The 10 Best Stretch Mark Creams of 2024, Tested by Real People
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Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion performed well in fading 20-year-old stretch marks
People / Kristin Kempa
Stretch marks are scars that appear on the skin due to rapid shrinking or expanding due to weight fluctuation or pregnancy. They can fade over time, but they don’t disappear. Some might consider them a badge of honor, while others will go to great lengths to treat them.
“Stretch marks can be stubborn and challenging to deal with,” says Akis Ntonos, FNP and co-founder of Aion Aesthetics in New York City. He says that while topical applications might slightly improve their appearance, they won’t go away completely. “Although topical skin care can be helpful with stretch marks, microneedling and laser might have a better outcome in improving their appearance,” he says. “It is best that treatment with topical skin care starts as soon as the first signs of stretch marks show.”
Our PEOPLE Tested team, including some expectant and postpartum testers, tried out 23 of the most popular stretch mark creams on the market. We used the creams over a six-week period, noting any visible improvements to the skin as well as other details like the scent, ease of application, and speed of absorption.
Keep reading to learn more about the best stretch mark creams that PEOPLE tested.
Best Overall: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks
Pros
This product goes on smoothly and doesn't feel sticky or greasy after application.
We noticed signs of fading even when we used the lotion on old stretch marks.
Cons
The formula is thick and heavy, so the bottle may run out quickly.
We tried out Palmer’s Cocoa Butter on 20-year-old stretch marks, so imagine our surprise to see a slight fade after using the product regularly during the six-week testing period. The product goes on smoothly and rubs in nicely without feeling sticky or greasy. In fact, we were happy to rub the excess into our hands without feeling the need to wash them afterward. That’s a good thing, as you will have to use a considerable amount of product as suggested each time; we were surprised to go through almost two full bottles during the testing period.
If you have dry skin or an itchy bump, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter would be a good product to have on hand, especially in the winter. We were able to detect a very light, pleasant scent only after bringing the bottle close to our nose, so there were no worries about a strong smell that might be too overwhelming for an expectant mama’s nose.
Form: Cream | Size: 8.5 oz. | Scent: Light | Key Ingredients: Cocoa butter, shea butter, natural oils, collagen, elastin, lutein
Related: The 14 Best Face Moisturizers for Oily Skin, Tested and Reviewed
Best Drugstore: Burt's Bees Mama Belly Butter with Shea Butter and Vitamin E
Pros
This rich, thick cream doesn't feel oily.
It's super hydrating for dry skin.
It absorbs quickly into the skin.
Cons
We found that it worked better as a moisturizer than a stretch mark eraser.
If your growing baby bump is itchy and feels dry, slather on some of this Burt’s Bees Mama Belly Butter, made from soothing shea butter and other moisturizing ingredients. Overall, we found it to be a very hydrating lotion.
Despite the thickness of the cream — there’s a reason it’s called butter — it didn’t feel oily at all. In fact, it pretty much disappears into dry skin as soon as you rub it in. However, it did more to mitigate dry skin on a growing belly bump than it did to erase stretch marks. Though it is fragrance-free, we did detect a slight scent from the combo of natural ingredients, but it’s pretty inoffensive and shouldn’t put anyone off.
Form: Cream | Size: 6.5 oz. | Scent: Natural | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, vitamin E
Related: The 20 Best Lip Balms of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Splurge: Hatch Maternity Belly Oil
Pros
Our skin felt soft and pampered after using this product.
It successfully faded existing stretch marks.
It has a smooth, non-greasy formula that feels luxurious.
Cons
The product is unscented, and we felt that a subtle scent could have elevated this oil.
“Heavenly” is how we would describe the feeling of The Hatch Collection Belly Oil, which is why it made our pick for the best investment category. If you’re concerned about a stretch mark oil being, well, too oily, we observed that this product wasn’t at all greasy or sticky, just a really lovely, smooth body oil that made our skin feel soft and pampered.
