The Best Stretch-Mark Creams to Keep Skin Supple and Hydrated
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The first thing top dermatologists want their patients to know when it comes to finding the best stretch-mark creams is that topical products can’t always erase the marks. And in the end that’s perfectly all right. “Remember that roughly 80% of Americans have stretch marks,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in midtown Manhattan. “I like to emphasize this to normalize stretch marks so people don’t feel bad about having them.”
The marks are widespread because they can stem from any number of causes, including pregnancy, rapid weight fluctuations, and hormonal changes. Some stretch marks may require in-office procedures, ranging from microneedling to microdermabrasion and laser therapy, but should one wish to banish any trace of them, there is hope in creams alone. “The best stretch-mark creams may help improve their appearance by hydrating the skin and delivering ingredients that support collagen production, such as peptides and retinoids,” says Sara Hogan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Cosmedica Dermatology.
Vogue’s Favorite Stretch-Mark Creams:
- Best Overall: Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy, $32
- Best Drugstore Find: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks, $14
- Best Post-Procedure: Alastin Skincare TransFORM Bodi Treatment, $228
- Best for Pregnancy: Summer Fridays Babymoon Belly Balm, $29
- Best for Collagen Production: Paula’s Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment, $32
However, she stresses that prevention is key. “These products are most effective when used early, before stretch marks appear or while they are still new—and they require consistent, long-term use over several months for best results,” Dr. Hogan says. And in the process, soft and supple skin is a happy side effect. Ahead, browse the stretch-mark creams dermatologists recommend for pregnancy, post-procedure care, and more.
In This Article:
- What causes stretch marks?
- Do stretch-mark creams really work?
- What do dermatologists recommend for stretch marks?
- What to look for in a stretch-mark cream
- Meet the experts
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
- Why We Love It: “This is one of the top stretch-mark creams on the market,” says Ari S. Hoschander, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York. He notes that the hyaluronic-acid-based formula helps improve skin hydration and elasticity. “I usually recommend it to patients post-surgery because it absorbs quickly and has a lightweight feel that works well during recovery,” he says. What’s more, “it’s one of the few OTC stretch-mark products with any human clinical evidence, albeit limited.”
- Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, cephalin, hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica extract
- Pregnancy Safe: Yes
- Size: 5.29 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Clinically tested | Some users report an off-putting smell |
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks
- Why We Love It: “This is a classic lotion with a rich, moisturizing texture and solid moisturizing ingredients like cocoa butter and vitamin E,” says Dr. Hoschander. He adds that its affordability and widespread availability make the drugstore gem an accessible pick. “I often recommend it for women looking for something for daily use,” he says. Another key ingredient in the formula is lutein, which can hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation, and—though it’s not a stand-in for SPF—help protect the skin against UV damage.
- Key Ingredients: Cocoa butter, vitamin E, lutein
- Pregnancy Safe: Yes
- Size: 8.5 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Easy to find, ideal for daily use | Some users have difficulty getting the pump to work |
Alastin Skincare TransFORM Bodi Treatment
- Why We Love It: Alastin’s high-tech salve is a dermatologist’s secret weapon for treating stretch marks. “Though this was originally designed for post-procedure skin, it’s also great for maintenance and improving overall tone and resilience,” says Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan. The creamy salve has two patented ingredients: TriHex Technology, which supports collagen and elastin production, and Lipodrone, which gives skin a firmer, more toned look. It’s also infused with dill extract, an antioxidant that can help skin maintain its resiliency. “This is a great option for stretch marks as it uses Alastin’s TriHex peptide technology to stimulate the production of new, healthy collagen and elastin and clear out old, damaged collagen and elastin,” Dr. King says. “This works to improve the appearance of crepey skin and fine lines.”
- Key Ingredients: TriHex Technology, Lipodrone, dill extract
- Pregnancy Safe: The cream is not specifically marketed as pregnancy safe; consult with your ob-gyn.
- Size: 6 oz.