The best stretch-mark creams for pregnancy, according to dermatologists & mums

With its powerful peptide complex, the hardworking formula boosts collagen and elastin production – leaving you with visibly more supple skin and improvement in the appearance and texture of your stretch marks in just four short weeks.

What our testers say: “I’ve been using this every morning for about a month now—currently 31 weeks pregnant and still no stretch marks. It’s super moisturising, absorbs well, and doesn’t leave a greasy feel. It has a light peppermint scent, which I actually don’t mind. I’ve also started applying it to my face where I have some acne scars and texture, and I’m excited to see how it helps over time,” says McQuay.

• What we love: Lightweight yet nourishes the skin barrier; Not sticky or greasy; Supports elasticity and firmness.
• What could improve: Very pricey; Lots of reviewers have had issues with the pump.

This cream is primarily powered by the brand’s innovative Phyto Stretch Complex – an botanical blend of Centella Asiatica and Organic Green Banana Extract, which work together to strengthen the collagen and elastin fibres, and visibly reduce stretch mark colour, length, width and depth. “An antioxidant-rich herb long used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, studies have shown that centella asiatica extract is an effective wound-healing agent that has also been documented to be effective in the treatment of stretch marks,” Dr. King adds.

A great pick for anyone looking to seriously support their skin barrier, the formula also boasts strengthening and lipid-replenishing squalane, and soothing actives like glycyrrhetinic acid that help reduce inflammation.

5. Best Balm: Summer Fridays Babymoon Belly Balm

Summer Fridays Babymoon Belly Balm

• What we love: Not too greasy; Doesn’t transfer onto clothes; Promotes barrier repair.
• What could improve: Considerably more pricey than your typical balm.

With its completely water-free formula, this velvety balm melts from a cream into a buttery balm the second it touches your skin – providing deep and long-lasting hydration and nourishment to stressed and overly stretched-out skin.

Working in tandem, avocado oil deeply moisturises and boosts the skin’s elasticity, while sunflower seed oil hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier. Meanwhile, calendula oil calms inflammation, and soothes the dreaded stretch mark itch, and the antioxidant vitamin E boosts suppleness, and aids the healing process. Best of all, the formula soaks in without leaving behind any telltale greasy residue – so you don’t have to worry about it ruining your favourite pair of maternity pyjamas.

6. Best for Pampering: Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Elasti-Cream

Courtesy of brand

Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Elasti-Cream

• What we love: Seriously rich and velvety texture; Smells genuinely amazing; Packed with effective retinol alternative ingredients.
• What could improve: According to the brand, the product hasn’t been specifically tested for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. While the ingredients appear to be safe, it’s best to chat with your provider before using it if you are expecting or nursing.

One of the best strategies for stretch-mark prevention and treatment is to prioritise moisture and hydration. For folks with drier skin especially, Dr. Zeichner likes this collagen cream from Sol De Janeiro thanks to its formula that’s rich in seriously nourishing and hydrating oils. “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).

7. Best Luxe Option: MUTHA Body Butter

• What we love: Luxurious whipped texture; Clean, efficacious ingredients; Chic packaging; Nourishes dry skin.
• What could improve: Price point is higher than other treatments

A true treat for any pregnant person, this ultra-luxe whipped body butter from MUTHA is seriously nourishing and moisturising on dry and overly-stretched skin – leaving it soft, supple, and oh-so hydrated.

Exclusively made from ingredients that occur in nature, the product not only hydrates and moisturises 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.”