The 10 Best Stretch Mark Creams, Tested by Real People

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Kristin Kempa

People / Kristin Kempa

Stretch marks are scars that appear on the skin due to a variety of factors, including rapid shrinking or expanding due to weight fluctuation or pregnancy. Most women have stretch marks at some point in their life, and stretch mark creams and oils can help anyone looking to nourish the skin and lighten the appearance of those scars.To most effectively use topical stretch mark creams, you should start applying them “as soon as the first signs of stretch marks show,” according toAkis Ntonos, family nurse practitioner and co-founder of Aion Aesthetics in New York City. “Although topical skin care can be helpful with stretch marks, microneedling and laser might have a better outcome in improving their appearance,” she adds.Deal Alert!Right now, the best stretch mark cream we’ve tested,Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion,is on sale for 20 percent off — and it costs even less when you click Subscribe & Save!With this in mind, our PEOPLE Tested team, including some expectant and postpartum testers, tried out 23 of the most popular stretch mark creams on the market. We used the creams over a six-week period, noting any visible improvements to the skin as well as other details like the scent, ease of application, and speed of absorption.Keep reading to learn more about the best stretch mark creams that PEOPLE tested.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion at Amazon$18Jump to ReviewBest Drugstore:Burt’s Bees Mama Belly Butter at Amazon$13Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Hatch Maternity Belly Oil at Bluemercury.com$64Jump to ReviewBest Scent:Earth Mama Organics Belly Butter at Walmart$35Jump to ReviewBest for Dry Skin:Evereden Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream at Amazon$49Jump to ReviewBest for Old Stretch Marks:Susanne Kaufmann Arnica Body Oil at Susannekaufmann.comJump to ReviewBest Stick:Munchkin Milkmakers TwistStick Belly Balm at Amazon$15Jump to ReviewBest Oil:SALEBio-Oil Skincare Oil at Amazon$14$11Jump to ReviewBest Preventative:Belli Elasticity Belly Oil at Walmart$34Jump to ReviewBest Butter:SALEPipette Belly Butter at Amazon$29$15Jump to Review

Stretch marks are scars that appear on the skin due to a variety of factors, including rapid shrinking or expanding due to weight fluctuation or pregnancy. Most women have stretch marks at some point in their life, and stretch mark creams and oils can help anyone looking to nourish the skin and lighten the appearance of those scars.

To most effectively use topical stretch mark creams, you should start applying them “as soon as the first signs of stretch marks show,” according toAkis Ntonos, family nurse practitioner and co-founder of Aion Aesthetics in New York City. “Although topical skin care can be helpful with stretch marks, microneedling and laser might have a better outcome in improving their appearance,” she adds.

Deal Alert!Right now, the best stretch mark cream we’ve tested,Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion,is on sale for 20 percent off — and it costs even less when you click Subscribe & Save!

Deal Alert!

Right now, the best stretch mark cream we’ve tested,Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion,is on sale for 20 percent off — and it costs even less when you click Subscribe & Save!

With this in mind, our PEOPLE Tested team, including some expectant and postpartum testers, tried out 23 of the most popular stretch mark creams on the market. We used the creams over a six-week period, noting any visible improvements to the skin as well as other details like the scent, ease of application, and speed of absorption.

Keep reading to learn more about the best stretch mark creams that PEOPLE tested.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion at Amazon$18Jump to ReviewBest Drugstore:Burt’s Bees Mama Belly Butter at Amazon$13Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Hatch Maternity Belly Oil at Bluemercury.com$64Jump to ReviewBest Scent:Earth Mama Organics Belly Butter at Walmart$35Jump to ReviewBest for Dry Skin:Evereden Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream at Amazon$49Jump to ReviewBest for Old Stretch Marks:Susanne Kaufmann Arnica Body Oil at Susannekaufmann.comJump to ReviewBest Stick:Munchkin Milkmakers TwistStick Belly Balm at Amazon$15Jump to ReviewBest Oil:SALEBio-Oil Skincare Oil at Amazon$14$11Jump to ReviewBest Preventative:Belli Elasticity Belly Oil at Walmart$34Jump to ReviewBest Butter:SALEPipette Belly Butter at Amazon$29$15Jump to Review

