Pregnancy is a beautiful time in a new mother’s life, but having a baby can take its toll on the body. During pregnancy, the body goes through much stress and trauma that causes stretch marks and other skin abnormalities. Expecting mothers need the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy that are both gentle enough to be used during pregnancy and tough on pocks and marks.
The market for the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy can be confusing and vast as there are many brands out there and each claims to be the best. There are also a number of ingredients you should watch out for and avoid as they are not safe to use during pregnancy. Our team of researchers has educated themselves in the field of top-of-the-line products and is excited to share with you ten of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy.
Comparison Table
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Stretch Mark Creams: FAQs
1. What Are Stretch Marks?
Image source: Flickr
Stretch marks are unsightly striations on the skin that occur when the body goes through rapid changes and the skin stretches to accommodate. This can happen during rapid weight gain, pregnancy, or even during a growth spurt. Stretch marks can be smooth or rippled in appearance and red, purple, silver, or light blue in color. It is possible to develop stretch marks on your belly, breasts, hips, thighs, butt, and arms.
2. Overall Price Range for the Best Stretch Mark Creams for Pregnancy
As with most consumer products, the price range will depend on the individual customer’s needs, uses, and budget. Stretch mark creams are highly affordable products. They can sell on the market for anywhere from a few dollars to upwards of $50 depending on the brand name, the ingredients, and the abilities of the cream. For our top ten list, we only included items we feel offer the best value for the money and are excellent options for our budget-conscious readers. The overall price range of our top ten list is $9 to $33.
How We Reviewed
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Our team of experts has spent much time and effort researching and testing out different best stretch mark creams for pregnancy in order to provide you with this unbiased best-of list featuring only the top ten products in the field. We have compiled the information in an easy-to-read, at-a-glance list that will help you easily decide if the product is for you. We based our research for these ten items based on the following parameters: their unique notable features, their pros and cons, their pricing, where to buy them, and the main active ingredients in the formula.
What We Reviewed
- Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter
- Belly Butter – 100% Organic by Glow Organics
- Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
- Stretch Marks & Scars Defense Cream
- TriLASTIN Maternity Stretch Mark Prevention Cream
- Stretch Mark Cream Remover
- Stretch Mark Cream for Pregnancy
- Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks and Pregnancy Skin Care
- Bio-Oil 2oz: Multiuse Skincare Oil
- Earth Mama Belly Butter
1
Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter
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Features
This is one of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy because it was specially crafted to be safe for pregnancy and expecting mothers. Containing no dangerous ingredients, this all-natural formula contains all the shea butter and Vitamin E you’ll need to help keep your skin nourished and feeling its best. Not only does it prevent future marks and vanquish those that have already made an appearance, but it also effectively treats pain, irritation, and the annoying itching associated with skin stretching.
Pros
- Available in bigger sizes
- Safe for pregnancy
- Great for sensitive skin
- Contains plenty of Vitamin E
Cons
- Higher in price than competition stretch mark creams
- Recent formula change
Main Ingredients
This formula contains cocoa butter, shea butter, and jojoba as well as Vitamin E.
2
Belly Butter – 100% Organic by Glow Organics
[amazon fields=”B071FPXTFN” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
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Features
This is one of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy because, as the name suggests, it contains only natural ingredients that won’t harm you or your baby. This vegan and cruelty-free formula is made with shea and cocoa butter to help your skin lock in moisture. This formula is made to penetrate the skin deeply while creating a protective barrier. With no parabens, no synthetic ingredients, no phthalates, no sulfates, and no artificial fragrances, this formula is great for all.
Pros
- No unwanted ingredients
- Made in the US
- Unscented formula
Cons
- Higher in price
- Formula is greasy
Main Ingredients
This formula contains organic shea butter and cocoa butter.
3
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
[amazon fields=”B002ZG94UY” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
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Features
This is one of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy because it’s made to be used starting in the second trimester as well as during breastfeeding. The formula is thick and contains cephalin extracted from onion. This extract naturally reduces inflammation and swelling effectively. This clever formula prevents future stretch marks and is paraben-free to nourish the skin and make it feel like new.
Pros
- Made to be used during pregnancy
- Naturally reduces swelling of the skin
- Preventative
- No parabens
Cons
- Formula is greasy
- Fragrant scent that may bother some
Main Ingredients
This formula contains cephalin, hyaluronic acid, and Centella Asiatica plant extract.
4
Stretch Marks & Scars Defense Cream
[amazon fields=”B00OTZ28DE” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
[amazon fields=”B00OTZ28DE” value=”button”]
Features
This is one of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy because it is a fast-acting formula that nourishes the skin thanks to the included ingredients of cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and green tea leaf extract. These ingredients not only lock in moisture and bring the skin back to its original elasticity, but they heal and soothe existing stretch marks so you won’t have to worry about any more of them cropping up.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- Safe for use during pregnancy
- Contains cocoa butter and jojoba
- Soothes the skin fast
Cons
- Formula has a fragrant smell that may bother some
- May cause further skin swelling
Main Ingredients
This formula contains cocoa butter and jojoba as well as antioxidant-rich green tea extract.
