If you’re on this article then there’s no doubt you already know exactly what stretch marks are and what causes them. It’s also likely that you’re looking for a fast and painless way to remove or fade your own stretch marks – that’s where stretch mark creams can help.
From pregnant mothers to anyone who’s recently lost or gained a lot of weight and everyone in between, the benefits of a good quality stretch mark cream are limitless! Similarly, the amount of stretch mark creams on the market right now can seem limitless too and make it a little difficult to navigate yourself towards the best ones.
We’ve taken a look at a heap of different stretch mark creams, reviews from real customers and analysed the products’ strengths and weaknesses so we can give you the inside information on the best stretch mark creams for 2020.
Keep reading to get started on the right path towards fading your stretch marks and moisturising your skin to prevent new ones from appearing – get excited!
10 best stretch mark creams in 2020
Editor’s Choice
Pure Life Science Stretch Mark Massage Oil
Topping our list, this product from Pure Life Science isn’t actually a cream but an oil, specifically a massage oil. This stretch mark oil is our number one because it actually targets and breaks down the fat cells that stretch marks are so attracted to and like to make their homes in.
Vitamins, essential oils, antioxidants and minerals all work together on problem areas like the bum, thighs, hips and abs to penetrate the middle layer of skin (dermis) where stretch marks sit and eradicate them. The oil is also claimed to detoxify the lymphatic system, the network of tissues and organs in the body that help to rid you of toxins and waste.
As far as using this product goes, it couldn’t be more simple! Just massage the oil into your damp skin after a shower or bath to lock in moisture and help it penetrate easier (dry skin won’t work as well) – that’s it. It’s as easy as swapping out your everyday after-shower moisturiser for this one and you’re on your way to youthful looking skin with vastly reduced stretch mark appearance.
The best part has got to be the ingredients list – there’s geranium, grapeseed, sweet orange and carrot seed oils and that’s it. No chemicals, preservatives, sulphates or toxins in sight so it’s safe for pregnant mothers to use and a great option for those who want only natural ingredients on their skin.
What are customers saying?
500+ reviews on Amazon with a 4.5 star average
The reviews for this product are overwhelmingly positive. Mainly pregnant mothers are enjoying this oil during their pregnancy to prevent stretch marks, and after pregnancy to fade any that have appeared. Many customers mention this has a faint, pleasant smell and is a great moisturiser even if you don’t have stretch marks to worry about. Customers who are seeing the best results recommend using this oil multiple times a day to have even the darkest stretch marks faded.
PRO’S
- Only natural ingredients
- Affordable
- Targets fat cells
- Detoxifies lymphatic system
- Handy pump bottle design
- Cruelty, sulphate and paraben free
- FDA approved
CON’S
- Not effective on dry skin as it will only coat it instead of penetrating the skin layers
Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil
This is another stretch mark massage oil that’s full to the brim with natural ingredients, namely sweet almond oil, jojoba oil and wheat germ, which all work together to moisturise and protect the skin.
Although this product advises that it’s for the prevention of stretch marks, many customers show before and after photos of it helping to fade their pre-existing stretch marks, scars and cellulite with consistent use. This suggests that the ingredients target fat cells, like the product above, and will help to dislodge stretch marks, fading them as much as possible.
This product is also safe to use during pregnancy and should be applied 2-3 times daily for smooth and firm skin that holds its tone but stretches without damage.
What are customers saying?
1,600+ reviews on Amazon with a 4.5 star average
Expectant mums rave about this product’s ability to prevent stretch marks, even with women who claim they’re super prone to getting them have been able to experience their pregnancies without a single stretch mark thanks to this product. A few mums even remarked that it helped to lighten a few stretch marks from their previous pregnancies.
PRO’S
- Prevents and may lighten stretch marks
- Lots of natural ingredients so is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers
- Free from synthetic fragrances, colours or preservatives
- Dermatologically tested
CON’S
- Less affordable than other options
Bio-Oil
Bio-Oil has long been one of the most trusted and relied upon skincare oils for a number of skin ailments from scarring and fine lines to uneven skin tone and everything in between. One of its main uses is for stretch marks and it uses vitamins, plant extracts and oils to fade them and help the skin restore its smooth and supple nature.
Some ingredients of note are calendula, lavender, rosemary and chamomile oils as well as vitamins A and E. Bio-Oil only has a slight, pleasant fragrance which is great for those of us with sensitive noses.
It’s sulfate, paraben and fluoride free plus hypoallergenic and designed to absorb quickly instead of sitting on top of the skin for ages like some oils tend to do. This is great for sensitive skin so all skin types can benefit from it. Concerns like dry skin, uneven skin tone or texture and more will be targeted whilst your stretch marks are being treated. This oil is really an all-in-one, we can see why it’s so popular!
What are customers saying?
6,400+ reviews on Amazon with a 4 star average
Men and women alike mention that this product has helped to lighten and improve the appearance of their stretch marks with consistent use. Many reviewers attribute their lack of stretch marks during high risk times to using this product, mentioning that their family all experience stretch marks and they don’t. This is awesome news considering that your genes determine if you’re more likely to get stretch marks or not.
