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1
Best Overall
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks
![Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1682956600-GUEST_f8534e8f-d141-4f4d-a79f-423d5c6faee2.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
1
Best Overall
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks
Pros
Affordable
Great for sensitive skin
Cons
Not fragrance-free
Used for decades in over 100 countries worldwide, this famed drug store staple is formulated with nourishing ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, and vitamin E. It also contains “bio-c-elaste,” a complex that consists of collagen, elastin, and centella, all coming together to firm the skin and minimize the appearance of stretch marks. One quick warning: The scent is fairly strong, but if you like sweeter, gourmand fragrances, you’ll be a fast fan.
2
Best Budget
Vaseline Original Healing Jelly
![Original Healing Jelly Original Healing Jelly](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1682956808-screen-shot-2023-05-01-at-11-59-08-am-644fe1d169a4d.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
2
Best Budget
Vaseline Original Healing Jelly
Pros
Cheap
Heals dry, cracked, and damaged skin
Cons
Greasy
Turns out that tub of Vaseline sitting in your medicine cabinet could be a stealthy way to keep stretch marks from forming, during pregnancy or otherwise, especially if you’re looking for an easy-on-the-wallet home remedy. “Vaseline can be effective in preventing stretch marks because of its moisturizing properties for the skin,” says Dr. Graf, though she notes it isn’t really effective at eliminating pre-existing marks.
3
Best For Sensitive Skin
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair® Cream Intense Hydration
![Ultra Repair® Cream Intense Hydration Ultra Repair® Cream Intense Hydration](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1682956929-screen-shot-2023-05-01-at-12-01-53-pm-644fe27a07447.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
3
Best For Sensitive Skin
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair® Cream Intense Hydration
Pros
Gentle on sensitive, itchy skin
Thick, moisturizing formula
Cons
Expensive
Those familiar with the FAB brand know its products are generally gentle, especially for those who suffer from skin issues like eczema. If your skin’s on the reactive side but you’d still like to try something to improve the look of stretch marks—or you’re just experiencing itchy skin due to your pregnancy—then give this apply-anywhere repair cream a try. Its colloidal oatmeal will soothe while the shea butter softens and replenishes moisture, helping to keep new stretch marks at bay. Physical manipulation is also key when dealing with striations at any stage with any topical, and this rich formula definitely will massage nicely into the skin.
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4
Best Multitasker
Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
![Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1682957076-1584737684-retinol-1584737671.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
4
Best Multitasker
Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
Pros
Non-greasy formula
Improves hyperpigmentation
Cons
Retinol not recommended for use during pregnancy
If you’re looking for a non-greasy lotion that does the most, Paula’s Choice goes to work on hyperpigmentation and improves skin firmness—all while minimizing the appearance of stretch marks, both new and old. The biggest downside? At only 4 fluid ounces, the bottle’s pretty tiny, and you’re going to perpetually need to restock.
5
Best Camouflager
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream
![Magic Body Cream Magic Body Cream](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1682957414-screen-shot-2023-05-01-at-12-08-41-pm-644fe40ec0023.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
5
Best Camouflager
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream
Pros
Contains hyaluronic acid for extra moisture
Softens skin
Cons
Slightly pricey
You’ve probably heard of celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury’s cult-classic Magic Cream. Well, meet her new counterpart for the rest of your body. You can expect more than just a healthy glow from this all-over moisturizer though; hyaluronic acid and shea butter combine to retain moisture and soften the skin, while caffeine and vitamin C even out tone and perk up firmness. The real trick though? Tilbury’s signature massage technique, which reportedly reduced the appearance of stretch marks in 57 percent of respondents who tried the cream before it came to market.
6
Best For Plant-Based Beauty Lovers
Mustela Maternity Stretch Marks Cream for Pregnancy
![Maternity Stretch Marks Cream for Pregnancy Maternity Stretch Marks Cream for Pregnancy](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1683040574-51Ro84aovEL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
6
Best For Plant-Based Beauty Lovers
Mustela Maternity Stretch Marks Cream for Pregnancy
Pros
Plant-based formula
Tube lasts long
Cons
Slightly pricey
The Mustela brand prides itself on its largely plant-based but still efficacious formulas safe for mothers and babies, and the Stretch Marks Cream is no exception to this rule. Maracuja oil in the cream keeps skin supple as it stretches, while avocado oil and avocado peptides hydrate and nourish. If you’re sensitive to scent, there’s a fragrance-free version available, too.
