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Throughout life, our body goes through many changes, especially our skin. And, sometimes, our journey leaves marks on it, like the infamous stretch marks. These red, purple, pink, brown, or white scars tend to appear during growth spurts, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and rapid weight loss or gain.
Stretch marks emerge due to the skin stretching (or shrinking) quickly, leading to the collagen and elastin, which support our skin, rupturing, and as the skin heals these marks can form.
The best course of action when it comes to stretch marks is prevention. And how can you do this? By consistently moisturizing and nourishing the areas of the body that are more prone to them, like your stomach, chest, and thighs.
Keep reading to find the best stretch mark creams that will help you fight these marks.
What are the best anti-stretch mark creams?
1. Isdin Woman Anti-Stretch Marks Cream
Made with 89% natural origin ingredients, this ISDIN product is one of the best anti-stretch mark creams that prevents stretch marks and visibly reduces the appearance of pre-existing ones. Ideal for pregnancy, puberty, and sudden weight fluctuations.
It contains Centella asiatica triterpenes, rosehip oil, shorea butter, and vitamin E. The combination of these active ingredients helps prevent stretch marks, improve firmness, nourish, and soothe the skin. It intensely moisturizes and boosts skin’s elasticity.
Quickly absorbed, Isdin Woman Anti-stretch Marks is a rich and fragrant cream that leaves the skin feeling hydrated, smooth, and more comfortable. It does not leave an oily residue on the skin.
2. Bio-Oil Moisturizing Oil
Bio-Oil Moisturizing Oil is one of the best-rated stretch mark creams and of the most wanted. It’s packed with a powerful formula that moisturizes, nourishes, smooths, and soothes the skin which helps prevent stretch marks and improves the appearance of existing ones.
The formula can be used in the face and body that combines several key ingredients:
- Purcellin oil™
- Calendula
- Rosemary
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Vitamin E
Quickly absorbed, it provides instant and long-lasting comfort to the skin, relieving the common itchiness associated with stretch marks, without leaving an oily residue.
Bio-oil moisturizing Oil is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive skin. Its formula is non-comedogenic meaning it won’t clog the pores.
Safe to use during the whole pregnancy, it is recommended to start using this Bio-Oil product in the first trimester to prevent stretch marks.
3. Lierac Phytolastil Stretch Mark Correction Serum
Lierac Phytolastil Stretch Mark Correction Serum is a top stretch mark cream that mitigates stretch marks associated with puberty, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations.
Made with 98% ingredients of natural origin, it contains a restructuring botanical complex with 3 plant extracts (horsetail, climbing ivy, and dandelion) which repairs, smooths, restructures, and improves skin’s natural firmness.
This concentrated serum deeply moisturizes without leaving an oily residue on the skin.
4. D’Aveia Anti-Stretch Marks Cream
Formulated to be used during and after pregnancy, sudden weight changes, puberty, and any other situations that involve the skin stretching (or shrinking) quickly, D’Aveia Anti-Stretch Marks Cream moisturizes, smooths, and improves skin elasticity to prevent stretch marks and reduce the appearance of existing ones.
The combination of its active ingredients (colloidal oatmeal, corn starch, wholegrain rice flour, hydrolyzed lupin protein, ginkgo biloba, borage oil, GLA phospholipid, ceramides, and betaine) helps prevent dehydration, repair the skin, and protect it against daily aggressions (pollution, tobacco, stress) which can worsen stretch marks.
In addition to making the skin feel nourished and smooth, D’Aveia Anti-Stretch Marks Cream leaves a delicate oatmeal scent on the skin.
5. Lierac Phytolastil Stretch Mark Prevention Gel
One of the best-rated stretch mark creams, Lierac Phytolastil Gel improves skin elasticity which helps prevent the appearance of stretch marks and can also correct existing ones caused by pregnancy, puberty, or weight variations.
It moisturizes, softens, and reduces stretch marks while making stretch marks up to 2 times less visible for more even skin.
Thanks to its botanical restructuring complex (made with horsetail extract, ivy, and alchema), Lierac Phytolastil leaves the skin feeling moisturized, soft, and firm.
The Lierac product is made with 97% ingredients of natural origin and it’s refreshing, quick-absorbing, and non-greasy, making it suitable for all skin types. Can be safely used during pregnancy.
6. Mustela Stretch Marks Cream
One of the best creams to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy, this cream is safe for both the mom and baby during and after pregnancy.
Made with 96% ingredients of natural origin: passion fruit, avocado oil, witch hazel, and natural glycerin, Mustela Stretch Marks Cream moisturizes, improves skin elasticity, smooths, and prevents the appearance of stretch marks.
