14 Best Stretch Mark Creams to Improve Your Skin’s Appearance

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 07, 2024
Best Stretch Mark Creams to Improve Your Skin’s Appearance
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

The best stretch mark creams have now become skincare essentials because of their seamless skin-nourishing properties and unique formulations. They are also responsible for increasing the hydration levels of the affected skin area. Furthermore, these are not limited to pregnant ladies or new moms, rather they have also proven to be highly beneficial for bodybuilders, muscle trainers, and obese people who witness stretch marks on their hips, belly, abdomen area, thighs, buttocks, and busts. So, today we have decided to acquaint you with stretch marks, their causes, and how to bring the best cream to get rid of them, home. 

Stretch marks, also known as Striae Distensae (SD), are nothing but common dermal lesions formed due to the stretching of the dermis. They are of mainly two types — striae rubrae and striae albae. The former is an acute stage of SD that is recognized by flat, slightly raised red stretch marks aligned perpendicularly to the skin tension. On the other hand, striae albae is the chronic stage of SD which appears to be more pale, wrinkled, and hypopigmented. The best way to fade them away is by using a high-grade stretch mark cream that contains vitamins, shea butter, olive, coconut, and palm oils. These creams stimulate the production of collagen and boost the elasticity of the skin (1). In order to know the causes of stretch marks, keep scrolling!

What Causes Stretch Marks?

The following are the most common causes of stretch marks: -

- Pregnancy (1)

- Weight gain (1

- Growth spurts (2)

- Hormonal changes (1

- Sudden weight gain or loss (2)

- Rapid growth in adolescence (1)

- Mechanical growth of tissue stretching (1)

- Abrupt change in the production of collagen and elastin (2)

This was all about the causes of stretch marks. Now, it is time to slide the best stretch mark cream into your cart. So, look no further and check out our top recommendations of some really high-grade creams, butter, and lotions for stretch marks.

14 Best Stretch Mark Creams

To reduce the appearance of stretch marks and improve the elasticity of your skin, check out Palmer’s massage lotion. It is beautifully crafted with potent and finest ingredients to heal the stretched skin on your tummy, hips, thighs, and bust. The lotion not only leaves your skin soft and supple but also promises to enhance the tone and texture of your skin. Furthermore, this body lotion is approved by dermatologists and is free from mineral oil, parabens, and phthalates. 

Key Ingredients: Cocoa butter, vitamin E, elastin, argan oil, and collagen

 

Pros
  • Non-greasy
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Very affordable
  • Safe for sensitive skin
  • Provides all-day hydration
  • Available in multiple sizes
Cons
  • Might leave a residue behind
  • Best for New Moms

    burt's bees MAMA belly butter

    burt's bees MAMA belly butter
  • Formulated without parabens, SLS, petrolatum, and phthalates, this safe and effective belly butter from burt’s bees works wonders to heal the stretch marks present on your tummy. This butter is mindfully crafted for all those new moms dealing with stretch marks. So, coming to their rescue, this butter flawlessly nourishes and moisturizes the 9-month stretched skin. And, the due credit goes to its nutrient-rich botanicals and key ingredients that blend well together in order to produce desired results. 

    Key Ingredients: Shea butter and vitamin E

     

    Pros
    • Very hydrating
    • Non-irritating formula
    • Recyclable packaging
    • Recommended by dermatologists
    Cons
    • Unpleasant scent
  • Best for Daily Use

    TriLASTIN maternity Stretch Mark Cream

    TriLASTIN maternity Stretch Mark Cream
  • Provide comfort and relief to your stretched skin with this cream introduced by Trilastin. This cream heals and hydrates your skin leaving behind a refreshing, mild citrusy fragrance. The best part — this stretch mark cream is not only meant for moms but also bodybuilders and anyone dealing with weight fluctuations. Besides, this cream is best suited for your tummy, hips, bust, and thighs. And, last but not the least, it absorbs like a dream without leaving behind any kind of residue. 

