Stretch marks happen—pregnancy, weight fluctuations, growth spurts. The right cream won’t erase them completely, but consistent use can fade their appearance and improve skin texture. Here are the best options across different budgets and formulations.
What to Look For
Key ingredients — Hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, vitamin E for skin repair, and Centella Asiatica for collagen support are the most effective
Texture and absorption — Oils penetrate deeply but feel greasy; creams and butters absorb faster for daily use
Pregnancy safety — Avoid retinoids if pregnant or nursing; look for products specifically tested for prenatal use
Consistency of use — Results require daily application for weeks or months; choose something you’ll actually stick with
Fragrance — Strong scents can trigger nausea during pregnancy; fragrance-free options are safer for sensitive skin
Product Recommendations
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil — Best Overall
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Bio-Oil has been the go-to stretch mark treatment for decades, backed by dermatologist recommendations and clinical studies.
The lightweight oil formula absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Contains vitamins E and A along with chamomile and lavender oils for soothing irritated skin. Works on both new and old stretch marks with consistent use.
Pros:
Dermatologist recommended and clinically proven
Non-comedogenic formula won’t clog pores
Vegan and paraben-free
Works on scars, uneven skin tone, and stretch marks
Cons:
Oil texture not ideal for under clothing
Results require several weeks of consistent use
Best for: Anyone wanting a proven, multi-purpose skincare oil that addresses stretch marks and scars.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion — Best Budget
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Palmer’s delivers pharmacy-aisle effectiveness at a fraction of the cost of premium options.
This classic formula combines cocoa butter with shea butter, argan oil, collagen, and elastin. Studies show 97% of users see improved skin elasticity. The rich texture makes it ideal for massage during pregnancy.
Pros:
Excellent value for a large bottle
Rich, moisturizing formula
Contains collagen and elastin
Pleasant cocoa butter scent
Cons:
Strong fragrance may bother some users
Thick texture takes time to absorb
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want an effective, time-tested formula.
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy — Best Clinical Formula
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Mederma’s pharmaceutical-grade formula shows visible results in as little as four weeks.
Contains Cepalin (a proprietary botanical extract), hyaluronic acid, and Centella Asiatica—ingredients clinically shown to improve stretch mark appearance. Safe for use during pregnancy and lightweight enough for daily application.
Pros:
Clinically proven results in 4 weeks
Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula
Safe during pregnancy
Contains hyaluronic acid for deep hydration
Cons:
Higher price point than drugstore options
Smaller tube size
Best for: Those who want clinical-grade ingredients and faster visible results.
Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter — Best Natural
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A 99% natural formula that delivers serious moisture without synthetic ingredients.
Combines shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba butter in a thick, nourishing formula. Fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested, making it ideal for sensitive skin during pregnancy. The rich texture is perfect for belly massage.
Pros:
99% natural ingredients
Fragrance-free for sensitive noses
Dermatologist tested
Triple butter formula deeply moisturizes
Cons:
Very thick texture requires effort to spread
May feel heavy in warm weather
Best for: Pregnant women who want natural, fragrance-free skincare.
Earth Mama Belly Butter — Best Organic
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Certified organic ingredients and NSF/ANSI 305 certification for those who want the cleanest formula possible.
Features organic aloe, olive oil, shea butter, and borage seed oil. The whipped texture applies easily and absorbs well. Made specifically for pregnancy with gentle botanicals that won’t irritate sensitive skin.
Pros:
NSF/ANSI 305 certified organic
Whipped texture spreads easily
Contains borage seed oil for skin repair
Gentle enough for daily use
Cons:
Premium price for organic certification
Light herbal scent may not appeal to everyone
Best for: Those committed to organic skincare during pregnancy.
TriLASTIN Stretch Mark Cream — Best for Existing Marks
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Specifically formulated to target existing stretch marks rather than just preventing new ones.
This hypoallergenic, paraben-free formula uses shea butter and vitamin E to improve the appearance of marks you already have. Works on both red/purple new marks and white/silver older ones.
Pros:
Targets existing stretch marks
Hypoallergenic formula
Paraben-free
Works on old and new marks
Cons:
Higher price than prevention-focused products
Requires consistent long-term use
Best for: Anyone looking to fade existing stretch marks rather than just prevent new ones.
Bio-Oil Natural — Best Fragrance-Free Oil
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All the benefits of original Bio-Oil with 100% natural, fragrance-free ingredients.
Features rosehip oil, lavender oil, chamomile oil, and chia seed oil in a plant-based formula. No added fragrance makes it perfect for pregnancy when scent sensitivity is high. Same lightweight absorption as the original.
Pros:
100% natural plant-based ingredients
No added fragrance
Non-comedogenic
Contains rosehip oil for skin regeneration
Cons:
Pricier than original Bio-Oil
Natural oils have subtle inherent scent
Best for: Those who want Bio-Oil’s effectiveness with all-natural ingredients.
Verdict
For most people, Bio-Oil offers the best combination of proven results, easy application, and reasonable price. On a tighter budget, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula delivers solid results at a fraction of the cost. Pregnant women should consider Burt’s Bees Mama Bee or Earth Mama for natural, fragrance-free options.