In addition to this oil making our skin feel smooth and glossy, our stretch marks also became less noticeable. While the stretch marks didn’t exactly disappear, they did seem less defined. We wouldn’t have minded a scented oil, so we were slightly disappointed to find that it's fragrance-free.
Form: Oil | Size: 6.7 oz. | Scent: None | Key Ingredients: Calendula, sweet almond oil, grapefruit oil
Best Scent: Earth Mama Organics Belly Butter
Pros
It absorbs completely into the skin without feeling greasy.
It has a lovely light orange scent.
Cons
We found that it worked better as a bump moisturizer than a stretch mark eraser.
This lotion has a really nice thickness to it — it goes on smooth and absorbs into the skin without feeling greasy. Our mama-to-be tester was “happily surprised” to see that Earth Mama Belly Butter had an orange scent, and pregnancy scent aversions aside, you might also feel the same.
This product rightly wins the best moisturizing spot on our list, but it won’t make stretch marks fade. Our tester, who was at the midpoint of her pregnancy when she tested Earth Mama, did find that her growing bump was well-hydrated. We definitely recommend using this belly butter as a lotion to keep your skin moisturized as your pregnancy progresses.
Form: Cream | Size: 8 oz. | Scent: Delicate Neroli (orange blossom) | Key Ingredients: Many organic oils and extracts, including aloe, olive oil, and sunflower oil
Related: The 9 Best Postpartum Underwear for the Fourth Trimester and Beyond, Tested by Real Moms
Best for Dry Skin: Evereden Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream
Pros
It's a super hydrating formula.
It absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling luxuriously moisturized.
It slightly faded existing stretch marks.
Cons
We weren't fond of the scent, so it may not be for everyone.
This product moisturized our skin during testing and kept it looking nice and hydrated. We noticed that our stretch marks did fade slightly, too, though an exfoliation routine might also be enhancing those results.
Although it is marketed as unscented, we did detect a light scent; however, it disappears over time and isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker unless you're especially scent-averse during pregnancy. The product applied smoothly and absorbed quickly, and it left our skin feeling moisturized as opposed to greasy. The moisturizing factor impressed us and was the reason why it was our pick for those with dry skin, as moist, supple skin is pertinent for a growing baby bump.
Form: Cream | Size: 4 oz. | Scent: Light | Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, mango butter, centella
People
Related: The 10 Best Shaving Creams of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Old Stretch Marks: Susanne Kaufmann Arnica Body Oil
Pros
It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feel.
A little goes a long way, so this product will last.
Cons
It helps smooth out stretch marks rather than fade them.
Our tester tried out the Susanne Kaufmann Stretch Mark Oil on stretch marks that have been around for a while. We do feel this oil helped our skin feel healthier and smoother overall, while the texture of the stretch marks smoothed out, though they did not fade.
We had already been using an oil prior to testing, but we found the Susanne Kaufmann to absorb more quickly. While there is a fair amount of rubbing involved, that’s to be expected with any body oil. Still, you won’t be left with a greasy feel — just a very soft feeling. Another thing to note: It's designed to be used on damp or wet skin, so we recommend applying it right after bathing.
We liked the lemony-herb scent, but it was strong when we first put it on, so if this is not your scent preference, it might be a hard sell. The bottle is small, but being that it is oil, we found that a little goes a long way.
Form: Oil | Size: 3.4 oz | Scent: Citrus | Key Ingredients: Almond oil, wheat germ oil, vitamin E, jojoba oil, arnica flower extract
Best Stick: Munchkin Milkmakers TwistStick Belly Balm
Pros
It's easy to apply.
It has a lovely natural scent.
It's very moisturizing.
Cons
It works better as a skin moisturizer than a remedy for stretch marks.
While the Munchkin Milkmakers Belly Balm didn’t change the look of our stretch marks, we loved the smell and feel of this moisturizing balm. The balm goes on smoothly without being too greasy. Being that it does have oil in it, we did expect a little greasiness, but our skin just glistened. We also liked the scent, though it wasn’t super strong.
