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Whenever you have rapid weight change, your body is prone to developing indented, reddened marks that are left behind on the skin. Whether you've gone through pregnancy, a growth spurt, found a diet that worked really well, had a medication that caused a change in your weight, or put on a lot of muscle from weight training, you could be noticing stretch marks that weren't there before.
There are a variety of creams, serums, and ointments that can minimize the appearance of stretch marks, though, because it's not uncommon for people to want their skin to have a smoother appearance. Shopping online gives you the ability to compare the prices of products, ingredients, and reviews from other customers. You have access to the best products on the market right at your fingertips.
Saturday, February 8th
The H-Stretch Marks product is a natural ointment for reducing the appearance of stretch marks without any chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, drugs, or other additives. It is formulated with pure essential oils in a GMP facility in the US.
Hundreds of products
The company who makes and sells H-Stretch Marks, Healing Natural Oils, is based out of San Diego and has been around since 2001. The company has a lineup of hundreds of products and have sold over 1,000,000 remedies since their inception. Whether you're looking for an eye serum, cellulite formula, wart removal oil, or stretch mark solution, Healing Natural Oils has something for the job.
Results in 3-6 weeks
H-Stretch Marks comes in a 1.12 fl. oz. (33 ml) bottle in the form of an oil. There's a dropper that you'll use for application as per the product's instructions. By placing a few drops on your fingertips and gently massaging it onto the affected area at least twice a day (ideally morning and night), you should start to see changes within about 3-6 weeks if you're consistent. If you're using H-Stretch Marks during pregnancy, it's recommended that you begin applying the formula on your abdomen and breasts from your fourth month on.
Safe for pregnancy and nursing
The H-Stretch Marks formula was specially created with pregnant and nursing mothers in mind. It's always wise to consult your physician before trying new supplements, topical ointments, and medications, so it wouldn't hurt to at least run this product by them. However, the ingredients used by Healing Natural Oils in their products are so safe that it should be the least of your concerns. H-Stretch Marks is made up of hazel oil, jojoba oil, rosehip seed oil, lavender flower oil, carrot seed oil, and patchouli leaf oil. It all sounds so safe and natural, you'd think you could drink it (but of course, PLEASE don't!).
Free shipping over $49
If you sign up for Healing Natural Oils' email list, you'll get $5 off your first purchase. So if you're new to the company, you might as well take advantage. Without any discount, H-Stretch Marks is $42.95 for a one-time purchase. If you want a monthly delivery of the product, you can subscribe and only pay $34.36 for the bottle. Either way, you won't be eligible for free shipping if this is the only product you're ordering here since you have to reach at least $49 to qualify. Healing Natural Oils has such a wide variety of products that we recommend checking them out to see if you want to bundle your stretch mark oil with anything else you might find helpful, and get free shipping on your purchase.
Hassle-free 90-day returns
One thing that Healing Natural Oils is good at is standing behind their products. They offer a 90-day guarantee on everything they sell. This means that if you're unhappy for any reason with H-Stretch Marks, then you can return the bottles for a full refund of the purchase price, no questions asked.
Great ratings all around
The Better Business Bureau gives Healing Natural Oils an "A” rating. Their customer reviews are equally high, so this has always been one of our favorite companies. Buyers have a lot of good things to say about the range of products they've tried here. Overall they prove to be both gentle and effective, so what more could you ask for? If you want targeted feedback on H-Stretch Marks, thankfully the company has unfiltered reviews straight on their site. A few of the great things people have to say is how shocked they are at the improvement of their skin after just a couple of weeks, that some stretch marks are almost gone completely, the smell is pleasant, stretch marks lighten dramatically after use, and more. It's pretty much unanimous that H-Stretch Marks will prove effective.
Fantastic, safe option
On top of the great things people have experienced after using H-Stretch Marks, we really appreciate that the company has a solid money-back guarantee, so we know this is a risk-free option. The ingredients are so pure here that it's worth spending a tad bit more money on this formula. H-Stretch Marks is definitely a fantastic option, so it's earned our highest rating.
Basq Stretch Mark Butter was created by Basq NYC, a company that was founded 15 years ago by two women who were struggling to find safe, effective skincare they could use during their pregnancies. Their goal was to use the power of nature to make products that provide nourishing relief during pregnancy. Their line of products includes stretch mark oils, body polishes, body scrubs, body lotions, eye creams, and more.
