Finally: The Tea on All Those Stretch Mark Creams

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I'm full aware of how normal and natural my stretch marks (and cellulite... and butt acne... all the glorious things!) are, but I still am not the biggest fan of 'em. Which is why I've got an arsenal of stretch mark creams in my bathroom to help get rid of stretch marks. As a refresher, stretch marks form when your skin stretches suddenly (usually as a result of weight fluctuations, puberty, and/or pregnancy) causing a type of scar. And unfortch, whether or not you get stretch marks is largely determined by genetics, so you don't have a ton of control over them.

And while the truth is that stretch mark lotions, potions, and creams won't magically erase your scars (only professional in-office treatments can come close to doing that), they can help moisturize your skin to make it more elastic and strong, and potentially soothe and fade stretch marks as a result. But not all formulas are created equal, which is why I chatted with four dermatologists and a plastic surgeon to get to the bottom of the best stretch mark creams for your needs. Plus, I reviewed my absolute faves too:

So keep scrolling for the best stretch mark creams, body butters, and lotions (according to my own testing and product reviewers), along with tips on how to choose the right formula, how to permanently remove your stretch marks, and more.

Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment

Plastic surgeon John Kim, MD, and dermatologists Hadley King, MD, and Loretta Ciraldo, MD, agree: The best ingredient for reducing the appearance and texture of your stretch marks at home is a retinol, like the kind found in this body lotion from Paula's Choice. Why? Retinol kicks your cell turnover into overdrive, triggering collagen and elastin production to help smooth uneven texture and fade hyperpigmentation within a few months.

Typically, though, retinol can be super irritating, especially on sensitive skin, but this retinol body lotion incorporates shea butter and grapeseed oil to help minimize any potential dryness and flaking.

✨Try it if: You want to smooth and firm your skin over time

• Key ingredients: Dimethicone, retinol, shea butter

• Fragrance free? Yes

• Safe for pregnancy? No

• Size: 4 oz.

Glowing customer review: “I think this skin smoothing treatment is one of the best. I can immediately see results! There is no scent to dislike, and it really does smooth out little bumps, rough spots, etc.”

Retinol Advanced Firming Cream

While no cream is going to magically get rid of your stretch marks, you can make your skin look firmer and tighter, which will inevitably help conceal their appearance a lil bit. Enter: This retinol-based cream. It's got a whopping 30,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, including many that rave about how well it smoothed bumps and scars, including stretch marks. How? Well, it's filled with retinol, which boosts cell turnover to churn out fresher, more elastic skin quicker. The formula incorporates some soothing aloe vera and chamomile extract to help calm down any inflammation. And you don't actually have to use it every day to see results—just smooth over your stretch marks (or your whole body, TBH) three nights a week.

✨Try it if: You want to firm your skin to help reduce the look of textured stretch marks

• Key ingredients: Retinol, aloe vera, chamomile, vitamin E

• Fragrance free? Yes

• Safe for pregnancy? No

• Size: 16 oz.

Glowing customer review: "I've experienced a very quick, noticeable improvement in my skin's texture and appearance. This has also already visibly reduced the appearance of cellulite on my upper legs and stretch marks on my hips. This is absolutely a holy grail product and at this price, I will likely be buying it for the rest of my life!"

B-Flat Belly Firming Cream Skin Tightening & Cellulite Cream

I've been spreading this across my stomach since it launched to help smooth my stretch marks and keep my skin firm. FYI: It's filled with pink pepperslim, a botanical extract that can potentially help keep your skin tight and taut. But the cool part? After you massage the cream into your skin, it has a warming sensation that is so satisfying. TBH, I actually love keeping this on hand when I've got unbearable cramps—it's like a lotion heating pad (lol).

✨Try it if: You want to tighten and firm up your skin to help prevent stretch marks

• Key ingredients: Pink pepperslim, shea butter, hyaluronic acid

• Fragrance free? No

• Safe for pregnancy? No

• Size: 3.38 oz.