Though the balm did little to fade any existing stretch marks, it was moisturizing enough for a preventative measure against chafing — it might even be appropriate for the nipples of breastfeeding mothers, too.
Form: Balm | Size: 2.6 oz. | Scent: Natural | Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter
Best Oil: Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
Pros
It has a dry feel and a smooth, lightweight application.
It helped prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.
Cons
A lot of product comes out of the bottle at once due to the thinner formula.
Two of our testers used Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil during their pregnancies and had no stretch marks, so that’s enough reason to run out and buy copious amounts of this product when you find out you’re expecting.
We loved the dry-oil feel of the Bio-Oil, as it doesn’t make a mess and is a great lightweight oil for warmer months. We also liked the smooth application, though it tends to come out of the bottle quickly, so those who are new to using oil should take care in those first few applications to avoid greasiness.
If it can prevent stretch marks from forming, then it can likely do a great job of fading and smoothing existing ones. At less than $15 a bottle (and it’s often on sale!), it’s well worth a try.
Form: Oil | Size: 2 oz. | Scent: Rose | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E oil, chamomile oil, sunflower oil, lavender oil
People
Related: These Are the 11 Best Face Oils That We’ve Tested in 2024
Best Preventative: Belli Elasticity Belly Oil
Pros
It spreads easily and absorbs well.
It also works for massages.
It includes vitamin E to keep the skin moisturized and promote collagen production.
Cons
It doesn't fade existing stretch marks.
While we didn't see any difference in already present stretch marks, this belly oil has proved to be great in helping prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Our petite tester used this daily during the second half of her pregnancy and came out postpartum with zero stretch marks. The infusion of vitamin E in this oil helps keep the skin moisturized and promotes collagen production.
In addition to stretch mark prevention, the Belli Elasticity Belly Oil also doubles as a great massage oil thanks to its light texture that's not overly greasy and its pleasant scent that's not too sweet.
Form: Oil | Size: 3.8 oz. | Scent: Almond and lavender | Key Ingredients: Almond oil, grape seed, vitamin E, coco butter, gotu kola
Best Butter: Pipette Belly Butter
Pros
It has a light pleasant scent that's not overpowering.
This product contains plant-derived squalane, which helps keep skin nourished and moisturized.
Our skin felt smooth and not at all sticky or greasy after using.
Cons
We didn't notice much improvement in existing stretch marks.
For a nourishing belly butter that's ultra-moisturizing, our tests show the Pipette Belly Butter is a great choice for expectant moms. While we didn't see much improvement for already present stretch marks, we were impressed with how it kept a growing baby belly moisturized throughout a pregnancy.
The butter has a pleasant scent that leans more almond than vanilla, but it's light and not overpowering. We recommend this to any mom with a growing belly who wants to keep their skin hydrated, especially during dry months. It achieves this hydration thanks to its star ingredient, plant-derived squalane, which helps keep skin nourished and moisturized without feeling sticky or greasy.
Form: Butter | Size: 3.8 oz. | Scent: Almond vanilla | Key Ingredients: Plant-derived squalane, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, tripeptide-5
Things to Consider When Buying a Stretch Mark Cream
Formulation
Whether you choose an oil, balm, or cream is largely up to your preference and the results you are looking to achieve. Oils might take a bit more rubbing in, but the results for the Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil are worth the extra time. If you are looking for something more moisturizing but lighter, then you can do it with a cream like the Earth Mama Belly Butter.
Ingredients
If you want to treat stretch marks while pregnant, avoid any stretch mark creams that contain retinol or retinoids, as these increase the levels of vitamin A in the body and can harm the growing fetus. You can likely begin to use retinol creams postpartum, provided you aren’t allergic to them.
It should be noted that none of the creams on our list contain retinol, and in fact, some were indeed tried out by expectant testers. However, before you commit to using any stretch mark cream during or after pregnancy, read the full ingredient list to avoid allergens.
