The nine months of pregnancy followed by the painful labor take a toll on the mother’s body. The quick weight gain and then loss often leave stretch marks across the body, especially the belly region. Seeking the best oil for stretch marks is essential to reduce the scars and visible marks on your body. Though stretch marks are natural during pregnancies, they still leave you in discomfort. And if these stretch marks continue even weeks after your childbirth, it can cause worry. Using oil to massage is an age-old way to help nourish the skin. However, regular use might slowly help you get rid of the stretch marks. If you’ve been looking for lotions and oils for post-pregnancy stretch marks, we are here to guide you on how to choose the right product. We have listed some of our recommended belly oils that you may pick from.
13 Best Pregnancy Belly Oils
1. Best For Safety: The Moms Co. Natural Stretch Oil
The Natural Stretch Oil is suitable for moms-to-be who struggle with itchy and dry skin during pregnancy. It is a plant-based oil made by combining seven oils, including olive, jojoba, coconut, sea buckthorn, almond, rosehip, and wheat germ. This formulation provides deep nourishment to the skin that faces any discomfort due to stretching. It helps prevent further damage to the skin owing to the presence of skin-loving ingredients like vitamins E and C. It is made free from sulfates, toxins, parabens, silicones, synthetic fragrances, and other harmful chemicals, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It is best used after a bath to restore moisture and in the mornings or at noon. The Moms Co. Natural Stretch Oil can also be used to massage the skin to potentially help avoid tearing during childbirth. Pros
Reduces redness Improves skin elasticity and boosts collagen production Safe to use on hips and breasts Mineral-oil-free Australia-certified toxin-free Cruelty-free product
Cons
Some may dislike the smell Some may find it sticky
2. Best Lightweight Oil: Earth Mama Belly Oil Light Herbal Oil
The herb-infused Belly Oil by Earth Mama promotes the natural elasticity of the skin and masks the appearance of stretch marks. It is formulated with oils like grape seed, orange, jojoba, neroli, and chamomile extracts and contains no mineral oils, parabens, or petroleum. It also has no artificial fragrance, which can be aggravating during pregnancy, and its delicate, natural scent is easy on the senses. The oil is lightweight and easily absorbs into the skin. For best results, you can massage it gently and generously on the skin after a hot bath. Pros
Certified organic Ideal for dry and itchy skin Non-greasy Vegan and cruelty-free formula
Cons
Quantity may not be sufficient Some people may experience breakouts
3. Best Allergy-Tested: Belli Elasticity Belly Oil
The Belli Elasticity Belly Oil is a luxurious formulation composed of pure plant extracts such as almond and lavender oils, Gotu Kola, grape seed, cocoa butter, and vitamin E. It is safe for pregnant women as it contains no preservatives, artificial fragrances, and dyes. The brand especially conducts screening tests to filter out synthetic or natural ingredients that might be harmful and cause congenital disabilities to the mother-to-be. It has a slight but natural lavender scent and helps smoothen the skin. The product is allergy-tested, making it entirely safe for those with allergies or sensitive skin. You can use this oil on the hips, buttocks, and breasts throughout your pregnancy as it helps moisturize and nourish the skin affected by stretch marks. This video will help you make an informed decision about your purchase. Pros
Anti-scar properties Reduces drying and itching Promotes collagen synthesis Suitable for all skin types Non-sticky and easy to apply Free of parabens and phthalates Gluten-free
Cons
Some may dislike the smell Some may find the dispenser inconvenient to use
4. Best Cruelty-Free: Provence Beauty Belly Oil
Provence Beauty’s Belly Oil is formulated with oils rich in nutrients to help nourish and hydrate stretched-out skin to keep it healthy. With nourishing ingredients like ylang-ylang, sweet almond, lavender, and argan, these powerful ingredients work together to brighten, soothe and soften the skin. As a plus, the Provence Beauty Belly Oil provides anti-aging effects, increases elasticity, and helps skin regeneration. The goodness of vitamin E contains antioxidants that may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This oil is made without any parabens, alcohol, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. Due to its natural, organic, and vegan ingredients, it is safe for pregnant women and those with sensitive skin. Pros