Prevents and repairs
Basq Stretch Mark Butter is formulated to target lower micro tears as they are healing, accelerate renewal of connective tissue, and diminish the appearance of marks on the surface. The cream comes in a 5.5 oz jar and is clinically proven to both prevent and repair stretch marks. If you're someone who is early in pregnancy or concerned about another condition that may cause stretch marks, Basq says it is best to start using the product right away. Whether your stretch marks have already appeared or not, this option is meant to protect and heal skin.
Use until satisfied
Customers are directed to apply Basq Stretch Mark Butter twice a day on stretch mark prone areas. The company specifically recommends covering your belly, backside, thighs, and chest in the butter. It doesn't say exactly how long you should expect it to take stretch marks to start fading away, and customers have mixed things to say about this. Everybody is different, so until you are satisfied with your results, it is recommended that you continue using Basq Stretch Mark Butter consistently.
Reduce stretch mark depth and length
The primary ingredients in Basq Stretch Mark Butter are a blend of peptides, silicas, and plant extracts to boost collagen renewal. They work on a cellular level to firm and enhance skin elasticity for damage control. One botanical ingredient, darutoside, is scientifically reported to visibly reduce the appearance of stretch mark length and depth. We recommend taking a closer look at all the other ingredients in this formula so that you know exactly what you're putting on your body. The product is free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, sulfates, rosemary oil, clary sage oil, caffeine, and artificial colors. It is proven to be safe for pregnant and lactating women.
"Delicately fragranced”
Basq Stretch Mark Butter has a rose scent that people refer to as "delicately fragranced”, so it has a pleasant smell that won't overwhelm you. This is especially important for pregnant women who are easily set off by strong scents. There are a few people who prefer things without any fragrance at all though, so keep in mind that this doesn't qualify if that's the case.
25% off coupon
At the time of this review, there was a 25% off coupon for Basq, so the original price of $30.40 becomes $22.80. The product qualifies for free shipping and can be delivered as soon as the day after you order in some areas. If you plan on using Basq's butter for your whole pregnancy or long-term, you could save an additional 5% with the subscribe and save discount. This allows for auto-deliveries every 2 weeks to 6 months (depending on your preference) without you having to worry about reordering.
30 days to return if unused
Without paying shipping charges, you can return Basq Stretch Mark Butter in new and unused condition within 30 days of delivery. It is noted on the website that customers usually keep this item and it has fewer returns than average compared to other similar products. This is reassuring and we could see that even if this doesn't happen to be the magic formula for your stretch marks, it is still a nourishing cream that could be used on nearly any part of the body.
Good prevention method
Basq Stretch Mark Butter ranks pretty high among buyers. There are over 750 reviews and people say that it is great for moisturizing and relieving the itchy feeling that often accompanies stretching skin during pregnancy. A lot of people felt like this did a great job of preventing stretch marks and that with consistency, their stretch marks were either minimal, or were able to mostly go away after pregnancy. The majority of people who complained usually had something to say about not liking the smell.
Not the best for existing stretch marks
Since this product is marketed for pregnant women, most reviews talk about the effects of Basq Stretch Mark Butter during pregnancy. There aren't many people who have used this for older stretch marks, so we aren't sure that this is the best product for that. Since it is so hydrating, it makes sense that it would be nourishing and relieving for a pregnant belly. If you want a tried and true product to help with pre-existing stretch marks, consider another highly rated product in this review. Otherwise, Basq Stretch Mark Butter is a great product to try for most people.
TriLASTIN makes quite a few products, including a lineup for maternity stretch mark prevention, an intensive repair cream, belly oil, and scar sheets. The company has made everything with mothers in mind, but their products are also great for body building and weight fluctuations for other reasons. In addition to using TriLASTIN-SR Intensive Stretch Mark Cream, the company recommends pairing it with TriLASTIN-HT Hydro Thermal Accelerator to enhance skin absorption by opening pores. Together these products help you maximize the benefits of the stretch mark-reducing ingredients.
For stretch marks of all kinds
TriLASTIN-SR Intensive Stretch Mark Cream is meant to work on new and old stretch marks. It reduced their visibility by firming skin and increasing collagen and elastin. For those who are pregnant with highly sensitive noses and queasy stomachs, it's a nice perk that TriLASTIN-SR Intensive Stretch Mark Cream is unscented, non-staining, and non-greasy. It works on all skin types and stretch mark colors whether they be red, purple, silver, or white.
Use twice daily
It's recommended that users should apply a quarter-sized amount of TriLASTIN-HT Hydro Thermal Accelerator twice daily. You might feel a warming sensation as your pores begin to open. Of course, this is optional. If you're just using the stretch mark cream, apply this twice daily to the affected areas of your body. In as little as 3 weeks, you may begin to see your stretch marks reduce significantly.