Glowing customer review: "Wanted to see what all the hype was about! For the most part very worth buying because it help with the color of the stretch marks on my stomach and firming it as well! Definitely won’t see results right away but if you use for more than 90 days, you can see big improvements!"

Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment

If you've got really bumpy, raised scarring, you'll need something a lil more intense if you wanna notice a difference at home. Your dermatologist can prescribe high-strength tretinoin (which works faster but with more irritation), or you can go with adapalene (pictured here), a gentler over-the-counter retinol that’s equally effective. You've probably heard about adapalene for acne, like this Differin gel, because it's the strongest over-the-counter retinol on the market. Just remember to start slow: I layered it under moisturizer two nights a week for two weeks, then worked my way up to every other night.

✨Try it if: You've got textured scars you want to slowly smooth

• Key ingredients: Adapalene (smoothing retinoid)

• Fragrance free? Yes

• Safe for pregnancy? No

• Size: 1.6 oz.

Glowing customer review: "Differin was the first product that I actually noticed a difference in the stretch marks on my stomach that I developed years ago. It’s made my scars flatter, and my skin a lot firmer. Six months later, some of my stretch marks are barely even noticeable anymore."

Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream

Palmer's is an OG when it comes to cocoa butter products that deliver on moisture. Not only does it contain a ton of skin-lovin' ingredients (see: vitamin E) that plump your skin, but it can be rubbed all over your body, including on your stomach, hips, thighs, and breasts. And c'mon, what's not to love about the price tag?

✨Try it if: You want an affordable cream you can grab at the drugstore to moisturize your skin

• Key ingredients: Glycerin, cocoa butter, argan oil, centella asiatica

• Fragrance free? No

• Safe for pregnancy? Yes

• Size: 4.4 oz.

Glowing customer review: "I used this on my belly every night while I was pregnant and ended up with zero stretch marks! I don't know if it was because of this alone, but it definitely kept my skin hydrated and feeling good through the whole pregnancy."

CocoShea Revitalizing Cream

Surprisingly, just the act of massaging your skin with an oil or cream could help prevent and soothe stretch marks, according to research. “Studies have shown that taking the time to massage the product into the skin may make it more effective,” says Dr. King. This cream has a mix of butters and oils that make it easy to massage across your skin. Just rub it in circular motions across your body twice a day for the best results. And don’t worry: It’s not greasy, so you can slip into clothes when you’re done.

✨Try it if: You want a silky moisturizer that you can easily massage over your skin

• Key ingredients: Shea butter, cocoa butter, sunflower seed oil

• Fragrance free? Yes* (But contains essential oils)

• Safe for pregnancy? Yes

• Size: 2 oz.

Glowing customer review: “It's super moisturizing without clogging my pores. My skin has been at its softest and glowiest since I started using this and other Buttah products.”

Stretch Marks and Scars Defense Cream

Listen, if you just want a stretch mark cream that’s affordable, requires zero physical effort to purchase, and has a giant fan base, try this best-selling cream that’s got more than 4,000 positive reviews on Amazon. Massaging this cream all over your body each day to keep your skin healthy and supple, thanks to its mix of moisturizing butters and oils (hi, cocoa butter, safflower seed oil, sunflower seed oil).

✨Try it if: You want a top-rated moisturizing cream you can quickly grab on Amazon

• Key ingredients: Aloe, safflower seed oil, cocoa butter

• Fragrance free? No

• Safe for pregnancy? Yes

• Size: 4 oz.

Glowing customer review: “This cream is a good consistency and easy to put on, and most importantly, it doesn’t leave me feeling wet or greasy. If I put it on in the morning, my skin feels soft and hydrated for the majority of the day.”

Body Butter

If you want to spend a little moola on a cream for your stretch marks during your pregnancy, try this body butter by Mutha. JFYI: The brand was entirely developed as a luxe way to address stretch marks. I've been testing this cream for years, and I absolutely love how it totally melts into my skin right when I rub it in. It's packed with a ton of moisturizing butters (see: shea, cocoa, mango) and vitamin E, which is rich in fatty acid for hydrated and plump skin.

