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You need the best stretch mark removal creams during and after pregnancy. Stretch marks generally appear during and after pregnancy owing to the contractions and expansions of your skin and the weight loss and weight gain you experience.
However, you can reduce them. One of the best ways is to use scientifically formulated creams that are tested to reduce stretch marks. Keep scrolling as we have compiled some of the best ones that are gentle on your skin and made of safe ingredients.
Top Picks
13 Best Stretch Mark Removal Creams And Oils To Buy In 2024
1. Best Non-Greasy: Bio-Oil Skin Massage Oil
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 131,831 good reviews on Amazon.
The celebrity-favorite Bio-Oil promises to diminish stretch marks, scars, aging skin, and dehydrated skin while improving uneven skin tone with its main ingredient, PurCellin oil. This nourishing stretch mark oil has a light formulation that is non-greasy and gets easily absorbed into the skin. Here’s a video review to help you know more about the features and benefits of this stretch mark massage oil.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- Moisturizes dry skin, but does not make it oily
- Evens out the appearance of scars and blemishes
- Decreases wrinkles by enhancing elastin and collagen
- Fades away pregnancy stretch marks
- A little goes a long way
- Available in a sturdy and travel-friendly pack
Cons
- Not suitable for super-oily skin types
- Liquid paraffin could cause breakouts in some people who have a history of severe acne
- Botanical extracts might lead to skin irritation
"This body oil has surprised me. In three months, it lightened the appearance of my stretchmarks and the skin of my underarms and inner thighs. I love its light scent and how easily it absorbs into the skin. While it leans towards a baby oil smell, it suits sensitive skin. Would recommend it!"
2. Best Fragrance-Free: Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter Lotion
The specially blended belly butter soothes your skin as your tummy stretches through pregnancy and after delivery. This stretch mark treatment cream is scientifically formulated with Shea butter, vitamin E, cocoa, and jojoba butter, all of which are tested to pamper the skin. Learn more about this stretch mark solution by watching this video.
Pros
- Free of parabens, phthalates, and SLS
- Does not irritate the skin
- Safely hydrates the belly stretch
- Offers comfort and relief to stretched skin
Cons
- Useful only for normal skin types
"This cream absorbs effectively and is lighter than I expected. I've used it through two pregnancies without developing stretch marks, applying it daily. The texture is smooth and non-sticky. However, it bears a mildly off-putting smell. Despite that, it is very moisturizing, especially during those itchy moments in later pregnancy."
Quick fact3. Best For Pregnant Women: Weleda: Pregnancy Body Oil For Stretch Marks
The formulation helps nurture the skin during pregnancy. This natural product is validated by leading dermatologists. It is made of sweet almond oil, wheat germ oil, and arnica extract that work to diminish stretch marks. The soothing oils of neroli, rose, frankincense, and myrhh give this anti-stretch mark oil an outstanding aroma. Plus, the spray bottle offers ease of application.
Pros
- Dermatologically tested
- Lessens the appearance of stretch marks on the tummy, breasts, thighs, and bottom
- Improves skin’s elasticity and smoothness
- Leaves skin smooth and flexible, while keeping it moisturized
- Free of synthetic preservatives, colorants, artificial fragrances, and mineral oils
Cons
- Some may not like the strong scent
"I've found trust, comfort, and noticeable results in this Weleda oil. It glides smoothly over my skin, leaving minimum greasy residue with a soft, subdued fragrance. The blend of essential oils, especially rich in vitamin E, kept my skin healthy and stretchmarks minimal. I've enjoyed its calming scent in postpartum!"
Bio-Oil Skin Massage Oil Best Non-Greasy | Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter Lotion Best Fragrance-Free | Weleda: Pregnancy Body Oil For Stretch Marks Best For Pregnant Women | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.75 x 1.75 x 5.75 inches | 3.35 x 3.35 x 1.1 inches | 5.58 x 2.41 x 1.5 inches |
| Weight | 4.2 Ounces | 8.48 Ounces | 3.53 Ounces |
| Number of Items | - | - | 1 |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 131,831 | 25,823 | 17,058 |
| Price | $13.88 | $12.79 | $16.12 |
4. Best Organic: Health Priority’s 100% Natural & Organic Vitamin E Oil
This is one of the best vitamin E oils that is essential for moisturizing, preventing aging, and brightening the skin. It is an excellent combination of vitamin E oil, coconut oil, and aloe that offer positive benefits for the skin. This video showcasing a tester’s experience will provide you with added insights about the product.
