The 15 Best Stretch Mark Creams That You Must Buy In 2024
With a few swipes of these nourishing creams, regain your streaks-free skin once again.
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
krati darakMBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Stretch marks are pretty common among both men and women. Stretch marks are caused by overstretching and shrinking of the skin, which may be caused by weight loss and gain during a growth spurt or pregnancy. The best stretch mark creams have shown effective results to improve the appearance of the skin.
Despite the lack of proper evidence, these creams tend to work anecdotally (1). These topical creams are enriched with skin-nourishing ingredients that improve the skin’s elasticity and soothe the skin. These skincare products also have other skin benefits like moisturization and skin toning. This article has listed a handful of the best stretch mark creams and oils that you can try for effective results. Keep scrolling to read more!
In This Article
The Top 15 Stretch Mark Creams And Oils of 2024
Note: Pregnant women should consult a doctor before using any topical products.
Best Overall:Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
Product Claims
If you are looking for that one product that can be used as a massage, leave-in, and moisturizing agent, your search ends here. Womenswear by Bio-Oil because it does loads of things, like reducing stretch marks and wrinkles, evening out the skin tone, offering sun protection, and nourishing the skin. It is a lightweight formula with a faint but pleasant smell. It aids in stretch marks prevention and can be easily incorporated into your skincare routine.
Pros
- Clinically proven
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Non-greasy
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
None
"I have been using this oil daily and it has been working wonders for my skin. It is very hydrating but absorbs quickly without leaving any residue. It is great for improving the appearance of scars and stretch marks."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 7,209 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
Best Fragrance-Free:Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter
Product Claims
This anti-stretch marks lotion is an excellent choice for those who want to provide extra nourishment to their skin. This lotion contains a blend of the most hydrating ingredients, like shea, cocoa, and jojoba butter. It contains 99% natural belly butter to keep the skin comfortable during pregnancy.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Petrolatum-free
- SLS-free
- Non-irritating
- Unscented
Cons
None
Best Vegan:Body Merry Stretch Marks And Scars Defense Cream
Product Claims
Body Merry Stretch Marks And Scars Defense Cream is a blend of cocoa butter (for hydration), shea butter (for nourishment), and other essential fatty acids, plant-based oils, and vitamins that improve your skin’s elasticity reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and soothe your skin. This video review will give you a better insight into the cream’s effectiveness.
Pros
- Unscented
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan-friendly
- 90-days manufacturer guarantee
Cons
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 2,268 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil Best Overall | Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter Best Fragrance-Free | Body Merry Stretch Marks And Scars Defense Cream Best Vegan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.91 x 3.31 x 9.32 inches | 3.35 x 3.35 x 1.1 inches | - |
| Weight | 6.7 Ounces | 8.48 Ounces | - |
| Number of Items | - | - | 1 |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 7,209 | 5,008 | 2,268 |
| Price | $28.27 | $10.99 | $20.79 |
Best Scented:Weleda Mama Stretch Mark Massage Oil
Product Claims
This oil is enriched with vitamin E, sweet almond oil, wheat germ oil, and arnica extracts. The Weleda Mama Stretch Mark Massage Oil keeps the skin hydrated and prevents new stretch marks. It also contains a blend of essential oils that gives this product a soothing and refreshing fragrance.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- No synthetic preservatives
- Not tested on animals
- Certified natural and organic ingredients
Cons
None
Quick TipBest Affordable:Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion For Stretch Marks
Product Claims
Apart from stretch marks, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula works on all kinds of skin issues, like discoloration, dullness, and dryness. This product nourishes and improves the overall quality of your skin and allows the skin to stretch easily without leaving any marks. Watch this video to learn about the reviewer’s experience and to get a thorough understanding of the product. It aids in skin healing, scar reduction, and skin regeneration.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Contains collagen and elastin
- 48 hours moisturization
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Phthalate-free
- No fragrance allergens
Cons
None
"This lotion reduced my stretch marks visibly. It is very effective in moisturizing the skin as well. It has a pleasant scent that I like. After using it for a week I realized the itchiness and skin sensitivity had also reduced."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 4,016 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
Best Even-Looking Skin:Mommy Knows Best Stretch Mark Vanishing Cream
Product Claims
This is both a stretch mark cream and a scar treatment cream. Along with stretch marks, the cream claims to reduce age spots and skin pigmentation to give you smooth and even-looking skin. It is formulated without retinol and contains essential oils and vitamins to revive your skin and prevent stretch marks. It provides skin treatments for most skin issues other than stretch marks treatment.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Suitable for all skin types
- Clinically tested
- Ethically sourced ingredients
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-free
Cons
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,000 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
Best Dermatologist Recommended:Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
Image: Mederma Product Claims
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy is one of the most sought-after stretch mark creams. This thick but readily absorbent lotion hydrates your skin and diminishes those stubborn stretch marks in no time. This nourishing cream contains cepalin and Centella asiatica extracts, along with hyaluronic acid that improves the moisture content of your skin and prevents stretch marks. Users’ reviews on Amazon indicate that people experienced visible results with stretch marks and rough skin texture after applying the product twice a day for four weeks.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Botanical extracts
- Dermatologist recommended
- Clinically tested
Cons
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 986 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
Best Cruelty-Free:Honeydew Coffee Caffeine Firming Cream
Product Claims
This is a firming and toning cream that helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite. It contains coconut oil, shea butter, sunflower oil, and other skin hydrating components that keep your skin moisturized and firm. A few users claimed that it helped reduce their stretch marks. If you want an ethical product that does not involve animal testing, this one’s for you.