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7
Best For Pregnancy
Trofolastin Anti-Stretch Marks Anti-Estrias Cream
![Anti-Stretch Marks Anti-Estrias Cream Anti-Stretch Marks Anti-Estrias Cream](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1683040733-97871fb6-aa05-4d26-8c70-69fc5692b0a9.328cff44658a37fa4237daaf0df3278e.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
7
Best For Pregnancy
Trofolastin Anti-Stretch Marks Anti-Estrias Cream
Pros
Gentle and safe for expectant mothers
Clinically tested to prevent stretch marks
Cons
Expensive
Expectant mothers, this lotion that’s been clinically tested—and showed some signs of promise in preventing stretch marks in certain studies—is for you. One reviewer called it a “miracle cream” after being pregnant with twins and only seeing minimal striations at the very end of her term. You can thank the formula’s hydrolysates and centella extract, which, again, Dr. Graf says can help skin bounce back into shape.
8
Best For Prevention
Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Stretch Mark Cream
![PRO Strength Stretch Mark Cream PRO Strength Stretch Mark Cream](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1683040923-screen-shot-2023-05-02-at-11-21-47-am-64512a931a482.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
8
Best For Prevention
Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Stretch Mark Cream
Pros
Exfoliates skin
Prevents stretch marks
Cons
Expensive
Incorporate stretch mark prevention into your self care routine with this indulgent cream that’s packed with plenty of nourishing ingredients, from shea and cocoa butters to avocado oil and ceramides. The difference makers here, though, are lactic acid, which gently exfoliates to improve your skin’s overall tone and texture, and two proprietary complexes, Regu-Stretch and Regestril, which purportedly combine to bolster the skin’s thickness so stretch marks appear less prominent and are less prone to formation in the first place.
9
Best Oil
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil for Scars and Stretchmarks
![Skincare Oil for Scars and Stretchmarks Skincare Oil for Scars and Stretchmarks](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1683041133-71LUspvo9fL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
9
Best Oil
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil for Scars and Stretchmarks
Now 28% Off
Pros
Dermatologist favorite
Targets both scars and stretch marks
Cons
May not be a fit if you don’t like to use oils on your skin
Hailed as a “cult classic for scars and stretch marks” by Dr. Graf, Bio Oil should top your list if you prefer the texture of an oil over a heavier cream or lotion. Dispense a few drops of the lightly rose-scented product onto your hands then gently dab it onto your skin and massage in circles. The vitamin A present in the product is said to assist in collagen production by shoring up skin elasticity. But the difference maker for scars and post-pregnancy stretch marks, in particular, just may be the brand’s PurCellin Oil, a proprietary blend that makes the formula super-absorptive. “It’s affordable and deeply hydrates the skin with PurCellin oil,” adds Dr. Graf.
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10
Best Splurge
PHYTOMER Seatonic Stretch Mark and Firming Oil
![Seatonic Stretch Mark and Firming Oil Seatonic Stretch Mark and Firming Oil](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1683041329-rxwk051k_202003161847143302.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
10
Best Splurge
PHYTOMER Seatonic Stretch Mark and Firming Oil
Pros
Lightweight oil
Great for all skin types
Cons
Expensive
“This oil taps into the power of marine and vegetable oils to fight stretch marks,” says Dr. Graf. “The combination of oils, including mekabu, chlorella, périlla, and glasswort, improves circulation, repairs damaged skin, and nourishes and strengthens the skin.”
11
Best Retinol
Differin 0.1% Adapalene Acne Treatment Gel
![0.1% Adapalene Acne Treatment Gel 0.1% Adapalene Acne Treatment Gel](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1683041411-2c26302e-30be-4210-ad67-26aec91ee497_1.f704f7d5796785dbfa5172d186d1ad5c.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
11
Best Retinol
Differin 0.1% Adapalene Acne Treatment Gel
Now 10% Off
Pros
Affordable
Great for acne and new stretch marks
Cons
Cannot use retinol during pregnancy
Though typically intended as a solution for acne, a topical retinoid might be your best bet for stubborn stretch marks, and Differin is a trusted, over-the-counter option. “Differin gel may be helpful for treating newly developed stretch marks by speeding up skin cell turnover and stimulating collagen production,” says Dr. Graf. Try it if you’ve developed stretch marks from weight loss or gain (never during pregnancy or while nursing), but always patch test first just to make sure you can tolerate its strength.