✨Try it if: You like an ultra-rich cream that'll look chic AF on your vanity

• Key ingredients: Shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter (moisturizes), aloe vera

• Fragrance free? No

• Safe for pregnancy? Yes *(Contains a low level of vitamin A that is very unlikely to harm pregnancy)

• Size: 5.5 oz.

Glowing customer review: "A little goes a long way. This lasted my entire nine-month pregnancy, and I used this just about every day. Instantly melts in your hands."

Delicate Beauty Advanced Stretch Mark Removal Cream

This cream contains hyaluronic acid and silicones, two ingredients that dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD, recommends for helping to smooth the feeling of stretch marks. Together—along with the formula’s other humectants and moisturizers (like panthenol, glycerin, and squalane)—this dup can help soften the look and feel of stretch marks and leave your skin plumper and firmer over time.

✨Try it if: You want a hydrating, lightweight cream that'll make your stretch marks look and feel a bit smoother

• Key ingredients: Squalane, dimethicone, hyaluronic acid

• Fragrance free? Yes

• Safe for pregnancy? Yes

• Size: 4 oz.

Glowing customer review: “This is thick and rich and has a soft, powdery scent. It seems to have a slight tightening effect. I like to use this as an all-over body lotion, and I have noticed some smoothing of rough areas on my upper thighs and stomach.”

Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy

The main ingredients in this thin cream? Dimethicone (a skin-smoothing silicone) and hyaluronic acid (a humectant that pulls water into your skin for hydration), two lightweight ingredients recommended by Dr. Rabach for helping to make stretch marks a tiny bit less noticeable. This lightweight cream will leave your skin feeling silky smooth (literally) without leaving an oily residue on your clothes or sheets.

✨Try it if: You want a lightly hydrating cream that won't feel heavy or sticky on your skin

• Key ingredients: Dimethicone (smoothing), hyaluronic acid (hydrating)

• Fragrance free? No

• Safe for pregnancy? Yes

• Size: 5.29 oz.

Glowing customer review: “This is my second pregnancy, and my stretch marks are visibly less than my first. I’m less than two weeks to my due date with minimal stretch marks, but it’s so much better the second time around, and I really do think it’s because of this lotion.”

Maternity Stretch Marks Cream for Pregnancy

If you want to know what actual dermatologists use for their own pregnancy stretch marks, dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD, slathered on this Mustela cream when she was expecting her little girl. The pregnancy-safe skincare product has avocado peptides, which help hydrate skin to minimize tightness, along with something called galactoarabinan, an ingredient extracted from the Larch tree that can help promote elasticity. Mix both with some moisturizing shea butter and beeswax, and you've got a skin-softening stretch-mark cream that’s recommended by Dr. King too.

✨Try it if: You're pregnant and want a moisturizing cream to slather on your growing belly

• Key ingredients: Shea butter and jojoba esters (moisturizers)

• Fragrance free? Yes

• Safe for pregnancy? Yes

• Size: 5.07 oz.

Glowing customer review: “I used this during my first pregnancy and had no stretch marks or loose/crepey skin. I know they say that it’s all genetic whether or not you get stretch marks and no creams will stop them..but even if it didn’t prevent the stretch marks, it still eased any itchiness, and it’s a really nice lotion that absorbs quickly.”

Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream

If you prefer to slather your skin with plant-based ingredients, you’ll love this all-natural body lotion that contains shea butter, coconut oil, mango butter, grapeseed oil, and centella asiatica. This combo can help soothe itching and inflammation (hi, taut pregnancy skin) while keeping your skin hydrated. Massage it across your entire body, focusing on your stomach, inner thighs, butt, and breasts where stretch marks are most likely to occur.

✨Try it if: You're all about clean and natural skincare products loaded with botanical extracts

• Key ingredients: Shea butter, mango butter, coconut oil

• Fragrance-free? Yes

• Safe for pregnancy? Yes

• Size: 4 oz.

Glowing customer review: “The cream goes on easily; has a nice consistency; soothes itchy and stretched skin; and has a light, fresh scent.”