5
TriLASTIN Maternity Stretch Mark Prevention Cream
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Features
This is one of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy because it is a preventative formula that effectively hydrates the skin and locks in moisture that prevents marks from appearing in the first place. Containing no less than 15 botanical oils and extracts, this antioxidant-rich and essential fatty acid-rich formula helps with the development of collagen which helps your skin keep its youth and elasticity. It’s a pH balanced, hypoallergenic formula that was made in the US and has a natural fragrance.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free formula
- Utilizes essential oils
- Relieves itchy skin
Cons
- Fragrance may bother some
- More preventative
Main Ingredients
This formula contains 15 botanical oils and extracts and is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants.
6
Stretch Mark Cream Remover
[amazon fields=”B06WP3D8NS” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
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Features
This is one of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy because it will not only reduce the likelihood of future marks, but it also reduces the visibility of existing ones. Clinically tested to be safe for use during pregnancy, this formula contains 100% organic ingredients such as shea and cocoa butter, Vitamin B5, olive oil, avocado, and Centella Asiatica to reduce mark development over time.
Pros
- Free of parabens
- Safe to use while pregnant
- Cruelty-free formula
- Made in the US
Cons
- This formula is pricey
- Does not contain Vitamin E
Main Ingredients
This formula contains shea butter and cocoa butter, Vitamin B5, olive oil, avocado, and Centella Asiatica.
7
Stretch Mark Cream for Pregnancy
[amazon fields=”B071VYR7ZW” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
[amazon fields=”B071VYR7ZW” value=”button”]
Features
This is one of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy because it is an herbal formula that repairs and rejuvenates the skin while giving it plenty of moisture and locking it down. You’ll feel the difference in your skin’s elasticity and smoothness as you consistently use this Chinese herbal formula. It contains natural fibers to speed up cell activity and stimulate collagen to have your skin feeling back to its old self again.
Pros
- Great for pregnancy
- Effective for obesity-caused stretch marks
- Attacks aged and new scars
- Herbal formula
Cons
- Does not contain Vitamin E
- Requires consistent use multiple times a day
Main Ingredients
This formula contains asarum sieboldii, olive oil, squalane, and hyaluronic acid.
8
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks and Pregnancy Skin Care
[amazon fields=”B004X8K93S” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
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Features
This is one of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy because it is an extremely well-known brand that has been improving the lives of its users for decades. This Vitamin E-rich formula also contains argan oil which makes for a unique blend of scar-fighting ingredients you’ll be sure to love. It locks down hydration for up to a whopping 48 hours and is hypoallergenic. It contains zero parabens, mineral oils, or phthalates.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Comes in a pack of two
- Safe for use during pregnancy
- Provides 48-hour hydration
Cons
- Formula is thick and greasy
- Fragrance may bother some
Main Ingredients
This formula contains cocoa butter and shea butter, Vitamin E, almond oil, coconut oil, and argan oil.
9
Bio-Oil 2oz: Multiuse Skincare Oil
[amazon fields=”B004O9WRX6″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
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Features
This is one of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy because it comes in the form of a highly effective oil that is non-greasy and helps to nourish and rehydrate the skin. Not only will it prevent future marks from appearing, but it also reduces the appearance of already-existing scars and marks. It boasts incredible versatility as it can be used to help fight aging signs on the skin and can even out the skin tone.
Pros
- Affordable in price
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Great for sensitive skin
- No added fragrance
Cons
- May not be as effective on older scars
- Some may not like the feeling of oil on the skin
Main Ingredients
This formula contains Vitamins A and E as well as PurCellin oil to help with ease of application.
10
Earth Mama Belly Butter
[amazon fields=”B000JVCBFC” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
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Features
This is one of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy because it contains no unsafe ingredients for you or your baby, such as mineral oil, petroleum, or parabens. With no artificial fragrance and a light, calming scent, you can be sure this formula is safe and gentle on you but tough on your emerging marks. It effectively nourishes and hydrates the skin but also relieves pain and itching that can be associated with skin stretching. It’s also important to note that this formula has officially been certified NSF/ANSI 305 by Oregon Tilth (which means it contains more than 70% or more organic ingredients).
Pros
- 100% organic ingredients in the formula
- Safe and verified for use during pregnancy
- No artificial ingredients, preservatives, or fragrances
- Affordable price
Cons
- Scent may bother some
- Not as effective on already-existing marks
Main Ingredients
This formula contains shea butter, organic herbs, and essential oils.
The Verdict
We hope our list of the ten best stretch mark creams for pregnancy has given you a few substantial options for treating your skin well and bringing it back to its former glory. For scars and marks new and old, we highly recommend the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter lotion formula as it’s affordable, thick, and contains a soothing warm fragrance. It has been used by a few of our writers and they swear by its gentle effectiveness. Check it out on Amazon today!
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