Skin Care

Do Stretch Mark Creams Actually Work?

Not in the way you might think. See what our testers discovered

by Charli Schuler

2 of 6

Stretch Mark Cream Test No. 1: Belli Motherhood Stretchmark Minimizing Cream, $49 Claims: "Decreases the appearance of existing stretch marks" with the use of Darutoside (a botanical ingredient shown to help with the texture and size of stretch marks) and Registril (a combo of plant extracts shown to improve stretch marks' depth and color)

Pros: Safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, contains natural and organic ingredients, free of dyes, parabens and phthalates, easy to apply, short drying time

Cons: Expensive, must be used twice daily for first month

Results: "True to this product's word, it is a 'minimizing cream,' not a 'disappearing cream.' I started using the [citrus-scented] cream a week after having my third child, and although I can't say my stretch marks are gone, I can say that their color has faded and my skin [texture] is much smoother." — Robin

SEE NEXT PAGE: Stretch Mark Cream Test No. 2: Bio-Oil PurCellin Oil, $11.99

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Older comments

I like this product

by alwafi28 Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 06:05PM Report as inappropriate

I've been using the dr max powers stretch mark treatment, and while it does not 100% remove the stretch marks, i do notice they are lighter...im going to keep using

by mark_tennis Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 05:33PM Report as inappropriate

Very interesting

by LittleBunny Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 10:00AM Report as inappropriate

They don't work in my opinion. There are some that may help "lighten" them which only makes them whiter in color but to removal of the mark itself.

by EricaC123 Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 12:19PM Report as inappropriate

Very interesting article. And there were even non-expensive products that allegedly work! However, I think the concept is overblown. I would not use them.

by CaroleVonAllten Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 10:38AM Report as inappropriate

Very interesting article. And there were even non-expensive products that work!

by CaroleVonAllten Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 08:49AM Report as inappropriate

These seem like a waste of money.

by LittleBunny Monday, July 30, 2012 at 09:28PM Report as inappropriate

Good to know that there is some help out there, although it is likely if your mother has stretch marks, so will you...I did. They aren't pleasant, but they are there, and I earned them carrying my beautiful daughter!

by CCochran Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 06:15AM Report as inappropriate

I haven't found one that works for me yet.

by beautybody Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 12:08PM Report as inappropriate

I recently got Skinception, but I was wondering if anyone knew how to best prepare your skin before application to get maximum results. For example should I exfoliate every time??

by sarahwilliams Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 09:27PM Report as inappropriate