Pros
Keeps skin hydrated for two days
Targets stretch marks and discoloration
Cons
Expensive
Shea, cocoa, and mango butters mingle with vitamins A and E and fatty acids in this super-rich, citrusy-smelling salve that’s now available in a small, easier-to-pack tub. Slather it on and let it melt into your skin for all-over hydration. In the brand’s clinical trials, 76 percent of respondents reported their stretch mark discoloration showed significant improvements after just a month of use.
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13
Best For Pregnant Bellies
Bumpology Bump Butter Stretch Mark Cream
![Bump Butter Stretch Mark Cream Bump Butter Stretch Mark Cream](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1683042100-51F6GnhzZL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
13
Best For Pregnant Bellies
Bumpology Bump Butter Stretch Mark Cream
Now 13% Off
Pros
Safe and gentle for expecting mothers to use
A small amount goes a long way
Cons
Pricey
Mothers-to-be may want to keep a tub of this all-natural, butter-oil hybrid on hand at all times. One reviewer called it a “moisture shield,” which can help in the prevention of stretch mark formation while expecting and after delivery. A little goes a long way, but if you use it consistently during your pregnancy, you will likely need to order it more than once.
Pros
Non-greasy
Hydrating
Cons
Expensive
Though Fur Oil is typically used to prevent ingrown hairs in intimate areas from head to toe, many users have reported this non-greasy oil blend has helped to diminish the appearance of their stretch marks, scarring, and dark spots over time. “This product has skin nourishing oils, like grapeseed, tea tree, and jojoba, along with vitamins like A and E, to improve skin health,” says Dr. Graf. “Deep hydration helps to prevent stretch marks.”
15
Best Exfoliator
ZO Skin Health Body Emulsion
![Body Emulsion Body Emulsion](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1683042421-screen-shot-2023-05-02-at-11-45-22-am-64513019c2a4c.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
15
Best Exfoliator
ZO Skin Health Body Emulsion
Pros
Smooths skin
Dermatologist favorite
Cons
Expensive
Part of a line of skincare products that’s generally available through dermatologists’ offices, ZO Skin Health’s 4-star exfoliating lotion contains a bevy of heavy-hitting ingredients which target hyperpigmentation and may also help to soften the look of darkened striations on your body. “The cream has retinol in it to improve collagen production in the skin while also replenishing moisture in the skin with hydrating ingredients, like glycerin,” says Dr. Graf.
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Will my stretch marks go away on their own?
Over time, stretch marks should gradually fade to something closer to your natural skin tone, but they tend to never totally disappear on their own. So if you’d like to downplay yours for whatever reason, you’ll have to consider your options. Most doctors will tell you in-office lasers and microneedling procedures will yield the best results short of surgical removal (where/when even possible), but such treatments can be pricey and may require multiple sessions with downtime after each. That’s where body creams, lotions, and balms come into play.
What ingredients are good for getting rid of and preventing stretch marks?
To target stretch marks, you’ll want to look for a few key ingredients in any formula you’re considering. You can’t go wrong with anything hydrating. “Keeping the skin moisturized can help with the appearance of stretch marks,” says Dr. Graf. “[Think] thick moisturizers, such as cocoa butter, or those containing hyaluronic acid and centella, for example, two ingredients that may help diminish the appearance of stretch marks by enhancing skin plasticity.” Of course, retinoids are a viable option, too, but only for those who aren’t pregnant or nursing. “Retinols can also help with stretch marks by increasing collagen production and leaving skin with replenished hydration and restoring the barrier of the skin,” says Dr. Graf.
Danielle Blundell is a New York City-based lifestyle writer and editor who has written on topics ranging from home to health for a variety of publications including Rachael Ray Every Day, Redbook, Family Circle, This Old House, Elle Decor, Esquire, Domino, and Apartment Therapy. She’s a graduate of Columbia University’s School of Journalism and has appeared as an on-air expert on Today, The Doctors, The Celebrity Page, and other local news programs. Website: https://danielleblundell.myportfolio.com/
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