Best treatment for stretch marks during pregnancy

Table of Contents Show

Final Verdict
What To Look For in a Stretch Mark Cream
Hydrating Ingredients
Retinoids
How We Researched & Tested
Why Trust Byrdie
What is the fastest way to get rid of stretch marks during pregnancy?
What is the best product to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy?

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

Stretch marks are common and normal for everyone. Technically called striae—they indicate a breakdown in the elasticity of the skin as it stretches, explains New York-based dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla. They pop up when the skin stretches quickly—think during pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, and puberty—and initially have a purple, pink, or red hue, gradually fading to more of a skin-toned color.

The big caveat to treating stretch marks is that there’s no magical lotion or potion that will erase them. Dermatologists unanimously agree that in-office treatments like lasers and light devices are the best solution. That said, over-the-counter creams with certain ingredients like hyaluronic acid can keep the skin well-hydrated and help it remain more elastic. Moisturizers and balms with vitamin A—also known as retinoids—can speed up the fading of stretch marks. Look on the packaging for skin-nourishing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, which are good options for preventing stretch marks from occurring in the first place or getting worse, as Mariwalla points out.

The bottom line: Stretch marks are normal, and you don’t need to feel pressure to cover them up or change them at all. That being said, it's just as acceptable to feel like you want to try and do something about them.

If that’s the case for you, check out the best stretch mark creams on the market.

What We Like

Good for sensitive skin
Increases elasticity
Absorbs quickly

What We Don't Like

Might not bring fast enough results

Who else recommends it? Healthline also picked Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion.

What do buyers say? 87% of 6,300+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

This brand has a large following thanks to its variety of cocoa butter-based lotions, and Mariwalla calls this one the “OG of stretch mark creams.” Ideal for your stomach, hips, thighs, and bust, Palmer's signature formula works to treat stretch marks courtesy of a potent, velvety blend of argan oil, almond oil, pure cocoa butter, vitamin E, shea butter, and bio c-elaste (which is a combination of collagen, elastin, and Centella Asiatica). Together, this combo helps increase elasticity in your skin to help ward off new stretch marks (whether or not you're pregnant). And at such a wallet-friendly price, you can slather it on with reckless abandon without having to worry about breaking the bank.

“By moisturizing with ingredients that are well-absorbed by the skin, you can improve skin hydration and potentially the texture stretch marks as well,” explains Mariwalla.

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like

Fragrance-free
Smooth texture
Made from 99% natural ingredients

What We Don't Like

Smell might be off-putting

This drugstore staple is proof positive that there’s no need to shell out the big bucks for a good stretch mark cream. Shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba give this formula its ultra-rich and creamy feel—plus, it's 99 percent natural. Happy reviewers rave about how well it wards off dry, itchy skin, as well as pregnancy-induced stretch marks.

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like

Increases elasticity
Hydrating
Can be used while breastfeeding

What We Don't Like

Smell might be off-putting

This paraben-free formula earns points for helping to prevent new stretch marks from forming and treating existing ones, too. For prevention purposes, it contains a combination of hydrating hyaluronic acid and emollient dimethicone; increasing moisture in the skin keeps it more elastic and less likely to tear and scar. But it doesn’t stop there. Cepalin, a proprietary botanical ingredient, and Centella Asiatica (another plant extract known for its outstanding skin-soothing and healing properties) help fade the appearance of any current marks.

Courtesy of Mutha

What We Like

Hydrating
Smells good
Absorbs quickly

What We Don't Like

Pricey

If you’re on the hunt for a cream that will not only address stretch marks but is also an all-around great body moisturizer, look no further. The brand’s founder and CEO created it when she was pregnant and wanted to fend off stretch marks, so the formula is loaded with all kinds of nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory butters and oils that do exactly that. And despite the name, it has more of a soufflé-like consistency; Byrdie GM Leah Wyar (a self-proclaimed mega-fan of the brand) notes that it melts into the skin instantly. Translation? You’ll want to slather it anywhere and everywhere.

What We Like

Easy to spread
Smells good
Pump bottle

What We Don't Like

Smell might be off-putting to some

With a blend of organic herbs and essential oils in a creamy shea butter base, this is ideal for expectant moms to slather on the hips, belly, and breasts. And it's just as safe and effective to use post-pregnancy, too. Not only does it help prevent stretch marks, but it also helps soothe itching, a common side effect that comes with them. And while it doesn’t contain any synthetic fragrance, it does have a slightly sweet citrusy scent.

