10 Best Stretch Mark Creams for Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care

Bringing life into this world is a beautiful thing, but it can come with some downsides – like stretch marks. You know they’re coming, so you want to do everything you can to minimize them. But what is the best stretch mark cream for pregnancy?

I have analyzed over 30 stretch mark creams, as well as the ingredients they contain, to determine the best stretch mark remedies for you. I also interviewed two different board-certified dermatologists to get their recommendations on the best stretch mark cream!

Dr. Geeta Patel is the founding dermatologist of River Oaks Dermatology in Houston, Texas. She provided some great tips on preventing pregnancy stretch marks, and the common ingredients in stretch mark creams that should be AVOIDED during pregnancy.

Dr. Erum Ilyas, dermatologist and CEO of AmberNoon skin protection products, kept it very real on whether or not you can prevent (and get rid of) stretch marks. She explained why certain products do help and made knowledgeable recommendations.

Both Dr. Patel and Dr. Ilyas also provided some details on why stretch marks happen, all the ways you can help prevent them, and what to look for in a stretch mark cream to include in a pregnancy-safe skin care routine.

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Choosing the Best Stretch Mark Remedies

When searching for the best stretch mark creams, I looked at a number of factors:

• Affordability
• Quality of ingredients
• Rate of absorption (does it leave skin greasy for a while?)
• Reported effectiveness

Ingredients to Avoid for Stretch Marks

Many stretch mark creams are not specifically targeted at pregnant women, and you’ll need to be careful to use one that doesn’t contain ingredients that could harm your baby. Dr. Patel notes some common stretch mark cream ingredients that are dangerous during pregnancy. “Topical retinoids can help stimulate collagen repair and regeneration somewhat, which can make stretch marks appear less indented and improve their texture. These are not safe to use if pregnant or breastfeeding.”

Topical retinoid names to look for (and avoid) in your stretch mark cream include:

• retinol
• tretinoin
• adapalene
• tazarotene
• alitretinoin
• bexarotene

The ingredients of every stretch mark cream on this list has already been reviewed to confirm that they do NOT contain any retinoids.

Products to Use for Stretch Marks

Palmer’s doesn’t mess around – they just use quality ingredients and charge reasonable prices for them. The truth is, they could charge just as much as some of the luxury brands because of how effective their products are. Because of the affordability, Palmer’s is often overlooked as a “cheap drugstore” product that doesn’t really work.

Dr. Patel sums it up well: “Both inexpensive and very effective, this is a tried and true classic for stretch marks. It’s formulated with cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin E, and other antioxidants to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and improve skin elasticity.”

Please note that the tummy butter is a hard, waxy-style butter and you will have to dig a bit out of the container and warm it in your hand before applying. If you’re looking for something more like a traditional lotion, Palmer’s Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks is also included in the above package and is a great stretch mark lotion for pregnancy.

It’s also super-affordable, and Burt’s Bees has a reputation for high-quality products at reasonable prices. (I’ve been using their lip balm exclusively for years.) But don’t worry, there’s no peppermint smell in this tub. The belly butter is fragrance-free and doesn’t irritate the skin at all.

Burt’s Bees absorbs into the skin well, and while it doesn’t prevent stretch marks completely (the truth is, probably nothing will), it does help make the ones that show up appear lighter.

TONS of women have reported having zero stretch marks through the end of their pregnancy, even if they’d gotten them previously in life. This bottle has a lot of bang for your buck, providing twice the volume of product as other stretch mark oils and creams, and a little bit of this oil will go a long way on your skin.

Some women don’t love the smell of this oil, though. But I believe it to be the best oil for stretch marks during pregnancy.

This belly butter glides on smooth and is not particularly thick. The pump makes it easy to get the same amount in your hand each time. While most women feel that it absorbs into the skin very well, the scent still seems to linger in your clothing – and it may react negatively with your chosen laundry detergent.

As long as you’re not expecting this belly butter to prevent your stretch marks – only keep them from itching and becoming wrinkled – you’re likely to enjoy this stretch mark cream during pregnancy and beyond.

If you don’t like getting thick body butter under your nails trying to dig it out of the container, this product is like gold. I am one of those people – I can’t stand getting anything under my nails (I make my husband mix the meatloaf after I get the ingredients in a bowl). All you have to do is take the cap off and rub it around your belly (or anywhere else) until you feel properly moisturized. There’s no such thing as digging too much balm out of the tub!

That being said, this belly balm is a bit greasy. Once you get the balm on your belly, you’ll probably still want to rub it in deeper with the palm of your hand. Otherwise, the surface residue may come off onto your clothes.

While Belli is for both old and new stretch marks, whether they’re caused by pregnancy or something else, the ingredients in this cream are thoroughly researched to ensure they’re safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It absorbs well, doesn’t feel greasy, and even if you’ve already got stretch marks, it appears to be very effective at reducing their appearance.