PRO’S
- Lots of great natural ingredients
- Tried and tested by thousands of customers
- Reputable brand and product
- Lightens stretch marks and deals with many other skin concerns
- Affordable
- Lasts a long time (36 months after opening) and a little of this product a long way
- More absorbent than other oils
- Good for all skin types
CON’S
- Contains colours and fragrances
- Some customers mention they received a non-authentic bottle of Bio-Oil so be careful when purchasing online
Health Priority Vitamin E Oil
Yet another amazing oil here to save you from your stretch mark woes! This stretch mark remedy from Health Priority’s natural products range features professional grade vitamin E oil infused with lavender, jojoba, avocado, rice bran and palmarosa oils for an aromatherapeutic powerhouse.
The active ingredients work together to repair stretch marks by promoting collagen and elastin production in the skin. This product is cruelty-free, not genetically or synthetically modified and completely organic, so it’s great for those who’re after a natural product free from any chemical nasties.
It is fairly expensive for the small 0.5 fl oz bottle it comes in, so bear that in mind when shopping around – especially if you have a large area of stretch marks you’re wanting to treat.
What are customers saying?
1,300+ reviews on Amazon with a 4.5 star average
Plenty of reviews are from happy customers who claim this product has helped to reduce their fine lines, dark circles under the eyes, scars from accidents and so much more. Stretch marks will fade and the skin will be repaired, nourished and lightened to improve the overall appearance.
PRO’S
- Great natural ingredients
- Cruelty-free, not genetically or synthetically modified and 100% organic
- Promotes collagen and elastin production to improve the appearance of stretch marks
- Scented and unscented options
CON’S
- Less affordable than other options for such a small bottle
Earth Mama Belly Butter
This belly butter is a lotion that’s best to help ease and prevent the emergence of new stretch marks by encouraging skin elasticity. There’s a bunch of herbs and oils like aloe vera, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba, vanilla extract and heaps more. It’s made for pregnant mothers so there are no nasty parabens or artificial fragrances and it’s been tested both clinically and by dermatologists to ensure it won’t cause irritation.
Earth Mama has been careful to ensure a natural and delicious scent to their product that won’t aggravate any morning sickness their customers may be having – a thoughtful addition to this stretch mark lotion. If you’re looking for something mild and inoffensive on the senses then this could be the product for you.
What are customers saying?
1,300+ reviews on Amazon with a 4.5 star average
Mummas have tried and tested this product many, many times and most say they’ll be going back to it again and again. It’s helped them to stop any itching from their expanding bellies and prevent dryness that could lead to stretch marks. Alot of reviewers love the slightly sweet and slight zesty smell, most likely from the vanilla extract and sweet orange oils.
PRO’S
- Packed with lots of excellent natural ingredients
- Perfect for preventing stretch marks, itching and dry skin throughout pregnancy
- Dermatologist and clinically tested for irritation
- No petroleum, mineral oil, parabens or artificial fragrances
- Slightly sweet fragrance designed to not trigger morning sickness
CON’S
- May not help with pre-existing stretch marks
Mamma Knows Best Stretch Mark Vanishing Cream
This stretch mark cream comes with some awesome clinical studies and results backing it. 100% of subjects reported a reduction in the appearance of their stretch marks along with age spots, freckles and skin pigmentation whilst using this cream. And 100% of users also reported overall skin improvement, especially with firmness and elasticity which is exactly what you want when fighting stretch marks!
Some of the product’s ingredients include vitamin E, jojoba, shea, cocoa and mango butter – so you know your skin is going to be moisturised and glowing. Mamma Knows Best have specifically formulated this cream without retinol (that many other stretch marks creams have) because they want to make it safe for you and bub if you’re using this whilst pregnant.
With clinically proven ingredients, this is a cream that would be best for anyone who wants something that’s almost guaranteed to reduce the appearance of their stretch marks.
What are customers saying?
400+ reviews on Amazon with a 4.5 star average
The reviews on this product are overwhelmingly positive, mentioning that, even without using the product as frequently as you’re supposed to they’re still seeing great results. It also seems as though this cream is thick, goes a long way and is absorbed quickly without leaving an oily feeling on the skin. Stretch marks are greatly diminished as the affected skin and surrounding areas are faded closer to the original tone.
PRO’S
- Clinically tested and proven results and ingredients
- Great natural ingredients included
- Retinol free
- Also helps with overall skin health
- Works on all skin types
CON’S
- Less affordable than other options
Honeydew Natural Scar Cream Sensitive Skin Formula
This product claims to work on even your older stretch marks, which is great because most stretch marks creams are only effective on newer ones. This is actually a scar removal cream with antioxidants and omega-3 to repair and protect the skin, preventing further damage. The vitamins A and E, avocado oil and rosehip oil will gently soften and smooth the skin while promoting the production of collagen and elastin to repair stretch marks.
