8 Best Stretch Mark Creams for Pregnancy, According to Dermatologists and Moms

One of the best strategies for stretch mark prevention and treatment is to prioritize moisture and hydration. For folks with drier skin especially, Dr. Zeichner likes this collagen cream from Sol De Janeiro thanks to its hydrating ingredients. “It contains a variety of plant-based oils, including cacay oil, which is known to be high in vitamin A levels; vegan collagen to hydrate and protect the outer skin layer; and plant-based squalane to soften and hydrate the skin,” he says.

Furthermore, while retinoids are not advised for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, Dr. Zeichner notes that in independent clinical trials, Elastic-Cream was found to help firm and boost collagen, two benefits beloved by retinol fans. And because the formulation uses plant-based, vegan alternatives to harsher active ingredients, there’s no need to worry about common side effects, like increased sun sensitivity (though you should always lather up the SPF anyway).

Best Belly Butter: Bumpology Bump Butter

• What we love: All-natural; physician-formulated; derm-approved; ultra hydrating
• What could improve: Divisive scent; some consider it greasy

Bumpology is a favorite of Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, for treating stretching skin. “I really love this all-natural balm formulated with a combination of beneficial butters, oils, and antioxidants like vitamin E,” she says.

Dr. Shirazi also noted that after Sophia Richie named the physician-formulated product a “pregnancy must-have” in a TikTok, several patients inquired about it. Richie’s rave review isn’t what made Dr. Shirazi a fan of Bumpology, but rather, the derm recommends the product because it’s safe both during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. “I have my patients massage with Bump Butter nightly,” she says.

One such patient is Lilly Ghalichi Mir. “I used Bump Butter daily on my stomach, chest, butt, hips, and thighs, and despite gaining over 50 pounds during each pregnancy, I didn’t get a single new stretch mark,” she says. “It also helped reduce the appearance of my old stretch marks and improved my skin quality. Two years after my last birth, I still use Bump Butter daily to maintain my skin elasticity and help keep it soft, shiny, and youthful.”

As Dr. Shirazi notes, Bump Butter is made from all-natural ingredients, including moisturizing, fatty, acid-rich shea, mango, and cocoa butters; and sunflower, coconut, and argan oils, which help with elasticity and contain vitamins A, C, D, and E, plus omega-6 and omega-9.

Best Splurge: Mutha Body Butter

• What we love: Luxurious whipped texture; clean, efficacious ingredients; chic packaging
• What could improve: price point is higher than other treatments

Pregnancy—with its nausea, restless-leg syndrome, acid reflux, and other assorted “joys”—can be a trial, which is why you might want to spoil yourself with this ultraluxe body butter from Mutha. It was created specifically to meet the need it serves; while pregnant, the company’s founder, Hope Dworazczyk Smith, became determined to find a better option for preventing and treating stretch marks. This butter was the end result of her efforts.

Exclusively made from ingredients that occur in nature, the product not only hydrates and moisturizes the skin, but also nourishes and strengthens it, thanks to antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins A and E, says Dr. Zeichner. Board-certified dermatologist Geeta Yadav, MD, is also a fan of this butter, noting that the “formula is very rich thanks to a blend of plant butters and oils like shea, cocoa, and mango butter; and coconut, rose hip, and avocado oils. It melts on contact with your skin and feels very luxurious.”

It’s also hypoallergenic, which means it won’t irritate sensitive skin and can be used all over your body during and after pregnancy. To that end, a little goes a long way; one tub should last throughout your entire pregnancy, if not beyond.

Best for After Pregnancy: Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy

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Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy

• What we love: Science-backed ingredients; derm-approved; trusted brand
• What could improve: Scent

Mederma is the go-to brand for scar support, so it’s no surprise this stretch mark cream is widely touted. While it can certainly be used as a preventative measure—Dr. Westbay points out that “the formulation is safe for use during pregnancy”—it’s also a great one to grab for stretch mark treatment after scars have settled in post-pregnancy.