Pregnancy is a beautiful time—but as your body changes to accommodate new life, it’s not uncommon to develop stretch marks. While completely avoiding stretch marks isn’t always possible (and they’re nothing to be ashamed of!), the right products can make a world of difference in minimizing their appearance and keeping your skin comfortable.
This guide dives into the best stretch mark oils for pregnancy and skincare products that every expectant parent should know about. Whether you're looking for deep hydration, natural remedies, or stretch mark prevention, we’ve got you covered.
Pregnancy-Safe Moisturizers & Hydration Creams
Keeping your skin hydrated during pregnancy is one of the most effective ways to reduce the chances of developing stretch marks. A pregnancy-safe moisturizer is a must in your skincare routine, as it helps maintain your skin’s elasticity and soothes dryness associated with belly growth.
Top Picks for Pregnancy-Safe Moisturizers
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Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter
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Why it’s great: This rich butter contains shea butter and vitamin E for intense hydration. It’s free from phthalates, parabens, and petroleum, making it ideal for pregnancy skincare.
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How to use: Massage into your belly, thighs, and hips twice a day to prevent skin tightness and stretch marks.
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Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
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Why it’s great: Though technically an oil, Bio-Oil is favored by many for its ability to moisturize while improving the appearance of existing stretch marks. It includes vitamin A and plant extracts like chamomile.
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Earth Mama Belly Butter
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Why it’s great: Earth Mama’s Belly Butter uses organic aloe and cocoa butter to help moisturize and prevent itchiness. It’s also lightly scented with citrus and herbs, making it feel like self-care.
Hydrating lotions are particularly effective when paired with oils or applied right after a bath to lock in moisture.
Best Stretch Mark Prevention Products for Pregnancy
Your growing belly puts your skin’s elasticity to the test. Some targeted stretch mark oils and creams, specifically designed for pregnancy, can provide that extra help to counteract the stress on your skin.
Best Products for Stretch Mark Prevention
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Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks
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Why it’s great: This lotion is a cult favorite for its affordable price and proven results. It contains cocoa butter, shea butter, and bio c-elaste to deeply hydrate and improve skin elasticity.
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Tip: Pair with Palmer’s Belly Oil for a double dose of nourishment.
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Mustela Stretch Marks Cream
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Why it’s great: Formulated specifically for pregnancy, this cream has avocado peptides and galactoarabinan for skin protection and elasticity. Over 96% of users reported increased comfort and smoother skin during pregnancy.
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Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
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Why it’s great: This dermatologist-recommended product is packed with hyaluronic acid and Centella asiatica, a plant extract known for its skin repair properties.
Applying your stretch mark prevention cream at least twice daily, especially after showers, is key to maximizing effectiveness.
Best Natural Oils for Stretch Mark Prevention & Fading
If you prefer natural remedies, oils are a fantastic way to care for your skin during pregnancy. Many oils, rich in vitamins and fatty acids, can reduce the risk of stretch marks and even help fade existing ones.
Best Natural Pregnancy Stretch Mark Oils
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Sweet Almond Oil
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Why it’s great: Rich in vitamin E, sweet almond oil is a natural moisturizer that boosts skin elasticity and reduces inflammation. It’s gentle enough for sensitive areas like your belly.
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How to use: Warm a few drops in your hands and massage into your stretch mark-prone areas.
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Coconut Oil
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Why it’s great: This all-natural oil is beloved for its deep moisturizing properties. It also has antibacterial benefits, making it safe for pregnancy skincare routines.
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Tips: Use virgin, unrefined coconut oil for the best results.
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Rosehip Seed Oil
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Why it’s great: Packed with fatty acids and antioxidants, rosehip oil is celebrated for its ability to heal scars and repair damaged skin. It’s a safe stretch mark removal oil option post-pregnancy as well.
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Argan Oil
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Why it’s great: Also known as “liquid gold,” argan oil is a treasure trove of antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids that boost skin elasticity. It hydrates deeply without feeling greasy.
Natural oils can be added to your routine or layered under creams for additional hydration.
Intense Hydration Creams for Dry & Itchy Skin During Pregnancy
Along with stretch mark prevention, many parents-to-be deal with intensely dry or itchy skin as their belly grows. Intense hydration creams help soothe irritation while keeping the expanding skin from developing cracks or stretch marks.
Top Creams for Ultimate Hydration
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CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
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Why it’s great: This dermatologist-developed cream includes hyaluronic acid and ceramides that provide long-lasting hydration. It’s fragrance-free and safe for pregnancy skin care.
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Weleda Skin Food
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Why it’s great: Packed with calendula and chamomile, this ultra-rich cream hydrates deeply and works as a natural solution for itchiness and patches of dry skin.
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Aquaphor Healing Ointment
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Why it’s great: Though primarily used for healing skin, Aquaphor is excellent for providing relief from itchy and tight skin on the belly and hips.
Pro tip: Always patch test new products before using them all over to ensure your skin doesn’t react.
How to Choose the Best Stretch Mark Oil or Cream for Pregnancy
Finding the best product for stretch marks can feel overwhelming, but prioritizing these factors will help you pick the perfect fit for your pregnancy skincare routine:
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Ingredients: Look for natural, pregnancy-safe ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, and essential oils.
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Safety: Always check that the product is free of harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
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Hydration: Opt for products that offer long-lasting hydration, especially if you experience dry or itchy skin.
Above all, consistency is key. Whether you choose an all-natural oil, a cream, or a combination of both, applying it twice a day as your belly grows can make a big difference.
Pamper Your Skin Through Every Stage of Pregnancy
Stretch marks represent a beautiful story of growth, but it’s totally okay to want to care for your skin and feel confident throughout pregnancy. With the right products and a little daily TLC, you’ll be rocking clear, nourished skin.
Discover your new favorite product by trying the best stretch mark oils for pregnancy featured in this guide. Not sure where to start? Consider mixing and matching a few of the top-rated creams and oils to find your perfect blend.
Happy moisturizing, and congratulations on your pregnancy!
