The best stretch mark oils for pregnancy

stretch mark oil

by Stephanie Spencer |
Updated on

Over the course of your pregnancy, your changing shape may need a little assistance to help it grow and shrink again with ease. Your circulation increases during pregnancy, meaning your skin can feel drier. You may also experience an itchy tummy as your bump grows, and of course, there is the possibility of stretch marks. Stretch mark oils are a fantastic way of adding some much-needed moisture to your skin.

What is stretch mark oil?

To help your skin stay smooth, soft, and supple - it's a good idea to try using a skincare product such as stretch mark oils during and after your pregnancy. These special pregnancy body oils work to help your body do its superhero work growing a baby with comfort and ease and help prevent stretch marks during those bump growth spurts. Oil is definitely worth adding to your skincare routine and you can pamper yourself with your very own pregnancy massage.

There are also lots of stretch mark creams to try, too.

The best stretch mark oils

Best overall stretch mark oil

Bio-Oil-Skincare-Oil Credit: Amazon

Rrp: £29.99

Price: £6.49
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeTFdHUFdMF1NYX0xCGQANVh9YCwlPQFlRV1EESgQZX1FaGFFdShRDVFMRQRsDCl0fRBYXB0dRUFRTF1MSGUNdREBaH1BAVEVTF1dFTxdSW1lPFwdXR1tcHwRIEVFRSldbVFcVVlYaQQBTRBFJWlNbBwsGRl5ZFAZICkxSXBVZTxgfF3gdBgBXBwNbVg0%3D&x=v1
Alternative retailers
Walmart$21.54View offer
Ulta$10.49View offer

The ubiquitous and rightly renowned Bio-Oil is a must-have for so many people with scars and stretch marks. The soothing oil contains vitamin A and E, combined with Calendula, Lavender, Rosemary, and Chamomile oils.

Review: "This has helped my hysterectomy scar from 8 weeks post-operative. There is no scent and it is good for sensitive skin. My skin is extremely sensitive and I have found no problems using it. Good product. If in any doubt buy it when on special offer. I use the smaller 60 ml as I found the 200 ml too big when only a drop or two is required for an application. Being an oil it is runny!"

Pros

  • Only need a few drops
  • Includes vitamins A and E

Cons

  • A bit runny

Best stretch mark oil with natural oils

mama mio tummy rub oil
Price: £38.00
Alternative retailers
Walmart$38.00View offer
JCPenney$34.20View offer
Dermstore$38.00View offer
SkinStore$38.00View offer

Loaded with omega 3, 6, and 9 – sweet almond, borage, wheat germ, and rosehip seed oils, with no nasties – to help soften your skin as it expands and shrinks again after birth. Slather on from boobs to below your bottom – front, back, and sides – from the moment you’re pregnant, until at least four months after your baby is born.

Review: "I used this product daily for most of my pregnancy and did not get any stretch marks! To be fair, I did not get huge while pregnant but definitely believe this product helped keep my skin in top-notch condition."

Pros

  • Made with natural oils
  • Improves skin's elasticity

Cons

  • Not great for sensitive skin

Best stretch mark oil for sensitive skin

Loaded with super-nourishing natural ingredients, omega-rich argan oil, jojoba seed oil and sweet almond oil, this absolutely no-nasties oil hits the spot for us, especially if you have sensitive skin. Just the right consistency and never greasy, simply massage into the skin focusing on your stretch marks. Plus, we love the ylang ylang and lavender blend scent which will help to calm a busy mind.

Review: "This is my all-time favourite Body Oil, goes on like a dream and has a sumptuous smell. I have been using for the past three months and my skin is more nourished than ever before."

Pros

  • Calming scent
  • Omega rich

Cons

  • Best to use post shower

WELEDA Stretch Mark Massage Oil 100mlImage: Amazon

Rrp: £25.00

Price: £15.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$27.70View offer

Gently fragranced with pure essential oils, this impressive bottle of goodness contains skin and mind soothing lavender oil, mood-lifting geranium, smoothing jojoba oil, and anti-inflammatory arnica.