Pros
- Lessens stretch marks, and also heals acne scars
- Improves skin tone and texture
- Suitable for all skin types
- Free of fragrances, alcohol, and parabens
- Cruelty-free organic oil
Cons
- Slightly runny solution
5. Best For Elasticity: Earth Mama Belly Butter
This rich, moisturizing belly butter contains organic herbs and oils to diminish stretch marks during pregnancy. This professional-grade organic stretch mark cream or lotion improves skin elasticity, and you can continue to use it as a part of your daily skin regimen.
Pros
- Prevents the appearance of emerging stretch marks
- Calms the stretching belly, breast, and thighs
- Light and natural fragrance
- Free of parabens, mineral oil, and petroleum
- Dermatologically and clinically tested
- Cruelty-free and certified organic product
Cons
- May not be quick-absorbing
"I've been using this belly butter during my pregnancy. Its earthy, citrus aroma and silky consistency became a delightfully soothing cure for my itchy belly. It also helped prevent stretch marks during my second pregnancy. A slight downside was the quantity; I wish there was a larger bottle."
Did you know?6. Best Multi-Purpose: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 27,277 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
This is an advanced multi-purpose skin product that you can use all over the body and face and also works as a stretch mark healing oil. It is a proprietary blend of botanical oils such as canola, sesame, and rosehip oils, along with vitamin E and cocoa butter.
Pros
- Improves the appearance of stretch marks, scars, uneven skin, wrinkles, fine lines, dry and damaged skin
- Free of parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- Non-greasy and non-staining property
- Dermatologically tested
- Offres deep moisturization
Cons
- Fragrance might be overwhelming for some
"Having battled persistent dry skin, I found this product very effective. It intensely moisturizes, curbing all-day itchiness on my legs. Its lightweight formula makes my skin soft and fragrant. It also cared for my pregnant belly. I foresee it becoming a daily staple, even postpartum."
7. Best Dermatologically Tested: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 6,909 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
This clinically proven stretch mark removal product is an all-over body massage cream specifically designed for pregnancy stretch marks. Its key ingredients include pure cocoa butter, shea butter, collagen, natural oils, elastin, and lutein, which work great on the stretched areas of the tummy, breast, hips, and thighs.
Pros
- Clinically and dermatologically tested
- Free of parabens, mineral oils, and phthalates
- Improves skin elasticity and makes it supple
- Convenient packaging
- Helps reduce stretch marks
- Suitable for all types of skin
Cons
- Might cause skin irritation or rash if you have heightened skin sensitivity
"This cream has been a part of my skincare routine. I apply it twice daily, and my skin feels hydrated and smooth. While it didn't eliminate my stretch marks, it improved their appearance. It took time, but the positive changes reassured me about the product's quality. A thorough daily application may prevent stretch marks, as I experienced during my pregnancies. I will keep using it as the difference is visible."
8. Best For Various Skin Types: Mommy Knows Best Stretch Mark Cream
This scientifically formulated stretch mark fading cream lightens stretch marks, scars, blotches, age spots, and discoloration. Blended with vitamin E, jojoba oils, cocoa, shea, and mango butter, it leaves the skin smooth and supple.
Pros
- Clinically proven and dermatologically tested
- Reduces the appearance and depth of stretch marks over time
- Retinol-free
- Tones and tightens the belly and other stretched skin
- Safe for all skin types
Cons
- May take time to show results
"I've been using this cream on my stretch marks and noticed a marked improvement, even on my inner thighs. It has a lovely peppermint scent, and its smooth texture helps in quick absorption without leaving any residue. While results may take time, it has become a part of my pregnancy skincare."
9. Best Hydrating: Botanic Tree Stretch Mark Cream Remover
This is a reliable anti-stretch cream from Botanic Tree that can also be used as a postpartum stretch mark cream. The blend of cocoa and shea butter, Moringa, Asiatica, and Centella helps reduce stretch marks and aging signs and provides visible results with regular use.