Skincare Oil

The ingredients in Bio-Oil haven’t been proven to fade or prevent stretch marks, but testers (ahem, Khloe Kardashian) swear by it. In a 2018 study, more than half of the participants who used Bio-Oil said their scars and stretch marks looked less pronounced. It’s likely because the formula has a little bit of retinyl palmitate, the least irritating form of retinol, to smooth texture and fade a bit of discoloration. Plus, it contains vitamin E, which is rich in fatty acids that keep skin hydrated and plump.

✨Try it if: You prefer coating your skin in body oil over a thick cream that you can massage in every single day

• Key ingredients: Mineral oil, sunflower seed oil, retinyl palmitate

• Fragrance free? No *(But has a fragrance-free version)

• Safe for pregnancy? Yes *(Contains a low level of vitamin A that is very unlikely to harm pregnancy)

• Size: 4.2 oz

Glowing customer review: “I am 8 months pregnant and have used this religiously a minimum of twice a day since my first trimester. I haven't had one stretch mark, nor have I experienced itchiness. My skin is always super supple.”

Haitian Coffee & Coconut Body Creme

This cream isn’t specifically targeted to treat stretch marks, but it is ultra-moisturizing and soothing, which you’ll want if you’re trying to avoid stretch marks before they happen. The hero ingredient in this cream is Haitian castor seed oil, which you’ll often find in stretch mark oils because of its high vitamin E content. As a refresher, Vitamin E is known for its moisturizing and soothing properties—two things you def want when dealing with stretch marks.

✨Try it if: You want a mega-moisturizing product to help keep your skin elastic

• Key ingredients: Shea butter, Haitian castor seed oil, aloe vera

• Fragrance free? Yes

• Safe for pregnancy? Yes

• Size: 8 oz.

Glowing customer review: “I enjoy how the cream absorbs and doesn't leave me feeling greasy. It has an all-day lasting clean and light scent. I've been using the cream for the last year.”

Stretch Mark Relief Restorative Butter

If you’ve been avoiding body butters for your stretch marks because they’re typically sticky and heavy, you clearly have not tried this formula from Matrescence. The avocado oil-based cream melts quickly into your skin and leaves your stretch marks feeling extra soft, thanks to a mix of shea, sunflower oil, and coconut oil. Smooth it all over your body once a day for immediate and long-term smoothness.

✨Try it if: You want an all-over rich body cream for stretch marks, as well as overall moisture

• Key ingredients: Avocado oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil

• Fragrance free? Yes

• Safe for pregnancy? Yes

• Size: 8 oz.

Glowing customer review: “I thoroughly enjoyed using this cream after having my son. I love the consistency of the cream, and being that I have very dry skin, this cream kept my skin hydrated throughout the day.”

Mama Bee Belly Butter

Stretch marks are inevitable for some people during pregnancy (thanks, genetics), but the mind-numbing itching that can come with stretched skin doesn’t need to be a daily issue. This drugstore cream has more than 28,000 positive reviews (!) from testers who rave about its ability to calm irritated marks, so you don’t feel the constant urge to itch (which, ahem, can mess with your skin barrier and create more inflammation). The formula also contains almond oil and shea butter to keep your skin moisturized and protected against friction, which is especially key for growing bellies or bodies.

✨Try it if: Your stretch marks are super itchy and irritated, and you want a soothing cream for some relief

• Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil

• Fragrance free? Yes

• Safe for pregnancy? Yes

• Size: 6.5 oz.

Glowing customer review: “Every time my tummy itched during pregnancy—which happened a lot toward the end—I put some of this on. And after my child was born, I continue to use it and haven't had issues with stretch marks.”

What are stretch marks?

A stretch mark occurs when the collagen and elastin in your dermis (aka the layer of skin just under the surface) tear from stretching and create a type of scar. "The skin has undergone mild damage as a result of natural, normal circumstances," says plastic surgeon John Kim, MD.

