The 8 Best Stretch Mark Creams for Pregnancy

Any lotion, oil, or cream can be used to help prevent stretch marks, but after talking with moms and dermatologists, we picked some favorites.

A quick look at the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy

• Best overall: | Skip to review
• Best splurge: | Skip to review
• Best belly oil: | Skip to review
• Best oil (runner-up): | Skip to review
• Best organic: | Skip to review
• Most affordable: | Skip to review
• Best for sensitive skin: | Skip to review
• Best drugstore buy: | Skip to review

Can creams really prevent stretch marks?

There really isn’t a miracle stretch mark cream for pregnancy that’s proven to stop them. “A cream that has evidence-based medicine behind it — we don’t have that,” said Dr. DiAnne Davis, FAAD, a dermatologist at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas.

But even without definitive proof that they’re avoidable, keeping skin moisturized as your body changes isn’t a bad idea.

What we do know is that maintaining hydration while skin stretches helps support delicate skin and promote circulation. It can improve how your skin looks and feels and might help deter stretch marks from forming.

Many products are marketed as stretch mark creams or belly oils, but in truth any body lotion, oil, cream, or butter made with pregnancy-safe ingredients will do the job. If you want recommendations, here are some we suggest.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $10
• $$ = $10 to $20
• $$$ = over $20

Healthline’s picks of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy

A comparison of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy

Stretch mark creams

Price

Key ingredients

Type

$$$• avocado peptide
• shea butter
cream

$$$• shea butter
• cocoa butter
• mango butter
• vitamins
• fatty acids
• seed extracts
butter

$$$• vitamin A
• vitamin E oil
• sunflower oil
• lavender oil
oil

$• winter cherry extract
• calendula
• vitamin E
• squalane
oil

$$$• coconut oil
• jojoba butter
• cocoa seed butter
butter

$• cocoa butter
• shea butter
• vitamin E
butter

$$$• aloe
• sunflower seed oil
• shea butter
butter

$$• coconut oil
• jojoba butter
• cocoa seed butter
butter

How we chose the best stretch mark creams

The market is packed with stretch mark creams that promise dramatic results. While there’s no clinical proof that stretch marks are fully preventable, trying a moisturizer poses little risk.

To compile the list above, we reviewed ingredient panels and user reviews to help narrow options. We selected the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy using the following criteria:

• Experience: We considered feedback from nine moms about eight products they purchased and used during pregnancy.
• Ingredients: We prioritized creams with hydrating components like nut butters and plant oils — for example cocoa, shea, or jojoba.
• Brand integrity: We favored reputable brands that lead their category. Each passed our vetting process, which checks ethical business practices and ensures there are no pending legal issues, among other factors.
• Price: You don’t need to overspend on a stretch mark cream. We aimed to include products priced between $8 and $30 — though we did include one higher-end pick.
• Reviews: We sifted through customer reviews online, highlighting brands that were well-liked, easy to use, and helped improve skin concerns.
• Experts: We consulted board-certified dermatologists to learn what makes an effective stretch mark cream.

What to look for in a stretch mark cream

Decide if you prefer a scented formula or a fragrance-free option. Scan ingredient lists for possible irritants if you have allergies or sensitive skin. While pregnant and nursing, avoid formulas that include retinoids.

Choose a product — or consider making your own — that contains ingredients such as:

• nut butters like cocoa or shea, or oils such as jojoba
• vitamins A and E
• hyaluronic acid
• oils like coconut, argan, or rosehip
• aloe vera
• peptides

“Certain ingredients that can sometimes be helpful are hyaluronic acid or peptides,” Davis said. “I usually will check active ingredients and recommend the patient check with their OB-GYN before using it.”

Frequently asked questions about stretch marks

Where should I use stretch mark cream?

During pregnancy, stretch marks may appear on your breasts, belly, hips, buttocks, and thighs.

How can I treat stretch marks postpartum?

Retinoids can assist with treating stretch marks after pregnancy. “They help to restore the skin’s collagen,” Davis said.

However, it’s best to avoid retinoids while pregnant. They’re probably safe while breastfeeding when applied topically — though research is limited.

Oral retinoid treatments aren’t recommended during lactation. Davis also suggests in-office options like microneedling or laser therapy for stretch marks.

When do I start using stretch mark creams during pregnancy?

You don’t need to wait until marks appear. Many creams are used preventively, so starting as soon as you learn you’re pregnant can be helpful.

Use the cream throughout your pregnancy and even after birth. Davis recommends applying it every day after showering or bathing.

Consider making it part of a pampering routine that could include gentle massage, mild exfoliation, or a relaxing bath.

Do stretch mark creams work on old stretch marks?

Stretch mark creams won’t completely erase older stretch marks. Depending on the product, they may lessen the marks’ visibility.

What helps prevent stretch marks during pregnancy?

Besides using a stretch mark cream, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and gently massaging your belly daily may help prevent or reduce stretch marks during pregnancy.

Talk with your midwife or doctor about gradual weight gain and to ensure you’re not lacking essential vitamins.

Is coconut oil good for pregnancy stretch marks?

There’s insufficient evidence that coconut oil prevents or treats stretch marks. Still, many skin specialists recommend it.

Garshick notes that because coconut oil moisturizes and may ease inflammation, it can improve your skin’s overall appearance.

Takeaway

There’s a lot happening in your body and mind right now. Treat yourself with one of these stretch mark creams. Best-case scenario, it prevents stretch marks. Worst-case scenario, you’re left with very soft, well-hydrated skin.