10 best stretch mark creams, tested during pregnancy for soft, supple skin

Your questions about stretch mark creams answered

After weeks of testing, the standout product for me was Weleda stretch mark body butter. It strikes the best balance between richness and practicality, delivering long-lasting hydration without leaving behind an uncomfortable greasy residue. I loved the comforting texture, subtle scent and how consistently soft and comfortable it left my skin feeling throughout my second trimester.

If you prefer an oil, Bio-Oil is a dependable investment with a nourishing finish. Meanwhile, those shopping on a budget should consider Palmer's massage lotion, which offers excellent hydration and value for money. I also need to shout out the Clarins body partner, which is ideal for anyone who doesn’t enjoy the stickiness you can so often experience after applying body creams.

Ultimately, while no product can promise to prevent stretch marks entirely, the Weleda formula was the one I most enjoyed using day after day, and that's often the key to maintaining a consistent skincare routine throughout pregnancy.

How I tested stretch mark creams

I'm currently pregnant with my second child and tested each product over a two-week period as part of my daily pregnancy skincare routine. I didn't develop stretch marks during my first pregnancy, but because it's impossible to know exactly why, I approached this test by focusing on factors that contribute to comfort, hydration and ease of long-term use. I assessed each formula against the qualities most people are likely to value, including:

Hydration: I looked at how effectively each product relieved feelings of dryness, tightness and itchiness throughout the day.Texture: I assessed how pleasant the formula felt to apply and whether it spread easily across a growing bump.Absorption: I monitored how quickly products sank into the skin, whether they left behind residue, and how long that sensation lasted.

Packaging: I evaluated how easy each product was to dispense and use consistently.Scent: I paid particular attention to fragrance strength, knowing pregnancy can significantly alter scent preferences.Value: I considered price in relation to size, performance and overall user experience.

Enjoyment: Perhaps most importantly, I noted which products I genuinely looked forward to using every day

Evans explains that genetics can play a significant role in determining who develops stretch marks. “If your parents experienced stretch marks, you may be more predisposed due to inherited differences in skin elasticity, collagen production and overall skin structure,” she says. “However, hormonal changes and lifestyle factors also contribute.”

While no cream can completely remove stretch marks, there are certain ingredients that can help improve the skin's appearance, including retinoids, peptides, hyaluronic acid and nourishing ingredients that support collagen production – these may help improve texture and reduce visibility. “While pregnant I would use oils all the way through to keep skin fed and supple avocado oil or any organic fatty acid rich oils are amazing to use,” says Evans. “Rich shea butters and ceramides are also good to lubricate the skin.”

Can you get rid of stretch marks completely?

Stretch marks are a form of scarring, so they cannot usually be removed completely. However, Evans says that some professional treatments such as microneedling, laser resurfacing, mesotherapy and collagen-stimulating procedures can significantly improve their colour, texture and overall appearance.

“The earlier treatment begins, the better the potential outcome, although older stretch marks can also respond well to appropriate therapies,” she explains.” I always remind clients that stretch marks are incredibly common and completely normal. While we may not be able to erase them entirely, modern treatments can often make a significant difference, helping the skin look smoother and more even over time.”

Meet the experts

Joanne Evans: Skin expert and founder of the Skin Matters clinic in London

Why you can trust IndyBest reviews

IndyBest’s assistant editor, Sarah Jones has years of experience rigorously testing a wide range of family products from the best toddler learning towers to the best Jellycat toys. As a parent herself who is currently pregnant with her second child, Sarah is well-aware of the stress that pregnancy puts on the skin and tested each of the formulas on her growing bump during the second trimester.