Fast-absorbing oil Suitable for all skin types Relieves from itching Helps improve uneven skin tone Gluten-free Cruelty-free
Cons
Results may be slow Some may find it sticky and shiny
5. Best Nutrient-Rich: Hatch Mama Belly Oil
The Hatch Mama Belly Oil supports stretching skin during pregnancy with a nutrient-rich formula that provides intense hydration, moisture, and nourishment. It is formulated with a blend of oils like sweet almond, sunflower seed, jojoba, grapefruit, rosehip, argan, and olive. Extracts of radish seed, calendula, and rosemary leaf are also present, which help in cell regeneration and promote skin elasticity. The plant-based and vegan ingredients are gentle on the skin, making them safe and suitable for pregnant women. The formula is also gluten-free, dermatologically and allergy-tested, and without parabens, artificial dyes, or fragrances. Pros
Quick-dry formula Soothes itching skin Antioxidant-rich formula Pleasant citrusy smell
Cons
Some may find it stickier than expected Dropper may be flimsy
6. Best For Skin Repair: Avishi Organics Intensive Stretch Mark Oil
The Intensive Stretch Mark Oil by Avishi Organics is a powerful blend of ten medicinal plants and is packed with skin-repairing nutrients. Its bio-compatible ingredients include Gotu Kola, aloe, tamanu, sea buckthorn, borage, rosehip, lavender, macadamia, and helichrysum. These oils and extracts contain antioxidants and vitamins that reduce the appearance and itchiness of stretch marks and make the skin soft and supple. They increase the elasticity of the skin in areas like the belly, breasts, and hips, that are prone to stretching during pregnancy. Its fragrance is mild and has aromatherapeutic advantages. The safe ingredients help you maintain a healthy pregnancy and care for your skin without any hassle. Pros
Breastfeeding-safe ingredients Non-greasy Quick-absorbing Paraben-free formula Cruelty-free product
Cons
Some may find the stopper difficult to use Quantity may not be sufficient for some
7. Best For Skin Renewal: Mambino Organics Oh Baby! Anti-Stretch Body Oil
Oh Baby! Anti-Stretch Body Oil by Mambino Organics is formulated with organic oils like tamanu, shea butter, rosehip, olive, and jojoba, which help renew skin tone, improve elasticity, and seal in moisture to prevent drying. The oil helps calm the itchiness by providing ample hydration to the skin, making it best suited for rough and dry skin types. It reduces the appearance of stretch marks, wrinkles, and fine lines. Made with no parabens, synthetics, or fragrances, this oil is safe to use for all skin types, including sensitive skin. You can use this oil on your belly, hips, and breasts throughout pregnancy and even after childbirth. The application of this oil ensures that your skin remains firm and elastic. Pros
May fade existing scars Promotes skin healing Enhances skin firmness Rich in vitamin C USDA organic-certified Vegan and cruelty-free product
Cons
Some may find it less hydrating Scent may be overpowering for some
8. Best For All Skin Types: Badger Organic Belly Oil
The organic belly oil can be your go-to option if you are planning to pamper yourself. It is lightly fragranced with a vanilla scent, along with the subtle presence of organic plant extracts and rich essential oils that can come in handy in relieving stretched skin caused by pregnancy. The ingredients used in this oil, right from jojoba to coconut oil, are not only organic and vegan but are also cruelty-free and certified organic by USDA, making it the gold standard for personal care ingredients. Meanwhile, this oil does not contain artificial fragrances, paraben, and dyes and is suitable for all skin types. Pros
Gentle and nourishing formula Hypoallergenic and safe to use on sensitive skin Helps to relieve dry and tight belly skin Quickly absorbs into the skin Gluten-free
Cons
Some may find the smell overpowering Spray dispenser may not be convenient to use
9. Best Plant-Based: Green + Lovely Better-Than-Butter Belly Oil
Green + Lovely’s Better-Than-Butter Belly Oil is a plant-based, cruelty-free, vegan, and natural oil formulated without parabens, petrochemicals, SLS, GMO’s, gluten, dyes, chemical emulsifiers, and synthetics, making it safe for people with sensitive skin and allergies. It contains a rich blend of skin-loving ingredients like organic olive and coconut oils, sweet almond and sunflower oils, and vitamin E. Additionally, it effectively moisturizes and deeply hydrates the skin without a greasy feeling. It is best applied after a shower to the belly, inner thighs, hips, and breasts to help retain moisture. The fragrance has a hint of lavender, which is blended with pure essential oils and provides calmness to the mind. Pros
