Women's Beauty

7 Best Stretch Mark Creams

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After 23 hours of research evaluating 72 products, we picked Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter as our top choice.

Want to know how to get rid of stretch marks?

If you’ve got them, you didn’t stumble on this article by accident. Though typically associated with pregnancy, stretch marks can develop whenever the body grows quickly under the skin. Bodybuilders get them as do rapidly growing teens.

The best possible way to prevent stretch marks is to keep the skin supple and flexible during periods of growth. But, you should also know that the development of stretch marks can be genetic.

And, if you’ve got them, you have a few options when it comes to procedures to get rid of stretch marks. For a start, some of the best stretch mark creams do a decent job of minimizing the appearance of these lines (just as eye wrinkle creams minimize creases without erasing them). They can only do so much, however.

Enjoy your pregnancy (or body building) while applying these creams, lotions, and oils throughout in order to save your self a bit (okay, a lot) of moola in the long run!

RELATED: 9 Best Scar Removal Creams

#1 Best Overall Stretch Mark Cream

Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter

  • Stops stretch marks in the making 
  • Skin feels incredible and soft 
  • Unscented perfection

Pros

This pregnancy stretch cream is fragrance, phthalate, and paraben free. It’s a thick body butter that really smooths the skin.

Product Ratings

If a thick body butter is your idea of luxury – pregnant or otherwise, you’re going to love this stretch mark cream. It’s specially formulated for pregnant women to use on their bellies (and breasts), but men and women in different circumstances have fallen in love with it as well. You should note, however, it does take a little bit of time to work on stretch marks that are already in place.

Most women fall in love with the way this makes their skin feel. It absorbs nicely and leaves skin wonderfully soft. And, by most accounts, this works remarkably well. The line itself has an interesting history, as a documentary about the founder reveals.

On the downside, this is sold in a small tub; pregnant women may want to stock up as they should begin using it early on. Luckily, when you look at the price per ounce, you’ll realize that you’re getting an amazing deal. And, women that battle with offensive odors throughout pregnancy reportedly love this stuff!

What’s inside (and what isn’t)? You’ll find good-for-your-skin ingredients take up plenty of space in this stretch mark cream – specifically cocoa, shea, and jojoba butters. There’s also plenty of vitamin E. What you won’t find are phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, or SLS.

Texture and fragrance? This is a thick, fragrance-free body butter. But, you should know that fragrance-free doesn’t mean it’s totally unscented. With the heightened sense of smell that many pregnant women experience, it can be a little too much.

Safe for pregnancy or nursing? Absolutely, it’s formulated for pregnant women, though it will need to be wiped off breasts before feeding when used by nursing women.

Will it break the bank? You should expect to pay about $12 for 6.6 ounces. That works out to a little less than $2 per ounce. As far as body butters and stretch creams go, that’s really very good.

Overall Editor Score

8.6/10

 

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#2 Best Stretch Mark Cream for Sensitive Skin

CeraVe Intensive Stretch Marks Cream

  • Significant results 
  • Lightens existing stretch marks 
  • Wonderfully moisturizing  

Pros

This stretch mark cream is wonderfully fragrance-free and it’s super affordable. It offers a lot of moisturizing capacity without the nasties you want to avoid. 

Product Ratings

There are a lot of good for your skin ingredients in this formula. You’ll find vitamins and complexes that naturally minimize your stretch marks. And you won’t find parabens or other nasties you might be afraid to apply to a baby bump. It was developed by dermatologists and offers plenty of moisturization without irritation.

Besides the incredible price, we’re big fans of this stretch mark cream’s ability to reduce the appearance of existing lines. That’s a good thing, especially if this isn’t your first pregnancy. It’s also non-greasy and absorbs well for a soft belly.

What’s inside (and what isn’t)? Inside, you’ll find ceramides, hyaluronic acid, argon oil, and natural extracts. Want to know what you won’t find? Perfumes, parabens, and phthalates. Basically, it’s all things that are good.

Texture and fragrance? Thick and creamy lotion. And, it’s unscented.

Safe for pregnancy or nursing? Absolutely.

Will it break the bank? We’ve found this for $8. That’s for 5 ounces. Yes, that works out to $1.60 per ounce. Not bad at all. Indeed, it’s quite good.

Overall Editor Score

8.0/10

 

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#3 Best Stretch Mark Oil

Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil

  • Works like a dream  
  • Leaves skin feeling soft and moisturized 
  • Fantastic smell 

Pros

This skin oil has won hundreds of awards and is a best-seller across the globe. It works on all sorts of stretch marks and scars and offers good value for the money.