Best Overall:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion at Amazon$18Jump to ReviewBest Drugstore:Burt’s Bees Mama Belly Butter at Amazon$13Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Hatch Maternity Belly Oil at Bluemercury.com$64Jump to ReviewBest Scent:Earth Mama Organics Belly Butter at Walmart$35Jump to ReviewBest for Dry Skin:Evereden Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream at Amazon$49Jump to ReviewBest for Old Stretch Marks:Susanne Kaufmann Arnica Body Oil at Susannekaufmann.comJump to ReviewBest Stick:Munchkin Milkmakers TwistStick Belly Balm at Amazon$15Jump to ReviewBest Oil:SALEBio-Oil Skincare Oil at Amazon$14$11Jump to ReviewBest Preventative:Belli Elasticity Belly Oil at Walmart$34Jump to ReviewBest Butter:SALEPipette Belly Butter at Amazon$29$15Jump to Review

Best Overall:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion at Amazon$18Jump to Review

Best Overall:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion at Amazon$18

Best Overall:

Best Drugstore:Burt’s Bees Mama Belly Butter at Amazon$13Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:Burt’s Bees Mama Belly Butter at Amazon$13

Best Drugstore:

Best Splurge:Hatch Maternity Belly Oil at Bluemercury.com$64Jump to Review

Best Splurge:Hatch Maternity Belly Oil at Bluemercury.com$64

Best Splurge:

Best Scent:Earth Mama Organics Belly Butter at Walmart$35Jump to Review

Best Scent:Earth Mama Organics Belly Butter at Walmart$35

Best Scent:

Best for Dry Skin:Evereden Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream at Amazon$49Jump to Review

Best for Dry Skin:Evereden Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream at Amazon$49

Best for Dry Skin:

Best for Old Stretch Marks:Susanne Kaufmann Arnica Body Oil at Susannekaufmann.comJump to Review

Best for Old Stretch Marks:Susanne Kaufmann Arnica Body Oil at Susannekaufmann.com

Best for Old Stretch Marks:

Best Stick:Munchkin Milkmakers TwistStick Belly Balm at Amazon$15Jump to Review

Best Stick:Munchkin Milkmakers TwistStick Belly Balm at Amazon$15

Best Stick:

Best Oil:SALEBio-Oil Skincare Oil at Amazon$14$11Jump to Review

Best Oil:SALEBio-Oil Skincare Oil at Amazon$14$11

Best Oil:

SALE

Best Preventative:Belli Elasticity Belly Oil at Walmart$34Jump to Review

Best Preventative:Belli Elasticity Belly Oil at Walmart$34

Best Preventative:

Best Butter:SALEPipette Belly Butter at Amazon$29$15Jump to Review

Best Butter:SALEPipette Belly Butter at Amazon$29$15

Best Butter:

Best OverallPalmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage LotionPHOTO: Amazon$18$16 at Amazon$7 at Target$8 at IHerbStar QualitiesGoes on smoothly and doesn’t feel stickyNoticeably faded our old stretch marksNo greasy finishRed FlagsFormula is thick and heavy, so the bottle may run out quicklyWe tried out Palmer’s Cocoa Butter on 20-year-old stretch marks, so imagine our surprise to see a slight fade after using the product regularly during the six-week testing period. The product goes on smoothly and rubs in nicely without feeling sticky or greasy. In fact, we were happy to rub the excess into our hands without feeling the need to wash them afterward. That’s a good thing, as you will have to use a considerable amount of product as suggested each time; we were surprised to go through almost two full bottles during the testing period.If you have dry skin or an itchy bump, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter would be a good product to have on hand, especially in the winter. We were able to detect a very light, pleasant scent only after bringing the bottle close to our nose, so there were no worries about a strong smell that might be too overwhelming for an expectant mama’s nose.Form:Cream |Size:8.5 oz. |Scent:Light |Key Ingredients:Cocoa butter, shea butter, natural oils, collagen, elastin, lutein

Best OverallPalmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage LotionPHOTO: Amazon$18$16 at Amazon$7 at Target$8 at IHerb

Best OverallPalmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion

Best Overall

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion

PHOTO: Amazon

$18$16 at Amazon$7 at Target$8 at IHerb

Star QualitiesGoes on smoothly and doesn’t feel stickyNoticeably faded our old stretch marksNo greasy finishRed FlagsFormula is thick and heavy, so the bottle may run out quickly

Star QualitiesGoes on smoothly and doesn’t feel stickyNoticeably faded our old stretch marksNo greasy finish

Goes on smoothly and doesn’t feel sticky

Noticeably faded our old stretch marks

No greasy finish

Red FlagsFormula is thick and heavy, so the bottle may run out quickly

Formula is thick and heavy, so the bottle may run out quickly

We tried out Palmer’s Cocoa Butter on 20-year-old stretch marks, so imagine our surprise to see a slight fade after using the product regularly during the six-week testing period. The product goes on smoothly and rubs in nicely without feeling sticky or greasy. In fact, we were happy to rub the excess into our hands without feeling the need to wash them afterward. That’s a good thing, as you will have to use a considerable amount of product as suggested each time; we were surprised to go through almost two full bottles during the testing period.