Pros
- Made of natural and chemically safe ingredients
- Hydrates the skin, thus making it smooth and supple
- Suitable for all skin types
- Can also be used before and during pregnancy
- Gives results after two months of regular usage
Cons
- May not be great for sensitive skin
10. Best Collagen And Elastin: Body Boost Milk & Honey Stretch Mark Butter
This moisturizing stretch mark cream is a rich butter blended with Gotu Kola, Shea, and Jojoba butter in milk and honey that prevents stretch marks during different stages of pregnancy. It has shown proven efficacy in strengthening connective tissue, leaving the skin smooth, soft, and nourished, thus working as an excellent stretch mark repair cream.
Pros
- Targets stretch marks on the belly, breast, back, and hips
- Gotu Kola is clinically proven to build collagen and elastin fibers
- Free of parabens, mineral oil, colorants, and sulfates
- Treats itching, dry, and aging skin
- Non-greasy and quick-absorbing
- Addictive natural milk and honey aroma
- Tested for zero allergies and sensitivity
Cons
- May not be vegan-friendly
"I've used this cream during my two pregnancies, and it has helped prevent stretch marks and keep my skin hydrated. Its creamy and non-greasy texture leaves my belly soft. I love the light fragrance and the gentle tingle it offers. Plus, it's even helped fade my earlier stretch marks from deep purple to light pink. I can't vouch for absolute stretch mark prevention yet, but so far, so good!"
11. Best Vegan Cream: Glow Organics Belly Butter
Organics belly butter is a safe and effective skin conditioning treatment and pregnancy stretch mark cream that promotes skin elasticity and cell turnover. Made of organic ingredients such as shea, cocoa butter, macadamia nut, grapeseed, and sweet almond oil, it soothes stretched pregnancy skin.
Pros
- Made of 100% organic, vegan, and gluten-free butter
- Unscented and suitable for those with smell aversions
- Prevents the development of stretch marks and relieves skin itch
- Free of parabens, synthetics, dyes, phthalates, sulfates, and artificial fragrances
- Cruelty-free butter
Cons
- May have a slightly thick consistency
"I've discovered this product to be quite helpful with my stretch marks, lightening them considerably. I found it comforting during my pregnancies as my belly grew. Its absence of fragrance might not appeal to some, but it's effective. However, avoid storing it in sunny or hot areas to maintain its texture."
12. Best Paraben-Free: TriLASTIN Maternity Stretch Mark Prevention Cream
Derived from 15 botanical oils and extracts and enriched with essential fatty acids and antioxidants, this stretch mark prevention cream is worth a try. The sweet extracts of mango, orange, vanilla, and sugarcane will delight your senses.
Pros
- Improves skin resilience and elasticity
- Soothes, protects, nourishes, and hydrates the skin
- Free of parabens
- Safe for all skin types
- Hypoallergenic and pH-balanced formula
- Non-greasy and non-staining cream
Cons
- May take time to show results
"I've used Trilastin during my first and second pregnancy. Although I am prone to stretch marks, it really helped prevent them. It even softened my earlier stretch marks. I saw similar results in my second pregnancy, with my skin retaining its original feel despite a six-year gap between the pregnancies. It leaves my skin soft, absorbs well, and smells great."
13. Best Botanical: Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
The nourishing skin formula made of botanical ingredients helps prevent pregnancy stretch marks and improves skin moisture content. This anti-stretch mark cream can be used as a preventative measure for stretch marks from the second or third trimester of pregnancy or after delivery for effective and visible results.
Pros
- Perfect for all skin types, especially itchy and dry skin
- Prevents skin discoloration
- Fast-acting stretch mark cream
- Safe for use during breastfeeding
- Free of parabens
Cons
- Strong fragrance
"This cream has visibly lightened my pregnancy stretch marks. However, the scent is quite strong and could potentially unsettle sensitive noses. Despite its smell, the efficacy of this cream impressed me, making it worth a recommendation for all the mommas tackling stretch marks."
How To Choose The Right Stretch Mark Removal Creams And Oils?
Choosing a stretch mark cream or oil can be tricky. So, consider these factors when making a pick.
- Type: If your stretch marks are a result of weight lifting, bodybuilding, and weight loss, you need creams and oils that help maintain the skin’s elasticity. Pregnant women and breastfeeding moms should look for hypoallergenic stretch mark creams and oils that also keep the skin hydrated.