    Key Ingredients: Apricot oil, vitamin E, and shea butter

     

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Best for everyday use
    • Boosts collagen production
    • Improves the elasticity of your skin
    Cons
    • Overpriced
  • Best Natural and Organic

    GLOW ORGANICS BELLY BUTTER

     GLOW ORGANICS BELLY BUTTER
  • Glow Organics brings to you a pure and organic belly butter to resolve your stretch mark-related woes. This belly butter effectively firms your skin and makes itchy stretched skin a thing of the past. Plus, it is formulated with no parabens, or glutens, and designed using cruelty-free and vegan methods. In addition, it actively helps in promoting your skin’s elasticity during your pregnancy period and beyond. To sum up its goodness, let us tell you that this butter is nothing less than a skin conditioning treatment. 

    Key Ingredients: Shea butter, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, and macadamia nut

     

    Pros
    • Chemical-free
    • Fragrance-free
    • Spread evenly
    • Best for AM and PM use
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory quantity
  • Best Fragrance

    mama mio Mama Marks Cream

    mama mio Mama Marks Cream
  • The Mama Marks Cream from mama mio will become your post-pregnancy skin's new best friend! This wonder-working cream has a pleasant scent with hints of bergamot, orange, lemon, mandarin, violet, orris, patchouli, and vanilla. It's loaded with lactic acid and has been clinically proven to fade stubborn stretch marks, improving their appearance, color, and texture. All you have to do to reap its benefits is to apply a thin layer of the cream twice a day for 12 weeks – you'll be left with smoother and more radiant skin. 

    Pros
    • Gets absorbed quickly
    • Aromatic
    • Non-greasy
    • Makes the skin firm
    • Provides hydration
    • Dermatologist-tested
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best for All Skin Types

    Beautivity Premium Edition Stretch Mark and Scar Cream

    Beautivity Premium Edition Stretch Mark and Scar Cream
  • Bid adieu to stretch marks and scars derived due to pregnancy, cuts, surgeries, injuries, or burns with Beautivity’s premium edition cream. This cream seamlessly evens out your skin tone and enhances the firmness of your skin. It also effectively reduces the appearance of your stretch marks and restores the skin’s lost elasticity. In addition, it stimulates collagen production and helps you achieve a beautiful streak-free skin. And, it can be attributed to the powerful blend of key ingredients that strive to repair your skin inside out.

    Key Ingredients: Shea butter, elastonyl, rosehip seed oil, collaxyl, and cocoa butter

     

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Gentle formula
    • Easy-to-use dispenser
    • Suitable for all skin types
    Cons
    • Very little quantity
  • TriLASTIN-SR intensive stretch mark cream

    TriLASTIN-SR intensive stretch mark cream
  • For all those frantically looking for ways to diminish the appearance of stretch marks associated with pregnancy, bodybuilding, or weight gain, look what we found for you — an intensive stretch mark cream from Trilastin. This paraben-free cream firms your skin by reducing the appearance of stretch marks and preventing the formation of new ones. It also boosts the level of elastin and collagen to improve the quality of your skin. There is something more — it is safe for all skin types and is designed for both women and men! 

    Key Ingredients: Vitamins, glycerin, serrulata fruit extracts, and beeswax 

     

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Unscented
    • Non-staining
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Absorbs quickly
    • Non-greasy formula
    • Approved by dermatologists
    Cons
    • Contains alcohol
  • StriVectin anti-wrinkle INTENSIVE MOISTURIZING CONCENTRATE

    StriVectin anti-wrinkle INTENSIVE MOISTURIZING CONCENTRATE
  • Grab Strivectin's moisturizing concentrate and visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and stretch marks just by sitting in the comfort of your own home. This moisturizing cream delivers straight up to 72 hours of hydration and fades the look of your stretch marks in just a few weeks of application. You can also apply this cream on your face as well on the targeted areas. Moreover, the product’s key ingredients tend to provide the utmost hydration that your skin craves. 

