Stretch marks, also known as striae, are scars under the skin, says Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, CEO, co-founder, and medical director of Elite MD. “They pop up when the skin stretches quickly—think during pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, and puberty,” she tells Verywell Family. Using a stretch mark cream will hydrate and moisturize your belly as it expands, potentially helping to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Whether you choose to use a cream or not, it’s important to remember that stretch marks are perfectly natural—think of them as symbols of the incredible things your body is capable of doing and growing. During testing, we considered the feel, scent, ease of application, and cost of each of these creams—all important factors to keep in mind when you’re picking a product to buy for yourself—and came up with this list of the best stretch mark creams. Feeling sticky after applying lotion is never pleasant, and it may be especially unpleasant while you’re dealing with pregnancy symptoms. This stretch mark cream doesn’t feel sticky or greasy after application, according to our tester, who added, “I was happy to rub [the] excess into my hands without feeling the need to wash them afterwards.” This stretch mark cream is nearly odorless, making it a great pick for expecting parents experiencing nausea or aversions to smell. “I had to bring it up directly to my nose before I could smell any scent,” our tester said, describing the faint scent as “pleasant” and “very light.” Our tester’s only complaint was the size of the tube. The 4.4-ounce tube is too large to fly with in your carry-on, but small enough that it was used up quickly. When applying the lotion, “I was surprised by the amount I had to use.” At $10, this is one of the most budget-friendly picks on our list. We find it worth it for pregnant people looking for something inexpensive, hydrating, and relieving for their skin. Price at time of publication: $10 The Belly Butter is thick yet lightweight. Our tester reported that “it goes on smooth and actually absorbs into your skin,” adding that she didn’t feel greasy after she applied it. Our tester’s highest praise for this stretch mark cream was for its moisturizing effect. “This will certainly keep your skin hydrated,” she said, adding that it kept her bump moisturized as her pregnancy progressed.  The Earth Mama Belly Butter is $17, less pricey than many other options on the market. And good news for frequent travelers: This belly butter is also available in a TSA-approved travel size.  Price at time of publication: $17 The balm is “smooth and not too greasy,” our tester said. Naturally, a stretch mark cream will be a little oily, but our tester happily reported that after using this balm, her skin “glistened.” The Belly Balm has a warm, comforting scent that wasn’t too overpowering, according to our tester. Since the balm is moisturizing and not messy, it could also help soothe chapped nipples during the breastfeeding stage or other chafed skin. For $13, this is a great option for those looking for a moisturizing stretch mark cream that doesn’t make a mess. It also stands out from other stretch mark creams due to its unique container and design. Price at time of publication: $13 To apply the body oil, rub it into your skin using a circular motion. After testing the Bio-Oil Skincare Oil, one tester reported, “I love the dry-oil feel. It doesn’t make a mess and is a great lightweight oil for warmer months.” It’s important to note that if you choose an oil, it may be greasier than a traditional cream. “It did make me feel greasy initially, but I just put on an old T-shirt as it dried,” a tester said.  This body oil’s light scent was “very pleasant,” if a little powdery, according to testers. “I bet if I smelled it now, it would make me feel nostalgic about my pregnancy,” one added. The bottle is available in several sizes, including an extra small travel size. Price at time of publication: $22 Our tester appreciated the feel of this thick belly butter, which “doesn’t feel oily at all.” She added that “it pretty much disappears into dry skin as soon as you rub it in,” so there isn’t much messy residue. Since this stretch mark cream is fragrance-free, the scent is “really inoffensive” and a safe bet for pregnant people who may be experiencing nausea or smell aversions, our tester noted. Reasonably priced at $13, the 6.5-ounce tub can be recycled once you’ve used up all of the product. Price at time of publication: $13 Our tester described this product as “a really lovely, smooth body oil” that didn’t make her skin feel greasy or sticky. Its super light scent is “delicate and not noticeable,” so it’s not likely to bother the sensitive noses of pregnant folks.. Whether you’re a new mom pampering your postpartum skin or an expecting parent looking to soften and soothe the taut skin around your bump, the Hatch Mama Belly Oil is a great way to treat yourself. Thanks to its pretty pink packaging, this luxurious belly oil would also make a lovely baby shower gift.  Price at time of publication: $64 Though the label says that the cream is unscented, our tester found that it did have a light smell, though “it disappears over time and isn’t an issue,” she noted. This stretch mark cream also feels nice on the hands, she said. “I did not feel the need to wash my hands after applying the product, on the contrary—it felt nice!” At $45, the Everden Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream is an investment, but we think it’s a worthwhile one if you have the budget for a luxurious moisturizer.  Price at time of publication: $45 This oil contains vitamin E, gotu kola plant extract, grape seed, and other preservative-free, pregnancy-safe ingredients that can nourish skin and make it more supple. The product has “a true oil consistency,” but it’s easy to spread and quickly absorbs into the skin, according to our tester. She did not find it overly greasy and appreciated that it can also be used as a massage oil for a relaxing prenatal massage. Interestingly, the brand markets this belly oil as lavender-scented, though our tester primarily picked up on notes of almond. (The product does contain almond oil.) In any case, she described the scent as nice and light, adding, “It wasn’t triggering to me when I was pregnant.” Though it’s a bit pricier than some of the other options on our list, it’s worth it if you’re looking for a lightly-scented, absorbent oil. Price at time of publication: $34 Our tester used the cream on her upper thighs and hips, finding that it “feels really nice and absorbs into the skin with little effort.” It also didn’t leave sticky residue behind after application. For those who prefer a scented stretch mark cream, this product’s sweet vanilla and almond fragrance is pleasant, but not overwhelming, according to our tester. She added, “If you like almond-scented things, you’ll love this!” The cream is available in an 8.76 fluid-ounce tube or a travel-safe 3.38 fluid-ounce tube. We recommend it to those looking to improve their skin’s elasticity and firmness, around the belly or otherwise. Price at time of publication: $22
The Pipette Belly Butter has “very little scent,” according to our tester, which “made for a more pleasant application.” Its light scent is herbal, which she didn’t mind, though it may not be appealing to all noses. At $20, this is a lower-priced body butter that will keep your skin nice and moisturized, especially in the colder months. Plus, the product is cruelty-free and hypoallergenic. Price at time of publication: $20 The oil has a unique, fresh scent that’s “lemony with hints of herbs.” Our tester enjoyed the “clean-feeling citrus fragrance,” but noted that the scent is strong, so it may not be the best pick if you’re sensitive to smell during pregnancy. She also found that the scent wasn’t as strong once she’d rubbed the oil into her skin. Though the 100 milliliter (3.38 fluid ounce) bottle is small, a little goes a long way, according to our tester. (And it’s TSA-approved!) In addition to being plant-based, the Susanne Kaufmann Arnica Body Oil is paraffin-free, paraben-free, and certified vegan—meaning that no animals were harmed in the making of the product or the individual ingredients. Price at time of publication: $30 4.5 to 4.7 stars: These stretch mark creams for pregnancy are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them. 4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great stretch mark creams for pregnancy, but others are better. 3.5 to 3.9 stars: These stretch mark creams for pregnancy are just average. 3.4 and below: We don’t recommend stretch mark creams for pregnancy with this rating; you won’t find any on our list. To test stretch mark creams, we asked testers to apply the product as directed by the manufacturer for six weeks. They observed how the products felt, including how sticky or greasy the creams were and if they needed to wash their hands after application. We also asked testers to note how quickly the products were absorbed and if they stained clothing. Additionally, testers assessed each product’s scent, considering whether the smell was overpowering or pleasant and noting if fragrance-free products delivered on that promise. At the end of the six-week testing period, testers were asked to describe how the stretch mark creams had worked, including how convenient the products were to use and how well they integrated into their daily routine.