If you have dry skin or an itchy bump, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter would be a good product to have on hand, especially in the winter. We were able to detect a very light, pleasant scent only after bringing the bottle close to our nose, so there were no worries about a strong smell that might be too overwhelming for an expectant mama’s nose.

Form:Cream |Size:8.5 oz. |Scent:Light |Key Ingredients:Cocoa butter, shea butter, natural oils, collagen, elastin, lutein

Best DrugstoreBurt’s Bees Mama Belly ButterPHOTO: Amazon$13 at Amazon$14 at Target$13 at Walmart

Best DrugstoreBurt’s Bees Mama Belly Butter

Best Drugstore

Burt’s Bees Mama Belly Butter

$13 at Amazon$14 at Target$13 at Walmart

Star QualitiesRich, thick cream doesn’t feel oilySuper hydrating for dry skinAbsorbs quickly into the skinRed FlagsWorks better as a moisturizer than a stretch mark eraser

Star QualitiesRich, thick cream doesn’t feel oilySuper hydrating for dry skinAbsorbs quickly into the skin

Rich, thick cream doesn’t feel oily

Super hydrating for dry skin

Absorbs quickly into the skin

Red FlagsWorks better as a moisturizer than a stretch mark eraser

Works better as a moisturizer than a stretch mark eraser

Despite the thickness of the cream — there’s a reason it’s called butter — it didn’t feel oily at all. In fact, it pretty much disappears intodry skinas soon as you rub it in. However, it did more to mitigate dry skin on a growing belly bump than it did to erase stretch marks. Though it is fragrance-free, we did detect a slight scent from the combo of natural ingredients, but it’s pretty inoffensive and shouldn’t put anyone off.

Form:Cream |Size:6.5 oz.|Scent:Natural |Key Ingredients:Shea butter, vitamin E

PHOTO: People / Julia WarrenPHOTO: People / Julia Warren

Best SplurgeHatch Maternity Belly OilPHOTO: Amazon$64 at Bluemercury.com$64 at Anthropologie$64 at Shopbop.comStar QualitiesSoftens and smooths skinSuccessfully faded our existing stretch marksSmooth, non-greasy formula that feels luxuriousRed FlagsOne of the most expensive options we’ve tested“Heavenly” is how we would describe the feeling of The Hatch Collection Belly Oil, which is why it made our pick for the best investment category. If you’re concerned about a stretch mark oil being, well, too oily, we observed that this product wasn’t at all greasy or sticky, just a really lovely, smooth body oil that made our skin feel soft and pampered.In addition to this oil making our skin feel smooth and glossy, our stretch marks also became less noticeable. While the stretch marks didn’t exactly disappear, they did seem less defined. We wouldn’t have minded a scented oil, but for those who preferbody scrubsand other body products without scent, you’ll be happy to know this one is fragrance-free. This oil is a splurge compared to other stretch mark creams we’ve tested, but it may be worth the cost if you’re looking for a luxurious, deeply nourishing solution.Form:Oil |Size:6.7 oz. |Scent:None |Key Ingredients:Calendula, sweet almond oil, grapefruit oil

Best SplurgeHatch Maternity Belly OilPHOTO: Amazon$64 at Bluemercury.com$64 at Anthropologie$64 at Shopbop.com

Best SplurgeHatch Maternity Belly Oil

Best Splurge

Hatch Maternity Belly Oil

$64 at Bluemercury.com$64 at Anthropologie$64 at Shopbop.com

Star QualitiesSoftens and smooths skinSuccessfully faded our existing stretch marksSmooth, non-greasy formula that feels luxuriousRed FlagsOne of the most expensive options we’ve tested

Star QualitiesSoftens and smooths skinSuccessfully faded our existing stretch marksSmooth, non-greasy formula that feels luxurious

Softens and smooths skin

Successfully faded our existing stretch marks

Smooth, non-greasy formula that feels luxurious

Red FlagsOne of the most expensive options we’ve tested

One of the most expensive options we’ve tested

“Heavenly” is how we would describe the feeling of The Hatch Collection Belly Oil, which is why it made our pick for the best investment category. If you’re concerned about a stretch mark oil being, well, too oily, we observed that this product wasn’t at all greasy or sticky, just a really lovely, smooth body oil that made our skin feel soft and pampered.

