Fast-absorbing, lightweight formula with vitamins A and E to deeply hydrate and smooth skin with consistent use.
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Stretch marks may be permanent, but dry, tight, itchy skin doesn’t have to be. These oils (led by fast-absorbing favorites like Bio‑Oil) help deeply hydrate and soften skin so stretch marks look and feel smoother with consistent use.
Quick picks (at a glance)
- Best overall: Bio-Oil Skincare Oil — lightweight dry oil with vitamins A & E; easy to use daily.
- Best natural formula: Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil — plant oils + arnica; great for a relaxing nightly massage.
- Best budget: Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil — budget-friendly cocoa butter blend with vitamin E.
- Best single-ingredient: The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil — cold-pressed, naturally rich in pro-vitamin A.
- Best fragrance-free: Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil — simple, gentle formula for sensitive skin.
Tip: Consistency matters more than any single product. Massage once or twice daily for 8–12+ weeks before judging results.
Comparison table
| Product | Key ingredients | Texture & scent | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bio-Oil Skincare Oil | Mineral oil base, vitamin A & E, botanical extracts, PurCellin Oil™ for glide | Fast-absorbing dry oil; light floral scent | Most skin types; daily use to help soften the look of texture over time |
| Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil | Cocoa butter, vitamin E, plant oils, emulsifier blend | Silky feel; soft cocoa scent | Budget-friendly option for everyday AM/PM use |
| Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil | Sweet almond oil, wheat germ, jojoba, arnica extract | Rich glide; herbal, botanical scent | Plant-based formulas and longer massage sessions |
| The Ordinary 100% Organic Rose Hip Seed Oil | Pure rosehip oil (naturally occurring fatty acids and pro-vitamin A) | Richer feel; natural earthy scent | Minimal formulas and targeted areas |
| Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil | Sweet almond, tocopherol (vitamin E) | Lightweight; very mild scent | Scent-sensitive shoppers and simpler ingredient lists |
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(Always patch test first. If you’re pregnant or nursing, check with your healthcare provider before starting new skincare products.)
Do oils really work for stretch marks?
- They can’t erase stretch marks, but they can improve hydration, comfort, and the look of texture, which may make marks appear less noticeable.
- Massage helps. Gentle, regular massage supports circulation and helps you apply the product evenly.
- Timing matters. Newer pink/purple marks may respond better than older silvery lines, but mature marks can still look smoother with consistent moisture.
Ingredients worth knowing
- Rosehip oil (fatty acids and natural pro-vitamin A) — supports a smoother, more even-looking appearance.
- Vitamin E — antioxidant support that helps reduce the “dry and tight” feeling.
- Arnica/Centella (in some blends) — soothing botanicals often used to support skin comfort.
- Cocoa, shea, and almond oils — rich emollients that help seal in moisture.
Why these five made the cut
1) Bio-Oil Skincare Oil — Best overall
Why we like it: A longtime favorite because it’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and layers well under clothing—so it’s easy to use consistently. Vitamins A & E plus botanical extracts help skin look smoother over time.
Pros: Fast-absorbing; easy for daily use; a little goes a long way.
Cons: Fragranced; mineral oil base isn’t everyone’s preference.
2) Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil — Best natural formula
Why we like it: A rich blend of sweet almond, wheat germ, and jojoba with arnica. It’s designed for prenatal and postpartum care, and the slip makes massage comfortable.
Pros: Plant-based formula; great for massage; luxurious feel.
Cons: Stronger herbal scent; glass bottle can be breakable.
3) Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil — Best budget
Why we like it: Affordable, easy to find, and a solid daily option. Cocoa butter and vitamin E help soften dry, tight-feeling skin with consistent use.
Pros: Great price; widely available; softens dry skin well.
Cons: Fragranced; can feel a bit heavier in hot, humid weather.