What to Look for in Stretch Mark Creams for Pregnancy

Ingredients 

When it comes to buying a stretch mark cream, you’ll want to pick one that best suits your personal needs. If you prefer to use plant-based products, check out the Susanne Kaufmann Arnica Body Oil or the Pipette Belly Butter, both made from plant-based or vegan ingredients. Additionally, make sure to check that the product doesn’t contain any ingredients that pregnant people are advised not to use, such as retinol and phthalates. It’s also important to find a stretch mark cream that will keep your skin moisturized as it stretches throughout pregnancy. “Ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, thick moisturizers, and balms can help with trapping moisture,” Dr. Badreshia-Bansal tells Verywell Family.

Skin Type

There are many different forms of stretch mark creams available, so you’ll want to keep your own skin type in mind when choosing the best fit for you. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll more than likely want to avoid any creams with artificial ingredients and fragrances. “Stick with fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products to avoid irritant or allergic reactions,” Dr. Badreshia-Bansal advises. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, a hydrating ointment or cream may be more effective at keeping in moisture and less irritating than a thinner lotion, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Cost 

Some brands recommend that you apply their stretch mark creams more than once a day, so consider your budget and how often you might need to buy a new bottle. To help make sure you’re getting the most out of your money, you may want to determine the cost of the cream per ounce. Some stretch mark creams are also available in travel sizes, allowing you to sample the product before committing to a larger, pricier bottle. Stretch marks can be difficult to treat, so aside from the cost of cream, you may be thinking of getting an office treatment after you’ve delivered, another cost to consider. Office treatments will likely be more expensive than an over-the-counter cream but can have a noticeable effect on stretch marks, says Dr. Allenby.

Self-Care

Whether you choose a balm, oil, or cream, incorporating a stretch mark cream into your daily routine is a great form of self-care. This practice also offers a chance to connect with the baby in your belly: “I liked the ritual of applying this [stretch mark cream] in the evenings and talking to my baby,” says Emily Rose, one of our testers and the Vice President and General Manager of Verywell Family.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Phoebe Sklansky is Verywell Family’s Associate Commerce Editor. As a commerce writer and an avid shopper herself, she enjoys helping readers find the best products for their unique needs. Prior to joining the Verywell Family team, Phoebe Sklansky was a freelance writer for multiple home and entertainment outlets. She holds a B.A. from Vanderbilt University. When she’s not at her desk, you can find her taking a walk on the West Side Highway, catching up on reality TV, or attempting to cook in her countertop-less kitchen. While there are several potential factors that may contribute to the appearance of stretch marks, a 2013 study suggests that stretch marks may be due to genetic factors. This means that some people are more prone to getting stretch marks than others simply based on their genetics. This is important to keep in mind when trying to reduce the appearance of your stretch marks, as you may be more prone to getting darker or more stretch marks simply because of your genetics, which is totally normal. Also, note that results are not immediate and can take weeks or more to appear. “Creams for stretch marks target skin laxity, color abnormalities, and tissue brilliance,” explains Dr. Allenby. Stretch mark creams address this thinned skin and abnormal coloring by “normalizing and signaling skin cell turnover [as well as] surface smoothness and radiance.” However, stretch mark creams may not produce the desired final effects. According to Dr. Allenby, stretch marks are difficult to treat to a “100% resolution” in a medical office, let alone with just a cream by itself. In her opinion, office procedures—such as lasers and radio frequency treatments—combined with topical creams are the best way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.