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Stretch marks are nothing to be ashamed of. They are badges of honor, if you will, your scars from carrying your baby, losing weight, or hitting puberty — hey… you survived! While stretch marks are a completely normal part of life, we also totally understand they can be annoying and can make some women feel self conscious — which is why we’ve done the research on the best stretch mark creams for you. Almost all women are affected by stretch marks during their pregnancy, so if you’re currently pregnant or just had a baby, you know what we’re talking about.
Stretch marks are caused when the skin is literally stretched before it has time to grow. Breaks in collagen occur and what’s left are the stripes or tears in the skin that can vary in color. While the color may fade over time, the marks never fully disappear, but there are creams and oils that can help minimize the look of stretch marks by pumping some much needed moisture back into the skin. Below, you’ll find our top 13 picks for the best stretch mark creams in 2020.
Best Overall – Mamma Mio The Tummy Rub Butter
Best Organic – Glow Organics Belly Butter
Best Vitamin E Oil – Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E Skin Therapy Oil
Most Affordable – Bio Oil
Best for Sensitive Skin – Belli Elasticity Belly Oil
Best for Prevention – Body Merry Stretch Marks & Scars Defense Cream
Best Intense Treatment – Basq Stretch Mark Butter
Best Smelling – Shea Moisture Mommy & Me Pre/Post Natal Stretch Mark Body Butter
Best Splurge – Clarins Stretch Mark Minimizer
Best for Pregnancy – Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
Best Post Pregnancy – Mommy Knows Best Maternity Stretch Mark Cream
Best All Natural – Earth Mama Belly Butter
Best for Dry Skin – StriVectin SD Advanced Plus Intensive Moisturizing Concentrate
1 of 13 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Overall
Mamma Mio The Tummy Rub Butter
This cream not only comes in handy for your growing tummy, but also on breasts and hips. Essentially, it is recommended that pregnant mamas slather themselves in this stuff from their boobs to their butts twice a day. The cream has a shea butter base and is packed with other organic oils, like coconut and avocado, and omega-3 fatty acids. This cream has developed somewhat of a cult following and it’s sure to leave your skin strong enough to tackle the changes that come with pregnancy.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
39 weeks pregnant and I am on my fourth tub. I have exactly zero stretch marks on my gigantic belly! It's not just genetics. I didn't think to be putting this stuff on my thighs and somewhere in my second trimester I started noticing stretch marks.
2 of 13 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Organic
Glow Organics Belly Butter
This stretch mark cream is organic, vegan, gluten and cruelty free, so if you’re an all-natural mama, this is a great choice. Plus, with organic shea butter, organic cocoa butter, organic macadamia nut, organic grape seed oil and organic sweet almond oil, this cream will work overtime to combat itchy skin as well as stretch marks. There are also no added fragrances in the formula, so mamas who are super sensitive to smells don't need to worry.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I used this daily during my pregnancy and did not get stretch marks. It goes on nicely and has a very subtle oil smell.
3 of 13 Image Credits: Walmart
Best Vitamin E Oil
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E Skin Therapy Oil
You get four products in this skin-care kit that will help you combat stretch marks. The set includes massage lotion, massage cream, tummy butter and skin therapy oil. Each of these are made with Palmer’s signature vitamin E oil formula that supports moisture retention and helps reduce the appearance of marks and scars. It also contains shea butter for extra nourished skin.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This product works SO well. This is the second pregnancy that I've used it for and I've only gotten a few stretch marks, which I later use the Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil on and they are gone.
4 of 13 Image Credits: Amazon
Most Affordable
Bio Oil
Celebs like Kim Kardashian love this affordable oil that they claim has worked wonders to ward off stretch marks during pregnancy. While it is an oil, the non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and won’t clog pores or stain clothes. It’s hypoallergenic and ideal for all skin types, even sensitive skin. Bio Oil works to prevent stretch marks as well as reduce the appearance of existing ones. Plus, it’s found in most drug stores and won’t break the bank. If you’re curious to see what all the hype is about, it’s definitely worth checking out.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I used this twice daily starting in the second trimester and am happy to report NO STRETCH MARKS now after pregnancy! This is really saying something as I have been prone to stretch marks my entire life.
5 of 13 Image Credits: Amazon
Best for Sensitive Skin
Belli Elasticity Belly Oil
Every Belli product is allergy tested and free of paraben preservatives, gluten, phthalates, and artificial dyes or fragrances, so moms with sensitive skin can take comfort in knowing this product is gentle, yet effective. The stretch mark treatment features pregnancy-safe ingredients like Vitamin E, Gotu Kola and lavender oil, which help to calm, soothe and moisturize pregnant skin.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I used this throughout my first pregnancy and am using it again now during my second. I gained over 40lbs the first time and had no stretch marks. I'm in week 36 of this pregnancy and still no stretch marks as of yet.
