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Byrdie / Kevin Liang
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.
We conducted hours of research to find the best stretch marks creams on the market, evaluating each option on their key ingredients and ability to hydrate the skin and fade pigmentation. After consulting a dermatologist and considering dozens of formulas, we landed on these top-rated picks.
Best Overall
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks
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Amazon
Good for sensitive skin
Increases elasticity
Absorbs quickly
Might not bring fast enough results
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.
Price at time of publish: $8
Key Ingredients: Cocoa seed butter | Application Area: Stomach, hips, thighs, buttocks | Free of: Mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, dyes | Size: 4.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
“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.
Best Budget
Burt's Bees Mama Belly Butter with Shea Butter and Vitamin E
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Amazon
Fragrance-free
Smooth texture
Made from 99% natural ingredients
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.
Price at time of publish: $13
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil | Application Area: Stomach | Free of: Mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, petroleum, sulfates, dyes | Size: 6.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Drugstore
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
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Amazon
Increases elasticity
Hydrating
Can be used while breastfeeding
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.
Price at time of publish: $29
Key Ingredients: Cepalin, centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid | Application Area: Stomach, hips, thighs, buttocks, breasts | Free of: Mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, petroleum, sulfates, dyes | Size: 5.3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best All-Over Moisturizer
Mutha Body Butter
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Violet Grey
Hydrating
Smells good
Absorbs quickly
Unhygienic container
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; former 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.
Price at time of publish: $95
Key Ingredients: Shea butter | Application Area: All | Free of: Mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, petroleum, sulfates, dyes | Size: 5.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Pregnancy
Earth Mama Organics Belly Butter
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Walmart
Easy to spread
Smells good
Pump bottle
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.
Price at time of publish: $19
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, jojoba oil, calendula blossom | Application Area: Stomach, hips, breasts | Free of: Mineral oil, parabens, petroleum, dyes, artificial fragrance | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Splurge
Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment
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Amazon
Increases elasticity
Helps produce more collagen
Fastens the removal of broken-down fat cells
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.
Price at time of publish: $205
Key Ingredients: Peptides, lipodrone | Application Area: Stomach, hips, thighs, buttocks, breasts | Free of: Mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, petroleum, dyes | Size: 6 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Splurge, Runner-Up
Peter Thomas Roth Pro-Strength Stretch Mark Cream
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Amazon
Hydrating
Treats and prevents
Gently exfoliates
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.
Price at time of publish: $58
Key Ingredients: Proprietary complexes, lactic acid, shea butter, cocoa butter l | Application Area: Stomach, hips, thighs | Free of: Fragrance | Size: 3.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Prevention
Mustela Stretch Marks Cream
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Amazon
Has a fragrance-free version
Increases elasticity
Non-greasy
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.
Price at time of publish: $22
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, avocado peptides, maracuja | Application Area: Stomach, hips, thighs, buttocks, breasts | Free of: Alcohol, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, phenoxyethanol | Size: 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Retinoid
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
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Target
Minimizes pores
Doubles as acne treatment
Soothes skin
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.
Price at time of publish: $15
Key Ingredients: 0.1% adapalene | Application Area: Face and body | Free of: Mineral oil, phthalates, sulfates, dyes | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
What Our Testers Say
"After eight days of use, I noticed that my chest felt smoother. I also noticed there were no neck pimples the week before my cycle." — Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
Best Oil
Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil
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Ulta
Lightweight
Softens skin
Good for sensitive skin
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.
Price at time of publish: $30
Main Ingredient: Vitamin A, vitamin E, PurCellin oil | Application Area: Hips, thighs, buttocks | Free of: Parabens, phthalates | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
What Our Testers Say
"I love using the Bio-Oil Skincare Oil: It smells great, isn’t too thick, and doesn't leave too much of a residue behind. It’s also incredibly hydrating! " — Leigh Wingus, Product Tester
Best Non-Cream
Dermaclara Enhanced Siliconefusion Stretch Mark Kit
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Amazon
Reusable
Safe for all stages of pregnancy
Mess-free
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.
Price at time of publish: $63
Key Ingredients: Medical-grade silicone | Application Area: Stomach, breasts, hips, thighs | Free of: Chemicals | Size: 7 x 7 inches | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Multi-Tasker
Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel
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Amazon
Hydrating
Affordable
Non-greasy
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.
Price at time of publish: $13
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, retinyl palmitate, mineral oil | Application Area: Stomach, breasts, hips, thighs | Free of: Alcohol, sulfates, parabens, phthalates | Size: 3.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Stomach
Maelys B-Flat Belly Firming Cream
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Amazon
Hydrating
Safe for post-pregnancy use
Warming sensation
Has a slight warming sensation when applied
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.
Price at time of publish: $49
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, avocado oil, pink pepperslim extract | Application Area: Stomach | Free of: Parabens, SLS | Size: 3.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Butt
Anese Cream Dream
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Amazon
Gentle
Great smell
Also treats hyperpigmentation and cellulite
Small amount
If you're prone to getting stretch marks on your butt instead of your stomach, try this silky smooth cream from booty-care line Anese. Its star ingredient is bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative that has the same smoothing and firming effect but without the risk of irritation. Reviewers noted that after a couple of weeks, they noticed that even their most stubborn stretch marks looked lighter and less noticeable.
Price at time of publish: $32
Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, coconut oil, camellia leaf extract | Application Area: Butt, hips, and thighs | Free of: Parabens, phthalates, dyes | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Oil for Pregnancy
HATCH Maternity Belly Oil
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Amazon
Absorbs quickly
Works everywhere on the body
Easy-to-use dropper applicator
May take a while to show results
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.
Price at time of publish: $64
Key Ingredients: Calendula, sweet almond oil, and grapefruit oil | Application Area: Stomach, hips, thighs, boobs | Free of: Parabens, phthalates, dyes, fragrance | Size: 6.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Natural
Naydaya Body Saviour Stretch Mark Butter
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Amazon
Works everywhere on the body
Treats and prevents
Unhygienic container
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.
Key Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, shea butter, rosehip oil | Application Area: Stomach, hips, thighs, boobs, buttocks | Free of: Parabens, phthalates, dyes, fragrance | Size: 3.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Old Stretch Marks
Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
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Amazon
Potent formula
Shows results quickly
Non-greasy
Can't be used if you're pregnant
Many creams that are targeted for stretch marks are able to prevent them from forming, but what if you have stretch marks that have been present for years? Enter this retinol treatment from Paula's Choice, which— although isn't marketed as a stretch mark cream— has dozens of reviews raving how it was able to fade old marks and treat cellulite. It's formulated with 0.1% retinol to smooth and firm the skin, vitamin C to brighten, and glycerin and shea butter to hydrate—the perfect combination to treat dark marks.
Price at time of publish: $29
Key Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, shea butter | Application Area: All | Free of: Parabens, phthalates, dyes, fragrance | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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.
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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. Some of our favorite stretch mark creams that include retinoids in their formulation are the Bio Oil Dry Gel, which includes a small amount of vitamin A, and Differin Gel, which has 0.1% adapalene. The big caveat? They’re a no-go if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
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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.
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