Prevents stretch marks Helps to heal existing scars Improves skin elasticity Makes skin smooth and soft Mineral-oil free
Cons
Might require frequent application May stain the clothes
10. Best Organic: Zoe Organics Belly Oil
Formulated with 100% organic ingredients, Zoe Organics’ Belly Oil is cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. The powerhouse ingredients of this oil include sunflower, jojoba, olive, grapeseed, rosehip, and pumpkin seed. They effectively help nourish and moisturize the skin that stretches and soothes inflammation. The lavender, geranium, and ylang-ylang extracts give off a natural, subtle, and calming aroma. This quick-absorbing formula glides on your belly, hips, and breasts to ease any pain or dryness. Pros
Aids in healthy skin cell regeneration Safe to use postpartum Suitable for all skin types Free of parabens, phthalates, and surfactants Soothes itching skin
Cons
Some may find the smell overpowering Some may find it slightly oily
11. Best For Nourishment: Attitude Blooming Belly Natural Stretch Oil
The Byron Bay Bellies Organic Belly Oil is a plant-based, organic blend of only five oils: jojoba, sweet almond, lavender, argan, and rosehip. It is rich in vitamin E and contains no parabens or mineral oils, making it safe for sensitive skin. Infused with antioxidants and essential fatty acids that help maintain healthy skin cells and rejuvenate the skin, this oil promotes skin elasticity and plumpness. It moisturizes the skin and reduces the appearance of stretch marks. The oil calms and soothes skin prone to dryness, itchiness, and inflammation. Pros
Hypoallergenic formula Contains plant- and mineral-based ingredients Promotes healthy skin Prevents drying Vegan and cruelty-free product
Cons
Some may find the smell overpowering Some may find it less effective on itching skin
12. Best Soothing: Byron Bay Bellies Organic Belly Oil
The Byron Bay Bellies Organic Belly Oil is a plant-based, organic blend of only five oils: jojoba, sweet almond, lavender, argan, and rosehip. It is rich in vitamin E and contains no parabens or mineral oils, making it safe for sensitive skin. Infused with antioxidants and essential fatty acids that help maintain healthy skin cells and rejuvenate the skin, this oil promotes skin elasticity and plumpness. It moisturizes the skin and reduces the appearance of stretch marks. The oil calms and soothes skin prone to dryness, itchiness, and inflammation. It has a minimal, subtle fragrance that is not too harsh. Pros
100% natural and organic Helps to fade existing stretch marks Free of phthalates and SLS Non-greasy formula
Cons
Some may find the quantity lesser than expected Lavender scent may be strong for some
13. Best Non-Comedogenic: Mum. Motherhood Essentials Belly Oil
The Mum. Motherhood Essentials Belly Oil is non-comedogenic and formulated with a rich blend of nutrient-dense oils such as sunflower, lavender, jojoba, rosemary, and soybean. Its plant base is supplemented with vitamins A and E, which help repair, heal and prevent stretch marks, fine lines, and wrinkles on pregnant bellies. The ingredients moisturize dry skin to prevent inflammation, redness, and scars, and the non-greasy formula absorbs into your skin to protect it and retain moisture. The pregnancy belly oil also may help even out your skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation. Pros
Safe to use postpartum Soothes itching skin Makes skin soft and bright Paraben-free formula Cruelty-free product
Cons
Might require frequent application to prevent dryness May not be mineral-oil free
How To Choose The Right Pregnancy Belly Oil?
Dr. Dmitriy Schwarzburg, a renowned New York-based dermatologist and owner of Skinly Aesthetics, says, “If you have sensitive skin or are acne prone, always start with a patch test to confirm that you don’t experience any breakouts after using a new product. Also, remember that during pregnancy, you may develop dry skin and stretch marks in more than just your belly and breast region due to weight gain. You may choose a natural and chemical-free oil to pamper yourself.”
Why Trust MomJunction?
If you’re looking for information on the best belly oils for pregnancy and some product recommendations, this post has got you covered. Poulami Nag, our in-house writer and reviewer of beauty and personal care products, has compiled this list after going through the top-rated oils and their reviews on different websites. These oils can help prevent stretch marks and provide relief from skin irritation. She has also included a buying guide to assist you in determining your requirements before making a purchase.
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