Thanks to its formula rich in essential fatty acids and nourishing ingredients, the skin’s hydrolipidic film and natural barrier are repaired, restored, and protected.
Quickly absorbed with a fluid and melting texture, Mustela Stretch Marks Cream melts into the skin leaving it smoother, firmer, and with a gentle fragrance.
7. Rilastil Smagliature Stretch Marks Ampoules
Rilastil Smagliature Stretch Marks Ampoules are one of the best stretch mark creams for the inflammatory phase of stretch marks formation.
They are an intensive stretch mark treatment that improves skin hydration, elasticity, firmness, and smoothness due to their formula which contains essential amino acids, vitamin complex, and hyaluronic acid.
Easy to apply and quickly absorbed, the ampoules leave the skin more elastic, hydrated, and softer. Start by applying an ampoule every day for at least 10 days.
Continue for 20 more days, with an ampoule every other day. After this time, to maintain the results, apply 1-2 ampoules every week. We recommend you combine the ampoules with the Rilastil Smagliature Anti-Stretch Mark Cream for better results.
Alcohol-free, wheat-free, and non-comedogenic, Rilastil Smagliature Ampoules were formulated to minimize the risk of allergies (hypoallergenic). Safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
8. Elancyl Slim Design Oil
Elancyl Slim Design Oil helps to drain and tighten the skin while fighting stretch marks and cellulite.
The oil’s anti-stretch mark action comes from the cameline oil which attenuates the appearance of stretch marks and prevents new ones.
The caffeine and ivy extract present in the formula promote circulation, lipid elimination, and draining of excess fluids. This helps improve natural skin firmness and reduce cellulite.
Suitable for all skin types, Elancyl Slim Design Oil is one of the best-rated stretch mark creams to apply thanks to its spray bottle, is quickly absorbed, and does not leave a greasy feeling.
Remember to always shake well the bottle since it is a biphasic formula.
9. Barral MotherProtect Cream With Almond Oil
Barral MotherProtect Cream intensely hydrates and improves skin elasticity to prevent stretch marks. Ideal for use during and after pregnancy.
With sweet almond oil and white beeswax, it strengthens the collagen and elastin fibers in the deeper skin layers, leaving the skin firmer, smoother, and more flexible.
Perfect for those who prefer a rich cream with a thicker consistency, Barral MotherProtect Cream should be gently massaged on the skin with circular motions until completely absorbed.
10. Rilastil Smagliature Anti-Stretch Mark Cream
Made with essential amino acids, vitamin complex, and rice bran oil, Rilastil Smagliature Anti-Stretch Mark Cream moisturizes, smooths, and promotes skin firmness and elasticity. If used regularly, it helps prevent and correct white/red/purple stretch marks.
This rich cream is suitable for all skin types since it is hypoallergenic, alcohol-free, wheat-free, and non-comedogenic.
Rilastil Smagliature Anti-Stretch Mark Cream is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
11. Sesderma Estryses Anti-Stretch Mark Serum Forte
If you are struggling with white stretch marks, Sesderma Estryses Anti-Stretch Mark Serum Forte is the one for you. This intensive treatment helps mitigate existing stretch marks and prevent the appearance of new ones.
Rich in retinol and vitamins C and E, it moisturizes, repairs, regenerates, and exfoliates the skin, improving the appearance of stretch marks.
This Sesderma serum should be applied directly to the area with stretch marks once a day, at night. Due to the presence of retinol in the formula, it is not recommended during pregnancy.
12. Uriage Bariéderm Cica-Oil
An excellent anti-stretch mark cream, Uriage Bariéderm Cica-Oil is ideal for massaging and helps prevent and correct recent stretch marks.
The combination of 3 different natural oils (jojoba, avocado, and sunflower) with vitamin E hydrates, nourishes, and smooths the skin, helping prevent stretch marks.
Thanks to the GF-Repair Patent, tamanu oil, and squalene in the formula, this rich oil repairs the skin, mitigating the appearance of stretch marks.
Made with 99,9% natural origin ingredients and perfume-free, Uriage Bariéderm Cica-Oil is suitable for all skin types and is pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe (always clean thoroughly before every feed).
13. Sesderma Estryses Anti-Stretch Cream
Sesderma Estryses Anti-Stretch Mark Cream prevents, reduces and repairs stretch marks.
Sesderma Estryses hydrates, nourishes, improves skin elasticity, and reduces flaccidity due to its powerful formula with rosehip oil, centella asiatica, cocoa butter, and shea butter.
This rich formula, suitable for all skin types, should be applied with circular massages until the cream is completely absorbed. It isn’t recommended during pregnancy.