4) The Ordinary 100% Organic Rose Hip Seed Oil — Best single-ingredient
Why we like it: Cold-pressed rosehip oil is a good pick if you want a minimal ingredient list for targeted areas like hips, breasts, or thighs. You can also mix a drop into your body lotion for extra nourishment.
Pros: Single-ingredient formula; easy to mix with lotion; good for targeted use.
Cons: Natural earthy scent; absorbs more slowly when used alone.
5) Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil — Best fragrance-free option
Why we like it: A gentle, no-fuss oil that provides good glide for massage. It’s a nice option if you’re sensitive to fragrance or want fewer extras.
Pros: Fragrance-free; gentle feel; easy to use daily.
Cons: If you’re very dry, you may want to layer it over a richer cream at night.
How to use body oils for stretch marks
- Apply on damp skin after showering to help lock in moisture.
- Massage for 2–3 minutes per area using circular motions and gentle pressure.
- Use once or twice daily for at least 8–12 weeks before judging results, then keep going for maintenance.
- Layer smartly: Apply lotion first for water-based hydration, then oil to help seal it in.
- Give it a minute: Wait 5–10 minutes before getting dressed so the oil can absorb.
Want a simple routine? AM: lotion → a thin layer of Bio-Oil. PM: Weleda or Palmer’s for a longer massage.
What to look for (and what to skip)
Look for
- Moisture-sealing emollients (almond, jojoba, cocoa butter) plus antioxidants (vitamin E, rosehip)
- Easy-to-use packaging (pumps are often less messy than caps)
- A formula you’ll stick with daily (texture and scent make a real difference)
Skip/consider carefully
- Strong essential oils if you’re pregnant or have sensitive skin.
- Retinoids or strong exfoliants without medical guidance, especially during pregnancy or while nursing.
- “Erase” claims—topicals can improve appearance, but they won’t remove stretch marks completely.
Safety notes
- Patch test on the inside of your elbow for 24 hours before broader use.
- Pregnancy & nursing: Choose gentle products and check with your OB-GYN before adding anything new.
- If you notice itching or redness, stop use and switch to a simpler, fragrance-free formula.
- When to see a dermatologist: If marks are painful, rapidly spreading, or you’re considering in-office options like microneedling or lasers.
Realistic expectations & timeline
- Weeks 1–2: skin often feels softer and more comfortable.
- Weeks 3–6: improved suppleness; some lines may look less pronounced.
- Weeks 8–12+: continued smoothing; color contrast may soften over time.
Consistency and massage usually matter more than any “miracle” ingredient.
The bottom line
Stretch marks are normal. While no topical can erase them, regular massage with a well-formulated oil can improve comfort, hydration, and the overall look of your skin over time. Choose a texture and scent you’ll genuinely use every day—that’s what makes the biggest difference.
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Do oils prevent stretch marks during pregnancy?
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent stretch marks. That said, keeping skin well-moisturized can reduce tightness and improve comfort as your body changes. Aim for consistent massage once or twice a day.
Are mineral-oil–based formulas bad?
Not necessarily. Mineral oil is a common, effective occlusive that helps reduce moisture loss and is generally well-tolerated. If you prefer plant oils, that’s fine too—results usually come from regular use and massage, not the oil source alone.
What’s better: oil or cream?
They do different jobs. Creams deliver water-based hydration plus lipids, while oils mainly help seal moisture in. Many people get the best results by layering: lotion first, oil second.
Can I use retinoids on stretch marks?
Prescription tretinoin has some evidence for newer stretch marks, but it’s not safe during pregnancy and should be used only with medical guidance. For most people, a hydrating oil plus consistent massage is the simplest starting point.
How much should I use?
Start with 1–2 pumps per area (about a nickel-size amount). You want enough slip for massage without leaving your skin feeling greasy.
See also:
Pair your oil with a targeted cream from Best Anti-Ageing Creams Face-Off 2025. For nighttime hydration, see Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Review or a vitamin C moisturizer 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.