Alastin

What We Like

Increases elasticity
Helps produce more collagen
Fastens the removal of broken-down fat cells

What We Don't Like

Might not bring fast enough results

While this product isn’t geared towards stretch marks (it’s meant to be used after skin-tightening procedures), it does work to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. According to Mariwalla, that’s what makes it a good pick; she recommends layering it underneath a plain body moisturizer for extra hydration. “The combination truly does improve the elasticity of the skin and can help address both the depth and width of stretch marks,” she explains.

Sephora

What We Like

Hydrating
Treats and prevents
Gently exfoliates

What We Don’t Like

Pricey
Can’t be used on breasts

Another splurge-worthy pick, this is a pro-grade product that relies on a few proprietary complexes that help increase the look of skin thickness, preventing the appearance of future and existing stretch marks. It’s also very hydrating, thanks to the shea and cocoa butters in the mix, and also contains gently exfoliating lactic acid to even out skin tone overall.

What We Like

Has a fragrance-free version
Increases elasticity
Non-greasy

What We Don't Like

Might not work on sensitive skin

Pregnant women rave about the preventative benefits of this cream. At work are avocado peptides, which reinforce skin elasticity, and galactoarabinan (say that five times fast), a patented ingredient. Also nice: It comes in a fragrance-free version, too.

Courtesy of Walmart

What We Like

Minimizes pores
Doubles as acne treatment
Soothes skin

What We Don't Like

Can be drying for some

Yes, this retinoid may be marketed as an acne treatment, but according to Mariwalla, it’s worth trying on stretch marks, too. “Retinoids are my top-recommended topical ingredients for stretch marks, and nightly use of this one will help fade red or purple marks over time and also improve the texture,” she says. But FYI, because it's a retinoid, this is definitely a no-go if you’re pregnant.

Ulta

What We Like

Lightweight
Softens skin
Good for sensitive skin

What We Don't Like

Smell might be off-putting to some
Greasy

“Another staple for stretch mark sufferers, this is lightweight, easily absorbed, and can improve not only the texture of stretch marks but also the overall pigmentation of the skin,” says Mariwalla. Credit a combination of PurCellin Oil and vitamin A, which also makes this a good pick for treating scars, too. Plus, you can't beat the drugstore price tag.

Amazon

What We Like

Reusable
Safe for all stages of pregnancy
Mess-free

What We Don’t Like

Pricey
Takes a few months to work

Okay, so we know this is a round-up of creams, but if you want to address stretch marks some other way, these easy-to-use patches are where it’s at. They’re made entirely of medical-grade silicone, which is well-known for helping to heal the skin by boosting collagen production and elasticity. Pop them on and wear them anywhere from one to eight hours per day; this kit comes with a cleaner so that you can clean and reuse the patches anywhere from 15 to 30 times. Not only are they totally mess-free, but there’s also nothing entering your bloodstream, so they’re totally safe for all stages of pregnancy. Plus, they work on both new and older stretch marks.

Ulta

What We Like

Hydrating
Affordable
Non-greasy

What We Don’t Like

Not specifically intended to treat stretch marks

A new take on the brand’s beloved oil that also nabbed a spot on this list, this pick acts as a great hydrator, imparting lots of moisture in a fast-absorbing gel formula that doesn’t ever feel greasy or sticky. (While it’s technically not meant to help treat stretch marks in the same way the OG formula is, keeping the skin hydrated can help keep them from forming in the first place.) It does contain a small amount of a retinoid in the formula, but has been tested and shown to be safe in pregnant and breast-feeding women.

Ulta

What We Like

Hydrating
Safe for post-pregnancy use
Warming sensation

What We Don’t Like

Pricey

Reach for this tube to treat stretch marks on your tummy. It has avocado oil and shea butter to keep skin moisturized and flexible, plus pink pepperslim, a plant-based extract. Reviewers rave about how well it works post-pregnancy, although do note that it does have a bit of a warming sensation upon application that can take some getting used to.

Amazon

What We Like

Absorbs quickly
Works everywhere on the body
Easy-to-use dropper applicator

What We Don’t Like

Pricey

An ideal option to help prevent stretch marks as your baby bump grows, this is made entirely with natural ingredients, think calendula, sweet almond oil, and grapefruit oil. The easy-to-use dropper makes the application a breeze, and it dries quickly so you can get dressed right after. It’s dermatologist- and allergy-tested, can be used anywhere on the body, and also doubles as a moisturizing bath oil.

