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I don’t know whether I was lucky not to get stretch marks on my belly when I had both of my babies or whether it was the stretch marks creams I used. What I do know is, I used stretch mark creams and stretch mark oils religiously and believe it was this that left my belly stretch mark free. Interestingly, I didn’t focus much on my bottom and thighs which is where most of my stretch marks appeared. I personally still don’t go without using some type of stretch mark treatment, even after having my babies, which is why I thought I’d put together some stretch mark cream reviews covering the best stretch mark cream in Australia and USA, with a couple of my favourites included in the list.
Contents
Do stretch mark creams work?
One thing to point out is that finding the best stretch mark removal cream is hugely about prevention because no stretch mark cream or oil is going to completely get rid of stretch marks once they’re there. There are definitely stretch mark creams that help to prevent stretch marks, reduce the severity of stretch marks or reduce the appearance of stretch marks and help them fade.
How do I prevent stretch marks?
The best stretch mark prevention strategy is to start as soon as you can, particularly if you’re pregnant, to ensure elasticity for when your skin changes rapidly. Stretch mark creams are by no means just for pregnant women though. I got stretch marks when I was a teenager when I lost a lot of weight. I also got stretch marks when I gained weight due to medication. Both men and women can get stretch marks.
If you’re not pregnant and are simply doing it to look after your skin or reduce the redness of your stretch marks, use the moisturiser at least morning and night, especially after having a hot shower, to replenish the moisture.
How do I choose the best stretch mark cream?
When it comes to selecting the best stretch mark treatment, it really comes down to personal preference and your skin type. Perhaps you have really dry and thirsty skin, and therefore, you may not find oil as greasy as others do. You may prefer a moisturiser over a butter for the thicker consistency and feeling that there is more to absorb into your skin. Think about the types of clothes you wear. It might not be the best fit for you to use a stretch mark oil when you have to put on an outfit to go to work, or, you may prefer to use a light moisturiser in the morning before work and use an oil or butter at night when you sleep.
Another thing to consider is the smell, particularly if you’re pregnant. When you’re pregnant, your sense of smell can be hypersensitive and so it’s often a good idea to opt for stretch mark butter, creams and oils that are unscented or have a subtle fragrance.
Lastly, if you’re ultra concerned about what you put on and into your body during pregnancy, consider more natural options and always use products that are safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Always check the ingredient list to make sure there are no ingredients that will cause an allergic reaction.
Best stretch mark cream comparison chart
| Cream/Oil | Image | Product Size | Oil, Lotion or Butter | Price USD | Price AUD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Byron Bay Bellies Organic Belly Oil |  | 30mL | Oil | SEE IT | SEE IT |
| Burt's Bees Baby Bee Belly Butter |  | 185g | Butter | SEE IT | SEE IT |
| Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion For Stretch Marks |  | 125g | Lotion | SEE IT | SEE IT |
| Mustela Stretch Mark Prevention Cream |  | 250mL | Lotion | SEE IT | SEE IT |
| Bio-Oil |  | 60mL, 125mL, 200mL | Oil | SEE IT | SEE IT |
| Shea Terra Mama's Gold Stretch Mark Preventative Oil |  | 236mL | Oil | SEE IT | SEE IT |
| Gaia Skin Naturals Pure Pregnancy Belly Butter |  | 150mL | Butter | NA | SEE IT |
| Bella B Tummy Honey Butter |  | 120mL | Butter | SEE IT | SEE IT |
| freezeframe Stretch Mark Eraser |  | 80mL | Lotion | NA | SEE IT |
| Stratamark Stretch Marks Gel |  | 50g or 20g | Gel | NA | SEE IT |
The best stretch marks treatment
Byron Bay Bellies Organic Belly Oil for Stretch Marks
A new addition to my stretch mark cream guide, this one is a little gem. I have to say, I’m a huge fan of products with both natural and organic ingredients and that are produced locally. I grew up spending a lot of time in Byron Bay and have many memories of this place, so I love how this belly oil is inspired by the beautiful Byron Bay environment. If you’re looking for a gentle and natural option, Byron Bay Bellies is a good option. In addition to it being non-greasy, and 100% Natural, this belly oil is Vegan-Friendly, Cruelty-Free, Pesticide Free, Paraben-Free, Mineral Oil-Free, Phthalate Free, Petroleum Free, Chemical-free, SLS Free. Users have commented on the enjoyable soft, herbally smell as well as how hydrating it is. The bottle is quite small which is a little offputting to some, however, unlike a cream or butter, the oil goes a long way. The good thing about a small bottle is that it can stay in your bag.
