Want to get rid of stretch marks? These are the 6 best creams to shop

For many, stretch marks are a part of life. They come from many different sources – pregnancy, weight loss, weightlifting — and natural body changes over time. 

While there’s nothing wrong with having stretch marks, many would rather do without. That’s why our editors created a list of the best creams designed to encourage skin firmness and elasticity — while also targeting and removing stretch marks.

From budget-friendly options to those with natural ingredients, as well as, those specifically geared toward improving acne scars or for pregnancy, these are the best stretch mark creams to start using now.

Read more: Find effective vitamin C serums for a glowing complexion

Our top picks for stretch mark creams

Best cream for all-over use

Clarins Body Partner Stretch Mark Expert Cream

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$42.15 at Walmart

Top-rated stretch mark cream

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil for Scars and Stretchmarks

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$6.49 at Target

Best for removing stretch marks

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Stretch Mark Cream

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$58 at Kohl's

Best for pregnancy

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks

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$7.88 at Walmart

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Best cream for all-over use

Clarins Body Partner Stretch Mark Expert Cream

$42.15

$42.15 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Safe for pregnant women

• Plant-based

• Not overly greasy

• Some users report that the pump is inconvenient

• Higher price point

If you’re looking for a plant-based formula to get rid of those pesky stretch marks, consider the Clarins Body Partner Stretch Mark Expert Cream by Clarins.

It contains a blend of Centella Asiatica and organic green banana extract to help promote visible skin firmness and elasticity. Additionally, the licorice-derived glycyrrhetinic acid and hazelnut oil work to soothe and relieve tightness.

Plus, this cream has also been deemed “mom-friendly,” as it’s been tested and recommended by pregnant women. With a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly, this cream is our top pick because it’s enjoyable to use and targets stretch marks safely.

Still not sold? After using this product, 97% say they had smoother skin — and 84% of mothers say they saw improvement in new and settled stretch marks, according to a Clarins consumer test. So you can feel confident that this is a proven product that gets results.

Top-rated stretch mark cream

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil for Scars and Stretchmarks

$6.49

$6.49 at Target

Pros & Cons

• Clinically proven to improve marks

• Won’t clog pores

• Good for all skin types

• Comes in small container

• Not suited for those who prefer fragrance-free

Big things sometimes come in small packages — and the Bio-Oil Skincare Oil for Scars and Stretchmarks is one of them.

This product is clinically proven to achieve results. With regular use, you’re likely to see a visibly reduced appearance of stretch marks as well as scars from surgery, injury and even acne scars. Plus, it is highly rated with an average of 4.6 stars by more than 2,600 reviewers.

It contains vitamin E for maintaining healthy skin, which works together with chamomile and lavender oil to calm and soothe skin. The oil is multipurpose as it can also provide dry skin relief on top of working to improve stretch marks.

Additionally, it’s fast to absorb and won’t clog pores — and is recommended for all skin types, including oily, dry, combination and mature skin. It’s even safe to use on your face as well as your body.

It is one of the more budget-friendly options on our list. However, it does come in a relatively small container. Those who tend to use the oil liberally will go through products fairly quickly.

Best for removing stretch marks

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Stretch Mark Cream

$58

$58 at Kohl's

Pros & Cons

• Reduces future stretch marks

• Firms skin

• Evens out tone and texture

• Some complaints about the smell

• Not for use on breast area

Looking for a quality cream that yields faster, effective results? You’ve just met your match.

While higher in price point, the Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Stretch Mark Cream offers an advanced formula that works to remove stretch marks and prevent future ones.

How? Its key ingredient, regu-stretch, actively reduces the look of existing stretch marks. And regestril, another powerhouse ingredient, targets the appearance of future marks.

Additionally, it contains lactic acid complex, shea butter, cocoa butter and avocado oil to help even out skin tone and texture while providing intense moisture.

In an eight-week consumer study, users reported seeing results, such as smoother skin, improved texture, and reduced stretch mark visibility, after just four weeks of use.

Best for pregnancy

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks

$7.88

$7.88 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Low price

• Good for sensitive skin

• Non-greasy

• Some reviewers say it’s not fragrance-free

• Results take time, according to users

If you’re a mom-to-be and want to keep your skin soft and supple, the Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks is the budget-friendly cream for you.

This new formula features cocoa butter, shea butter, natural oils and collagen. The result? Your skin will remain moisturized and hydrated for up to 48 hours after applying. Plus, it’s formulated to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, making it one of the best stretch mark creams for keeping your skin soft and smooth.

It also provides a protective moisture barrier for your growing belly, though, for best results, it’s a good idea to pair it with other products in Palmer’s stretch mark and pregnancy line.

It’s recommended to use this massage cream during and after pregnancy in place of your regular moisturizer. It’s non-greasy and absorbs quickly. It’s also hypoallergenic and good for those with eczema or sensitive skin.

Best cream with retinol

Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment

$29

$29 at Paula's Choice

Pros & Cons

• Contains retinol

• Good for dry, bumpy skin

• Absorbs quickly

• Lightly scented 

• Takes time to see results

Retinol is a powerful anti-aging ingredient that plumps skin and helps to remove the appearance of fine lines on the face. Do you know what else it’s good for? Smoothing skin from the neck down.

The Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment contains a mid-strength 0.1% retinol concentration and antioxidants that will improve skin texture and improve uneven skin tone.

Like other products with retinol, it can take time to see results, but if used regularly (specifically at night) you will see firmer skin that is soft and rejuvenated. It has a rich texture that absorbs quickly into the skin — but it’s also non-greasy. The cream will also hydrate your skin, making it appear more plump and supple on a daily basis.

Best stretch mark prevention cream

TriLASTIN Maternity Stretchmark Prevention Cream

$40

$40 at Target

Pros & Cons

• Gentle enough for use during pregnancy

• Natural ingredients

• Hypoallergenic

• Higher price

• Scented if you prefer fragrance-free

How to find the best formula for you

We get it. There are a ton of stretch mark creams on the market, so how do you know which one is right for you? Here are some things to keep in mind as you browse products.

• Skin Type: Even if a given product says it’s good for all skin types, it might not be the best for your skin. If you have dry skin, you’ll want a cream that is more hydrating. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to avoid ingredients that could irritate you. Consider your needs before investing in a cream.

• Ingredients: Paying attention to the ingredients used is a must. Not only do you want to be sure the formula is best suited for your skin care needs, but you also want to be sure it doesn’t contain anything irritating or harmful, especially if you’re pregnant.

• Your personal needs: Before buying a cream, consider why you have stretch marks in the first place. Knowing where your stretch marks come from can help you select the right cream. Skincare formulas for pregnancy tend to be gentler and focus more on prevention, while more general creams work harder on reducing appearance after you have them.

Which stretch mark creams get our vote?

This list contains all of our top picks for stretch mark creams and really, you can’t go wrong with any of them. However, if we had to pick, these would be our top two:

• Bio-Oil Skincare Oil for Scars and Stretchmarks: With a price that low and clinical study results to back it up, this oil really does the trick. It also works on scars as well as stretch marks, making it a great multi-use product to have around the house.

• TriLASTIN Maternity Stretchmark Prevention Cream: While this cream is a bit higher on the price spectrum, it’s a go-to cream for mamas-to-be. It’s gentle, has natural ingredients and works to prevent marks as much as it does to make them go away.

Prices updated on 08/02/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.