Pros
- 100% natural ingredients
- No artificial fragrance
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
Quick tipBest Skin-Friendly:Tetyana Naturals Scar Removal Skin Repair Cream
Product Claims
If you want a cream that works for all types of scars, go for this one. Stretch marks, surgeries, C-section, cuts – this cream claims to work on all. It is gentle enough not to irritate your skin and contains skin-loving ingredients.
Pros
- Contains herbal extracts
- Suitable for all skin types
- Irritation-free
Cons
None
Best With Natural Ingredients:Botanic Tree Simple Organic Stretch Mark Cream + ReduxCell Anti-Stretch Marks Massage Oil
Product Claims
Botanic Tree’s stretch mark removal cream is an enriching formula that contains high-quality ingredients, like cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin E, moringa, and avocado with Centella Asiatica. It not only reduces the appearance of stretch marks but also prevents new ones. The ReduxCell Anti-Stretch Marks Massage Oil contains beta-carotene and a blend of essential oils that reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks and prevent new ones.
Pros
- 100% organic
- Not tested on animals
- paraben-free
Cons
- The oil contains artificial fragrance (as per user reviews).
- The cream may cause skin irritation (as per user reviews).
Best For Skin Elasticity:Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter
Product Claims
The products by this brand are dedicated to pregnancy skincare. This tummy rub butter by Mama Mio contains super hydrating ingredients that improve the elasticity of your skin so that you do not get stretch marks during pregnancy.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Phthalate-free
- No PEG
- No xenoestrogens
- No colorants
Cons
None
Best For Soft Skin:Mustela Stretch Mark Prevention Cream
Product Claims
This is a stretch mark prevention cream containing plant-based ingredients. It keeps your skin hydrated during pregnancy and makes it resilient to prevent stretch marks. It keeps the skin soft and comfortable.
Pros
- 100% safe for everyday use
- Developed with healthcare professionals
- SLS-free
- Paraben-free
- Phenoxyethanol-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Alcohol-free
Cons
None
Best Clinically Tested For Allergens:Body Boost Stretch Mark Butter
Product Claims
Body Boost Stretch Mark Butter contains collagen and elastin, i.e., the proteins that our skin tends to lose, which causes stretch marks. It also contains Gotu kola or Centella asiatica extracts that strengthen the connective tissue in your skin, tightening it and reducing the appearance of stretch marks and scars. It also contains other ingredients like rosehip, grapeseed, jojoba, and borage oils that nourish your skin.
Pros
- Clinically tested for allergens
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Non-greasy
Cons
None
Best For Sensitive Skin:TriLASTIN-SR Intensive Stretch Mark Cream
Product Claims
This is a maximum strength stretch mark cream that claims to deliver results for all types of stretch marks within three weeks. This is a hydro-thermal accelerator cream, which means it is self-warming. The warming effect maximizes its effect on your skin and helps the ingredients penetrate your skin better.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-greasy
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Takes a long time to show results.