This cream smells nice, too, which is always a bonus! Belli is a bit pricey for how big the tube is, though. Still, it’s probably the best stretch mark prevention cream during pregnancy.

This belly balm spreads over the skin easily, but you’ll need to make sure you rub it in thoroughly before getting dressed or it may stain your shirt. It’s more greasy than sticky with the beeswax and natural oils included, but if you rub long enough it should all absorb.

The biggest plus for the Earth Mama balm is the smell – the natural ingredients create a really relaxing aroma. That, and countless reviews show that it truly does help lighten stretch marks.

In addition, it “is lightweight, easily absorbed, and can improve not only the texture of stretch marks but also the overall pigmentation of the skin,” says Dr. Patel. You can use this oil all over your body, and people might start commenting on your new pregnancy “glow!”

Multiple women with stretch marks from puberty and a family history of stretch marks during pregnancy have reported getting no new stretch marks due to using this product. More than worth the cost!

I used a small tube of Mederma scar cream on a scar I got as a child, and while it took many weeks of consistent application, the scar all but disappeared – so I know this is a reliable brand. This product is purposefully made to be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so you can continue to fade any stretch marks that show up during pregnancy during the postpartum period.

This product is expensive, and it smells a little funny, but the reviews with before and after photos make one thing clear: it’s worth it, and undoubtedly the best cream for stretch marks after pregnancy.

Not only are there plenty of testimonials saying this product works well, they say it works fast. This oil also has a mild, natural scent – which is a huge plus when you’re pregnant – and absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Based on the way it makes your skin feel, Honeyskin is the best moisturizer for pregnancy.

Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Why do stretch marks happen during pregnancy?

Dr. Patel says, “Stretch marks are caused when there’s a period of rapid growth in your body (like growth spurts, pregnancy, weight gain, or increased muscle mass) that suddenly stretches the skin, and, in turn, causes the collagen bundles under your skin to separate from each other.”

She also explains why some women get stretch marks while others – the lucky ones! – don’t. “Genetics play a huge role in almost any type of human condition, and stretch marks are no exception. If your mom developed them during her pregnancy, it could be because her skin naturally lacks elastin (the connective tissue skin needs in order not to tear). So you can expect that your skin could act similarly…

If you can still see the scars from your teen years on your hips, abdomen, breasts, and buttocks, chances are you could see stretch marks during your pregnancy.”

What is the best way to prevent stretch marks in pregnancy?

You may have already guessed the biggest factor in the cause of stretch marks during pregnancy: weight gain. Dr. Ilyas says you should “try to maintain a slow, steady weight gain without rapid weight fluctuations… The hope is to allow [your skin] the ability to keep up!”

Dr. Patel’s advice is also a good excuse to pamper yourself while you’re pregnant. “Getting a massage stimulates the circulatory system throughout the body. This means more blood is sent pumping through the veins, and in turn, tissue growth is promoted. This also means the body is better able to regenerate skin, and your skin will be kept stronger, firmer, and able to heal from any blemish faster.”

She recommends you use one of the stretch mark creams from this list during your massage for the best results. “Firmly but gently massage the area with the suggested stretch mark creams until it has disappeared into the skin. You will not need to use much pressure, just enough to encourage circulation… Focus on each quadrant of your abdominal area separately. Work your way around each quadrant for about fifteen minutes every day.”

When should you start putting lotion on your pregnant belly?

When to start using stretch mark cream during pregnancy depends on your history of stretch marks (did you get them during puberty?), but in general, “aim to add massage as a regular part of your routine starting no later than your second trimester,” says Dr. Patel. She also says you should aim to moisturize twice a day.

Do pregnancy stretch mark creams work?

“Using a stretch mark cream may not prevent or eliminate stretch marks entirely, but it might help to make them less pronounced and noticeable by improving skin elasticity and smoothing your skin,” says Dr. Patel. The goal of using stretch mark cream during pregnancy isn’t so much about preventing stretch marks as it is minimizing the effects.

How do stretch mark creams work?

According to Dr. Ilyas, “The theory behind how cream can work relies on hydration of the skin to permit expansion with less inflammation.” She notes that reduced inflammation can mean less scar tissue forming as your skin heals.

What are the best ingredients you can find in a stretch mark cream while pregnant?

Dr. Patel can point you in the right direction. “There is some evidence to suggest that topical creams containing Centella, which is derived from a plant, as well as some products containing hyaluronic acid might help with prevention. Using products that contain aloe vera has also been shown to safely support collagen production (which gives your skin elasticity).”

Can you get rid of stretch marks once they’re there?

“There is no magic fix to prevent and/or remove stretch marks,” says Dr. Patel. “But if prevention doesn’t work, there are some options that may minimize the appearance… [to] help penetrate the dermis to stimulate collagen and elastin to help minimize the appearance of the stretch marks.”

Dr. Ilyas lists a number of the options available today. “Radiofrequency skin tightening, micro needling, laser resurfacing and/or surgical methods can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. However, each has variable results based on the type of stretch mark and method of treatment.”