    Key Ingredients: Copper tripeptide, sea salt, vitamin C, shea butter, and white water lily extracts 

     

    Pros
    • Easy to spread
    • Softens the skin
    • Improves skin’s texture
    • Ideal for sensitive skin
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • basq NYC INTENSIVE TREATMENT STRETCH MARK BUTTER

    basq NYC INTENSIVE TREATMENT STRETCH MARK BUTTER
  • Here is the solution to repair elastin fiber for an even-textured, radiant skin – Basq Nyc’s Intensive Treatment Stretch Mark Butter. This butter works right at the cellular level of your skin and flawlessly enhances the skin’s elasticity for a much-needed damage control. Plus, with a luxurious blend of peptides, silicas, and plant extracts, the butter heals and smooths your stretch mark-affected skin. To top off its benefits, it also builds collagen to enhance resilience and strength. 

    Key Ingredients: Shea, jojoba, omega-rich borage, grapeseed, and rosehip oils

     

    Pros
    • Nourishes the skin
    • Clinically proven ingredients
    • Free from parabens and phthalates
    • Safe for pregnant and nursing moms
    Cons
    • Overwhelming scent
  • Best Non-greasy Formula

    Mama & Kids natural mark cream

    Mama & Kids natural mark cream
  • Delve into the skincare secrets of Japan with this natural mark cream from Mama & Kids and wave goodbye to those uninvited stretch marks. This anti-stretch mark cream restores skin’s elasticity, firms it, and improves blood circulation. Moreover, its non-greasy texture spreads evenly, gets absorbed quickly and its moisturizing powers last for a prolonged period of time. Keeping all of it in mind, without a doubt, this cream can be awarded as the best cream for stretch marks. 

    Key Ingredients: Collagen 

     

    Pros
    • Easy-to-use dispenser
    • Promotes metabolism
    • Contains a very light scent
    • Can be used during pregnancy and beyond
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Best Unscented Stretch Mark Cream

    M3 NATURALS Stretch Mark Cream

     M3 NATURALS Stretch Mark Cream
  • Making its way to the list of the best stretch mark products, this cream from M3 Naturals has managed to create its space in the skincare regime of all pregnant women and people who wish to fade away marks on their hips and thighs. This is undoubtedly the go-to cream to diminish the appearance of stretch marks, cellulite, and acne, and naturally improve the skin tone. Plus, with the rich and luxe blend of key ingredients, this unscented cream unveils firm and soft-looking skin. 

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, green tea leaf, orange extracts, jojoba seed oil, collagen, and raspberry ketone

    Pros
    • Cost-effective
    • Best for post-delivery skincare routine
    • Designed for all skin types
    • Repairs scars derived from surgeries or injuries
    Cons
    • Less quantity
  • CICATRISSIM White Stretch Marks Cream

    CICATRISSIM White Stretch Marks Cream
  • With a plant-based formula and natural key ingredients, this white stretch mark cream from Cicatrissim deserves to be called as one of the best stretch mark products. It is a cream known for its versatility as it helps in fading away marks due to pregnancy, muscle gain, weight fluctuations, or growth spurts. In addition, the cream also has the power to effectively treat discoloration, blemishes, and hard-to-correct marks. And, with daily use of this product, we bet you can easily welcome streak-free skin. 

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin A, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, and chamomile flower extracts

     

    Pros
    • Best for dry skin
    • Moisturizes the skin
    • Improves cellular renewal
    • Evens out uneven skin tone
    Cons
    • Smells okay
  • Most Nourishing

    Neal's Yard Remedies Mother's BALM

    Neal's Yard Remedies Mother's BALM
  • For all those looking out for a good-quality anti-stretch mark cream, roll your eyes on Neal Yard Remedies’ soothing cream known as Mother’s Balm. This balm is crafted keeping in mind the stretch mark-related woes of all pregnant ladies as well as new moms. It is also designed to nourish dry skin and boost the elasticity levels of the skin. Besides, the balm’s hypoallergenic, non-greasy, and fragrance-free formula suits all skin types and tones. Lastly, since it moisturizes and nourishes your skin, it is regarded as one of the best non-irritating skin care products. 
    Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, beeswax, and almond oil

