8 Best Stretch Mark Creams, Oils and Butters, Tested by Moms-to-Be

Coming out on top for another year running, the beloved Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks has been a favorite for decades—literally. The company has been around since 1840, and over the years, countless parents have used and approved of this highly popular stretch mark cream. In fact, 33 percent of our survey respondents told us that they turned to this brand for reliable, effective stretch mark creams during their pregnancies. So, what makes this tried-and-true product stand out and worthy of a second Best of The Bump award for overall best stretch mark cream? Let’s dive into it. (See all of this year’s Best of The Bump winners.)

Our product tester Emily gave this pregnancy stretch mark cream a 10 out of 10 score across all categories, including ease of use. When applying it, she said, “it was the perfect texture, not too thick but not too thin and oily.” Finding that balance in a stretch mark cream can be a challenge, but Palmer’s was up to the task. Emily loved that “it rubbed right in and didn’t feel sticky or gross after. It definitely helps keep your skin moisturized!” MDmomma1217, a parent from The Bump community forums, was also a fan of the hydrating consistency. “I use it all over my stomach and chest and feel like it's thick enough to keep the itching away for a long time,” she shared. What’s more, survey respondents say that the stretch mark cream is “non-greasy” and its convenient pump design makes it “easy to use” for added comfort and convenience.

This lotion for stretch marks also earned a perfect score for effectiveness. Many moms love how the cream can be counted on to minimize existing stretch marks and prevent new ones from forming. Emily wholeheartedly agrees. “I already had stretch marks from previous pregnancies but this product definitely made a difference while I was using it. It keeps your skin moisturized and feeling great,” she raved. jhenry1204, another parent from The Bump community forums, also found the cream to be a success. “I had stretch marks on my thighs from early on, and it's helped stop more from forming,” she shared.

If that’s not all, Palmer’s is reasonably priced. “It comes with a lot, and a little goes a long way,” Emily gushed. Ringing in at just $0.04 per milliliter, this lotion was the most affordable option we tested by a long shot. One potential downside to consider is the cocoa butter scent, which Emily says lingers on the skin. However, most expectant moms seem to be fans of the fragrance. “The smell is simple and not overwhelming,” Emily reported. Overall, it’s safe to say that Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks checks all of the boxes on our list. After testing, Emily would highly recommend this pregnancy stretch mark cream to other moms-to-be.

Quantity: 8.5 fl. oz. | Notable ingredients: Cocoa butter, shea butter, glycerin, almond oil, collagen

Our community says:

Body oils aren’t a fit for everyone, but if you’re in the “yes, please” camp, we can’t recommend the Honest Company Glow On Body Oil enough. From the get-go, our product tester Olivia found this Best of The Bump winner for overall best belly oil to be delightful. While similar skin care products can be excessively greasy or sticky after application, that wasn’t the case here. “The oil was very easy to apply and rubbed in quickly without leaving any greasy residue on my skin,” Olivia told us. Plus, “the consistency was perfect—not too thick or too runny—which made application smooth and efficient,” she praised, calling the feel of the oil “luxurious.”

Though some belly oils can stain clothes or be tricky to dispense, Olivia didn’t run into any application issues. She appreciated the squeeze bottle design, which made it easy to dispense the exact amount she needed at any given time. Likewise, “I appreciated that it didn't leave any stains or marks on my clothes, allowing me to use it throughout the day without concern. Additionally, the bottle's compact size made it easy to store, and it fits neatly in my bag and skin care counter,” Olivia explained. Since bellies can get dry or itchy during pregnancy, being able to apply this oil frequently is a game-changer.

Olivia described this belly oil as “highly effective,” awarding it a 10 out of 10 for effectiveness. She was thoroughly impressed with how the oil improved her skin’s elasticity and hydration. “It significantly reduced any itchiness I was experiencing, making my skin feel smoother, softer, and more supple. After three days of consistent use, I noticed a visible improvement in my skin's overall appearance,” she gushed. This can be attributed to the oil’s rich, plant-based formula, which features only seven ingredients, including organic coconut, avocado and olive oils. With that in mind, the Glow On Body Oil is a top-notch choice for those who prefer eco-friendly, minimal ingredient lists. If you’re on the hunt for a fragrance-free belly oil that’s hydrating, calming and effective, you can’t go wrong with this option from The Honest Company.