In addition to this oil making our skin feel smooth and glossy, our stretch marks also became less noticeable. While the stretch marks didn’t exactly disappear, they did seem less defined. We wouldn’t have minded a scented oil, but for those who preferbody scrubsand other body products without scent, you’ll be happy to know this one is fragrance-free. This oil is a splurge compared to other stretch mark creams we’ve tested, but it may be worth the cost if you’re looking for a luxurious, deeply nourishing solution.

Form:Oil |Size:6.7 oz. |Scent:None |Key Ingredients:Calendula, sweet almond oil, grapefruit oil

Best ScentEarth Mama Organics Belly Butter

Best Scent

Earth Mama Organics Belly Butter

PHOTO: Walmart

Star QualitiesAbsorbs completely into the skin without feeling greasyLovely light orange scentRed FlagsWorked better as a bump moisturizer than a stretch mark eraser

Star QualitiesAbsorbs completely into the skin without feeling greasyLovely light orange scent

Absorbs completely into the skin without feeling greasy

Lovely light orange scent

Red FlagsWorked better as a bump moisturizer than a stretch mark eraser

Worked better as a bump moisturizer than a stretch mark eraser

This lotion has a really nice thickness to it — it goes on smooth and absorbs into the skin without feeling greasy. Our mama-to-be tester was “happily surprised” to see that Earth Mama Belly Butter had an orange scent, and pregnancy scent aversions aside, you might also feel the same.

This product rightly wins the best moisturizing spot on our list, but it won’t make stretch marks fade. Our tester, who was at the midpoint of her pregnancy when she tested Earth Mama, did find that her growing bump was well-hydrated. We definitely recommend using this belly butter as a lotion to keep your skin moisturized as your pregnancy progresses.

Form:Cream |Size:8 oz. |Scent:Delicate Neroli (orange blossom) |Key Ingredients:Many organic oils and extracts, including aloe, olive oil, and sunflower oil

People / Julia Warren

Best for Dry SkinEvereden Nourishing Stretch Mark CreamPHOTO: Amazon$49 at AmazonView on Ever-eden.com

Best for Dry SkinEvereden Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream

Best for Dry Skin

Evereden Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream

$49 at AmazonView on Ever-eden.com

Star QualitiesSuper hydrating formulaAbsorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling luxuriously moisturizedSlightly faded existing stretch marksRed FlagsWe weren’t fond of the scent, so it may not be for everyone

Star QualitiesSuper hydrating formulaAbsorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling luxuriously moisturizedSlightly faded existing stretch marks

Super hydrating formula

Absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling luxuriously moisturized

Slightly faded existing stretch marks

Red FlagsWe weren’t fond of the scent, so it may not be for everyone

We weren’t fond of the scent, so it may not be for everyone

This product moisturized our skin during testing and kept it looking nice and hydrated. We noticed that our stretch marks did fade slightly, too, though anexfoliation routinemight also be enhancing those results.

Form:Cream |Size:4 oz.|Scent:Light |Key Ingredients:Jojoba oil, mango butter, centella

People

Best for Old Stretch MarksSusanne Kaufmann Arnica Body OilPHOTO: AmazonView on Susannekaufmann.comView on Ssense.com$38 at Bluemercury.comStar QualitiesAbsorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feelA little goes a long way, so this product will lastRed FlagsHelps smooth out stretch marks rather than fade themOur tester tried out the Susanne Kaufmann Stretch Mark Oil on stretch marks that have been around for a while. We do feel this oil helped our skin feel healthier and smoother overall, while the texture of the stretch marks smoothed out, though they did not fade.We had already been using an oil prior to testing, but we found the Susanne Kaufmann to absorb more quickly. While there is a fair amount of rubbing involved, that’s to be expected with any body oil. Still, you won’t be left with a greasy feel — just a very soft feeling. Another thing to note: It’s designed to be used on damp or wet skin, so we recommend applying it right after bathing.We liked the lemony-herb scent, but it was strong when we first put it on, so if this is not your scent preference, it might be a hard sell. The bottle is small, but being that it is oil, we found that a little goes a long way.Form:Oil |Size:3.4 oz|Scent:Citrus |Key Ingredients:Almond oil, wheat germ oil, vitamin E, jojoba oil, arnica flower extract

