Whether you earned them through pregnancy or had a growth spurt in your teens, stretch marks are a normal part of life and completely normal.
While some women may have chosen to embrace theirs, others would prefer to reduce their appearance: there’s nothing wrong with either choice.
For those looking to prevent marks from forming during pregnancy or minimising the ones you already have, it’s important to note that whether you will develop (or why you have) stretch marks largely comes down to your genetics, and you can’t really “get rid” of them completely.
“There is no one way to permanently and completely get rid of stretch marks, but we have a variety of different treatments that may make them look better,” Dr. Morgan Rabach, MD, board-certified dermatologist told Cosmopolitan.
And while stretch mark creams are arguably the cheapest treatment you can buy, there is also minimal evidence to support the efficacy of a lot of stretch mark creams. However, there are some that might assist if fading or preventing the onset of marks is the goal.
The Best Stretch Mark Creams & Oils You Can Buy In Australia
Best Retinol Base: Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment, $43, Paula’s Choice
*Note: Retinol should not be used during pregnancy*
This moisturizing body lotion uses retinol to reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone and simultaneously moisturize the skin. Designed to smooth and soften, this concentrated lotion also heroes plant oils and emollients.
- Pure retinol and antioxidants
- Natural butters and plant oils
- Non-greasy
- 0.1 per cent retinol concentration
Best Oil: Bio Oil, $14.95, Chemist Warehouse
Especially designed to treat scars, this formula can help to improve the appearance of stretch marks and elasticity, as well as improving the appearance of uneven skintone.
- Blend of botanical extracts and vitamins
- Non-greasy formula designed to sink into the skin
- Natural formula
- Prevents moisture loss
Best Experience: Bangn Body Firming Lotion, $48, Sephora
This formula was made to do more. With 7 in 1 face and body benefits, this firming lotion is designed to smooth, hydrate and nourish.
Using shea butter, pineapple fruit oil and green coffee bean extract, it smells amazing and aims to boost skin radiance. The formula is designed to target moisture loss, plump fine lines, reduce redness, keratosis pilaris, stretchmarks and scarring.
- A multitasker: hydrating facial moisturiser, firming body lotion, under make-up primer , nourishing hand cream, anti-blemish spot treatment, after sun calming cream and soothing face mask
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologically tested
- Pregnancy safe
Best High End: Evereden Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream, $81, Sephora
A body moisturizer that is designed to hydrate, promote elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It utilizes mango butter and treats with centella asiatica and rosehip oil.
- Deeply moisturizes dry, itchy skin
- Designed to boost skin elasticity
- All-natural fragrance
- Vegan
Best Budget: Palmers Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks 250ml, $19, Woolworths
This is an award-winning formula that helps to reduce the visibility of stretch marks. Of 102 female participants who trialled it over eight weeks, 98 per cent said that it improved elasticity, texture and tone.
The formula includes cocoa butter, vitamin E, argan oil, elastin, collagen and shea butter.
- Dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic
- Can we used along or layered on top of oil
- Suitable for use all over the body
- Award-winning formula
Best Natural: Weleda Stretch Mark Body Butter 150ml, $35.95 Adore Beauty
This formula was developed with pharmacists and midwives, designed to be used during pregnancy. It’s a fast-absorbing formula that utilizes centella asiatica, shea butter, rich cocoa butter and precious oils to moisturize and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Made from 100 per cent natural origin, it’s perfect for mums-to-be.
- Centella asiatica, shea and cocoa to lighten appearance and moisturize
- Vegan
- Relaxing floral scent
- Developed with pharmacists and midwives
Looking to save money on stretch mark creams? Check out our coupon codes for Sephora, Adore Beauty and more.
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