Quantity: 4.2 fl. oz. | Notable ingredients: Sunflower oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, coconut oil

Queen bees and expectant mothers actually have a lot in common: You’re both incredibly important and take care of high-level matters for the hive. That’s why you deserve some honey at the end of the day—and a Best of The Bump winner like Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter is sure to bring it. The shea butter and vitamin E-rich body butter is great value, and according to our tester, Meredith, skin “feels great after only a few uses.”

The secret behind this stretch mark product is the natural fat from the fruit of the karite tree. This ingredient bolsters the other moisturizers in the formula and improves elasticity, protecting against the physical tax of pregnancy. When skin is kept supple, it’s better able to accommodate the stretching and itching that can come with each trimester. It certainly did for Meredith, who told us, “my skin is noticeably less itchy” after using it. Better yet, well-maintained, comfortable skin can recover more easily after baby is born, which is encouraging after a long nine+ months of bodily changes.

Applying the Mama Bee Belly Butter is a piece of cake, which isn’t always the case with belly butters. Compared to products she has used in the past, Meredith told us she appreciated how simple this product was to put on, rating it a 10 out of 10 for ease of use. “The package opened easily and the product wasn’t goopy, so it’s easy to apply,” she said. Meredith also appreciated how this product was truly fragrance-free, making it an excellent choice for expectant women who are scent-sensitive.

Meredith was a big Burt’s Bees fan already, so she had high hopes for the belly butter based on brand trust alone—and it lived up to her faith. “I’ve used their lotions and makeup before and generally trust their ingredients, and this product is no different,” she shared. She gave the Mama Bee Belly Butter an impressive 10 out of 10 for effectiveness and value for money, making it an easy choice for the overall best body butter for pregnancy.

Quantity: 6.5 fl. oz. | Notable ingredients: Sunflower oil, coconut oil, shea butter, almond oil, cocoa butter

Our community says:

You may already be familiar with Bio-Oil Skincare Oil—it’s been a cult favorite in the skin care world for years, and now it’s earned a Best of The Bump award as best belly oil for fading stretch marks. The formula was developed by a chemist to supplement the skin’s natural oil production, which, in turn, soothes itchy skin and improves the appearance of stretch marks over time. As a result, it’s a great option for expectant moms hoping to fade existing scar tissue while also preventing more from forming. This is backed up by Bio-Oil’s clinical studies, which found that the product is effective at improving the appearance of stretch marks. After two weeks, 95 percent of test subjects showed improvement, and after eight weeks, that percentage jumped to 100 percent. Engelman can also speak to its success. “I personally used it throughout both of my pregnancies and found it to be a lifesaver when I was in need of deep moisturization and minimizing the appearance of stretch marks,” she shared.

With that in mind, it came as no surprise that Ivy, our product tester, awarded Bio-Oil Skincare Oil a 10 out of 10 for effectiveness. “I applied this at night and noticed that my skin was noticeably smoother and softer in the morning,” she gushed. Ivy also found that it successfully relieved the itchiness she’d been experiencing as her belly grew. “I even tried using it as a spot treatment on itchy spots and it helped reduce itching in those areas immediately,” she shared. Nina*, an expectant mom who responded to our survey, agreed that it was effective in soothing skin and reducing scar tissue. “I like the way it feels, and it has helped reduce the color of my stretch marks,” she told us.

Due to its thin consistency, Bio-Oil takes a little while to sink into the skin, so a little goes a long way. Ivy told us that she rubs it in at night for this reason, but apart from that, she found application to be a breeze. She particularly liked the user-friendly bottle, which makes it easy to get the right amount of belly oil out without making a mess. Likewise, Ivy appreciated the minimal scent, which she described as clean and not overpowering. “I can be very sensitive to scents, and often they can give me headaches if too floral or too strong, but this was very mild and didn't linger too long,” she explained. It’s easy to see why this belly oil earned perfect scores for ease of use and fragrance, among others.