Best for Old Stretch MarksSusanne Kaufmann Arnica Body OilPHOTO: AmazonView on Susannekaufmann.comView on Ssense.com$38 at Bluemercury.com

Best for Old Stretch MarksSusanne Kaufmann Arnica Body Oil

Best for Old Stretch Marks

Susanne Kaufmann Arnica Body Oil

View on Susannekaufmann.comView on Ssense.com$38 at Bluemercury.com

Star QualitiesAbsorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feelA little goes a long way, so this product will lastRed FlagsHelps smooth out stretch marks rather than fade them

Star QualitiesAbsorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feelA little goes a long way, so this product will last

Absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feel

A little goes a long way, so this product will last

Red FlagsHelps smooth out stretch marks rather than fade them

Helps smooth out stretch marks rather than fade them

Our tester tried out the Susanne Kaufmann Stretch Mark Oil on stretch marks that have been around for a while. We do feel this oil helped our skin feel healthier and smoother overall, while the texture of the stretch marks smoothed out, though they did not fade.

We had already been using an oil prior to testing, but we found the Susanne Kaufmann to absorb more quickly. While there is a fair amount of rubbing involved, that’s to be expected with any body oil. Still, you won’t be left with a greasy feel — just a very soft feeling. Another thing to note: It’s designed to be used on damp or wet skin, so we recommend applying it right after bathing.

We liked the lemony-herb scent, but it was strong when we first put it on, so if this is not your scent preference, it might be a hard sell. The bottle is small, but being that it is oil, we found that a little goes a long way.

Form:Oil |Size:3.4 oz|Scent:Citrus |Key Ingredients:Almond oil, wheat germ oil, vitamin E, jojoba oil, arnica flower extract

Best StickMunchkin Milkmakers TwistStick Belly BalmPHOTO: Amazon$15 at Amazon$15 at Target$16 at WalmartStar QualitiesEasy to applyLovely natural scentVery moisturizingRed FlagsWorks better as a skin moisturizer than a remedy for stretch marksWhile the Munchkin Milkmakers Belly Balm didn’t change the look of our stretch marks, we loved the smell and feel of this moisturizing balm. The balm goes on smoothly without being too greasy. Being that it does have oil in it, we did expect a little greasiness, but our skin just glistened. We also liked the scent, though it wasn’t super strong.Though the balm did little to fade any existing stretch marks, it was moisturizing enough for a preventative measure against chafing — it might even be appropriate for the nipples of breastfeeding mothers, too.Form:Balm |Size:2.6 oz.|Scent:Natural |Key Ingredients:Coconut oil, shea butter

Best StickMunchkin Milkmakers TwistStick Belly BalmPHOTO: Amazon$15 at Amazon$15 at Target$16 at Walmart

Best StickMunchkin Milkmakers TwistStick Belly Balm

Best Stick

Munchkin Milkmakers TwistStick Belly Balm

$15 at Amazon$15 at Target$16 at Walmart

Star QualitiesEasy to applyLovely natural scentVery moisturizingRed FlagsWorks better as a skin moisturizer than a remedy for stretch marks

Star QualitiesEasy to applyLovely natural scentVery moisturizing

Easy to apply

Lovely natural scent

Very moisturizing

Red FlagsWorks better as a skin moisturizer than a remedy for stretch marks

Works better as a skin moisturizer than a remedy for stretch marks

While the Munchkin Milkmakers Belly Balm didn’t change the look of our stretch marks, we loved the smell and feel of this moisturizing balm. The balm goes on smoothly without being too greasy. Being that it does have oil in it, we did expect a little greasiness, but our skin just glistened. We also liked the scent, though it wasn’t super strong.

Though the balm did little to fade any existing stretch marks, it was moisturizing enough for a preventative measure against chafing — it might even be appropriate for the nipples of breastfeeding mothers, too.

