You need the best stretch mark lotion for pregnancy to keep your skin resilient and smooth through every trimester - especially as your baby’s due date gets closer and closer. The problem is, most stretch mark products on the market are just lotion. They don’t actually do anything for your stretch marks.
We put together this list ranking the top 5 pregnancy stretch mark lotions that can actually help prevent or even minimize the appearance of stretch marks. Don’t settle for surface-level cocoa-butter moisturization. Find the right stretch mark cream for real results today.
What to Look For in the Best Pregnancy Stretch Mark Lotion
With every brand telling you their stretch mark formula is best, how can you actually compare your options and narrow it down to the best belly oil for pregnancy? It just comes down to understanding which ingredients can actually have a measurable effect on stretch marks.
The Importance of Hydration
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah, “The most important thing that you can do for your abdominal skin is really to keep it hydrated.”
Shah goes on to say, “If the skin is hydrated, it can better maintain its elasticity, which can certainly help combat stretch mark development.”1
You may know that the beginning of stretch marks come with itching, redness, or this sort of “pulling” sensation. That’s because the skin is dehydrated and dry. Keeping it moisturized goes a long way in minimizing the risk of stretch mark formation.
There are many ingredients that can moisturize the skin, but we prefer to use hyaluronic acid. Ideally, multiple weights of hyaluronic acid. This ingredient can penetrate deeper into the skin than many others, delivering much-needed moisture to the dermis layer of skin where stretch marks actually form.
Ingredients With Clinical Backing
But hydration isn’t everything. Even the most moisturized skin can stretch past its breaking point and tear. There are only a handful of ingredients that really have legitimate research showing promise.
Dr. Erum Ilyas says, “The ingredients that tend to benefit stretch marks appear to work by increasing collagen and elastic fiber production.”1 This is important because a lot of the ingredients you’ll see on the label of top-rated stretch mark creams DO NOT do anything to boost your body’s natural collagen and elastin production.
The one ingredient with real backing by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) is centella asiatica. It supports both collagen synthesis and wound healing. It should be near the top of the ingredient list rather than buried at the bottom. That means you’re getting enough of it to actually do something.
Other Key Factors
The best stretch mark lotion for pregnancy should be safe for you and your little one, of course. That rules out a lot of powerful products like retinol. You probably want something without fragrance, too, as that can make you feel nauseous in later trimesters.
Any good lotion that claims to prevent or minimize the appearance of stretch marks should be backed by a satisfaction guarantee, too. Otherwise, how can you feel confident adding it to your regimen?
5 Best Stretch Mark Lotions For Pregnancy
We evaluated every product below on the exact same criteria for an unbiased, fair assessment of the top options on the market: ingredient quality (and clinical backing), safety, absorption depth, value for the money, and real feedback from women like you.
1. 8 Sheep Organics True Belly Serum
- Price: $47.00
- Type: Serum (4 oz)
- Key ingredients: Centella Asiatica, Triple-Weighted Hyaluronic Acid
- Best for: Deep dermis-level stretch mark prevention
The best pregnancy stretch mark lotion by a long shot because it goes beyond simply moisturizing the epidermis while stretch marks form one layer deeper. This stretch mark serum penetrates deep into the dermis and delivers two powerful ingredients to prevent stretch marks:
- Centella asiatica: One of the most studied botanicals for skin repair and collagen production.
- Hyaluronic acid: Three molecular weights work into every layer of skin to keep stretching skin supple.
More than 400 mamas have reviewed it and left an average rating of 4.59/5. It’s handmade in small batches right here in the US, and it’s free of all the nasty stuff you don’t want on your skin while you’re pregnant (or anytime, for that matter). Backed by a 100-day happiness guarantee.
