Best Stretch Marks Removal Creams and Oils
I spent three months polling moms about the best stretch mark removal creams and oils in preparation for this post, and I hope it helps someone out. I know that I searched high and low when I was pregnant looking for advice, and it was so hard to find. So I decided to put it all in one spot. Here are the twelve best stretch mark removal creams I could find.
Stretch marks and loose skin are a reality for most women post pregnancy. As our bellies grow and expand quickly, our skin doesn’t have time to expand with it, and stretch marks are the result. And while stretch marks will often fade away with time, they may never go away completely. Sometimes they are very noticeable and can be a cause of discomfort or embarrassment for women.
While no one should feel ashamed of their stretch marks – they are, after all, completely natural – it is not always easy to ignore these feelings. Luckily, there are many products out there that can help to diminish the look of stretch marks. In some cases they can even cause them to be almost invisible.
This post will cover the best stretch mark removal creams and oils, letting you know their pros and cons so you can make the best decision about which is right for you.
I did a ton of research, asking for input from thousands of women on my facebook page, and in various mom groups. I tallied hundreds of responses, used reviews I gathered from Amazon, CVS, Walgreens and other sites, and I came up with this definitive list of twelve. They are in order from highest to lowest. But let’s face, it, even the lowest is still pretty awesome.
I hope you find these handy products as awesome as I do. Just an FYI: I participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.
Best Stretch Marks Removal Creams and Oils
The best stretch marks removal creams and oils for women. These are products that can help reduce the look of stretch marks post pregnancy or any time you might have quick weight gain or loss.
Bio-Oil is used to help diminish stretch marks, scars and dehydrated skin while promising to improve uneven skin tone. It is non-greasy and easily absorbed into the skin, making it perfect for use before, during and after pregnancy.
Pros:
Suitable for all skin types
Moisturizing without being too oily
Evens out skin appearance
Helps with elastin and collagin production
Helps to fade stretch marks
A little goes a long way, so it lasts
Widely available
Cons:
May not be suitable for oily skin
May cause breakout in people prone to acne
RATING: 4.7
Burt's Bees makes incredible products, and this one is no exception. Formulated specially for pregnant mamas, it soothes the skin and helps easy the transition as your belly expands during pregnancy. It contains shea butter and vitamin E, which help to keep skin hydrated and supple.
Pros:
Free from parabens, phthalates, petrolatum and mineral oils
Will not irritate skin
Incredibly moisturizing
99% natural
Fragrance free
Cons:
Best for normal skin types
RATING: 4.5
The soothing sweet almond oil, wheat germ oil and arnica extract work together to help diminish stretch marks, making them especially helpful during pregnancy. This formulation can be used daily all over the body.
Pros:
Dermatologically tested
Helps to diminish the appearance of stretch marks on the belly, breasts, thighs and buttocks
Helps to improve elasticity in the skin
Keeps skin highly moisturized without being too greasy
Free from artificial colors, fragrances, and preservatives
Cons:
Can be more expensive than others on this list
RATING: 4.5
Another tried and true product from Palmer's, this skin therapy oil works on scars, stretch marks and dry, damaged skin, offering intense moisturizing therapy to help make skin look better.
Pros:
Can be used before, during and after pregnancy
Smells amazing
Evens out skin tone
Is very hydrating
Offers huge reduction in redness
Works to improve the appearance of new and old stretch marks
Cons:
May not be useful for oily skin types
RATING: 4.4
Rosehip, Coconut, Jojoba, Sweet Orange, Cocoa Butter, and Vitamin E work in synergy to enhance and protect collagen to improve your skin’s tone texture and elasticity for softer as well as more supple, and even-toned skin.
Pros:
Softens the appearance of scars, stretch marks, dark spots and wrinkles
Rich in nutrients and helps support the healing process
Can help make skin look more supple
Cons:
May not be appropriate for very sensitive skin
RATING: 4.3
This scar removal cream promises to penetrate deeply into the skin to soften scar tissue, helping naturally renew and lighten the red skin caused by scars, stretch marks and more.
Pros:
Natural ingredients including Ginseng, Glycerin, Centella Asiatica, Allantoin
Good for sensitive skin
Results in 4-6 weeks
Can be used on old and new stretch marks
Cons:
Should be used several times per day
RATING: 4.2
Palmer's is a tried and true brand that has been around forever, and this cream is specifically designed for pregnancy stretch marks. It's perfect for stretched areas on the belly, breast, hips and thighs.