Form:Balm |Size:2.6 oz.|Scent:Natural |Key Ingredients:Coconut oil, shea butter

Best OilBio-Oil Skincare OilPHOTO: Ulta$14$11 at Amazon$14 at Target$12$11 at WalmartStar QualitiesDry feel and a smooth, lightweight application.Helped prevent stretch marks during pregnancyRed FlagsA lot of product comes out of the bottle at once due to the thinner formulaTwo of our testers used Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil during their pregnancies and had no stretch marks, so that’s enough reason to run out and buy copious amounts of this product when you find out you’re expecting.We loved the dry-oil feel of the Bio-Oil, as it doesn’t make a mess and is a great lightweight oil for warmer months. We also liked the smooth application, though it tends to come out of the bottle quickly, so those who are new to using oil should take care in those first few applications to avoid greasiness.If it can prevent stretch marks from forming, then it can likely do a great job of fading and smoothing existing ones. At less than $15 a bottle (and it’s often on sale!), it’s well worth a try.Form:Oil |Size:2 oz.|Scent:Rose |Key Ingredients:Vitamin E oil, chamomile oil, sunflower oil, lavender oilPeople

Best OilBio-Oil Skincare OilPHOTO: Ulta$14$11 at Amazon$14 at Target$12$11 at Walmart

Best OilBio-Oil Skincare Oil

Best Oil

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

PHOTO: Ulta

$14$11 at Amazon$14 at Target$12$11 at Walmart

Star QualitiesDry feel and a smooth, lightweight application.Helped prevent stretch marks during pregnancyRed FlagsA lot of product comes out of the bottle at once due to the thinner formula

Star QualitiesDry feel and a smooth, lightweight application.Helped prevent stretch marks during pregnancy

Dry feel and a smooth, lightweight application.

Helped prevent stretch marks during pregnancy

Red FlagsA lot of product comes out of the bottle at once due to the thinner formula

A lot of product comes out of the bottle at once due to the thinner formula

Two of our testers used Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil during their pregnancies and had no stretch marks, so that’s enough reason to run out and buy copious amounts of this product when you find out you’re expecting.

We loved the dry-oil feel of the Bio-Oil, as it doesn’t make a mess and is a great lightweight oil for warmer months. We also liked the smooth application, though it tends to come out of the bottle quickly, so those who are new to using oil should take care in those first few applications to avoid greasiness.

If it can prevent stretch marks from forming, then it can likely do a great job of fading and smoothing existing ones. At less than $15 a bottle (and it’s often on sale!), it’s well worth a try.

Form:Oil |Size:2 oz.|Scent:Rose |Key Ingredients:Vitamin E oil, chamomile oil, sunflower oil, lavender oil

Best PreventativeBelli Elasticity Belly OilPHOTO: Amazon$34 at Walmart$34 at Macy’sView on Belliskincare.comStar QualitiesSpreads easily and absorbs wellAlso works for massagesIncludes vitamin E to keep the skin moisturized and promote collagen productionRed FlagsDoesn’t fade existing stretch marksWhile we didn’t see any difference in already present stretch marks, this belly oil has proved to be great in helping prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Our petite tester used this daily during the second half of her pregnancy and came out postpartum with zero stretch marks. The infusion of vitamin E in this oil helps keep the skin moisturized and promotes collagen production.In addition to stretch mark prevention, the Belli Elasticity Belly Oil also doubles as a great massage oil thanks to its light texture that’s not overly greasy and its pleasant scent that’s not too sweet.Form:Oil |Size:3.8 oz.|Scent:Almond and lavender |Key Ingredients:Almond oil, grape seed, vitamin E, coco butter, gotu kola

Best PreventativeBelli Elasticity Belly OilPHOTO: Amazon$34 at Walmart$34 at Macy’sView on Belliskincare.com

Best PreventativeBelli Elasticity Belly Oil

Best Preventative

Belli Elasticity Belly Oil

$34 at Walmart$34 at Macy’sView on Belliskincare.com

Star QualitiesSpreads easily and absorbs wellAlso works for massagesIncludes vitamin E to keep the skin moisturized and promote collagen productionRed FlagsDoesn’t fade existing stretch marks

Star QualitiesSpreads easily and absorbs wellAlso works for massagesIncludes vitamin E to keep the skin moisturized and promote collagen production

Spreads easily and absorbs well

Also works for massages

Includes vitamin E to keep the skin moisturized and promote collagen production

Red FlagsDoesn’t fade existing stretch marks

Doesn’t fade existing stretch marks

While we didn’t see any difference in already present stretch marks, this belly oil has proved to be great in helping prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Our petite tester used this daily during the second half of her pregnancy and came out postpartum with zero stretch marks. The infusion of vitamin E in this oil helps keep the skin moisturized and promotes collagen production.

In addition to stretch mark prevention, the Belli Elasticity Belly Oil also doubles as a great massage oil thanks to its light texture that’s not overly greasy and its pleasant scent that’s not too sweet.