Scent
This is largely left up to personal preference, but keep in mind that during pregnancy, you might experience aversions to certain scents. For this reason, unscented or fragrance-free stretch mark creams might be your best bet, like Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion. If you do prefer a scent, the citrusy Earth Mama Belly Butter might be a good pick.
Price
The prices of the stretch mark creams run the gamut from being budget-friendly to a bit of a splurge, though our tester thought the luxurious feel of the Hatch Collection Belly Oil could be worth the price tag. What you’ll also want to pay attention to is how much of the product you’ll need to apply, as that will determine how many refills you’ll need to purchase. The Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion requires a heavier application, so you might find that you’ll go through a bottle in just a few short weeks. On the flip side, don’t be put off by the Susanne Kaufmann Stretch Mark Oil — our tester assures us that a little does indeed go a long way.
How We Tested
Our PEOPLE Tested team tried out 23 different stretch mark creams and put them to the test.
Application: We took “before” photos of the stretch marks. Then, for six weeks, we applied the creams following the manufacturer’s instructions. We noted details like the product’s scent, ease of application, speed of absorption, and how it made our skin feel.
Efficacy: After six weeks, we took “after” shots of their stretch marks, taking note of any visible differences and improvements to the skin. We also indicated how much time elapsed and how much product it took to start seeing those positive changes, as well as whether it was easy or difficult to integrate the cream’s application into a daily routine.
We then made final product selections based on three key attributes: efficacy, feel, and scent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between oil, cream, and balms for stretch marks?
Creams, balms, and oils are different in their ratio of water to oil. Creams are equal parts oil and water; the water content makes them easier to absorb, while the oil content helps the moisturizing or healing ingredients stay on the skin’s surface as protection against dry or damaged skin. Balms contain fatty oils and waxes rather than water to keep their thick formulation (think of lip balm in a tube). Skin oils take longer to absorb, but once they have been, they are deeply hydrating and healing for your skin.
Are expensive stretch mark creams worth it?
No cream, however expensive, will make stretch marks completely disappear. There are budget-friendly options that have been known to improve skin’s appearance, and there are expensive ones that have great results. With regular use — and depending on the extent of your stretch marks — you can likely see improvement at various price points. Keep in mind, too, that some products require a small application while others need a more liberal one; depending on what you choose, you might have to replace your stretch mark cream more frequently.
What active ingredients work best for stretch marks?
There are a variety of vitamins and essential oils that work to moisturize skin and reduce inflammation. Shea butter is good for soothing and smoothing skin, while jojoba oil is especially good because it mimics sebum, the body’s natural oil. Also look for calendula (or calendula extract), which can reduce pigmentation, and hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally in the body to lubricate and cushion joints and tissues.
All the stretch mark creams on our list are over the counter, but there are stretch mark creams available with a prescription, too. “Prescription creams will always work better, especially in the first few months after the stretch marks appear,” says Ntonos. “Tretinoin (Retin-A) is often used to restructure proteins in the skin and rebuild collagen. This results in an improved appearance of the stretch marks.”
Does it matter if stretch mark creams are organic or not?
Organic ingredients are always a good option for cosmetics and other topical products because it means that only natural products harvested without chemicals or herbicides are being used. (Note that ingredients deemed “natural” are also good, but they’re not always organic.)
Stretch mark creams using organic ingredients should be completely safe to use if you are currently pregnant. Still, you will have to read labels carefully to see if there are other ingredients to which you might have a known allergy and need to avoid. it’s safe to use a particular stretch mark cream at this time — retinol is the ingredient you’ll want to avoid while you’re expecting.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Barbara Bellesi Zito is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Health.com, Forbes Advisor, BELLA Magazine, Apartment Therapy, The Motley Fool, Martha Stewart Living, and Insider. Erika Reals is a commerce senior editor who covers beauty, style, home, and lifestyle shopping topics. To bring you this review, they consulted our testers for their perspectives on a range of stretch mark creams. They took into account considerations such as formulation, scent, ingredients, and price.
Meet Our Expert
Akis Ntonos FNP is the co-founder of Aion Aesthetics in New York City.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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