Product Ratings

This is going to be one of those products that you either love or hate. Most people love it, but it is oil and that means it’s not exactly right for everyone. People with naturally oily skin aren’t going to see a lot of benefits from using this. But, if you’ve got dry skin, this is a dream.

Given enough time, this hypoallergenic oil will diminish older scars and prevent new ones by keeping skin smooth and supple. It’s fantastic for post-op healing (as long as you don’t apply it to broken skin) and it’s dermatologist-tested.

And, almost surprisingly, it absorbs quickly into skin without a greasy or oily residue. You have to love that, don’t you?

What’s inside (and what isn’t)? You’ll find plenty of vitamin E mixes in with the PerCellin oil. But you’ll also find retinol (vitamin A) inside. So don’t apply it to exposed skin before going in the sun as it promotes the production of collagen. It’s better before bedtime.

Texture and fragrance? It’s a runny oil with a lovely “oil” fragrance to it.

Safe for pregnancy or nursing? Yes, but it cannot be ingested. You should avoid applying this to your breasts if you’re a nursing mother.

Will it break the bank? The MSRP is a whopping $28 for a 6.7 ounce bottle. Luckily, you will usually pay less – somewhere between $12 and $18. If you pay roughly $15, then the price per ounce is around $2.25. That’s not bad at all.

Overall Editor Score

8.6/10

 

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#4 Best Budget Stretch Mark Lotion

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage

  • This smells incredible  
  • Absorbs into the skin nicely  
  • Expect soft, lovely skin  

Pros

You won’t find any toxins in this hypoallergenic formula and it’s perfectly safe for pregnant women. Besides that, it’s inexpensive and great for sensitive skins. 

Product Ratings

Now, the manufacturers of this stretch mark lotion have found their product to improve elasticity in 97% of their test subjects. That said, they recommend using it 3 times a day which can seem like a lot. But, pregnant women did not experience as dramatic of a reduction in stretch marks using it less frequently.

That said, it’s one of the most affordable and best-smelling products out there and it absorbs into skin very well, leaving it soft and smooth. Even women with sensitive skin haven’t experienced problems. It’s dermatologist-tested and free of parabens and the like. So even if it’s not great at reducing stretch marks, it will keep your belly wonderfully hydrated – and at such a terrific cost too.

What’s inside (and what isn’t)? Inside, you’ll find cocoa and shea butters, vitamin E, and a combination of collagen, elastin, and natural oils.

Texture and fragrance? It’s very creamy and it smells like cocoa. This is one cream that people rave about the smell far more than they are concerned by it.

Safe for pregnancy or nursing? Yes. It’s designed and dermatologist-tested to be safe for expecting moms. This hypoallergenic lotion is paraben and phthalate free.

Will it break the bank? A two-pack costs about $15. You get 17 ounces for that price. And, yes, that means you’re paying less than $1 per ounce. We love that.

Overall Editor Score

8.6/10

 

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#5 Best Fragrance-Free Stretch Mark Cream

Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy

  • Actually works well 
  • Lightens existing stretch marks 
  • Doesn’t smell bad at all  

Pros

This dermatologist-tested cream is specially recommended for pregnant women and can be used by nursing mothers. It does take some time, but it will also lighten existing stretch marks. 

Product Ratings

You’ve probably heard about this stretch mark cream. And that’s because it’s a goodie. This dermatologist-tested lotion claims to prevent stretch marks and reduce the appearance of existing ones. They won’t go away, mind you, but they’ll be lightened to the point where they’re not discernible. At least that’s according to reports of users young and old.

Now, the down side – it’s not cheap. The manufacturer suggests using it twice a day, so you’ll go through it quickly. But, if you’re looking for a stretch mark cream that doesn’t affront your nose terribly, this might be the one. And, it’s safe for nursing mothers too – so if you don’t mind paying for it or you have existing stretch marks, give this one a go.

What’s inside (and what isn’t)? Not only is it paraben free, but you’ll find a unique blend of ingredients, including cepalin, hyaluronic acid, and centella asiatica plant extract.

Texture and fragrance? It’s an unscented cream and absorbs just as you would think any cream would.

Safe for pregnancy or nursing? Yes and yes.

Will it break the bank? The MSRP is $40 for a 5.29 ounce tube. As you can imagine, that’s not cheap. But, you should expect to pay less than $25 when you order through Amazon. Additionally, it’s available as a subscribe and save product. But, at $4.75 per ounce, you will find cheaper products.

Overall Editor Score

7.2/10

 

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#6 Best All-Natural Stretch Mark Oil

Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil for Stretch Marks

  • Absolutely does the job 
  • Love the smell 
  • Super moisturizing and absorbs well  

Pros

This incredible stretch mark oil has an enticing smell and features all natural ingredients. Users find it super moisturizing and wonderful to continue using after pregnancy. 