Form:Oil |Size:3.8 oz.|Scent:Almond and lavender |Key Ingredients:Almond oil, grape seed, vitamin E, coco butter, gotu kola

Best ButterPipette Belly ButterPHOTO: Amazon$29$15 at AmazonView on Walmart

Best ButterPipette Belly Butter

Best Butter

Pipette Belly Butter

$29$15 at AmazonView on Walmart

Star QualitiesLight, pleasant scentContains nourishing plant-derived squalaneSkin felt smooth and not at all sticky or greasy after usingRed FlagsWe didn’t notice much improvement in existing stretch marks

Star QualitiesLight, pleasant scentContains nourishing plant-derived squalaneSkin felt smooth and not at all sticky or greasy after using

Light, pleasant scent

Contains nourishing plant-derived squalane

Skin felt smooth and not at all sticky or greasy after using

Red FlagsWe didn’t notice much improvement in existing stretch marks

We didn’t notice much improvement in existing stretch marks

The butter has a pleasant scent that leans more almond than vanilla, but it’s light and not overpowering. We recommend this to any mom with a growing belly who wants to keep their skin hydrated, especially during dry months. It achieves this hydration thanks to its star ingredient, plant-derived squalane, which helps keep skin nourished and moisturized without feeling sticky or greasy.

Form:Butter |Size:3.8 oz.|Scent:Almond vanilla |Key Ingredients:Plant-derived squalane, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, tripeptide-5

What to Know About Stretch Mark Creams

Formulation

Whether you choose an oil, balm, or cream is largely up to your preference and the results you are looking to achieve. Oils might take a bit more rubbing in, but the results for theBio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oilare worth the extra time. If you are looking for something more moisturizing but lighter, then you can do it with a cream like theEarth Mama Belly Butter.

Ingredients

If you want to treat stretch marks while pregnant, avoid any stretch mark creams that contain retinol or retinoids, as these increase the levels of vitamin A in the body and can harm the growing fetus. You can likely begin to useretinol creamspostpartum, provided you aren’t allergic to them.

Scent

This is largely left up to personal preference, but keep in mind that during pregnancy, you might experience aversions to certain scents. For this reason, unscented or fragrance-free stretch mark creams might be your best bet, likePalmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion. If you do prefer a scent, the citrusyEarth Mama Belly Buttermight be a good pick.

Price

Our PEOPLE Tested team tried out 23 different stretch mark creams and put them to the test.

We then made final product selections based on three key attributes: efficacy, feel, and scent.

Frequently Asked QuestionsCreams, balms, and oils are different in their ratio of water to oil. Creams are equal parts oil and water; the water content makes them easier to absorb, while the oil content helps the moisturizing or healing ingredients stay on the skin’s surface as protection against dry or damaged skin. Balms contain fatty oils and waxes rather than water to keep their thick formulation (think of lip balm in a tube). Skin oils take longer to absorb, but once they have been, they are deeply hydrating and healing for your skin.No cream, however expensive, will make stretch marks completely disappear. There are budget-friendly options that have been known to improve skin’s appearance, and there are expensive ones that have great results. With regular use — and depending on the extent of your stretch marks — you can likely see improvement at various price points. Keep in mind, too, that some products require a small application while others need a more liberal one; depending on what you choose, you might have to replace your stretch mark cream more frequently.Just like products like caffeine and squalane are used incelllulite creams, there are a variety of vitamins and essential oils that work to moisturize skin and reduce inflammation. Shea butter is good for soothing and smoothing skin, while jojoba oil is especially good because it mimics sebum, the body’s natural oil. Also look for calendula (or calendula extract), which can reduce pigmentation, and hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally in the body to lubricate and cushion joints and tissues.All the stretch mark creams on our list are over the counter, but there are stretch mark creams available with a prescription, too. “Prescription creams will always work better, especially in the first few months after the stretch marks appear,” says Ntonos. “Tretinoin (Retin-A) is often used to restructure proteins in the skin and rebuild collagen. This results in an improved appearance of the stretch marks.”Organic ingredients are always a good option for cosmetics and other topical products because it means that only natural products harvested without chemicals or herbicides are being used. (Note that ingredients deemed “natural” are also good, but they’re not always organic.)Stretch mark creams using organic ingredients should be completely safe to use if you are currently pregnant. Still, you will have to read labels carefully to see if there are other ingredients to which you might have a known allergy and need to avoid. it’s safe to use a particular stretch mark cream at this time — retinol is the ingredient you’ll want to avoid while you’re expecting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Creams, balms, and oils are different in their ratio of water to oil. Creams are equal parts oil and water; the water content makes them easier to absorb, while the oil content helps the moisturizing or healing ingredients stay on the skin’s surface as protection against dry or damaged skin. Balms contain fatty oils and waxes rather than water to keep their thick formulation (think of lip balm in a tube). Skin oils take longer to absorb, but once they have been, they are deeply hydrating and healing for your skin.