A little goes a long way
A 5.5 fl. oz. bottle of TriLASTIN-SR Intensive Stretch Mark Cream costs $60. You could also pair it with TriLASTIN-HT Hydro Thermal Accelerator for $82. Customers say that a little goes a long way, so if you use this consistently but sparingly, you may be able to get about 2 months of use out of it. The product qualifies for free shipping and you can send it back before opening it within 30 days for free as well. At the time of this review, they were offering a 5% coupon for the product, so it's a no-brainer to cash in on that and save a bit on your purchase.
Transparent ingredient list
TriLASTIN definitely feels confident saying that their products are pregnancy-safe. Their ingredient list is pretty long, but it's transparent and everything is listed out both online and on the bottle for customers to review. It is paraben-free and hypoallergenic. The company does say that TriLASTIN-SR Intensive Stretch Mark Cream may contain trace amounts of corn and soy-based ingredients, so if you have a severe allergy to either of those things, keep this in mind.
Best for smaller stretch marks
Over 830 people have left reviews about TriLASTIN-SR Intensive Stretch Mark Cream. Quite a few people said that even after having stretch marks for over 15 years or so, TriLASTIN seemed to make a difference. It is mentioned that it works best on those that are smaller and not ones that are deep and wide. Overall people said that this does make a difference. Of course there are always those people who feel like it didn't do a single thing, but this is going to be the case no matter the product and formula. We feel confident that TriLASTIN-SR Intensive Stretch Mark Cream does help new and old stretch marks, which is what we're aiming for.
Give it a try
Besides the price, TriLASTIN-SR Intensive Stretch Mark Cream is one of the best options on the market for dealing with stretch marks. It's safe for pregnancy and most people feel like it made a positive difference with their skin. It's great that this is unscented and won't be bothersome for people with sensitive noses. If you're willing to commit to the price, give TriLASTIN a try.
StriVectin has been in the skincare industry for over 20 years making moisturizers, serums, and oils to target different dermatological issues on the body. Their powerful formulas come from a patented form of skin barrier-strengthening niacin/vitamin B3 that they include with each product. StriVectin has won over 100 beauty awards for their effective, innovative solutions.
See results in as little as a week
StriVectin boasts proven results with all of their products. The long name of the product we're interested in for this review is StriVectin SD Advanced Plus Intensive Moisturizer for Wrinkles & Stretch Marks... so we'll be referring to it simply as StriVectin SD Advanced Plus Moisturizer for simplicity. With the SD Advanced Plus Moisturizer, customers should experience "smooth skin like never before.” The formula improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, dryness, and radiance. Based on a small assessment of 43 subjects, StriVectin SD Advanced Plus Moisturizer was found to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just one week.
Use on all areas of the body
Since this formula was made to target wrinkles as well as stretch marks, it can be used on the face or any other problem area of the body. Customers are simply instructed to apply it twice a day (morning and night) to the areas they want tightened and smoothed. Although some people report visible differences within one week, StriVectin says their formula will fade the appearance of stretch marks in four weeks.
Patented ingredient blend
The primary ingredients of StriVectin in this formula include alpha-3 peptide, which targets the skin's natural collagen, alongside elastin and hyaluronic acid to reduce the look of wrinkles. One of the most moisturizing ingredients you can use for stretch marks or any other part of your body is hyaluronic acid, so this is a powerful ingredient. The next ingredient mentioned is cranberry biopeptides to support natural collagen, visibly smooth skin, and improve texture. The last one is copper tripeptide that targets 10 types of collagen to visibly reduce stretch marks and wrinkles. These three ingredients are nourishing and effective, but that's not all that you'll find in StriVectin SD Advanced Plus Moisturizer.
Tons of ingredients
There are well over 50 ingredients in this tiny bottle. Some are natural like shea butter, cranberry, rosemary, sunflower, and ginger. Others are filler additives like xanthan gum, adenosine, sodium citrate, and others. This company doesn't claim that this formula is "all natural”, so we won't hold them to that. We do, however, recommend reviewing the ingredients just so you know what your body is absorbing. The company doesn't say whether or not this is pregnancy-safe, so that's something you'll need to ask your healthcare provider and decide for yourself. Some customers noted that they use this during pregnancy with no issues.