Product Ratings

While there are the few that can’t handle any fragrance while pregnant, those that can find this oil to have an incredible smell. And, there’s just something about this stretch mark oil that makes women feel as though they’re having a luxurious experience.

The manufacturer suggests using it several times a day, but many women find that once a day is enough. And, most users report that it works incredibly well. Besides being dermatologist tested (and not on animals), it doesn’t seem to negatively affect sensitive skins. Above all, we love that it absorbs quickly and well, leaving your skin soft and your clothes safe.

What’s inside (and what isn’t)? Inside, you’ll find a wealth of 100% natural ingredients, including: almond, jojoba, and wheat germ oils. There’s also a firming arnica extract.

Texture and fragrance? This is a fast-running oil that smells of orange blossoms and roses.

Safe for pregnancy or nursing? Yes. It can be used all the way through breastfeeding.

Will it break the bank? Okay, this isn’t exactly cheap. The MSRP is $18 for a 3.4 ounce bottle. That works out to somewhere over $5.25 per ounce. That is steep, but you don’t need to use that much in a go. And, in case you’re wondering, it is available through Amazon’s subscribe and save program.

Overall Editor Score

9.0/10

 

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#7 Best Scented Stretch Mark Body Butter

Palmers Cocoa Butter Tummy Butter

  • Seriously works 
  • Love the smell 
  • Feels soft and nice 

Pros

This stretch mark cream offers value for money and a lot of soft moisturization. It’s a body butter with the most fantastic fragrance.

Product Ratings

If you can’t stomach the idea of rubbing oil onto your belly (or anywhere else) but are on the hunt for a deliciously scented stretch mark cream, this is the one for you to try. It’s ultra-hydrating and users love how soft their skin feels after applying it.

Looking for another reason to love this body butter? Check out the price. You get good value for money here. But, you will need to be careful, some women have found this to be a little too strong for their skin. If you have sensitive skin, you should probably move along.

What’s inside (and what isn’t)? Lots of lovely stuff in here, including: cocoa butter, vitamin E, collagen, elastin, and lavender oil. You’ll also find sweet almond and argon oil. Can you say moisturizing?

Texture and fragrance? A deliciously cocoa-scented thick body butter.

Safe for pregnancy or nursing? This body butter has been specially formulated for pregnancies and is dermatologist tested.

Will it break the bank? The MSRP is $9 for a 4.4 ounce tub. That’s a little more than $2 per ounce, which is a terrific price for a stretch mark cream. And, you are likely to find it a little cheaper on Amazon from time to time.

Overall Editor Score

7.8/10

 

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Stretch Mark Cream Tips & Guide

What are stretch marks?

You’ve probably heard the term stretch mark before and, you may even have a few. So what are stretch marks anyway? Stretch marks, or striae distensae, are basically skin scars. They appear as smooth lines on areas of your skin. According to Medical News Today, stretch marks are long, narrow streaks, or lines that develop on the skin. Stretch marks are extremely common and anyone can get them. Many times, women get them more often than men, though. Stretch marks can commonly be seen on your thighs, tummy, hips, or breasts. When they first become visible, stretch marks can be slightly red or purple. Then, they fade to pale, white lines.

What causes stretch marks?

Your skin has three main layers: the outer layer, the middle layer, and the deepest layer. Stretch marks develop in the middle layer when your skin’s tissue is stretched beyond its limits to quickly. This causes the middle layer to tear, allowing the deepest layer to show through. Stretch marks are essentially scarring of the skin. This scarring happens when a sudden stretching of the skin occurs. This can happen during pregnancy, puberty, obesity, rapid weight gain, and even weightlifting.

Approximately 50 percent to 75 percent of women will get at least some stretch marks during pregnancy, according to the Women’s Health Care Topics website. During pregnancy, many women see stretch marks around 25 weeks. Stretch marks appear on the abdomen as the baby grows and sometimes occur in the skin covering the thighs and breasts. However, not all women get stretch marks. It depends on your skin type, age, and genetics. The good news is, there are things you do that can prevent stretch marks from happening.

How do you not get stretch marks during pregnancy?

Every pregnant woman dreads the thought of getting stretch marks during pregnancy. Some say you either get them or you don’t. While this may be true, there are some things you can do to prevent stretch marks. The key is to start early in your pregnancy.

Eat a healthy diet

Since beauty starts from the inside out, it’s important to eat a healthy diet full of vitamins that improve your skins elasticity. Foods like spinach, blueberries, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants, which protect and nourish your skin. Nuts, seeds, avocados, and broccoli will help protect your skin while carrots, mango, and squash will repair your skin tissue.