Best Lightweight:Clarins Stretch Mark Minimizer
Product Claims
A good stretch marks cream will first smoothen out your scars and marks before reducing them. Clarins Stretch Mark Minimizer claims to do exactly that. Its formula is effective and works on all kinds of marks. The formula of this cream contains PhytoStretchComplex, which is a blend of Centella asiatica, licorice-derived glycyrrhetinic acid, and hazelnut oil. It keeps the skin soft, smooth, and healthy.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Colorant-free
- Lightweight
- Fast-absorbing
Cons
- Contains SLS
- Contains alcohol
These creams, oils, and lotions are among the widely preferred and top-rated products available for stretch marks. However, not all stretch mark oils or creams work for all skin types and stretch marks. You will either have to go by the trial-and-error method or follow the tips below to find out what suits you.
How To Choose The Best Stretch Mark Cream
- Pick Oils: Just like creams, stretch mark oils are great for preventing water loss and maintaining hydration. They are easily absorbed compared to heavy creams. However, if you do not prefer oils, you may go for creams.
- Go For A Hypoallergenic Cream/Oil/Lotion: During pregnancy, your skin may become sensitive to a lot of ingredients. Hypoallergenic products usually do not contain any kind of allergens, like essential oils and fragrances, and will not irritate your skin.
- Pick Hydrating Ingredients: Preventing stretch marks is all about keeping your skin hydrated and making it elastic to stretch without marks. Go for products that contain humectants, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
- Pick Soothing Ingredients: A few ingredients, such as aloe vera, cocoa and shea butter, can help calm down your skin. This is important for healing and preventing stretch marks. For sensitive skin, opt for dermatologically approved ingredients that are clinically verified and have proven efficacy in addressing your skin concerns. Also, remember to do a patch test to check for allergies.
- Know What To Avoid: This is crucial. You should know which ingredients your skin hates and which to avoid during pregnancy. The topical use of retinoids during pregnancy is widely debated, and there is not enough evidence to claim the safety of using them (2). Hence, it is better to avoid retinoids during pregnancy.
Infographic: How To Choose An Ideal Stretch Mark Cream
Stretch mark creams are used by everyone for different reasons, but it is important to keep in mind the specifics. Once you understand how these products can help fade the marks and what results can be achieved, you can use them to their optimum. Check out the infographic below to find out how you can choose a stretch mark cream that suits your needs.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using any of these products. If you aren’t and want to use these products for stretch marks, pick a product that you know your skin can tolerate. You can try the Bio-Oil Skincare Oil with a lightweight formula that instantly absorbs into the skin to combat wrinkles and stretch marks, while the Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter is enriched with nourishing ingredients like shea and jojoba butters to moisturize the skin and improve its texture. The Body Merry Stretch Marks And Scars Defense Cream is a good choice for those who want to boost skin elasticity along with combating stretch marks and lines. Remember, you have to be extremely patient when dealing with stretch marks. You will not see overnight results and may have to use the product for at least a couple of months before you see any difference.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach. She applied her expertise and research skills to curate this list of the best stretch mark creams out there. She has considered and compared the products’ formulation, efficacy, and user reviews before handpicking them. To help our readers, the author has included the pros and some possible cons along with details about the products in the shortlist. The stretch mark creams listed here can help reduce and prevent stretch marks while hydrating and toning the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do creams get rid of stretch marks?
Yes, stretch mark creams help make the scars unnoticeable and fade to a great level.
Can Vaseline remove stretch marks?
Yes. Massaging your stretch marks with vaseline will fade them effectively.
Can old stretch marks be removed?
No. Old stretch marks can fade but not be removed entirely from the body.
How long do stretch marks take to fade?
Usually, stretch marks can take around a year to fade. However, with proper treatment, they can also appear mild and less noticeable within 8-9 months, depending on severity.
Is vitamin E good for stretch marks?
No. Vitamin E helps boost collagen production and treat aging signs. Therefore, it will not have any direct impact on stretch marks.
Can coconut oil remove stretch marks?
No, coconut oil cannot remove stretch marks. It can only nourish the skin and make it look more healthy.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Brennan, Miriam et al. “The use of anti stretch marks’ products by women in pregnancy: a descriptive, cross-sectional survey.” BMC pregnancy and childbirth vol. 16,1 276. 21 Sep. 2016, doi:10.1186/s12884-016-1075-9
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5031338/ - Bozzo, Pina et al. “Safety of skin care products during pregnancy.” Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien vol. 57,6 (2011): 665-7.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114665/