6 of 13 Image Credits: Amazon
Best For Prevention
Body Merry Stretch Marks & Scars Defense Cream
If you know you’re prone to stretch marks or if they run in your family, this cream is great to start using immediately upon learning that you’re pregnant. It works to firm and moisturize the skin as your stomach starts to grow, and you only need a tiny bit as this cream is super rich. The cream contains vitamins E, C, B3, B5, plant stem cells, seaweed and rich oils that all work to reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks while preventing future ones.
Specifications:
I purchased this when I first found out I was pregnant and have been using it ever since. The cream has a nice thick consistency, but rubs in light and clear – no greasy feeling at all. It keeps my skin moisturized even in winter months while I'm using it.
7 of 13 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Intense Treatment
Basq Stretch Mark Butter
This cream has a few ingredients not found in other stretch mark creams, including darutoside, a powerful plant blend that builds collagen for strong skin, biopeptides, and Algisium C, which helps soothe itchy skin and stop damage before stretch marks form. It is also toxicologist approved for pregnancy and nursing, so it is totally safe to continue using once baby is born.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This lotion is so amazing. I bought it to use throughout my pregnancy to reduce the risk of stretch marks. So far, over 30 weeks in and I do not have any at all.
8 of 13 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Smelling
Shea Moisture Mommy & Me Pre/Post Natal Stretch Mark Body Butter
This stretch mark oil is packed with fatty acids, antioxidants, phytosterols and naturally occurring omega 3s — and it smells divine. The scent of the sweet pistachio oil is not too strong, so it doesn’t feel like this cream was pumped with fragrance (which can really make some expectant mothers nauseous). It’s made with nutrient-rich shea butter cream to deeply moisturize and reinforce skin's elasticity.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This stuff is amazing. Rub it in good. Moisture for days. I wish I could swim in a giant vat of it. Smells good, not overpowering at all.
9 of 13 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Splurge
Clarins Stretch Mark Minimizer
This cream uses something called Crowberry, which the people at Clarins created, and it works to maintain the skin’s texture. The formula also features centella extract, which soothes and comforts skin. The cream targets stretch marks by increasing skin suppleness and helping to fade the color. It’s also fragrance and colorant free, which makes it great for sensitive skin.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I am in my eighth month of pregnancy, have been using this wonderful cream since month two and not a stretch mark or blemish yet. It helps my skin feel smooth, gets rid of any itchiness or general skin discomfort, and is a good ritual to have for myself morning and night.
10 of 13 Image Credits: Amazon
Best for Pregnancy
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy locks moisture in to help prevent stretch marks. You can use the cream beginning in your second trimester and while breastfeeding, so it’s perfect for moms at various stages of pregnancy. It combines cepalin, a proprietary botanical extract, hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica plant extract to give you the best results for your growing belly.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Okay, I’ve bought like three of these during my pregnancy because it’s really just that effective. This is my second pregnancy and my stretch marks are visibly less than my first. I’m less than two weeks to my due date with minimal stretch marks (it’s not flawless) but it’s so much better the second time around and I really do think it’s because of this lotion.
11 of 13 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Post Pregnancy
Mommy Knows Best Maternity Stretch Mark Cream
If you thought you were stretch-mark free throughout your pregnancy only to find more than a few popped up after you gave birth, you are not alone. This cream not only reduces the appearance of stretch marks, but the actual depth of them as well. It’s retinol free, which means it's safe for both mom and baby, and it works to tighten and tone skin — a total plus for moms after they give birth.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
WOW!!!! I have tried MANY different "anti-stretch" mark creams for my pregnancy and this is by far the BEST!!! There are a lot of nay sayers that tell you you cant prevent stretch marks during pregnancy and while that may be true for some this I can assure will help you.
12 of 13 Image Credits: Amzon
Best All Natural
Earth Mama Belly Butter
With no petroleum, mineral oil, parabens or artificial fragrance, this luxurious moisturizer is still strong enough to reduce the appearance of emerging stretch marks. The natural herbs and essential oils boost skin's natural elasticity sans irritating scent.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Love! Wow, I am honestly impressed. Smells good, like orange zest, but isn't strong. I use it head to toe and feel good I'm not putting harsh chemicals on my skin. I'm pregnant now but will probably continue to use postpartum. Makes me want to look into this brand's other offerings.
13 of 13 Image Credits: Amazon
Best for Dry Skin
StriVectin SD Advanced Plus Intensive Moisturizing Concentrate
This cream is a bigger splurge than others, but its name is a true indicator of what it can do. It’s somewhat of a cult phenomenon, clinically shown to boost elasticity and visibly reduce wrinkles and stretch marks while targeting 10 types of skin collagen. Users have reported that it has faded the appearance of stretch marks in just four weeks and gives skin up to 72 hours of hydration. Pregnant mamas everywhere know that this is good news!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I am in love with this stuff. I received a sample from my local beauty store and could not get enough. It smells AMAZING!!! And it worked great even after just a few uses. I purchased this bottle and can’t wait to see the long term results!!!