Stay hydrated

Not only is it important to eat healthy, but it’s also important to stay hydrated. If you’re hydrated, your skin is hydrated too. The key is to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. This will keep your skin from drying out and causing more stretch marks.

Exercise

Because stretch marks occur with rapid weight gain, it’s important to exercise throughout your pregnancy. Exercising will prevent you from gaining too much weight, too quickly.

Moisturize with a stretch cream or oil

Using a cream or oil rich will not only hydrate your skin but it will also prevent itching. In fact, if you notice areas that are itchy, this means your skin is being stretched. So, it’s especially important to apply stretch mark cream in these areas.

When should I start to use stretch mark cream?

How soon you start stretch mark cream is up to you, but starting it earlier rather than later in your pregnancy can help. Now, just to be clear, stretch mark cream won’t prevent stretch marks. But they will alleviate any burning or itching you experience. Stretch mark cream will also keep your skin smooth, hydrated, and soft. Which is always a good thing in our opinion. Many women continue to use stretch mark cream after their pregnancy as well. This can help the stretch marks fade over time.

Is it safe to use stretch mark cream during pregnancy?

We can’t promise that every stretch cream is safe during pregnancy. However, since many pregnancy women get stretch marks, most creams are made with them in mind. You definitely want to stay away from products with Retin-A and other topical retinoids (which are prescription creams), as well as laser skin treatments. Other harmful ingredients include: butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben. Basically, if it has the word ‘paraben’ in it, it’s extremely carcinogenetic. These types of ingredients can cause developmental and reproductive toxicity. If you’re unsure about a product’s label, use the Think Dirty app. It’s a pregnant woman’s BFF. This app allows you to look up a beauty product’s rating (0 being the most safe and 10 being extremely toxic). A stretch cream to stay away from: Pytomer Seatonic Stretch Mark Reducing Cream. This product is a 10 on Think Dirty. The safest stretch mark product is the Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil which comes in at a zero.

What is the best cream for stretch marks?

Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter is a pregnancy stretch cream that is fragrance, phthalate, and paraben free. It’s a thick body butter that really smooths the skin.

You’ll find good-for-your-skin ingredients take up plenty of space in this stretch mark cream – specifically cocoa, shea, and jojoba butters. There’s also plenty of vitamin E. What you won’t find are phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, or SLS. This is a thick, fragrance-free body butter. But, you should know that fragrance-free doesn’t mean it’s totally unscented. With the heightened sense of smell that many pregnant women experience, it can be a little too much. The best news is, it’s safe for pregnant women. This cream is formulated for pregnant women, though it will need to be wiped off breasts before feeding when used by nursing women. As for the cost, you should expect to pay about $12 for 6.6 ounces. That works out to a little less than $2 per ounce. As far as body butters and stretch creams go, that’s really very good.

Another highly rated stretch mark product is the Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil. This skin oil has won hundreds of awards and is a best seller across the globe. It works on all sorts of stretch marks and scars and offers good value for the money. Given enough time, this hypoallergenic oil will diminish older scars and help prevent new ones by keeping skin smooth and supple. It’s fantastic for post-op healing (as long as you don’t apply it to broken skin) and it’s dermatologist-tested. And, almost surprisingly, it absorbs quickly into skin without a greasy or oily residue.

You’ll find plenty of vitamin E along with the PerCellin oil. This stretch mark oil has a runny consistency with a lovely “oil” fragrance to it. The cost is a whopping $28 for a 6.7 ounce bottle. Luckily, you will usually pay less – somewhere between $12 and $18. If you pay roughly $15, then the price per ounce is around $2.25. That’s not bad at all.

What is the best all natural stretch mark cream?

Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil for Stretch Marks is an incredible stretch mark oil that has an enticing smell and features all natural ingredients. It’s super moisturizing and wonderful to continue using after pregnancy. The manufacturer suggests using it several times a day, but many women find that once a day is enough. And, most users report that it works incredibly well. Besides being dermatologist tested (and not on animals), it doesn’t seem to negatively affect sensitive skins. Above all, we love that it absorbs quickly and well, leaving your skin soft and your clothes safe.

Inside, you’ll find a wealth of 100% natural ingredients, including: almond, jojoba, and wheat germ oils. There’s also a firming arnica extract. This is a fast-running oil that smells of orange blossoms and roses. As a bonus, it’s safe to use during pregnancy. It can be used all the way through breastfeeding. The MSRP is $18 for a 3.4 ounce bottle. That works out to somewhere over $5.25 per ounce. That is steep, but you don’t need to use that much in a go. And, in case you’re wondering, it is available through Amazon’s subscribe and save program.

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