Pros
- Absorbs to the dermis layer instead of merely sitting on the surface
- Centella Asiatica backed by clinical research for collagen synthesis
- Triple-weighted hyaluronic acid for deeper hydration
- Organic, pregnancy-safe formula
- 4.59/5.0 rating from 400+ reviews
Cons
- Higher price point than drugstore alternatives
- Serum texture can take some getting used to
2. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
- Price: $8.99-$27.99 (size dependent)
- Type: Oil (2.0 oz, 4.2 oz, 6.7 oz)
- Key ingredients: PurCellin Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Calendula, Lavender, Rosemary, Chamomile
- Best for: Budget-friendly daily surface hydration
You’ve probably seen this product on shelves at the drugstore. It’s really popular - and while it’s technically not a lotion (it’s an oil), it deserves mention for holding its ground for more than 20 years now.
Bio-Oil is made from PurCellin Oil. This synthetic ingredient reduces the greasy feeling that plant-based oils can leave behind on your skin. It also features Vitamin A to encourage cell turnover and Vitamin E for antioxidant protection. There are four other botanical extracts, all with their own anti-inflammatory properties.
The trade-off is that oils mostly just create a barrier on the skin’s surface. Existing moisture stays within the skin, but products like this may not deliver active ingredients as deeply as you need.
Pros
- Available at nearly every drugstore and major retailer
- Multiple size options to choose from
- Lightweight oil absorbs fast
- Vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free
- 20+ year track record
Cons
- Oil-based formula may not penetrate past the surface (epidermis layer)
- Contains synthetic ingredients some mamas prefer to avoid
- You have to stick with 3+ months of twice-daily use for visible results
3. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks
- Price: $8.99 (8.5 fl oz)
- Type: Lotion
- Key ingredients: Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Collagen, Elastin, Vitamin E, Argan Oil
- Best for: Affordable, rich all-over moisture
This is often called the best stretch mark lotion for pregnancy just because it’s the most widely available. It’s also one of the only true “lotions” on this list.
Cocoa butter delivers dense moisture that lingers on the skin a long time. Up to 48-hours, according to the bottle. The formula is rounded out by shea butter, collagen, elastin, and argan oil to help firm up skin that’s lost some of its structure as it begins stretching.
But really, the main selling point is cost. This is one of the best pregnancy stretch mark lotions for under $10. You get what you pay for, though.
Cocoa butter (the main active ingredient) is heavy, and can’t really get past the surface of the skin to where it’s really needed. And while you may be excited to see collagen and elastin on the label, these ingredients don’t really do much topically. The real goal is encouraging your body to boost its own production. Palmer’s doesn’t do that.
Pros
- Under $9 for 8.5 oz, - cheapest option on the list
- 48-hour moisture retention
- Hypoallergenic, paraben-free, phthalate-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Thick cocoa butter texture can feel really protective on stretching skin
Cons
- Heavy formula stays on the surface
- Contains petrolatum
- Limited research showing topical collagen and elastin absorb into the skin
4. Evereden Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream
- Price: $48.99 (4 fl oz)
- Type: Cream
- Key ingredients: Centella Asiatica, Rosehip Oil, Mango Butter, Peptides
- Best for: Clean beauty with clinical study backing
You may not have heard of Evereden before, but this Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream is one of the top options on the market for pregnant women worried about stretch marks.
The formula comes with centella asiatica, which in itself is enough to earn it a place on this list. But it also has other great ingredients, like rosehip oil (which is naturally rich in Vitamin A), peptides to encourage more collagen production, and mango butter for a creamy texture that’s not too heavy (like cocoa butter).
The brand says its customers saw a 62% reduction in the appearance of stretch marks in just 8 weeks. It’s vegan, unscented, and pregnancy-safe. Hard to argue with that!
Pros
- Centella Asiatica and peptides to help boost collagen
- 62% improvement in stretch marks in 8 weeks
- Airless pump keeps the formula from oxidizing
- Vegan, unscented, clean beauty formulation
- Safe for pregnancy and postpartum use
Cons
- $48.99 for 4 oz isn’t cheap
- Cream absorbs slower than serums
- Only available in one size
5. Burt's Bees Mama Belly Butter
- Price: $12-$14 (6.5 oz)
- Type: Butter
- Key ingredients: Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Jojoba Butter, Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil
- Best for: Natural moisture on a mid-range budget
Burt’s Bees may be best known for its lip balm, but the Mama Belly Butter is one of the best stretch mark lotions for pregnancy, too. It brings together three butters for the base - shea, cocoa, and jojoba. It also has sweet almond and coconut oils added for extra moisture.