Review: "Love it. Have been using it from roughly 15 weeks of pregnancy and now at 38 weeks and on my second bottle still no stretch marks! And I know that I am prone to them because I have loads on my hips, chest, and even knees from when I gained weight a good few years ago. The smell is really pleasant, unlike some other creams like Palmers Cocoa (way too strong for me personally). I usually apply it at night after taking shower and go straight to bed. It absorbs really well and doesn't leave you sticky and icky. I hate when lotions and creams leave you all sticky, icky, and gross feeling, this one doesn't."

Pros

  • Warming oil
  • Great for massage

Cons

  • Some reviewers didn't like the smell

Best bath and body stretch mark oil

ESPA Nourishing Body Oil
Price: £36
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeXFNHWkFMVkJSHABdW00BSkJWTxYNXEZQUFwCFQNVRFAbVFlWFVtfU0tOXV8OSQgCBw8JTQIADQELXA9RGlhMW1kIQU9QRFRaAEdEEAFXUU5fMDF3FEtRWxVICFpXW1lAWUZKQA1iYQ%3D%3D&x=v1
Alternative retailers
SkinStore$73.00View offer

Containing nourishing jojoba and sweet almond oil to support growing bumps, but the formula is light and easily absorbed. Calendula and grape seed oil help keep skin tone smooth and even.

Review: "I love this product, I got it for a friend who is pregnant and she loves it! Soon she will be using it on her wee girl as well! fantastic!"

Pros

  • Can be used on skin, or in the bath
  • Light formula

Cons

  • Expensive

Best vegan friendly stretch mark oil

L´Occitane En Provence Amande Supple Skin Oil 100ml
Price: £52.00
Alternative retailers
Sephora$52.00View offer
Walmart$39.00View offer
Ulta$52.00View offer
Macy's$52.00View offer

Not only is this oil rich in omega 6 and 3 to prevent skin tightness, and silicium to support and firm up, but the almond oil gives the most heavenly scent.

Review: "Gorgeous oil, used throughout my pregnancy as a treat. Absolutely love this - it will be on my birthday/Christmas list!"

Pros

  • Vegan friendly
  • Enriched with almond oil

Cons

  • Tricky to pour out

Best soothing stretch mark oil

With jojoba, apricot, and macadamia oil, this little bottle is packed with natural vitamins, minerals, and omega oils to hydrate the skin and prevent the dreaded stretch marks. Apply a few drops to your baby bump and massage in.

Review: "I was very kindly gifted this during my pregnancy, I didn't realise how much I needed it until I used it! It reduced the redness and soreness of stretch marks, and massively helped with the itchy skin whilst bump was growing. I've already recommended to some other Mummas to be!"

Pros

  • Light and easily absorbed
  • Spray bottle for easy application

Cons

  • Fragrance free

Best value stretch mark oil

Re-Gen Oil 125mlImage: Amazon
Price: £12.50

This oil looks like a Bio-Oil dupe, and it does the job! Packed with Vitamin A, calendula oil, and chamomile oil, you can add a few drops of the oil to your bath to keep your skin smooth and supple or apply directly to stretch marks and scars.
Review: "This stuff is amazing! I've seen improvement to scars in 2 weeks!! Smells lovely and feels lightweight not greasy at all and have used more expensive brands in the past like Bio-Oil, I can genuinely say I think this product is better!"

Pros

  • Improves the appearance of scars and stretch marks
  • Good value

Cons

  • Caused some itching for some reviewers

Best bedtime stretch mark oil

With extracts of organic coconut oil and rosehip to protect, soothe and moisturise your skin, this oil for your bump helps to reduce stretch marks and nourish your body during pregnancy.

Pros

  • Nourishing
  • Protects and moisturises

Cons

  • Strong smell

Best stretch mark oil for all the family

Botanico Vida Omega Oil
Price: £34.99

The Omega Oil by Botanico Vida is 100 percent natural and beautifully absorbent which improves your skin. It can also be your go-to for any dry or damaged skin, stretch marks, scars, pregnancy bellies, and baby massages.