No cream, however expensive, will make stretch marks completely disappear. There are budget-friendly options that have been known to improve skin’s appearance, and there are expensive ones that have great results. With regular use — and depending on the extent of your stretch marks — you can likely see improvement at various price points. Keep in mind, too, that some products require a small application while others need a more liberal one; depending on what you choose, you might have to replace your stretch mark cream more frequently.

Just like products like caffeine and squalane are used incelllulite creams, there are a variety of vitamins and essential oils that work to moisturize skin and reduce inflammation. Shea butter is good for soothing and smoothing skin, while jojoba oil is especially good because it mimics sebum, the body’s natural oil. Also look for calendula (or calendula extract), which can reduce pigmentation, and hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally in the body to lubricate and cushion joints and tissues.All the stretch mark creams on our list are over the counter, but there are stretch mark creams available with a prescription, too. “Prescription creams will always work better, especially in the first few months after the stretch marks appear,” says Ntonos. “Tretinoin (Retin-A) is often used to restructure proteins in the skin and rebuild collagen. This results in an improved appearance of the stretch marks.”

Just like products like caffeine and squalane are used incelllulite creams, there are a variety of vitamins and essential oils that work to moisturize skin and reduce inflammation. Shea butter is good for soothing and smoothing skin, while jojoba oil is especially good because it mimics sebum, the body’s natural oil. Also look for calendula (or calendula extract), which can reduce pigmentation, and hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally in the body to lubricate and cushion joints and tissues.

All the stretch mark creams on our list are over the counter, but there are stretch mark creams available with a prescription, too. “Prescription creams will always work better, especially in the first few months after the stretch marks appear,” says Ntonos. “Tretinoin (Retin-A) is often used to restructure proteins in the skin and rebuild collagen. This results in an improved appearance of the stretch marks.”

Organic ingredients are always a good option for cosmetics and other topical products because it means that only natural products harvested without chemicals or herbicides are being used. (Note that ingredients deemed “natural” are also good, but they’re not always organic.)Stretch mark creams using organic ingredients should be completely safe to use if you are currently pregnant. Still, you will have to read labels carefully to see if there are other ingredients to which you might have a known allergy and need to avoid. it’s safe to use a particular stretch mark cream at this time — retinol is the ingredient you’ll want to avoid while you’re expecting.

Organic ingredients are always a good option for cosmetics and other topical products because it means that only natural products harvested without chemicals or herbicides are being used. (Note that ingredients deemed “natural” are also good, but they’re not always organic.)

Stretch mark creams using organic ingredients should be completely safe to use if you are currently pregnant. Still, you will have to read labels carefully to see if there are other ingredients to which you might have a known allergy and need to avoid. it’s safe to use a particular stretch mark cream at this time — retinol is the ingredient you’ll want to avoid while you’re expecting.

Barbara Bellesi Zitois a writer whose work has appeared in Health.com, Forbes Advisor, Bella Magazine, Apartment Therapy, The Motley Fool, Martha Stewart Living, and Insider.Erika Realsis a senior shopping editor who covers beauty, style, home, and lifestyle shopping topics. To bring you this review, they consulted our testers for their perspectives on a range of stretch mark creams, taking into account considerations such as formulation, scent, ingredients, and price.

Meet Our ExpertAkis NtonosFNP is the co-founder of Aion Aesthetics in New York City.

Meet Our Expert

Akis NtonosFNP is the co-founder of Aion Aesthetics in New York City.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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SourcesPEOPLE uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Stretch marks – causes and treatments. WebMD.https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-stretch-marksHow to tell the difference between ointment, cream, lotion, and gel. Healthline.

Sources

PEOPLE uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Stretch marks – causes and treatments. WebMD.https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-stretch-marksHow to tell the difference between ointment, cream, lotion, and gel. Healthline.

PEOPLE uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Stretch marks – causes and treatments. WebMD.https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-stretch-marksHow to tell the difference between ointment, cream, lotion, and gel. Healthline.

Stretch marks – causes and treatments. WebMD.

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-stretch-marks

How to tell the difference between ointment, cream, lotion, and gel. Healthline.

source: people.com