Ingredients List: Almond Oil (Contains Vitamin E), Rosehip Oil, Argan Oil (Contains Vitamin E), JoJoba Oil and Lavender Essential Oil.
>> Click here for more information, reviews and the latest prices for Byron Bay Bellies Organic Belly Oil in Australia.
>> Click here for more information, reviews and the latest prices for Byron Bay Bellies Organic Belly Oil in the USA.
Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter Review
Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly butter is perfect for before and after pregnancy. The hydrating cocoa, shea and jojoba butter’s work well in preparing the skin for stretching during pregnancy and then help it recover while the body returns to normal. It is 99% natural and is free from phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, or SLS. This belly butter is advertised as fragrance-free although some people do find it has a somewhat different smell. If you’re not after a very thick butter but something that is still thicker than a moisturising lotion, this product is for you. Many women who have used this product regularly and consistently right through pregnancy have not developed stretch marks. It’s been found to be a great product for dry skin; it’s not oily, is nice and light for a butter and spreads easily. If you’re looking for the best stretch mark cream for pregnancy, this is one of them.
Ingredient List: Aqua (water, eau), helianthusannuus (sunflower) seed oil, glycerin, cocosnucifera (coconut) oil, cetyl alcohol, prunusamygdalusdulcis (sweet almond) oil, sucrose stearate, butyrospermumparkii (shea) butter, glyceryl laurate, glycine soja (soybean) oil, lactic acid, magnesium aluminum silicate, simmondsiachinensis (jojoba) butter, sodium stearoyl lactylate, sucrose polystearate, theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, tocopherol, xanthan gum, phenoxyethanol
>>Click here for more information, reviews and the latest prices for Burt’s Bees Belly Butter in Australia
>>Click here for more information, reviews and the latest prices for Burt’s Bees Belly Butter in the USA
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion For Stretch Marks Review
Welcome to my favourite stretch mark cream for pregnancy – Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks. I’ve been asked, “Does cocoa butter formula for stretch marks work?” and I’d have to say YES!
This has been the best product for stretch marks in my experience. I used this product during my second pregnancy because I found the Bio-Oil I used in my first pregnancy tended to run out quickly and cost more to replace. I used this consistently right throughout my second pregnancy at 32 years old and did not get one stretch mark on my stomach. I did, however, get stretch marks on my bottom and thighs, areas which I DID NOT use the cream (and wished I did). Palmer’s claim, “Clinical tests prove* that in 97% of women tested, using Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks gives a 59% increase in skin elasticity.”
When I used this, I rarely found myself scratching my belly when it became dry because it adequately moisturised it. I could always tell that my skin looked nice and supple, likely due to the cocoa butter, shea butter, Vitamin E, Lutein, Argan Oil, Almond oil and coconut oil. The lotion is easily absorbed, the mild cocoa smell is a little different although I didn’t mind it.
Upon researching this product, I also found that many other women had had good experiences using this during pregnancy, developing no stretch marks. Other women have experienced older stretch marks fading due to the use of the product. It’s a great consistency for massage and works well to improve skin elasticity. When purchasing the product in the pump bottle, it can be hard to get the remaining cream from the bottle, but in this case, I simply took the pump out and hit it against my hand. For the price of this product, it’s well worthwhile. This one is another of the picks for the best cream for stretch marks during pregnancy.
Ingredient List: Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, Argan Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Centella Asiatica, Elastin, Collagen, Shea Butter.
>>Click here for more information and the latest prices for Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula in Australia
>>Click here for more information and the latest prices for Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula in the USA
Mustela Stretch Mark Prevention Cream for Pregnancy Review
Mustela has created this formulation specifically as a pregnancy stretch mark cream, to prevent stretch marks. It has been developed under dermatological, gynaecological and pediatric control and is fragrance-free, Paraben, Phthalate and Phenoxyethanol free and hypoallergenic to ensure safety during and after pregnancy, particularly while breastfeeding. It is a fast absorbing formula with natural avocado peptides, Shea Butter and Galactoarabinan, a patented ingredient from the Larch tree which helps to promote collagen and skin elasticity. Women have said that this cream is non-greasy and great for increasing skin hydration. Mustela claims that 96% of women who used the cream did not produce stretch marks.