Bio-Oil is made from nourishing plant oils, which “provide essential moisture to the skin barrier and also support skin elasticity,” explains Engelman. Because it contains rosemary oil and retinyl palmitate (a vitamin A derivative), we’ve come across some discussion in online forums about whether this oil is pregnancy-safe. Engelman reassures expectant moms that it is. “Bio-Oil has been evaluated by qualified toxicologists and is deemed as safe for pregnant and lactating women,” she states. Moreover, she explains that the very low concentrations of these ingredients in Bio-Oil should not be cause for concern. In fact, “there is no scientific evidence to prove any negative effects of retinyl palmitate in Bio-Oil during pregnancy,” she says. While Engelman strongly recommends that pregnant women avoid products with moderate to high amounts of rosemary oil, Bio-Oil doesn’t fall into this category.

Engelman’s final advice: “I would advise applying Bio-Oil no more than one to two times per day, as anything used in excess can lead to potential risks.” If you have any reservations, she suggests performing a patch test on your arm before using the oil on a large or sensitive area of skin. And of course you can also use it post-pregnancy, as Ivy noted. “I will enjoy using this the rest of my pregnancy for sure and will find other ways to use it once my pregnancy is over,” she raved.

Quantity: 4.2 fl. oz. | Notable ingredients: Mineral oil, vitamin E, vitamin A palmitate, calendula, jojoba oil

Our community says:

A heightened sense of smell is a common pregnancy symptom. This can be frustrating when skin care shopping, as many creams and lotions tend to be lightly fragranced. But with the Belli Stretch Mark Minimizing Cream, that won’t be an issue. A fresh addition to our list this year, this Best of The Bump winner is a must-have for expectant women who are scent-sensitive.

Diana, our product tester, was a big fan of this stretch mark cream’s lack of strong fragrance, rating it a 10 out of 10 in this category. She reported that there was no overpowering scent to linger on the skin, something she particularly appreciated, having a sensitive nose during her pregnancy. And even though it’s light on scent, you can still count on it to be effective. “I like the texture of it, the way it soaked into my skin nicely and how it left no residue,” said Diana, adding, “I haven’t had any new stretch marks, so that’s a win for me,” she told us.

If you’re drawn to visually appealing packaging, the Belli Stretch Mark Minimizing Cream may not be your first choice. However, the squeeze tube packaging received praise from Diana. Compared to tub containers that require unscrewing a lid and scooping, she found this option much simpler to apply. All in all, this pregnancy stretch mark cream proves to be an excellent choice for a belly that needs hydrating, and a nose that needs relief.

Quantity: 6.5 fl. oz. | Notable ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin E, caffeine, avocado oil, ginseng extract

A good belly oil has many awesome benefits, like improving elasticity and only needing a very small amount for each application. However, when compared to thicker creams, they aren’t always the most moisturizing. This especially rings true for prospective parents whose skin has a tendency towards dryness. If this sounds familiar to you, then you can’t go wrong with The Oil from Ingrid + Isabel, our Best of The Bump winner for best belly oil for dry skin. Our product tester Shelby suffers from eczema and told us that she found this belly oil to be highly soothing without triggering any flare-ups.

The EWG-certified belly oil contains only seven ingredients including chamomile, lavender and marshmallow root, all of which are naturally derived. Shelby was a big fan of the minimal ingredient list, and couldn’t get over the fact that such a nourishing formula contained just seven elements. “I'm so happy to have found this oil and be confident in the safety of its ingredients,” she gushed. Shelby also loved applying the oil, saying that it feels “like a little spa moment.” As parents-to-be well know, it’s the small things sometimes that count as self-care, so having a luxurious belly oil can be a total mood-booster.

Not only that, but the packaging of The Oil got high marks from Shelby. She mentioned that she was “able to pump out the exact amount of oil I want, without making a mess,” thanks to the dispenser. Additionally, the design of the glass bottle was so “aesthetically pleasing” that she intentionally left it out on the bathroom counter.