At first, stretch marks may appear bright red or purple and have a slightly raised, bumpy feel to them, but in three to six months, they’ll start to blend into your skin tone (or turn white and silvery, regardless of skin tone) and settle into a slightly sunken texture when examined closely.

What causes stretch marks?

Stretch marks are caused any time your skin stretches too quickly: rapid weight loss/gain, pregnancy, growth spurts in puberty, and intense weight-training regimens. But certain medications, like topical or oral steroids, can also increase your chance of developing stretch marks because they can temporarily thin the skin and make it more prone to tearing. But your stretch marks can also just be a matter of genetics; if everyone in your family got stretch marks during pregnancy or puberty, you might too.

Do stretch mark creams work?

“Stretch mark creams do not have any scientific evidence of working,” dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD, says. But dermatologist Hadley King, MD, points to one small-scale 2017 study that found stretch mark creams containing centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid, as well as daily massages, might help make a “mild improvement” in the appearance of stretch marks. However, no clinical studies have proven ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin E, or almond oil can prevent or get rid of stretch marks.

The one at-home product with the best chance at treating stretch marks is retinoids, says dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, MD. Retinoids increase cell turnover and encourage collagen production, which can smooth the texture of bumpy stretch marks when used three times a week for three to six months. But remember: all retinoids can be drying and irritating (especially higher-strength formulas, like prescription tretinoin and drugstore adapalene), so make sure to layer on a thick moisturizer afterward, and start slow with your retinoid usage (two nights a week for two weeks and then every other night indefinitely).

Can you prevent stretch marks with cream?

Unfortunately, no, you can’t prevent stretch marks with a cream or oil. Tbh, there is really no way to completely prevent stretch marks, because they’re so dependent on hormones, genetics, and lifestyle habits. But keeping your skin moisturized and supple can help some people get fewer stretch marks over time. The more elastic and strong your skin is, the more likely it will handle the stretching from weight changes. To keep your skin ultra moisturized, smooth a rich body cream or oil all over your skin twice a day.

How do I permanently get rid of stretch marks?

Though you can't permanently get rid of stretch marks, your best bet is an in-office procedure that promotes collagen and elastin production to help fade the color or address the scar (see below for specifics). But JSYK: "None of the office-based procedures remove stretch marks completely," says Dr. Kim, "but they can reduce the size and noticeability of the stretch mark."

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): A laser treatment that stimulates collagen and elastin using intense, broad-spectrum flashes of light. IPL is best for reducing the appearance of red or purple stretch marks when they’re first forming, but not all IPL devices are safe for those with medium-to-deep skin tones, so check with your provider before scheduling an appointment.

• Microdermabrasion: A non-invasive treatment that gently exfoliates the outer layers of skin to stimulate collagen production for more even, clearer skin. This can be a great option if you have sensitive skin, but it’s only recommended for new, red/purple/brown stretch marks.

• Microneedling: A procedure that uses a needle-covered roller or stamp to create micro “traumas” in the skin to encourage collagen production, which can help fade stretch marks over time, especially when combined with radiofrequency (like in Morpheus8).

• Surgery: "Surgery can remove stretch marks, but you’re in essence replacing one scar with another scar," says Dr. Kim. This means that surgical excision is reserved for situations like an abdominoplasty (aka tummy tuck) or breast reduction since the area of affected skin would be removed as part of the procedure, he explains.

Your dermatologist or doctor can recommend the best treatment based on your goals, like if you’re trying to fade the bright red/purple color of your stretch marks, smooth texture, or firm skin. But as with any in-office procedure, you’ll need "multiple sessions to produce more noticeable results," says Dr. King, which can get costly and take time. Your outcome can also vary depending on the depth and tone of your stretch marks, so chat with your doctor before investing in a procedure that might not give you the results you’re looking for.

How long do stretch marks take to fade?

Some stretch marks can take anywhere from months to several years to fade on their own, depending on the area of your body, their color, and their texture, says Dr. Ciraldo. “Be proactive and don’t wait to see if yours will resolve quickly or not,” she says, meaning if you want to get rid of your brand new stretch marks, see a doctor ASAP.

