If you’re searching for the best oils for stretch marks, here’s the bottom line: oils can’t erase marks, but the right formulas deeply hydrate, soften skin, and improve the look of tone and texture so lines appear less noticeable over time. In this guide, I’ll explain what works (and what doesn’t), how to use oils for the best results, and my top 5 picks—including fragrance-free and pregnancy-friendly options.
Quick picks (at a glance)
- Best overall: Bio-Oil Skincare Oil — lightweight dry oil with vitamin A & E; great track record.
- Best natural formula: Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil — plant oils + arnica; lovely for nightly massage.
- Best budget: Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil — wallet-friendly cocoa butter blend with vitamin E.
- Best single-ingredient: The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil — cold-pressed, rich in natural vitamin A.
- Best fragrance-free: Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil — minimal, gentle formula.
Tip: Consistency > any single product. Massage twice daily for 8–12+ weeks to judge results.
Comparison table
| Product | Key ingredients | Texture & scent | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bio-Oil Skincare Oil | Mineral oil base, vitamin A & E, calendula, lavender, PurCellin Oil™ for slip | Fast-absorbing dry oil; light floral | Most skin types, visible softening with consistent use |
| Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil | Cocoa butter, vitamin E, sesame & canola oils, Cetesomate-E® | Silky, slightly sweet cocoa scent | Budget-friendly, daily AM/PM use |
| Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil | Sweet almond oil, wheat germ, jojoba, arnica extract | Plush, botanical scent | Natural lovers, nightly belly/thigh massage |
| The Ordinary 100% Organic Rose Hip Seed Oil | Pure rosehip oil (natural pro-vitamin A, linoleic acid) | Richer feel; natural earthy scent | Minimal formulas, targeted spot use |
| Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil | Sweet almond, lemon oil, tocopherol (vit E) | Lightweight, very mild citrus | Scent-sensitive, simple ingredient lists |
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(Always patch test first. If you’re pregnant or nursing, talk to your healthcare provider before adding new products.)
Do oils really work for stretch marks?
- They can’t remove scars, but they improve elasticity, hydration, and the look of texture—which can make stretch marks appear softer and less prominent.
- Massage matters. Regular, gentle massage increases micro-circulation and helps oils penetrate.
- Timing helps. Fresh, pink/purple marks (striae rubrae) respond better than older, silvery lines (striae albae)—but mature marks still benefit from hydration and smoothing.
Ingredients worth knowing
- Rosehip oil (natural vitamin A, essential fatty acids) — supports smoother, more even-looking tone.
- Vitamin E — antioxidant; helps cushion dry, tight skin.
- Centella/Arnica (in some blends) — comforting botanicals that support skin resilience.
- Cocoa/Shea/Almond oils — occlusive/emollient; excellent for keeping water in the skin.
Why these five made the cut
1) Bio-Oil Skincare Oil — Best overall
Why we like it: The OG for a reason. Lightweight, layers under clothes, and easy to stick with daily. Vitamins A & E and botanical extracts help the skin look smoother with time.
Pros: Fast-absorbing; proven track record; a little goes a long way.
Cons: Contains fragrance and a mineral-oil base (fine for most, but not everyone’s preference).
2) Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil — Best natural formula
Why we like it: A lush blend of sweet almond, wheat germ, and jojoba with arnica. Designed specifically for pre/post-natal belly care. The slip makes massaging comfortable.
Pros: Plant-based; spa-like ritual; excellent slip.
Cons: Richer scent; glass bottle requires care.
3) Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil — Best budget
Why we like it: Wallet-friendly and widely available. Cocoa butter + vitamin E noticeably softens rough, tight skin with consistent use.
Pros: Affordable; easy to re-buy; beloved for decades.
Cons: Has fragrance; can feel a touch dewier in hot weather.
4) The Ordinary 100% Organic Rose Hip Seed Oil — Best single-ingredient
Why we like it: Pure, cold-pressed rosehip is great if you prefer minimal, targeted care for hips, breasts, or thighs. Mix a drop into your usual lotion to boost nourishment.
Pros: Short ingredient list; flexible; good for spot treatment.
Cons: Earthier scent; slower to absorb on its own.
5) Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil — Best fragrance-free option
Why we like it: Straightforward, gentle formula that still gives excellent glide. Nice for sensitive noses or when you want minimal extras.
Pros: Simple, mild; good value per ounce.
Cons: Lightest-feel—very dry skin may prefer layering with a thicker cream at night.
How to use body oils for stretch marks
- Apply on damp skin (post-shower) to trap water in the skin.
- Massage 2–3 minutes per area using circular motions and gentle pressure.
- Use twice daily for at least 8–12 weeks before judging results; keep going for maintenance.
- Layer smartly: Lotion first for water-based hydration, oil second to seal it in.
- Clothing tip: Give oils 5–10 minutes to absorb before getting dressed.
Want a super-simple routine? AM: lotion → thin layer of Bio-Oil. PM: Weleda or Palmer’s for a longer massage.
What to look for (and what to skip)
Look for
- Emollients (almond, jojoba, cocoa butter) + antioxidants (vitamin E, rosehip)
- Easy-to-use packaging (pump > messy caps)
- Formulas you’ll enjoy using every day (texture and smell matter!)
Skip/consider carefully
- Strong essential oils if pregnant or sensitive.
- Aggressive exfoliants/retinoids without medical guidance, especially in pregnancy or while nursing.
- “Erase” claims—no topical can remove stretch marks completely.
Safety notes
- Patch test inside the elbow for 24 hours before first full use.
- Pregnancy & nursing: Stick with gentle oils and check with your OB-GYN before starting anything new.
- Itching or redness? Stop and switch to a simpler, fragrance-free option.
- When to see a derm: If marks are painful, rapidly spreading, or you’re considering in-office options (microneedling, lasers).
Realistic expectations & timeline
- Weeks 1–2: skin feels softer and more comfortable.
- Weeks 3–6: improved suppleness and glow; some lines look less stark.
- Weeks 8–12+: continued smoothing; color differences may soften.
Consistency and massage are the secret—not miracle ingredients.
The bottom line
Stretch marks are normal. While no topical will erase them, regular massage with a well-formulated oil can noticeably improve comfort, suppleness, and the look of your skin over time. Pick a texture and scent you’ll actually use every day—that’s the real “active ingredient.”
FAQs
Do oils prevent stretch marks during pregnancy?
There’s no guaranteed prevention, but keeping the skin supple and well-hydrated may reduce tightness and improve comfort. Massage twice a day and stay consistent.
Are mineral-oil–based formulas bad?
Not inherently. Mineral oil is an effective occlusive that reduces water loss and is generally well-tolerated. Choose plant-based if you prefer, but results largely come from regular use, not the source of the oil.
What’s better: oil or cream?
Both help in different ways. Cream = water + lipids (adds hydration). Oil = lipids only (seals moisture in). Layering a lotion under oil is often the most effective.
Can I use retinoids on stretch marks?
Prescription tretinoin has evidence for early stretch marks, but it’s not safe in pregnancy and should be used only under medical supervision. For most people, stick to hydrating, massage-friendly oils.
How much should I use?
Start with 1–2 pumps per area (about a nickel-size). You want slip for massage without leaving skin greasy.
See also:
Pair your oil with a targeted cream from Best Anti-Ageing Creams Face-Off 2025. For nightly repair, see Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Review or a vitamin-C moisturiser in Natura Bissé C+C Vitamin Cream Review. If you prefer clean-leaning sets, try Naked & Thriving – The Night Set Review.
For how to tighten loose skin after weight loss check out our in depth guide.