Honeydew offer a money back guarantee on their product if you’re not satisfied so that you can try this risk-free. If a company is this confident in their own product then it’s a great sign that it will really deliver the results you want.
What are customers saying?
900+ reviews on Amazon with a 4.5 star average
Customers love how this product feels on their skin, moisturising but not heavy or oily and it seems to help immensely with fading scars after surgeries and accidents. Lots of customers also mention that they’ve had luck when using this cream to fade their stretch marks and have added it as a staple to their beauty regime.
PRO’S
- Claims to work on new and old stretch marks
- Money back guarantee
- Lots of natural ingredients included
- Lightens stretch marks and prevents new ones
CON’S
- More effective on scars than stretch marks
Tetyana Naturals Scar Removal Cream
This is another cream that’s intended to be used on scars, but will also work on stretch marks (as they’re technically scars as well). It’s a fair bit more expensive than the other options so far but there are a heap of encouraging before and after photos included on the product page that show this cream may work super well.
This product is also backed by a money back guarantee and says the it will work to fade and lighten stretch marks but also brighten and soothe the skin to enhance its overall appearance. This would be great if you’ve got older stretch marks as the product is said to work on both older and newer ones.
Tetyana Naturals advise you should apply the cream morning and night to your stretch marks and stay consistent for 2 months for older stretch marks and 4 weeks for newer ones until you start seeing results.
What are customers saying?
Both older and newer stretch marks are improved with this cream. Customers with older stretch marks are noticing slower but promising results and customers with newer ones are seeing that the redness is faded almost immediately with the rest of the marks fading over time.
300+ reviews on Amazon with a 4.5 star average
PRO’S
- Works on old and new stretch marks
- Great natural ingredients included
- Money back guarantee
- Fades stretch marks and brightens skin
CON’S
- Not as affordable as other options
Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter
This belly butter from well-known company, Burt’s Bees, is an excellent budget option for those of us who don’t have the money to splurge on a stretch mark cream. This cream is best at preventing stretch marks for pregnant mothers and is a thick blend of hydrating cocoa, shea and jojoba.
It’s fragrance free and doesn’t contain phthalates, parabens, petrolatum or SLS ,so it’s safe for pregnant mums. A few of the best natural ingredients are aloe vera, sweet almond oil, sunflower seed oil and coconut oil which will all ensure a soothed and moisturised belly that’s going to be less prone to stretch marks throughout pregnancy.
What are customers saying?
3,500+ reviews on Amazon with a 4 star average
The most recent reviews on this product mention that it really helps with itching and preventing stretch marks on the belly during pregnancy. Many women love the mild scent and how quickly it absorbs without being sticky.
PRO’S
- Great natural ingredients included
- Prevents stretch marks
- Well-known brand
- Very affordable
- Doesn’t contain phthalates, parabens, petrolatum or SLS
CON’S
- May not have an effect on pre-existing stretch marks
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion
Last but definitely not least is this stretch mark massage lotion from Palmer’s in a handy pump bottle design. This product covers all the bases; it’s dermatologist approved, hypoallergenic and free from mineral oil, parabens and phthalates to make sure it’s safe for mum and bub no matter the skin type.
Argan oil, shea butter, vitamin E, almond oil and their signature cocoa butter all join ranks to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Based on an 8 week in-home trial of 102 women, 98% of them saw an improvement in their skin’s elasticity, texture and tone – you can’t argue with those numbers!
This is a great all-rounder product from a reputable and well-known brand to help reduce the appearance of your stretch marks. We’d recommend giving this a go if you’d like something reliable and super affordable.
What are customers saying?
1,000+ reviews on Amazon with a 4 star average
Many customers say that this product helps to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy but many others also say they didn’t see any noticeable differences to their pre-existing stretch marks or they actually got some new ones whilst using this product throughout their pregnancy. The results are out on this stretch mark butter but the upside is that it’s super affordable if you would like to give it a try.
PRO’S
- Tested for effectiveness
- Well-known brand
- Lots of natural ingredients included
- Safe to use during pregnancy
- Handy pump bottle design
- Affordable
- Will reduce appearance of stretch marks and prevent new ones
CON’S
- Very long list of ingredients
- Supposed to be used 3 times a day for best results
Conclusion
Stretch marks can happen in so many different situations in life. Whether you’re pregnant and expecting, weight training or simply going through a growth spurt, give your skin the best chance at expanding without the damage of stretch marks by using a daily stretch mark cream.
Be sure to pick a stretch mark cream that fits your situation and needs – pay attention to whether the cream will help with old or new scars as some won’t work well for both. Where possible, always opt for stretch marks creams with the most natural ingredients because they’ll be the best for your body – this is especially important for expectant mothers.
Most stretch mark creams, butters, lotions and oils will be marketed towards pregnant women as this is the demographic that experiences stretch marks the most, but anyone can benefit from a high quality stretch mark cream so don’t be afraid to give it a go!
Adele Taylor
Writer, Product Tester.
Adele is a budding content writer with a passion for all things health and fitness related. In her time off Adele enjoys reading, travelling and exploring Sydney’s culinary delights.
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