14. Clarins Body Partner Stretch Marks Cream
With Centella Asiatica and Organic Green Banana extract, Clarins Body Partner Stretch Marks Cream moisturizes, and strengthens the collagen and elastin fibers, improving skin firmness and resistance to stretching.
Clarins Body Marks Cream is one of the best stretch mark creams because it helps prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks (old and new) on four levels – width, length, depth, and color.
This scented cream is quickly absorbed and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. And thanks to the glycyrrhetinic acid, extracted from licorice, in the formula, Body Partner soothes and relieves any skin discomfort.
Formulated with a reduced number of ingredients, it can be used during pregnancy.
15. Collistar Anti Stretch Marks Concentrate
Collistar Anti Stretch Marks Concentrate helps prevent and correct the appearance of recently formed stretch marks.
With elastin, hyaluronic acid, collagen, sweet almond oil, shea butter, and jojoba wax, this product nourishes, moisturizes, regenerates, and improves skin elasticity and firmness.
Ideal for pregnancy, puberty, and periods of weight fluctuation.
How to choose the best stretch mark cream?
One of the most important aspects to keep in mind when it comes to choosing the best anti-stretch mark cream product for you is your skin type.
People with drier skin tend to prefer thicker formulas or oils, while lotions and gels work better for oilier skin. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend simpler and cleaner formulas, without any fragrances, to prevent irritation.
Because applying the stretch mark cream consistently (ideally twice a day) is crucial to prevent stretch marks, you should pick the texture you feel most comfortable with, so you don’t skip any application.
Lighter formulas, like gels and lotions, tend to be absorbed quickly and won’t leave an oily residue on the skin. These are a good option for people who don’t like products that leave a greasy feeling on the skin or who don’t have much time between putting on the product and getting dressed.
Thicker creams and oils are more moisturizing and give more comfort to the skin, making these great candidates for drier skin types, to use at night when you have more time to spare, or for those who simply prefer the feeling of richer formulas on their skin.
When picking your stretch marks product, you should also focus on your goal. Are you trying to prevent stretch marks or want to correct existing ones? Nowadays, most products do both, however, you have more intense treatments if your concern is to mitigate them.
FAQ
What does stretch mark cream do?
Stretch mark creams keep the skin hydrated and improve its elasticity which helps prevent stretch marks and/or improve the look of pre-existing ones.
Stretch mark cream or oil?
The choice between a stretch mark cream and oil comes down to personal preference, skin type, or specific ingredients in the formula.
When choosing between these two, keep in mind that oils tend to be quicker to apply since creams may take a little longer to absorb into the skin.
You can also use both cream and oil for added benefits, for example, one in the morning and the other one at night.
What is the best stretch mark cream during and after weight loss?
Our top pick for the best stretch mark cream during/after weight loss is Isdin Woman Anti-Stretch Marks Cream.
What are top stretch mark creams safe for pregnancy?
The top stretch mark creams for pregnant are Isdin Woman Anti-Stretch Marks Cream and Barral MotherProtect Cream With Almond Oil.
TIP: Read our blog to find a list of good stretch mark creams for pregnancy.
What is the safest stretch mark cream while breastfeeding?
If you are breastfeeding, Rilastil Smagliature Anti-Stretch Mark Cream is the perfect stretch mark cream for you.
What are good anti-stretch mark creams at Walmart?
If you are looking for good anti-stretch mark products available at Walmart, you must give a try to Bio-Oil Moisturizing Oil and Mustela Stretch Marks Cream.
What are the best-rated stretch mark creams at Ulta?
The best-rated stretch mark creams at Ulta are Clarins Body Partner Stretch Marks Cream and Bio-Oil Moisturizing Oil.
What are the top anti-stretch mark creams at Amazon?
The top anti-stretch mark creams you can purchase at Amazon are Lierac Phytolastil Stretch Mark Correction Serum and Sesderma Estryses Anti-Stretch Cream.
What is the best stretch mark cream with hyaluronic acid?
The best stretch mark product with hyaluronic acid is the Rilastil Smagliature Stretch Marks Ampoules.
What is the best stretch mark cream with retinol?
Sesderma Estryses Anti-Stretch Mark Serum Forte is the best stretch mark product with retinol.
Conclusion
In our list, it’s included a diversity of stretch mark products to fit everyone’s needs, concerns, skin types, and preferences.
Remember that consistency is key when it comes to stretch marks. To achieve the best results, we recommend you use your chosen product 1 to 2 times a day.
Stretch marks are a natural part of life, however, they can take a toll on our self-esteem. For this reason, and because they can be quite uncomfortable, pick the right anti-stretch mark cream to make you feel comfortable and confident in your skin.