It’s a thick, rich texture that stays on the skin longer than a lotion or serum. Some women prefer that during the colder months when the belly skin can really start feeling tight and dry. The trade-off, though, is that a really thick belly butter for stretch marks can keep active ingredients from penetrating deeper than the surface of the skin.
Pros
- 99% natural origin ingredients
- Fragrance-free for sensitive pregnancy noses
- No phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, or SLS
- Trusted brand available in tons of retail stores
- Pretty affordable at only $12-$14
Cons
- Butter texture may not absorb deep enough to make a difference
- No targeted stretch mark ingredients like centella or hyaluronic acid
- Thick consistency may feel too heavy in warmer months
Comparing the Top Stretch Mark Lotions For Pregnancy
|
8 Sheep True Belly Serum |
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil |
Palmer's Cocoa Butter |
Evereden Stretch Mark Cream |
Burt's Bees Mama Belly Butter |
|
|
Price |
$47.00 |
$8.99-$27.99 |
$8.99 |
$48.99 |
$12-$14 |
|
Size |
4 oz |
2.0-6.7 oz |
8.5 fl oz |
4 fl oz |
6.5 oz |
|
Type |
Serum |
Oil |
Lotion |
Cream |
Butter |
|
Key Ingredients |
Centella Asiatica, Triple-Weighted Hyaluronic Acid |
PurCellin Oil, Vitamins A & E, Calendula, Lavender |
Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Collagen, Elastin |
Centella Asiatica, Rosehip Oil, Peptides, Mango Butter |
Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Jojoba Butter |
|
Absorption Depth |
Dermis (deep) |
Surface barrier |
Surface |
Mid-level |
Surface |
|
Pregnancy-Safe |
Yes (organic) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (clean beauty) |
Yes (99% natural) |
|
Best For |
Dermis-level prevention |
Budget daily hydration |
Affordable all-over moisture |
Clean beauty + clinical backing |
Natural mid-range moisture |
What to Avoid in a Stretch Mark Lotion While Pregnant
You can feel confident choosing any of the products above as the best stretch mark lotion for pregnancy. But we think it’s important you know what NOT to use while expecting, too. The last thing you want is to inadvertently put your little one in harm’s way:
- Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives): Retinol, tretinoin, and adapalene are all effective for stretch marks, but unfortunately, they are linked to birth defects - so they should be avoided until postpartum.
- High-concentration salicylic acid: Low doses of a face wash are generally seen as safe, but the amount you’d apply to your belly is another story.
- Synthetic fragrances: These can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals. They can often cause morning sickness to flare up, too.
- Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: Look out for DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15 on the ingredient list.
- Parabens: These are something you want to avoid full stop - let alone while pregnant.
Watch out for any of these as you weigh your options, and pick up the best pregnancy stretch mark lotion ASAP. The sooner you can start nourishing your skin BEFORE the stretching begins, the better!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does stretch mark lotion really work?
Yes - as long as you choose one with proven ingredients like centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid. Don’t settle for less than the best stretch mark lotion for pregnancy. Remember to set expectations, too. Some stretch marks may form anyway. The goal is to minimize their appearance as much as possible.
What lotion is good for stretch marks during pregnancy?
8 Sheep Organics makes the best pregnancy stretch mark lotion because it contains the two most well-established ingredients in stretch mark prevention and reduction - centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid.
When do I start using a pregnancy stretch mark lotion?
The earlier, the better. If you wait until you see your belly really stretching, you’ll be fighting an uphill battle. We encourage all expecting mamas to start applying a stretch mark oil in the first trimester, or at least in the second trimester. Better late than never, though!
References
- Shah, S., Ilyas, E., Castilla, C. "The best lotions, creams and butters for your pregnant belly, according to experts." NBC News Select. NBC News