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • 100% organic blend
    • Safe for sensitive skin
    • Ideal for AM and PM use
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Best for Dry Skin

    WELEDA Stretch Mark Body Butter

    WELEDA Stretch Mark Body Butter
  • Reduce the appearance of your stretch marks and comfort your skin with Weleda’s paraben and phthalates-free body butter. This body butter is developed for fading away all kinds of stretch marks, be it from pregnancy, surgery, injury, or weight gain. And, it features a unique skin-nourishing formula that provides long-lasting moisture and gets absorbed into the skin really quickly. Furthermore, it is dermatologically-tested, crafted from vegan-friendly ingredients, and thus safe for sensitive skin. 

    Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica, rich cocoa butter, shea butter, and precious oils

     

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Fragrance-free
    • Best for dry skin
    • Contains no preservatives
    Cons
    • Fragile container

    That’s all peeps! This was our comprehensive list of the best products for stretch marks that you should think of investing in. Furthermore, to help you make some really good purchasing decisions, we have also listed down a useful buying guide. Roll your eyes over and kickstart your shopping spree.

     

    What to Consider When Buying the Best Stretch Mark Cream?

    Here are the aspects that you must consider while splurging on a good-quality stretch mark cream.

    Skin Type: Always analyze your skin type before investing in a good stretch mark cream. For all those possessing dry and sensitive skin, ensure that you get your hands on a cream that is infused with hydrating ingredients and nourishing oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, etc. And, those who are pregnant should analyze their skin sensitivity as during this time they are more prone to rashes or irritations. Hence, it is advisable to choose a cream that is natural, organic and features a gentle formulation. 

    Ingredients: Make sure you invest in a top-notch stretch mark cream that is loaded with skin-nourishing, hydrating, and soothing ingredients. Shea butter and vitamin E are the two most common ingredients found in a stretch cream. In addition, you can invest in a cream that is enriched with green tea, beeswax, jojoba, grapeseed, rosehip coconut, and apricot oils. These are plant-derived ingredients that are gentle on the skin yet highly effective in stimulating collagen production. 

    Texture: Ensure that you understand the texture of the stretch mark cream that you are planning to buy. There are body butters, balms, creams, as well as lotions for preventing stretch marks. You may pick any of them as per your comfort level. It is advisable to use a cream that is easy to spread and absorbs quickly. 

    Formula: Pick a cream that is free from parabens, phthalates, chemicals, alcohol, harmful toxins, and preservatives. Always vouch for a cream that is vegan and cruelty-free.  

    Conclusion

    That’s all folks! Now, you can easily fade away those stretch marks on your tummy, hips, thighs, or belly with the best stretch mark creams at your disposal. This list has been created for all those pregnant ladies, new mamas, bodybuilders, and ones who do  muscle training to get desired body shape. Trust us, these creams have managed to grab wide attention due to their effective results. So, if you too want to embrace firmer, healthy, streak-free, and soft-looking skin, slide one into your cart right away. Happy shopping!

     

    FAQ's

    Which is the most effective cream for stretch marks?
    The most effective cream for stretch marks is the one that is formulated with skin-enhancing ingredients like vitamin E, shea butter, plant extracts, and essential oils. Such cream boosts collagen production and ultimately firms the skin.
    Do creams for stretch marks actually work?
    However, creams for stretch marks work to diminish the appearance of stretch marks and not completely remove them.
    How do you get rid of 100% stretch marks?
    You can use the best stretch mark cream to fade away the stretch marks on your thighs, hips, belly, or busts. However, you cannot get rid of them entirely.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Anoushka, the author of this article, says that stretch mark creams can help in reducing the appearance of stretch marks on the skin. They generally contain ingredients like collagen, retinol, and hyaluronic acid that improve the skin’s elasticity while also fading stretch marks over time. She tested all of the products with some help from her friends and family, and found that there was one product which all of them liked the most. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula for Stretch Marks was non-greasy and left her skin feeling soft and supple. It promises to get rid of stretch marks and is also safe for sensitive skin.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

     

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More