Our mum tester Sophie said: "The oil smells and feels really nice on my skin. I also have seen an improvement in my dry skin. A little also goes a long way so I would say it was value for money. I received the product a bit later so I haven’t seen a difference for my C-section scar but did feel nice on the skin. Also very easy and clean to use."

Read our full tried and tested review here.

Pros

  • Suitable for all the family
  • 100% plant oils

Cons

  • Doesn't absorb very quickly

Best organic stretch mark oil

Currently Shortlisted for the M&B Awards 2022, Tums and Boobs Massage Oil reduces itching on your bump, reduces anxiety, reduces nausea, and reduces stretch marks. Formulated by founder, Jan, a qualified midwife and aromatherapist, all Motherlylove products are blended for safe use in pregnancy.

Our mum tester Jessica said: "For me, this product really stands out above others in the same market because of its incredible smell, the way it leaves my skin feeling so soft, and the fact that the brand really cares about the environment. I must admit, I had never heard of the motherly love brand before being sent this product for review, but I would definitely buy more and check out the other products in their range now."
Read our full tried and tested review here.

Pros

  • Organic
  • Non-greasy

Cons

  • Small bottle

Best all over body stretch mark oil

Nurturing Body Oil is a light, comforting oil, with a beautiful blend of jojoba, thistle and almond oils alongside rose geranium to provide anti-inflammatory, soothing and healing properties for the skin. Rose geranium is also a natural hormone balancer and is a very therapeutic oil to use all over the body and in massage.

It’s super hydrating and skin-caring, great for summer holidays or cocooning skin in autumn and winter. 

Setting it apart from other ishga products, this blend does not contain seaweed extract, making it an ideal and safe oil to use on pregnant women. ishga Nurturing Body Oil is ideal for all skin types and the formula is perfect for massage. Simply pump into hands and smooth onto clean damp or dry skin. 

Review: "I loved using this after a bath or shower, it feels really luxurious and you can feel it nourishing your skin. The smell is lovely too, slightly floral but not overpowering. It's reassuring to know that the ingredients are organic, so I know exactly what's going on my skin. While it's not marketed as a stretch mark oil, it's ideal for a bit of me-time with bump."

Pros

  • Rose geranium is a natural hormone balancer
  • Can use all over the body

Cons

  • Quite expensive

Best stretch mark oil with plant extracts

Clarins Huile Tonic Body Treatment Oil 100 ml

Rrp: £77.50

Price: £69.99
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeT1dZWlNKTR5UXQ4dXxJLe0RbBQQQWh95SEcEFSxVQlFYUBpQQRRyQV4EU0QLSXxTQk8hBx5mV1BeAEwVUR1rRkdWSxUKHQMfDEgbLwFXHQRVVFMAAQkBAg%3D%3D&x=v1
Alternative retailers
FragranceNet.com$83.99View offer
FragranceX$86.50View offer

This cult body oil is Clarins’ best-selling formula, purely because pregnant women and those concerned with stretchmarks rate it so highly. Rosemary, geranium, and mint pure plant extracts help firm, tone, and keep your skin supple. Best applied to damp skin straight after a bath or shower.

Review: "I have been using this throughout pregnancy to help ensure do not get stretchmarks - I have 3 weeks left and nothing yet, so fingers crossed it works. It's also cheaper to buy on amazon than in-store! It does leave you very oily but I put it on after a shower and let my tummy/chest dry for a while"

Pros

  • 100% plant extracts
  • Smells lovely

Cons

  • Expensive

What are the benefits of using stretch mark oil?

Using stretch mark oils can help you to slow down. Take some time to provide your growing bump with some much-needed attention. There are endless benefits to massaging your expanding stomach, including bonding with your baby and time to relax.

Stephanie Spencer is the Deputy Digital Editor at Mother&Baby and auntie to four aged 8 to 6 months old. With a particular interest in health, she loves discovering products that make parent’s lives easier.

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