Some women claim it is on the thicker side but it is absorbent, and the tube lasts a long time. It also works well to fade old stretch marks. Although this is an ‘unscented’ cream, some women have found the smell a little offputting.
Ingredient List: Aqua (Water), Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate, Ethylhexyl Cocoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Butylene Glycol, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Laureth-23, Galactoarabinan, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Caprylate, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Palmitate, Cocoglycerides, Sclerotium Gum, Zinc Gluconate, Pentylene Glycol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sophora Japonica Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Avocado Protein, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Lupinus Albus Seed Extract, Tocopherol.
>>Click here for more information and the latest prices for Mustela Stretch Mark Cream in Australia
>>Click here for more information and the latest prices for Mustela Stretch Mark Cream in the USA.
Bio-Oil Review
Another favourite which I used during my first pregnancy is the Bio-Oil. After using this throughout my whole pregnancy, I did not get any stretch marks on my tummy. I also found that it worked well to reduce the redness of scars I got on the side of my thighs. I didn’t mind the smell of Bio-Oil and found that it absorbed quite well into my skin although it took a little while to get used to the feeling of oil when I was so used to normal moisturising creams.
I also found that with regular use, I ran out quite quickly and found buying it quite expensive due to this. Bio-Oil isn’t specifically for pregnancy, it’ can be used in many other instances where scaring may occur or has occurred or just when your skin is very dry and needs extra moisturisation. Bio-Oil is hypoallergenic and contains Vitamins A and E, Calendula, Lavender, Rosemary and Chamomile oils.
Does Bio-Oil get rid of old stretch marks? I used Bio-Oil on my scars after keyhole surgery, and it really helped take the redness away but didn’t make my scars go away, they just appeared paler. Reviews from other users have confirmed it has made their scars appear lighter.
Ingredient List: Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract (Calendula Oil), Lavandula Angustifolia Oil (Lavender Oil), Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil (Rosemary Oil), Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil (Chamomile Oil), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Paraffinum Liquidum, Triisononanoin, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycine Soja Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, BHT, Bisabolol, Fragrance (Rose), Parfum, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Coumarin, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Limonene, Linalool, Colour CI 26100.
>>Click here for more information, reviews and the latest prices for Bio Oil in Australia
>>Click here for more information, reviews and the latest prices for Bio Oil in the USA
Shea Terra Mama’s Gold Stretch Mark Preventative Oil Review
This stretch mark oil is made with the highest quality, most nutrient oils that will penetrate the cells below the surface of the skin instead of sitting on top. The maker or this product, Shea Terra Organics, claims that the likes of Coconut Butter and Coconut Oil don’t penetrate the cells below the skin. Shea Terra Organics recommend that the skin is exfoliated first with a sea salt scrub before starting the treatment.
Many women have reported that this product works very well for stretch mark prevention and that it also fades old stretch marks. It’s also a great product if your skin needs good nourishment. Some women claim that this is the best oil they’ve ever used and that it has a very calming smell. If you’re prepared to give this product ago and experience the same positive experiences, be prepared to wait a little time for the product to absorb, it’s not a light product. Also be prepared to apply at night after a shower as the product is known to stain clothing which may not be a good look going to work, do it in your night robe instead.
Ingredient List: Shea oil, carrot seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, baobab oil, tsamma melon oil, marula oil, lemon essential oil, lavender essential oil, calendula, Egyptian chamomile, kigelli, African potato, blue mountain sage essential oil.
>>Click here for more information, reviews and the latest prices in Australia
>>Click here for more information, reviews and the latest prices in the USA
Gaia Skin Naturals Pure Pregnancy Belly Butter Review
With cocoa butter, organic shea butter, organic rosehip and organic wheat germ oils, this product is very popular because of its natural ingredients. Although it is a belly butter, it is thick but not greasy and spreads well. Women who have used it say that it leaves skin feeling very soft and significantly eases very dry and itchy skin. Not only have women found that it has prevented stretch marks during pregnancy, but they have also found it works on smoothing cesarean scars and taking the redness out of scars and stretch marks.
The mandarin, tangerine and frankincense pure oils that give the fragrance of this stretch mark butter are said to be mild and pleasant. A plus is that this stretch mark product is very affordable.
Ingredient List: Wheat Germ Oil, Organic Shea Butter, Pure Cocoa Butter, Organic Rosehip Oil, Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Natural Vitamin E.