And if you’re wondering, will losing weight reduce stretch marks? Dr. Ciraldo says no, but losing weight can make stretch marks appear more like loose, excess skin, rather than the classic “tiger stripes” look. In general, rapid weight fluctuations (including weight loss) can cause more stretch marks or exacerbate the ones you already have. So, if you’re losing weight after pregnancy or natural weight shifts, bring up any skin concerns with your doctor, who can recommend a treatment for you.

How do you avoid stretch marks during pregnancy?

There’s no surefire way to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy, but you can moisturize your skin to strengthen its elasticity, which can help your skin stretch better without tearing and scarring. Massage a moisturizing cream or oil twice a day to your stomach, breasts, inner thighs, and anywhere you’re worried about marks. Dr. Ciraldo suggests stretch mark creams with cocoa butter, shea butter, and avocado oil, thanks to their moisturizing properties and thick, spreadable consistency.

Regardless of what cream you choose, you should start the massage process early, says Dr. Ciraldo. If this is your first pregnancy, “It is best to start at three months or, at the latest, the beginning of the second trimester,” she explains. In fact, Dr. Ciraldo suggests picking up a cream as soon as you find out you’re pregnant, if you’ve been pregnant before or have gotten stretch marks from other weight fluctuations or medications in the past.

How to choose the best stretch mark cream

Pick the right ingredients.

When it comes to fading existing stretch marks, Dr. Rabach says to prioritize the ingredients that have the most data on improving or reducing the appearance of stretch marks: prescription retinol, which produces collagen to increase elasticity and fade hyperpigmentation; and hyaluronic acid, which can help plump up your skin to help make bumpy textures appear smoother (especially when combined with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and vitamin E). If you have sensitive skin, beware that added fragrance can be irritating (especially if you have a sensitive nose during pregnancy) and worsen redness.

Prioritize regular use.

The more you use a stretch mark cream, the better your skin can remain soft and stretchable, which might prevent some stretch marks from forming. For best results, most creams will require a twice-daily application for three to six months (or, if you’re pregnant, for the duration of your pregnancy), but retinoid-based creams (which, reminder, are not safe for pregnancy or breastfeeding) should only be used every other night to avoid irritation.

Understand what you want to achieve.

One size doesn't fit all when it comes to stretch mark creams. Some formulas are specially created to be safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some work best on new stretch marks, and others are better for old scars. Assess your needs before you make your pick, because who wants to spend money on a stretch mark cream that doesn’t work for them? Not me.

Manage your expectations.

So if you've gotten this far, you're aware by now that you can't completely get rid of stretch marks with an at-home cream. "There are diverse, office-based, non-surgical treatments that may help improve the size and noticeability of the stretch mark," says Dr. Kim, but again, nothing other than surgery will remove them completely. And with surgery, you're just replacing one scar with another, he explains.

Meet the experts:

• John Kim, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL. His specialty is cosmetic surgery of the breast and body.

• Loretta Ciraldo, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Aventura, FL. She is the founder of Dr. Loretta skincare, a full line of skincare products for acne, fine lines, and pregnancy-safe products.

• Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY, specializing in cosmetic and medical dermatology. She is also the clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

• Morgan Rabach, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of LM Medical NYC in New York, NY. She is also an assistant clinical professor at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. She has expertise in treating acne scarring, Botox, and dermal filler.

• Shereene Idriss, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, a clinical instructor in dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and founder and medical director at Idriss Dermatology in New York, NY.

Why trust 'Cosmopolitan'?

Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with four years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from slugging to getting a tattoo while pregnant. Her stretch mark cream picks were based on reviews, expert information, and personal testing.

Siena Gagliano is an associate editor at Cosmopolitan who writes beauty and has three years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing skincare stories, like the best cellulite creams, the best ingrown hair treatments, and the best razors for sensitive skin, and feels especially knowledgeable in stretch mark creams thanks to testing them on her own stretch marks. She regularly works with the industry’s top dermatologists and plastic surgeons to assess new formulas and products.

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