Whether you have warrior stripes from a pregnancy or have simply developed pesky stretch marks over the years, we’re here to introduce you to stretch mark creams. These super-moisturizers can prevent and treat the stripes that like to decorate our bodies after being pregnant, growing too fast, or when bodybuilders work at bulking up. They're easy to use, and they can really help. Don't worry: You don't have to feel stuck with them.
But First, What Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are simply a scar that happens when skin is stretched too quickly. You can get them any time you gain weight, and teens sometimes get them around their joints if they have a particularly speedy growth spurt. Skin expert Laura Dyer MSHS, PA-C, a dermatology and aesthetic specialist in New York City, tells Best Products that unfortunately because of how stretch marks form, we're more susceptible to getting them during pregnancy because of how fast our bellies grow.
Dyer says that while you can’t always prevent stretch marks, you can definitely minimize their appearance by staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc. And of course, it also helps to keep that belly moisturized, which is where stretch mark creams come into play.
So, What Makes a Good Stretch Mark Cream?
To help minimize the appearance of the stretch marks that you already have, Dyer notes that you should look for healing ingredients in effective stretch-mark prevention creams like vitamin A and vitamin E, along with cocoa, shea, and/or jojoba butters. Vitamin A helps the healing process and also assists with collagen production and pigmentation. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is thought to help with wound healing. Cocoa, shea, and jojoba butters are thick, well-tolerated moisturizers that penetrate deeply into the skin, helping to keep it supple and healthy.
Dyer has personally used Burt’s Bees Belly Butter and Bio-Oil during her pregnancy and has said she's had “zero” stretch marks. Dyer also says you should use products that contain hyaluronic acid, which can tighten the skin and reduce inflammation to improve skin texture and help fade stretch marks over time.
Best Stretch Mark Creams
1
Best Overall
Stretch Marks Therapy Mederma
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2
Best for Fast Results
Stretch Marks & Scars Defense Cream Body Merry
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3
Best Multipurpose Product
Multiuse Skincare Oil Bio-Oil
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4
Best Collagen Cream
Milk & Honey Stretch Mark Removal Cream Butter Body Boost
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5
Best Patches
Aroamas Professional Silicone Scar Sheets Aroamas Scar
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How We Tested
Armed with our expert information, we researched the top creams on the market in terms of popularity and user reviews to determine which products to test. Then, for the personally tested creams, we used them twice a day for 3 weeks, our editors slathered their stretch marks with creams, butter, and oils to find the ones that are actually effective — and will finally make a noticeable change in your stretch marks. For the non-tested products, they were heavily researched across multiple platforms and retailers.
During the testing period, we looked out for a difference in texture (both the stretch mark and surrounding area), a change in the stretch marks’ appearance, and the scent and feel of the cream itself.
These are the best stretch mark creams worth buying in 2022 that we’ve kept on using ourselves.
Learn more about how we test products, from the questions we ask our testing team, to the types of products we feel are actually worth testing, to the overall time we put into our testing process.
1
Best Overall
Mederma
Stretch Marks Therapy
2
Best for Fast Results
Body Merry
Stretch Marks & Scars Defense Cream
3
Best Multipurpose Product
Bio-Oil
Multiuse Skincare Oil
4
Best Collagen Cream
Body Boost
Milk & Honey Stretch Mark Removal Cream Butter
5
Best Patches
Aroamas Scar
Aroamas Professional Silicone Scar Sheets
6
Best for Darker Marks
Glow Organics
100% Organic Stretch Mark Removal Cream
7
Best for Elasticity
Palmer's
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Tummy Butter Balm
8
Most Improved Texture
TEREZ & HONOR
Advanced Silicone Scar Remover Gel
9
Best Organic Cream
Botanic Tree
Botanic Tree Simply Organic Stretch Mark Removal Cream
10
Best Firming Cream
Clarins
Body Partner Stretch Mark Expert
11
Best for Prevention
Mustela
Mustela Maternity Stretch Marks Cream for Pregnancy
Cat Bowen Parenting Editor Cat Bowen is the parenting editor at BestProducts.com where she researches all of the best products for families from pre-conception through their teen years, focusing on matching scientific evidence with real-life needs.
Latifah Miles Parenting Editor Latifah is the former parenting editor at BestProducts.com, where she spent her time researching and testing the latest, greatest, and coolest products created to make parenting a breeze; her work has been featured on Cosmopolitan, Romper, and Elite Daily.