  • Non-greasy and fast-absorbing
  • Safe for sensitive skin
  • Made in the USA
  • It is cruelty-free

Cons

  • It mightn’t work best for existing stretch marks.

Basq Stretch Mark Butter

Basq Stretch Mark Butter Cream offers a silky, soft, smooth feel with a satin finish. This celebrity favorite and editor-picked cream is free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, caffeine, or artificial colors.

The cream contains shea and jojoba butter plus omega-rich oils. Not only do the ingredients improve skin strength, but they also promote skin healing. They also help keep your skin firm by stimulating collagen formation as well.

It’s clinically tested and considered safe for sensitive skin types. It absorbs quickly into the skin, and a little goes a long way.

Pros

  • Good texture and fast-absorbing into the skin
  • Toxicologist approved safe to use during pregnancy
  • Effective at both preventing and repairing stretch marks

Cons

  • It has a strong lemon scent.

Amar Botanica Anti-Stretch Mark Cream

This is a dermatologist-owned and created Anti-stretch marks cream. Amar Botanica clinically tested this one on focus group mamas to see whether it protects the skin from stretch marks.

The results were great. Amar Botanica is effective in both preventing new stretch marks and fading existing stretch marks. Regular use during pregnancy will significantly improve your skin elasticity. They issue a full refund if you aren’t satisfied with the cream.

It’s based on all-natural and vegan ingredients, which are free from synthetics, fragrances, and chemicals. The thick textured cream keeps your skin moisturized for a long time. 

The smell is also very pleasant! Often penetration lasts more than 12 hours, only recommended to put it on before bed.

Pros

  • Made in the USA
  • It contains all-natural and vegan ingredients
  • Clinically proven effective stretch marks cream

Cons

  • It has a thick texture and an oily feel.

Organic Belly & Body Oil For Pregnancy Marks

Vitamin E is a key ingredient for most pregnancy stretch mark creams. This belly and body oil for pregnancy is no different. Along with antioxidant Vitamin E, the formula contains coconut oil, jojoba, rosehip seed oil, and arnica extract for moisturizing and repairing skin. 

The ingredients promote calmness, relaxation, and balance of the skin. They do it without causing any harsh reactions. It’s lightly scented for its natural and plant-based ingredients. Our editors feel it’s definitely worth giving a try.

Pros

  • It is cruelty-free and vegan
  • 100% natural ingredients 
  • It’s made in the USA

Cons

  • It’s a little pricier.

Botanic Tree Stretch Marks Cream

There aren’t many stretch mark creams out there that have dual effectiveness. But this stretch mark cream is capable of fading old stretch marks and preventing new ones. Botanic Tree claims that this stretch marks cream is a natural alternative to Mederma, Body Merry, and Palmer’s cocoa butter stretch mark cream.

Based on 100 percent organic ingredients, it has a proven effective formula for stretch marks. The formula contains Centella Asiatica, a research-based ingredient to prevent stretch mark formation.

The light fragrance of this cream will help improve your mood at the end of the day.

Pros

  • Contains 100% organic ingredients
  • It has dual effectiveness
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Many users reported the effectiveness of the product isn’t up to the mark.

COS Naturals Stretch Marks and Scars Cream

Have you ever heard about the healing properties of hyaluronic acid? It promotes healthier and firmness of the skin. This stretch marks cream has Hyaluronic Acid in it.

Alongside that, it’s enriched with natural ingredients like Vitamins C, E, and B. 

This cream is also good for treating scar tissue. Its natural ingredients make it safe for pregnant women.

Pros

  • Effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks
  • It contains natural ingredients
  • It has a nice subtle smell

Cons

  • Few users have questioned its effectiveness.

Vitamin E Oil By GreatFull Skin

Your pregnant body needs Vitamin E to keep it at its best. 

The formula has 100% natural ingredients, which include Coconut oil Ester and Rosewood. The combination creates a natural aroma that is soothing to everyone. 

What some users don’t like about the product is that the formula has coconut oil ester in it. So it’s not 100% pure Vitamin E oil as advertised. 

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • It contains natural ingredients
  • It has Vitamin E with Rosewood Essential Oil

Cons

  • It’s not 100% pure Vitamin E oil.

Read Also: Best Pregnancy-Safe Products for Pregnancy Acne Treatments

Pregnancy Stretch Mark Creams and Lotions

Questions & Answers

Are stretch mark creams and oils safe during pregnancy?

No, not all pregnancy stretch mark creams out there are safe. While you’re expecting, you have to stay alert using certain skincare ingredients on your body. 

As long as you avoid creams or oils that contain Retin-A or other topical retinoids, you are safe. These ingredients can cause birth defects and adverse effects. 

In fact, it’s wise to check with your OB/GYN before picking a cream during pregnancy. However, you are safe to use them after delivering your baby.

Our recommended stretch mark creams and oils are thoroughly researched, tested, and proven safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. So there is nothing to worry about these stretch mark creams and oils. Besides, Celebrities, TV personalities, and models reportedly used them during pregnancy. 

So go ahead and choose one of the best pregnancy stretch mark creams or oils listed above. You will thank yourself later.

What to look for when choosing a pregnancy stretch mark cream

Ingredients

Ingredients are the first thing you should look into when choosing a pregnancy stretch mark cream. This is because they are responsible for 

  • Boosting collagen production
  • Improving skin elasticity and firmness
  • Improving skin hydration
  • Reducing inflammation

All of these functions are crucial for your skin to fight against stretch marks. 

As we have already mentioned before, there are ingredients you should avoid during pregnancy. Watch out for them. 

There are certain ingredients that are proven effective in reducing pregnancy stretch marks. These ingredients include:

  1. Vitamin E:  Helps repair and replenish collagen.
  2. Almond and Olive Oil: Boosts skin elasticity and hydration.
  3. Coconut Oil: Boosts the healing capacity of your skin.
  4. Centella Asiatica Extract: Stimulates cell production and heals wounds. 
  5. Hyaluronic Acid: Stimulates collagen production.

Effectiveness

Some creams are designed to prevent pregnancy stretch marks, while some creams help fade the existing marks. Even some pregnancy stretch mark creams have dual effectiveness. So make sure which one you want before you buy a cram. 

Does pregnancy stretch mark cream really work?

If you are genetically linked to stretch marks, pregnancy stretch mark cream can’t really offer much help. But still, you can give them a try. Miracles do happen!

Generally, the most common thing pregnancy stretch mark creams do to treat stretch marks is they keep your skin hydrated. 

They normally use a combination of ingredients to moisturize the skin. Then your skin does the rest to improve the texture and even the appearance of uneven skin tones, stretch marks, and scars.

You should be patient with stretch mark creams. They take time to work. It is recommended that you use a cream daily for three months in order to see results.

Don’t Lose Hope

Even if you have got severe stretch marks: just remember, it’s not really worth stressing over! Don’t ever let stretch marks ruin your confidence and relationship. Just focus on taking care of yourself.

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