>>Click here for more information and the latest prices for Gaia Belly Butter
Bella B Tummy Honey Butter Review
Said to add moisture deep into the skin layers and maintaining skin elasticity, Bella B Tummy Honey Butter is another butter great for those after a stretch mark butter but without the nasties. It is hypoallergenic, contains no water, preservatives, parabens, petroleum or lanolin. Why no water? The maker of this product claims that water dries out and is not ideal for maximising skin elasticity. The natural ingredients list is also very impressive.
Women who have used this product say it smells great and has a light and fresh scent, it has helped to reduce stretch marks, is great for itchy skin and that it lasts a while because a little goes a long way. While some women say it absorbs well, it is a thick oil-based formula that some have found to be quite greasy and may be better suited to those with very dry skin.
Ingredient List: Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice*, helianthusannuus (sunflower) seed oil, beeswax, theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, silica, ozokerite wax, butyrospermumparkii (shea butter) fruit, fragrance (parfum), sorbitan oleate (plant derived), zea mays (corn) starch, trifolium pretense (red clover) flower extract, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E acetate), simmondsiachinensis (jojoba) seed oil*, sesamumindicum (sesame) seed oil, sambucus nigra (elder flower) extract, rosa canina (rose)
>>Click here for more information, reviews and the latest prices for Bella B Tummy Butter in Australia
>>Click here for more information, reviews and the latest prices in the USA
freezeframe Stretch Mark Eraser Review
To be quite honest, I do cringe a little when I see a product claiming to ‘erase’ stretch marks because it just can’t be done. However, beyond the name, the manufacturer does claim that this product can, “reduce even the most stubborn stretch marks by up to 94%.”
The freezeframe Stretch Mark Eraser is a research-backed product where research in skin tissue engineering for burns victims revealed a particular type of stem cell could help to rebuild damaged cell layers of burnt skin. They have created a technology to mimic these changes and which is used in this stretch mark product along with powerful skin relaxing peptides to reduce tension, puckering and pulling in the skin, so it’s smoother and clearer.
Women who have used the freezeframe product said that the texture is non-greasy because it’s a dry oil. Women have also reported getting results in two weeks including the fading of stretch marks and dulling the shininess of stretch marks. That’s a big thumbs up for it being one of the best stretch mark removal cream for old stretch marks.
Ingredient List: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Undecane, Tridecane, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Aqua, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Lecithin, Glycerin, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Acetyl Tripeptide-30, Isopropyl Palmiate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Dimethicone, Phospholipids, Swertia Chirata Extract, Citrulline, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pentapeptide-18, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Carbonate, Urea, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol. Fragrance Free.
>>Click here for more information and the latest prices for FreezeFrame
Stratamark Stretch Marks Gel
I decided to look into adding this product to the list because I heard a local radio host talk about it. She’s someone who I trust and a mum herself. The first thing I thought was that it is quite expensive, but, it claims it’s ‘the only clinically proven solution.’ So I delved a little more. The responses from women left me quite impressed that a product actually stood up to its claims.
One woman said she used it for both pregnancies and did not get any stretch marks, one stated they work on reducing the appearance of stretch marks by making them fade, another woman said they could definitely see a reduction in stretch marks after applying it every two days for three weeks. It also seems that the larger sized gel in 50g will stretch (pardon the pun) further than the 20g which may run out quite quickly before you see results.
If you’re not a fan of non-plant based or synthetic products, this one might not be for you. But if you want something that works, natural or not, it seems to have a decent track record. Stratamark Stretch Marks Gel is a non-sticky, transparent silicon gel that dries very quickly. It does have a few warnings on the packaging which you should take note of, one is that it can stain clothing, the other is that it shouldn’t be applied over any other skin treatments. Please check the packaging for these and other warnings.
Ingredient List: Polydimethylsiloxanes, siloxanes, alkylmethyl silicones
>>Click here for more information and the latest prices for Stratamark Stretch Marks Gel
Best Stretch Mark Cream Australia – Pin for later
I love Dermalmd Stretch Mark Removal Cream! This was the first product I attempted for stretch mark prevention throughout pregnancy and that i’m hooked. Just to make sure this was the only i have branched out and have attempted other creams but this by far has the nice scent and texture. I love the way it makes my pores and skin experience and lasts all day without need for reapplication. So far 26 weeks in and that i’m still stretch mark free 🙂