Beauty is expensive
StriVectin is $92.44 for a 4 fl. oz. tube. Customers also have the option of buying a 2 fl. oz. tube for $54.53 instead. Either way, this product is not cheap. If you try it out and find that it works wonders for you, it would be a good idea to subscribe and save 5% on future auto-deliveries. Savings are savings. All orders are eligible for free shipping and free 30-day returns as long as the package hasn't been opened.
High approval
The Better Business Bureau gives StriVectin a "B-” rating due to their failure to respond to some customer complaints. The real gauge of effectiveness lies in customer reviews, which in this case are really high. Someone said that they've used this for years and look younger than all their friends. Who doesn't want that? People young and old feel like this is extremely effective for wrinkles as well as dark stretch marks. If this is something that really will make a big change for you, it's worth spending a bit more money on it and that's what a lot of others have decided too.
Expensive but worth it
Normally we would be anxious to use a product that is so expensive with such a long list of ingredients. Since this particular stretch mark solution seems to work so well for people, it may be worth it. We like that this can be used on multiple areas of the body and can get rid of wrinkles at the same time as stretch marks. We would expect to have to buy a new bottle close to once a month, so although this is a major commitment money-wise, it might give you the results you've been hoping for. We've given StriVectin SD Advanced Plus Moisturizer a good rating.
Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream is made in Chicago and formulated to be effective anywhere on the body. Whether you need some skin tightening and moisturizing on your face, neck, tummy, feet, hands, arms, or legs, Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream is a gentle solution. The Advanced Clinicals Store has a variety of creams, serums, mists, and ointments for different skin ailments. Their formulas help repair dry, damaged, aging skin with a variety of natural ingredients.
Salon size
Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream is marketed for salon professionals, but it is available for purchase by anyone. The formula is meant to moisturize and penetrate skin to erase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It has been clinically-tested, dermatologist-tested, and allergy-tested to ensure that it is gentle for all skin types. It's non-greasy, so this minimizes any potential messes and ensures that the formula is absorbed into the skin without it having to dry afterwards.
Four powerful ingredients
For those with sensitive skin, you'll be happy to know that Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream is fragrance-free. The four main ingredients include retinol, green tea extract, chamomile, and aloe vera. Retinol is known for increasing skin cells and collagen production that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Green tea extract has antioxidant properties that reduce the look of redness and give your skin an instant glow. Chamomile is soothing for the skin and promotes even-looking skin. Last but not least, aloe vera delivers hydration to even skin tone and texture. We like that this product is free of parabens, drying alcohols, sulfates, and dyes.
Apply whenever is convenient
There is no special way you should apply Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream. The instructions say to gently massage it into the skin using upward circular motions until it is fully absorbed. You could apply it morning, night, or both. Whenever it is convenient for you is the perfect time. Since retinol is an ingredient that could potentially cause redness or rashes (in extreme cases) until your skin gets used to it, it is recommended that you patch test this first and work up to the amount and frequency that your skin can tolerate.
Could last months
You can purchase Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream in either a 1- or 2-pack, both of which are eligible for free shipping. It comes in a 16 oz. bottle and customers report that they are surprised by how long a bottle lasts. Most people will be using it for multiple areas of the body, but if you're just applying it to stretch marks every day, we imagine this could last months. The cost for a single bottle is $16.40 and the cost for two is $29.99, which is a slightly better deal. If you want to subscribe to auto-deliveries of Advanced Clinicals Retinol, you can save 10% on each order and set it to arrive in increments between 2 weeks and 6 months.
No returns if used
If you test out Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream for a while and don't feel like it's doing the job, you are out of luck as far as a refund. However, if you end up with too many bottles or decide not to use the product before it's been opened, you can return it for free within 30 days of delivery.
Positive reviews
There are over 45,000 customer reviews for Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream and most of them are very positive. This is definitely a popular product that has been tried and tested. Unfortunately it isn't formulated specifically for stretch marks, so although the ingredients are beneficial and won't hurt, you may not get as noticeable of an effect as you would if you used a higher-rated product. In the comments from customers, some even mentioned that this wouldn't be the best thing to use on stretch marks and you should try a stretch-mark specific product instead.
Affordable but not really meant for stretch marks
We like the idea of using Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream for a full body skin brightening regimen. However when it comes to just stretch marks, that isn't necessarily the purpose of this product. We don't believe that you will see your stretch marks diminish like you would with one of the other well-liked products in this review. But balancing that with the super-budget-friendly price, we've given Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream a just above average rating.
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy is one of three primary topical products produced by Mederma. The company also makes products for scars and cold sores, and those have been used by thousands of people. Mederma touts that their brand is #1 recommended by dermatologists based on a survey conducted of U.S. dermatologists and pharmacists by an independent firm.
Hydrates and repairs
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy is a cream that comes in a 5.29 oz bottle. It has been clinically shown to hydrate skin, reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and enhance softness and skin texture in as little as 4 weeks. It can help protect against the incessant itching and burning that can come with a growing belly or stretching skin in any area of the body. The company recommends that you use it through pregnancy and beyond, since it is safe for breastfeeding moms.
Four main ingredients
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy is free of parabens with just four main ingredients that speed up the natural healing process. The first is dimethicone, which is used for forming a barrier over the skin to prevent water loss. The next major ingredient is cepalin, a botanical extract that reduces redness and improves the appearance of scars. Centella asiatica extract is used to aid in skin elasticity and strength. Then last but not least, hyaluronic acid is included for its powerful moisturizing effects.
Review the rest of the list
Although these four ingredients are the primary force behind Mederma Stretch Mark Therapy, there is actually quite a long list of other ingredients that we recommend you read through. We tend to prefer products with fewer, simpler ingredients, so it's worth reviewing everything included here to make sure you're comfortable with it. It doesn't list exactly what the fragrance is that's used in this product, but unfortunately some customer reviews mention that it is chemical-like and can be bothersome, especially for pregnant women.
Affordable formula
One tube of Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy is $21.99. The company also offers a 25% off coupon, taking the price to just $16.49. It qualifies for free shipping, which is a great perk. Most customers agree that one bottle will last around 3 or so months of use, but if you have a lot of areas to cover, it could be less. You could set up a subscribe and save shipment that will save you an additional 5% and set to deliver anytime between 2 weeks and 6 months without you having to log in to reorder.
12 week use for maximum benefits
Although you're likely to see results from Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy in as little as 4 weeks, the greatest results will take place about 12 weeks in. Customers are instructed to apply the cream twice a day: once in the morning and once at night. Gently massage it in a circular motion on all the areas of the body where you see stretch marks.
No returns if opened
You can return Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy for a refund only if it is in new, unused condition. This means that if you use it consistently for 4-12 weeks and aren't satisfied with your results, you can't get a refund and you've lost out on that amount of time using something that wasn't really working. We sincerely hope this wouldn't be the case, but it's worth noting that it doesn't come with a satisfaction guarantee and can't be returned after it's been opened.
Mixed effectiveness
Over 2,000 people have tried Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy and left reviews about their experience. The product has "okay” ratings because they are so mixed. Some people say it was the magic cream that prevented any and all stretch marks during pregnancy. Others felt like it was a complete waste of money and had no effects. It doesn't seem to be a one-size-fits-all approach to stretch marks, and as mentioned earlier, some people really dislike the smell.
Not excited
Overall, Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy isn't our favorite choice. It's affordable and seems simple to use, but we have some reservations. The ingredient list is a bit longer than we like to see for something that should be gentle and safe for pregnancy. This isn't to say it isn't safe, but maybe there are some unnecessary additives. You can't return it if it doesn't work, and it doesn't seem like it's an all-around crowd favorite. This surely won't do any harm, but we aren't as excited about it as other products in this review.
Stratamark's stretch mark gel is considered a European Class 1 medical device registered with the TDA and listed with the FDA. The product is created by the Swiss company, Stratpharma, a topical medical device company that aims to improve the procedures in dermatology, gynecology, plastic surgery, geriatrics, and radiation oncology. Stratamark has therapeutic effects that are meant to prevent and deal with stretch marks and has been proven through clinical studies.
Use on new and old stretch marks
Stratamark refers to striae rubrae (new stretch marks), striae albae (old stretch marks), and striae gravidarum (stretch marks that occur during pregnancy) and how their formula targets these three issues. It is meant to be completely compatible with human biology, therefore delicate enough for all skin types to use without issue. For old stretch marks, Stratamark suggests using it to soften and flatten the appearance, and customers should continue use until no further improvement is seen.
No reported side effects
Interestingly, Stratamark Stretch Mark Gel is not absorbed by the skin, so it won't produce systemic side effects and is unlikely to produce any local side effects either. Because of this, it's safe to use both during pregnancy and while nursing. There are no parabens, fragrances, or alcohol, and the gel is transparent and odorless. The company says that no side effects have ever been reported while using this gel, which is great news.
Multiple tubes required
It's recommended that pregnant customers start using Stratamark at the beginning of the second trimester (13 weeks) or at the first sight of stretch marks. The company says that it will take about 3 tubes of the gel before the child is born. After that, you should continue using Stratamark for 60-90 days. The gel only needs to be applied once daily so that it remains in contact with the skin 24/7.
Only 3 listed ingredients
The only ingredients we could find listed for Stratamark Stretch Mark Gel are polydimethylsiloxanes, siloxanes, and alkylmethyl silicones. We aren't entirely sure what each of these ingredients do and we're surprised that there are only three of them. We hope the company is being transparent and that this is the extensive list of everything included in the gel, but we can't be 100% sure.
Super expensive
Stratamark sounds like a well-researched, high-quality product. So here comes the kicker: a single 50 gram tube is $94. Eek! If we do some math, that means that a pregnant woman will spend at least $282 on this product during pregnancy and then need to buy at least a couple more tubes afterward if she is following the recommendations to a T. For someone scared to death of stretch marks, this might be tempting. For someone who just wants their belly to stay hydrated and minimize their risk of stretch marks, this is a far-fetched price.
30-day returns on unopened product
Although the product ships for free and can also be returned for free, you'll only get your money back if you send the Stratamark gel back before it has been opened or used. You have 30 days to change your mind before making a return, but once you use it, returns are no longer allowed.
Both happy and disappointed reviewers
Neither Stratamark nor Stratpharma are listed by the Better Business Bureau. Customers have left reviews for the stretch mark gel, but not very many. The most recent reviews are from 3 years ago, so there was nothing new to go off of. The product had reviewers on both sides: some who used this consistently (and with a derma roller) who were relieved and overjoyed that their stretch marks lightened, and others who used it for months with no visible changes. There weren't a lot of customer reviews compared to our highest-rated products, but we aren't totally surprised by this due to the cost.
Like the idea, but we aren't sold
We really like the idea of a topical gel that has been clinically studied and safe for everyone with only three ingredients. In some ways, this seems like one of the best options we've found for preventing stretch marks. However, the price will prove a major issue for some people, and we aren't entirely sure that we are getting a full ingredient list. The product details listed for Stratamark Stretch Mark Gel are very minimal and the only photo of the tube is blurry, so we wish there was better information. Since this product doesn't have a satisfaction guarantee or big sample size of customers who have left reviews, we aren't giving it a high recommendation.
Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment was made by the brand Paula's Choice (makes sense!). The company has a line of research-based skincare that is guaranteed to be fragrance-free, non-irritating, made in the USA, and never tested on animals. Their product categories include exfoliants, SPF, toners, cleansers, body care, lip balms, serums, and boosters. Their Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment is meant to deliver the anti-aging ingredients of a facial to the whole body.
Lasts about a month
Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment is a lotion made with a nearly weightless formula that goes on smooth without leaving behind greasy residue. It is made for all skin types including normal, oily, combination, and dry. The Retinol Body Lotion comes with 4 fl. oz., which, according to buyers, lasts a few weeks depending on how big of an area you're using it on. If you're strictly applying it directly over stretch mark areas it could last a bit longer, but most people report having to buy a new bottle at least once a month.
Costly if you're buying often
The cost for a single bottle of Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment is $27.55. It is eligible for free shipping and a 5% discount if you choose to subscribe and save. However, even at this seemingly affordable price, it might start to feel expensive if you're buying this formula every few weeks. A 4 oz. bottle of lotion won't last very long, but since it includes retinol in the ingredient list, it's not surprising that this is a small bottle. Anything with retinol tends to be more expensive and come in smaller bottles.
Minimal retinol
The amount of retinol in this formula is minimal. The maximum amount allowed in any product is 1% and Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment has 0.1%. Most dermatologists recommend starting with at least a 0.25% cream to start seeing a noticeable difference in the skin. Retinol is about halfway down the ingredient list here, so it's just enough to say that it's a retinol cream, but to include it in the name of the lotion seems like it's pushing it. Either way, it's worth noting that pregnant women should avoid using products with retinol altogether. This is also the case when nursing, so that rules out Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment as a safe option for a lot of mamas wanting to fight stretch marks.
Take care with retinol
If you're using a retinol product anywhere that may be exposed to the sun, it is at greater risk of burning. You should always use it with sunscreen and work up to the amount that your skin can handle. You could start with Paula's Choice once a day and gradually increase to twice if you don't have any adverse reactions.
Review ingredients
The other ingredients that are meant to be effective in the Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment formula include shea butter and evening primrose oil, and vitamins C and E. There is a longer list of ingredients that is worth reviewing to see if there's anything there that you'd prefer not to use.
Not formulated just for stretch marks
Paula's Choice wasn't necessarily created just to target stretch marks. It was meant to diminish the appearance of uneven skin tones, provide firmer looking skin, and hydrate. You'd think all of these things would naturally help with stretch marks, but customers didn't feel like it was especially effective for this. One person mentioned that it may work for brand new stretch marks to prevent them from getting too deep and dark, but for existing stretch marks, Paula's Choice won't be as useful as some other products.
Free returns
Like many other topical creams and lotions, Paula's Choice is only eligible for returns within 30 days if it is unused and unopened. You can't test out this product and decide to get your money back if it isn't working for you. If you do send back your lotion before using it, you won't have to pay for shipping.
Good for evening out skin tones
Not all the companies in this review that have produced stretch mark formulas are rated by the Better Business Bureau, but Paula's Choice is. Unfortunately, they have a "D-” rating. This is due to their failure to respond to a few complaints against the business. It doesn't necessarily mean that they aren't legitimate or safe to do business with, but rather they haven't been as active in responding to customers on the BBB's platform as they should. As far as individual customer reviews go, over 2,000 people have left something about their experience with using Paula's Choice. Most people agree that it evens out skin tones and is really hydrating. The biggest complaint is that it runs out quickly and you need to buy a new bottle.
A lower-rated option
We aren't jumping up and down about Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment for a few reasons. The biggest one is that pregnant and nursing women shouldn't use it, which is going to be a big group of people dealing with stretch marks. We also realize that the bottle is small and you'll go through it so fast that it won't be the most cost-effective choice. The ingredients seem extensive for being considered a retinol cream and we prefer simpler, more natural products when they are available. Paula's Choice is lower down on our list of stretch mark formulas, but luckily there are some other fantastic options available to you.
Skinception Intensive Stretch Mark Cream Therapy is a clinically proven formula for reducing the appearance of stretch marks by up to 72.5%. The Skinception brand has also made an age-defying eye cream, facial exfoliator, collagen renewal cream, and toner that have decent reviews from customers. All of Skinception's products aim to target signs of aging using combinations of peptides and patented ingredients to rejuvenate skin cells.
8-12 weeks for visible improvement
You'll get 4 fl. oz. of product when you buy Skinception Intensive Stretch Mark Cream Therapy. The directions say to smooth it on affected skin twice daily to see visible improvements. You'll need to use it for 8-12 weeks before seeing a big difference and continue using it to prevent more stretch marks in the future.
Works on a cellular level
Skinception says that their stretch mark cream works starting within your skin's extracellular matrix and boosting collagen synthesis, which restores elasticity and stops inflammatory reactions before stretch marks become visible. Surely there's a lot more technical science behind that, but it sounds good to us. Overall, the product is meant to even out skin tones and smooth striations and deep furrows until stretch marks begin to fade.
Might not be the "cleanest” formula
There is a long list of ingredients in Skinception Intensive Stretch Mark Cream Therapy, some of which you may have to do a Google search on. We weren't familiar with all of them, but didn't see any parabens, which is a good start. Skinception doesn't boast that this formula is "all natural” or "free of x, y, and z”, nor do they explicitly say that it's safe for pregnancy and nursing. Having clean and safe ingredients is a major selling point for companies now more than ever, so it's slightly concerning that they don't mention this at all. If you are pregnant or nursing, it would be safest to run this formula by your healthcare provider before use.
Pricey option
This stretch mark cream is one of the most expensive options we've found so far. A single 4 fl. oz. jar is $49.95. It does qualify for free shipping, but you're still paying more than you would for other similar products. We can't imagine that this jar of cream will last a super long time, especially if you're using it on a big area of your body, so consider the long-term cost if you end up needing to make repeat purchases. Many customers mentioned that one jar barely lasted a month.
No used returns
You can return Skinception Intensive Stretch Mark Cream Therapy within 30 days of purchase for free as long as you haven't opened or used any of the formula. This means that if you use it for 8 - 12 weeks (which means buying multiple jars most likely) waiting for those "visible results” and nothing happens, you're going to be out at least $100 with no option for a refund.
Old reviews
We'd hope that to justify spending nearly $50 on a small jar of stretch mark cream, reviews would be highly impressive. Instead, they are mixed. One person said, "Not a miracle cure, but you will definitely see a difference.” That pretty much sums up how we feel about it too. No one claimed that this made their stretch marks go away and some people even felt like it did nothing after weeks of use. However, there were others who said it did even out their skin coloration and wasn't greasy. The catch is that some of these reviews are from anywhere between 4 and 8 years ago. Sometimes quality changes with new batches, and there is no new feedback from buyers. This makes us wonder how well it works if you were to try it now, but also tells us that this isn't a very popular product.
Pick something else
The Skinception brand is created and manufactured by Leading Edge Health, a wellness company with an "A+” rating by the Better Business Bureau. Although this is a good sign, we aren't jumping on the Skinception train right now. It's quite expensive, comes in a small container, and doesn't seem to be widely used. We also wish they'd specify more about their ingredients and whether or not it's safe for all skin types, ages, or pregnant women. We're going to stick with a higher-rated product for help with stretch marks.
Lucent Skin by Revitol is a brand with a long list of remedies for common skin conditions. Their creams focus on anti-aging, rosacea, scars, cellulite, eczema, psoriasis, and in this case, stretch marks. Lucent Skin was founded in 2002 with the aim of providing safe and effective products in the health and beauty industry. They have offices in the US, UK, Australia, Brazil, and Germany. The company sometimes refers to themselves as Lucent Skin and other times Revitol, which is pretty confusing.
Lacking product details
We've kept an eye on Lucent Skin for years and have researched many of their products. During this time, they've never updated their website and it definitely could use it. It's easy enough to find a product you're interested in, but there is so much this website is missing that it makes it hard for us to trust the company with our money. Each product listing comes with one somewhat blurry picture of the product with pricing and a quick description of "how amazing” it is. We wish they had real customer reviews on their products rather than a few 5-star, curated (or created?) ones to reassure us that this company and product are the real deal.
Not sure on size
Lucent Skin Stretch Mark Prevention is meant to do 5 things: prevent the development of new stretch marks, decrease the appearance of current stretch marks, promote stronger, healthier skin, increase collagen production, and increase elastin to tighten and reduce marks. It comes in a squeeze bottle of cream, but nowhere in the product description does it say how big the bottle is. And of course the picture of the cream is so blurry that we can't zoom in to see the size there either. Not helpful!
3 listed ingredients
The only three ingredients listed in Lucent Skin Stretch Mark Prevention are squalene oil, grapefruit seed extract, and authentic aloe vera. We assume there are more ingredients than this (including inactive ones) but they aren't listed anywhere. We don't mess around when it comes to transparency with ingredient lists. Everyone is entitled to know exactly what they're buying, especially if they are planning to try this if they are pregnant or nursing. We are majorly deterred by the fact that Lucent Skin doesn't clearly list their ingredients.
Expensive product
Since we aren't sure exactly what's in this formula or how big the bottle is, it seems a bit outrageous to pay $59.95 for it (plus $6.95 for standard shipping). This is one of the most expensive stretch mark solutions we've found by far. However, if you want to take a gamble here and buy this product, they offer a buy 2, get 1 free deal or a buy 3, get 3 free deal. There is a satisfaction guarantee that states you can return the unused, unopened bottles of Lucent Skin Stretch Mark prevention for a full refund within 90 days of purchase, but if you've used any of it then you're stuck with it.
Lack of customer reviews
We weren't able to find a Better Business Bureau rating for Revitol or Lucent Skin. These names are tied to so many other brands and companies that we really couldn't find much on the company at all. Since they don't have unfiltered customer reviews, there isn't much to go off of from other buyers. This is a good reason to be leery of the product altogether.
A last resort
The FAQ page has a few grammatical errors and things we normally wouldn't find on a reputable, well-managed company site, so this is just one more thing to add to the list of concerns we have here. We definitely do not recommend risking $60 or more on this product when there are other fantastic options available to you at a lower cost. Lucent Skin Stretch Mark Prevention is one of the last places we would look for help reducing stretch marks.
Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, but they most commonly develop on the abdomen, breasts, hips, and buttocks. There is nothing bad about or wrong with stretch marks. They have no effect on your overall health and cannot become dangerous or threatening in any way. Some people do develop itching with their stretch marks, but that's about the extent of the discomfort they can bring.
There's no need to visit a dermatologist or other professional to get help with fading your stretch marks. There are plenty of over-the-counter products that are safe and natural that do a great job.
The sooner you start applying a stretch mark product to the affected area, the more effective it will be. This in conjunction with time alone will give you visible results that will make your stretch marks less noticeable. With consistency you can regain some confidence in your skin and start minimizing your stretch marks right away.
When deciding which stretch mark product to use, we recommend you take the following things into consideration:
Get ready to see your stretch marks start to disappear. Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best places for you to find high quality stretch mark products online. We hope this information helps you find a product that works wonders on your skin!
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