- Ingredients: Clean ingredients such as shea butter, avocado oil, coconut oil, grapefruit oil, olive oil, and hyaluronic acid can improve the texture of the stretch mark and keep the skin hydrated. Retinoids help in fading the stretch mark. However, breastfeeding moms or pregnant women should avoid stretch mark products with retinoids.
- Skin type: Although most stretch mark oils or creams are suitable for all skin types, certain products may not work well for sensitive skin or your skin type. Some special scientifically formulated creams can boost skin texture, while certain active ingredients can alter the effect on your skin. So, pick the one that matches your skin type.
APRN, MSN, FNP-C, a California-based beauty nurse practitioner and founder of Beauty Lounge Medical Spa, says, “It’s best to avoid any creams and oils containing the chemical Dimethylethanolamine (DMAE). Although DMAE helps firm the skin, studies have shown that the chemical can have adverse effects on embryonic development.” She further says, “The key is to use natural oils and creams to prevent stretch marks from forming.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are some stretch marks red and others white?
The first stretch marks that occur on the skin are usually red or slightly purple. With time, they gradually fade to a white or silvery color (1).
2. Can stretch marks go away if I lose weight?
No, stretch marks do not go away when you lose weight. They might fade over time, but you shouldn’t expect them to disappear completely.
3. How long does it take for stretch marks to go away after giving birth?
Stretch marks do not disappear completely. However, they may become less visible three to six months after delivery (2).
4. When is the right time to apply stretch mark removal creams and oils?
Your skin cells shed when you are asleep, and a shower or bath can speed up the removal of the skin’s top layer. So, the right time to apply a stretch mark cream or oil is soon after a shower before going to bed.
5. Do stretch mark creams and oils work?
Stretch marks occur due to skin contractions during pregnancy, weight loss and gain, or hormonal changes. While no stretch mark cream or oil can offer a permanent solution to removing stretch marks, some can make the marks less noticeable, alleviate the itchiness caused by them, and prevent the appearance of new stretch marks (3).
6. How can I make stretch marks less noticeable?
Applying hyaluronic acid and tretinoin on early stretch marks can make them less noticeable. Retinol also helps fade stretch marks, but consult your doctor before using a cream or oil with retinol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding (3).
7. Can stretch mark cream cure the stretch marks permanently?
Creams won’t offer a permanent solution. They can only minimize the appearance of stretch marks.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag writes on diverse topics, from skincare to fashion. She ensures that the details listed in this article, right from the best stretch marks removal creams and oils to their benefits and uses, help the readers choose the best ones available. This article is guaranteed to help the readers enjoy a hassle-free shopping experience.
The Bottom Line
Stretch marks are a natural part of aging as well as pregnancy, but there are ways to reduce their appearance and give your skin a firmer texture. The best stretch mark removal creams are ones that are suitable for all skin types. They provide good nourishment to your skin and help reduce stretch marks caused by pregnancy. Some options listed here are non-greasy and safe for your skin, and others offer an extra dose of hydration and help you feel utterly pampered. The list also features the vitamin-rich Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil, the quick-absorbing Bio-Oil Skin Massage Oil, and the Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter Lotion, which has a fragrance-free formula.
Infographic: How To Apply Stretch Mark Removal Creams And Oils
Knowing the right way to apply stretch mark removal creams or oils can help you make the most out of these products. Check out this infographic for some simple tips on applying stretch mark removal products. Follow these tips diligently and share them with your gang too. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- 28.4 Changes During Pregnancy, Labor, and Birth
https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/28-4-changes-during-pregnancy-labor-and-birth#:~:text=The%20anterior%20pituitary%20enlarges%20and - My pregnancy calendar
https://books.google.co.in/books?id=Lp_iZeiohE8C&pg=PA196&dq=stretch+marks+after+pregnancy+fade+in+three+to+six+months&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiw1bPh7eLfAhXI5lQKHSfUDJ4Q6AEIKDAA#v=onepage&q=stretch%20marks%20after%20pregnancy%20fade%20in%20three%20to%20six%252&f=false - What can get rid of stretch marks?
https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/scars-stretch-marks/stretch-marks-why-appear
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