After testing, Shelby told us that this belly oil was definitely worth the price point. “If I walked into a store like Ulta or Sephora and saw this product on the shelf, I would have guessed its price was higher than what it actually is,” she shared. Needless to say, if you’re after a belly oil that will soothe sore, dry patches while also offering the experience of a top-of-the-line skin care product, this is a perfect match!

Quantity: 4 fl. oz. | Notable ingredients: Apricot kernel oil, marshmallow root, lavender, chamomile, rose absolute

The Motherlove Pregnant Belly Salve is here to deliver some salve-ation to those with irritated skin. Itchy skin is a common pregnancy symptom as your belly expands and hormone production increases. And as baby grows each week, you’ll probably welcome some healing help from the strain being put on the biggest organ in your body: your skin. Enter: Motherlove Pregnant Belly Salve, a true skin savior in every sense of the word, and our Best of The Bump winner for best stretch mark product for itchy skin.

Elizabeth, our product tester, was impressed by this salve’s effectiveness and awarded it a 10 out of 10 in this category. “My skin definitely felt smooth and I did notice that my belly was not as itchy, which was very nice,” she shared. This soothing quality can be attributed to the body butter’s minimal list of eight ingredients. The jar is filled with a USDA-certified organic beeswax-based balm infused with clean ingredients like organic herbs, essential oils and floral extracts. Each has been carefully chosen to moisturize and calm skin, even at its itchiest moments. One such ingredient is marshmallow root, which has been shown to soothe irritation and inflammation.

Additionally, Elizabeth was pleased with the fact that this belly salve was “easy to apply,” giving it a 10 out of 10 score for ease of use. And with a petite pot that’s “small enough to go onto a shelf” in the bathroom, you’ll always remember to put it on—something Elizabeth says was “easy to apply and rub in; very smooth and comforting.” Motherlove recommends using this body butter on your breasts and hips as well, making it a soothing option you can count on throughout pregnancy and into motherhood.

Quantity: 4 fl. oz. | Notable ingredients: Apricot oil, shea butter, beeswax, lavender

Created by the same company as the well-loved stretch mark lotion, Palmer’s also offers a Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil that’s pregnancy-approved, and our Best of The Bump winner for best affordable stretch mark product. The lightweight belly oil is stacked with antioxidant-rich and deeply hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, argan oil and cocoa butter. Together, they work to soften skin, improve the appearance of stretch marks and stimulate cell rejuvenation. With all of those positives, you may expect this option to come at a high price point, especially since belly oils aren’t known for being affordable products—but you’d be pleasantly surprised that at just $0.09 per milliliter, it’s the most affordable oil on our list.

Juanita, our product tester, was thoroughly impressed with Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil and gave it a 10 out of 10 for effectiveness. The moisturizing and skin-smoothing perks were a fast favorite: “My skin felt good. It helped with the dry areas on my belly. It really keeps [skin] smooth for a long period of time.” According to dermatology experts we spoke to, that’s what a really great stretch mark product is supposed to do. The best belly oils for pregnancy condition the skin and keep it resilient throughout all the stretching via regular, daily use.

A big point in the Skin Therapy oil’s favor is that it’s quick-drying. Many oils are, well, oily and can take a while to soak in, causing potential staining or greasiness. To counteract this, the spray top prevents too much of the product from coming out at once. Juanita was a fan of this feature, rating it a 10 out of 10 for ease of use. Another aspect to consider is the belly oil’s scent, which is similar to Palmer’s pregnancy stretch mark cream. Juanita praised its “soothing, calm scent.” However, it’s worth noting that this may not be the best choice for moms-to-be who prefer fragrance-free formulas.

The bottom line: We’re obsessed with this multipurpose belly oil and bet you will be too! Even if stretch marks aren’t a major part of your pregnancy journey, the pump-style product is still a great way to give your frustratingly parched skin a refreshing boost of moisture.

Quantity: 5.1 fl. oz. | Notable ingredients: Canola oil, sesame oil, vitamin E, argan oil, cocoa butter

Our community says: