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Tiger strips, stretch marks, or striae distensae, as they're known in the medical community. Whatever you want to call them, these thin, reddish or dark pinkish-purple indents, which appear in area like the arms, back, stomach, breasts, butt, hips, and the shoulders, are very common, particularly in women. “They're commonly caused by rapid weight fluctuations, when the skin stretches and expands quickly," says Jeannette Graf, MD, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. "One that happens, the collagen in our skin ruptures. And as the skin begins to heal, these marks form.”
If you want to improve the look of stretch marks you already have or prevent new ones from forming (say, during pregnancy), there are plenty of solutions, including in-office treatments like laser skin tightening treatments and over-the-counter creams. But when it comes to the latter, there are very few high-quality clinical trials to support their efficacy. But our experts say the products here can actually improve the appearance of stretch marks.
Shop The Best Stretch Mark Creams
What to consider
When it comes to the best stretch mark creams, there's a lot of snake oil out there—products that promise the world and deliver little in terms of results. That's why you want to keep a few things in mind when you're shopping.
Type
Over-the-counter emollients, like creams and oils, are arguably the most popular preventive treatments for stretch marks, despite the fact that the medical community does not have solid evidence that they actually work. Tretinoin cream is also gaining popularity for the treatment of stretch marks, though this requires a prescription and cannot be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Silicone gels and chemical peels are also commonly-used topicals, but again, data on efficacy is limited.
Ingredients
To target stretch marks, you’ll want to look for a few key ingredients, particularly anything hydrating. “Keeping the skin moisturized can help with the appearance of stretch marks,” says Dr. Graf. “Think thick moisturizers, such as cocoa butter, or those containing hyaluronic acid and centella, for example, two ingredients that may help diminish the appearance of stretch marks by enhancing skin plasticity.” Of course, retinoids like OTC options such as retinol, retinyl palmitate, and retinal are probably the most effective ingredients to look, but only for those who aren’t pregnant or nursing. “Retinols can also help with stretch marks by increasing collagen production and leaving skin with replenished hydration and restoring the barrier of the skin,” says Dr. Graf.
How we chose
Women’s Health editors and contributor Brigitt Earley consulted two dermatologists and WH beauty director Brian Underwood for their recommendations for the best stretch mark creams. Then, the team put them to the test on their own skin to narrow down the best options for preventing and treating stretch marks at home. Read on for our expert-vetted picks.
Pros
Not greasy and absorbs into skin beautifully- Easy to dispense with no mess
Cons
- Contains a retinoid so not suitable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Hailed as a “cult classic for scars and stretch marks” by Dr. Graf, Bio Oil should top your list if you're looking for an at-home topical treatment or preventive. Keep in mind it is an oil, so the consistency is definitely different than your average lotion or cream. In tests, we found it to be silkier than standard oil though. "I am not a fan of oils, particularly those that feel dry on your skin," said one tester. "But this one didn't give me the same ick-factor. It doesn't sit on top of your skin, but instead rubs right in, leaving skin incredibly smooth and soft."
Our testers liked the way the product dispensed, too. It doesn't pour out like other oils, but instead slowly drips out via a small hole in the top. A little bit goes a long way. Simply put a few drops of the lightly rose-scented product onto your hands, then gently dab it onto your skin and massage in circles. The retinyl palmitate present in the product is said to assist in collagen production by shoring up skin elasticity.
But the difference maker for scars and post-pregnancy stretch marks, in particular, just may be the brand’s PurCellin Oil, a proprietary blend that makes the formula super-absorptive. “It’s affordable and deeply hydrates the skin with PurCellin oil,” adds Dr. Graf.
| Type | Oil |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Retinyl Palmitate |
Best Daily Lotion
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Not greasy or sticky
- Lightweight yet highly moisturizing
Cons
- Not fragrance-free
Used for decades in over 100 countries worldwide, this famed drugstore staple is formulated with nourishing ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, and vitamin E. It also contains “bio-c-elaste,” a complex that consists of collagen, elastin, and centella, all coming together to firm the skin and minimize the appearance of stretch marks.
We like that this product is a lotion rather than a sticky or greasy cream. The lightweight product absorbs readily but leaves skin silky smooth, making it much more suitable for daily use. You can comfortably slather it on upon waking up and get dressed a few minutes later. "There may be richer, more moisturizing options out there, but I liked the fact that I could use this lotion multiple times a day—whenever I felt I needed it—without a whole production," our tester said. "It's very faintly-scented too, which was a nice happy medium for me—not overpowering, but not medicinal-smelling either," she added.
Still, if you're after something more nourishing, an oil-based formula or a thicker cream might be the better option for you.
| Type | Lotion |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Collagen, Elastin, Centella |
Best for Sensitive Skin
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
Pros
- Gentle on sensitive, itchy skin
- Thick, moisturizing formula
- Can be used on the body and face
Cons
- Scent is a bit medicinal
Those familiar with the FAB brand know its products are generally gentle, especially for those who suffer from skin issues like eczema. If your skin’s on the reactive side but you’d still like to try something to improve the look of stretch marks—or you’re just experiencing itchy skin due to your pregnancy—then give this apply-anywhere repair cream a try. Its colloidal oatmeal will soothe while the shea butter softens and replenishes moisture, helping to keep new stretch marks at bay.
It's a great pick for dry skin, too, since it's one of the richer creams we evaluated. "This is a favorite of mine not just for the stretch marks on my inner thighs, but also for the rest of my body and even my face," said one tester, who has been using this product for at least two years now. "My skin skews super dry, and it's one of the only formulas that provides lasting relief."
| Type | Cream |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Colloidial Oatmeal, Shea Butter, Alltoin |
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Most Versatile
Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
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Pros
- Non-greasy formula
- Highly effective against hyperpigmentation
- Users say it works quickly
Cons
- Retinol not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
If you’re looking for a non-greasy lotion that does the most, Paula’s Choice goes to work on hyperpigmentation and improves skin firmness—all while minimizing the appearance of stretch marks, both new and old. It's powered by retinol, which is not pregnancy- or nursing-safe, but works to smooth out uneven skin tone. As a nice bonus, this ingredient also targets any hyperpigmentation you may be experiencing in the area. To keep things hydrated—key for prevention—the ingredient list also includes natural butters and plant oils to hydrate without any greasy residue.
Users say they saw results almost immediately. "This didn't necessarily take away my stretch marks, but I definitely saw a huge difference in the color of my stretch marks in just one or two days, which made them much less noticeable," one user told WH.
| Type | Lotion |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Retinol, Grape Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Vitamin C, Evening Primrose Oil |
Pros
- 99% natural ingredients and no fragrance
- Very lightweight and quick to absorb
Cons
- Users said the hydrating effects didn't last as long as some others
The Mustela brand prides itself on its largely plant-based but still efficacious formulas, and the brand's new multi-purpose lotion made specifically for expecting mothers is no exception to this rule. The milky daily lotion is lightweight and easy to rub in, but is packed with maracuja oil to keep skin supple as it stretches, while sunflower seed oil, passion fruit oil, and aloe vera hydrate, nourish, and soothe.
"The Bio-Oil and creams like First Aid Beauty ultimately kept my skin moisturized and silky smooth longer than this product did, but I definitely would have reached for this during my first pregnancy when natural ingredients were top of mind," one tester said. "It does deliver in the short term, but for best results, I'd recommend at least twice daily application."
| Type | Lotion |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Maracuja Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Passion Fruit Oil, Aloe Vera |
Pros
- Relieves itchiness associated with dry skin
- Hypoallergenic formula
Cons
- Some users say it's a bit greasier than other creams
Early stretch marks can cause skin to feel itchy, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. And this feeling can be exacerbated in those with already dry skin, which is where an incredibly rich body butter like this one comes in. Though some users say it's on the greasier side (compared to others we tried), it's packed with natural oils to rehydrate parched skin. Think: shea butter, mango butter, sunflower oil, argan oil, vanilla, and honey.
A little goes a long way, and users say the physician-formulated product spreads easily—great for large areas like the legs or a pregnant belly. We also like that it's hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and non-irritating, so you can theoretically use it on any part of your body.
| Type | Cream |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Sunflower Oil, Argan Oil, Vanilla, Honey |
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Meet the Experts
- Jeannette Graf, MD, is a New York-based board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.
- Joseph Zakhary, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and co-founder of Southwest Breast and Aesthetics in Arizona.
Will my stretch marks go away on their own?
Over time, stretch marks should gradually fade to something closer to your natural skin tone, but they tend to never totally disappear on their own, says Joseph Zakhary, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and co-founder of Southwest Breast and Aesthetics in Arizona. So if you’d like to downplay yours for whatever reason, you’ll have to consider your options.
Most doctors will tell you in-office lasers and microneedling procedures will yield the best results short of surgical removal (where/when even possible), but such treatments can be pricey and may require multiple sessions with downtime after each, plus lack solid clinical evidence.
That's where body creams, lotions, and balms come into play. For best results, the experts at American Academy of Dermatology say you should use any product on early stretch marks, carefully massage the product into your stretch marks, and apply the product consistently for weeks.
Danielle Blundell
Danielle Blundell is a New York City-based lifestyle writer and editor who has written on topics ranging from home to health for a variety of publications including Rachael Ray Every Day, Redbook, Family Circle, This Old House, Elle Decor, Esquire, Domino, and Apartment Therapy. She's a graduate of Columbia University's School of Journalism and has appeared as an on-air expert on Today, The Doctors, The Celebrity Page, and other local news programs. Website: https://danielleblundell.myportfolio.com/
Brigitt Earley
Contributing Writer
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
Reviewed byBrian Underwood
Brian Underwood is the beauty director at Women’s Health. He is an award-winning journalist with more than 15 years of experience covering beauty and lifestyle for several national media outlets and previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily. His work has appeared in Woman’s Day, Life & Style Weekly, Good Housekeeping, and many more. He also serves as a member of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and lives in New York City with his daughter.