Pros:
Clinically proven and dermatologically tested
Helps to improve skin elasticity and suppleness
Helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks
Suitable for all skin types
Cons:
May can irritation if you have sensitive skin
RATING: 4.2
This is a clinically proven treatment that helps to lighten stretch marks, scars, age spots and other discoloration. It uses vitamin E, jojoba oil, cocoa, shea and mango butter to help smooth the skin, leaving it firm and supple.
Pros:
It is clinically proven and dermatologically tested
Reduces the appearances of stretch marks
Safe for sensitive skin
Retinol free
Safe for all skin types
Cons:
Can be on the pricier side
RATING: 4.1
The light-weight formulation helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, and dry skin.
Pros:
Fast absorbing formulation
Formulated to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone and dry skin
Mineral oil free
Fragrance free
Paraben free
Dye free
Cons:
Not suitable for oily skin
May cause acne in those prone to it
RATING: 4.0
This is a really delightful cream from Simply Organic featuring cocoa butter, shea butter and avocado, along with vitamin B5, Moringa and olive oil. It's great for use every day, and it works really well for lessening the look of harsh stretch marks, and it even works on C section scars!
Pros:
It's organic
A little goes a long way, so it lasts a long time
Suitable for all skin types
Great before, during or after pregnancy
Works quickly, so results can be seen in 6 - 8 weeks
Cons:
Sensitive skin may have issues
May have trouble finding it in stores
RATING: 4.0
This intensely moisturizing cream is perfectly formulated for stretch marks earned in pregnancy. It has everything needed to help eliminate the look of them on your body.
Pros:
Visibly improves the appearance of stretch marks
Often works very quickly
Cream is odorless
Cons:
May not be suitable for sensitive skin
RATING: 3.9
This clear and odorless gel promises great results on any type of skin imperfection including scars, stretch marks and dark spots.
Pros:
Safe for all ages
Clinically proven
Minimizes redness
Diminishes the look of stretch marks while in use
Cons:
Full ingredient list is not published
Best results require further products
RATING: 3.7
What are stretch marks?
As mentioned, stretch marks are tiny lesions in the skin caused by the skin stretching too quickly. They are most often found during puberty, pregnancy or weight gain. They are not harmful, though they can cause anxiety or self consciousness.
Why are some stretch marks red and some white?
Most of the time new stretch marks are red, pink or purple. As they begin to age, they will fade to a lighter white or silvery color, blending in more with the surrounding skin. If you have darker pigmentation, they can stand out more.
If I lose weight, will the stretch marks go away?
No. In fact, many times, stretch marks will look worse if you lose weight. Because the skin has been permanently stretched, losing weight can make the skin look saggy and wrinkled, and the stretch marks will be more noticeable. Wearing compression garments can help, and using skin firming creams can often reduce the look of these lines and help with collagen production in your skin.
How long after I give birth will stretch marks go away?
Stretch marks never totally go away. You can use some of the stretch marks removal creams and oils to help diminish the look of them, and over time they will become less noticeable. However, they are always going to be with you. If you are thinking of becoming pregnant or are currently, you should think about using stretch mark cream before and during pregnancy to give yourself the best chance of preventing stretch marks before they start.
What’s the best way to prevent stretch marks?
Eating a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables and protein is always the best way to ensure your skin stays healthy and supple. Daily exercise will keep it in good condition. Take vitamins and drink plenty of water, as well, as good hydration is paramount to supple skin.
Use hydrating moisturizers every day, multiple times a day if you can, as these will ensure your skin stays soft and stretchy. As your pregnancy progresses, continue to follow these tips to help prevent stretch marks.
The best advice, though, is to accept that stretch marks are normal. Love your body no matter what. Keeping a positive attitude and loving yourself is so important to your mental health. Stretch marks, especially during pregnancy, show that you have done something amazing. Look at them as proof of the warrior goddess you really are.
Katie Reed is a passionate writer and mother of four vivacious boys from Salt Lake City, Utah. Drawing from her own journey through TTC, pregnancy, and the joys of raising children, she offers a wealth of insight into the world of motherhood. Beyond her heartfelt tales, Katie delights her readers with family-friendly recipes, engaging crafts, and a curated library of printables for both kids and adults. When she’s not penning her experiences, you’ll find her crafting memories with her husband and sons—Dexter, Daniel, Chester, and Wilder.
I have usually gotten stretch marks from weight reduction and gain my whole life. I was sure pregnancy would wreck my skin. I used Dermalmd stretch marks removal serum religiously 1-2 times day I’m on child #2 and so far so good not a single stretch mark. It’s waxy and stains light clothing. I wear a camisole under light shirts. I would rather destroy a shirt than my skin. Clothes can be replaced. I highly recommend it- it works so well I’m scared to NOT use it now!