Credo

What We Like

Works everywhere on the body
Treats and prevents

What We Don’t Like

Pricey

Understandably, many people prioritize using clean, natural products when pregnant or breastfeeding, which is why this cream earns our vote. It touts a minimal ingredient list composed mostly of plant-based oils and butters, including rosehip oil to help heal and renew skin. Use it to minimize the look of stretch marks and combat dry, itchy skin on your belly, thighs, breasts, and bum—whether or not you’re pregnant.

Final Verdict

Stretch marks are normal and unavoidable for many—and can be tough to treat with topical creams. But topical creams can at least help, especially our top choices. The Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks is effective and beloved by many for tummy, thighs, butt, hips, and bust. Pregnant mommas should consider the Earth Mama Organics Belly Butter (which is great for soothing itch, too), the Mustela Stretch Marks Cream (a good preventative pick), or the HATCH Maternity Belly Oil. And if you’re looking for a great all-over moisturizer that just happens to help address stretch marks, too, try the Mutha Body Butter, a splurge-worthy option that Byrdie editors rave about.

Byrdie / Abby Hocking

Meet the Expert

Dr. Kavita Mariwalla is a board-certified dermatologist and a full-time provider at Mariwalla Dermatology in West Islip, NY. She specializes in skin cancer detection and treatment and is a fellowship-trained MOHS surgeon and a skilled aesthetic clinician.

Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, as well as a clinical instructor of dermatology at Cornell University's Weill Medical College.

What To Look For in a Stretch Mark Cream

Hydrating Ingredients

Above all, moisturizing the skin with tried-and-true hydrating ingredients—like shea butter, coconut oil, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid—can potentially help improve the texture of stretch marks.

Retinoids

These vitamin A derivatives are also at the top of Mariwalla’s list to look for since they can help fade the color and improve the texture of stretch marks. The big caveat? They’re a no-go if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Byrdie / Abby Hocking

FAQ

Do stretch mark creams actually work?
Stretch mark creams and lotions aren’t magic, and your best bet for fading existing stretch marks is to visit your dermatologist for an in-office treatment such as laser therapy. However, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, massaging in these topicals (especially one that contains a retinoid) may yield some improvements in their appearance. And, as Dr. Mariwalla points out above, products with nourishing ingredients can be an effective option for preventing stretch marks from occurring in the first place or at least prevent existing marks from getting worse.
When should you start using a stretch mark cream?
Dr. King recommends starting to use a stretch mark cream before you have them, treating them as more of a preventative measure. So, if you’re expecting or plan to be soon, get into the habit of applying a stretch mark cream daily. However, if you’re looking to improve the appearance of existing stretch marks and don't plan to visit your dermatologist for an in-office treatment, it’s best to start using a stretch mark cream as soon as you see it form for best results.
Do stretch mark creams work on old stretch marks?
According to Dr. King, stretch mark creams may show some improvements in old stretch marks, but you can expect any results to be on the subtle side. “Topical products or superficial exfoliation don’t have deep or strong enough effects to remodel ruptured collagen and elastin, but they may offer a mild improvement in appearance,” she says.

How We Researched & Tested

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She slathers on a stretch mark cream nightly for prevention purposes (she rotates among many on this list) and is also hoarding many of these guys for future use once she’s pregnant.

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

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Ud-Din S, McGeorge D, Bayat A. Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016;30(2):211-22. doi:10.1111/jdv.13223
The Best Stretch Mark Creams for Pregnancy in 2022. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/best-stretch-mark-creams-for-pregnancy
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Clugston PA, Vistnes MD, Perry LC, Maxwell GP, Fisher J. Evaluation of silicone-gel sheeting on early wound healing of linear incisions. Ann Plast Surg. 1995;34(1):12-15. doi:10.1097/00000637-199501000-00003
Lei Z, Cao Z, Yang Z, Ao M, Jin W, Yu L. Rosehip Oil Promotes Excisional Wound Healing by Accelerating the Phenotypic Transition of Macrophages. Planta Med. 2019;85(7):563-569. doi:10.1055/a-0725-8456

What is the fastest way to get rid of stretch marks during pregnancy?

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to diminish and even prevent the appearance of baby beauty marks..

Prenatal belly massage. As with most things, the best “cure” for stretch marks is prevention. ... .

Belly butters. ... .

Retinol creams. ... .

Laser treatments. ... .

Cover it up (or don't!).

What is the best product to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy?

Best During Pregnancy: Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy Mederma's Stretch Marks Therapy cream helps prevent stretch marks and has been clinically tested as safe to use during pregnancy, starting in the second trimester.