Between two pregnancies in the last few years, I’ve researched and tested many, many pregnancy-safe skincare products, chief among them, body creams and oils aimed at soothing itchy, dry bellies and preventing stretch marks. The latter task, however isn’t quite as simple as it sounds. 

“If I could come up with a treatment to prevent [stretch marks,] I could retire,” laughs New York City based dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry during our recent chat on Instagram Live. The skin pro states that stretch marks are merely scars underneath the skin and often the result of rapid weight gain. They are extremely hard to prevent and even harder to predict—genetics may not even necessarily play a role. “People swear by them,” says Henry of some oils and balms, “but those same people may not know what happens [to their skin] without it!” 

One thing is certain however: these lines of love are part of life and mark our body’s evolution from woman to mother. They represent how we’ve grown, changed and transformed over time.

With this in mind, consider the list below: I’ve compiled the best body balms, creams and oils that soothe and hydrate pregnancy skin and may or may not prevent stretch marks. From a drugstore body oil that’s been a staple in my bathroom cabinet for over a decade to a newfound favorite that I slather on daily, here are the 8 best belly creams for pregnancy and beyond. 

1.Mutha Body Butter

In an effort to create a natural, yet effective pregnancy body solution, Mutha founder Hope Smith began concocting formulas in her kitchen—no, really. Packed with shea, mango and cocoa butters, the super hydrating texture targets stretch marks, dry patches and everything in between. Plus, the concave cap acts as a brilliant station for stashing precious rings during application. 

2. Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter

Specifically designed to treat growing bellies, Mama Mio’s Tummy Rub Butter has been a staple in pregnant mama’s medicine cabinets for over a decade. Formulated with coconut oil, shea butter and vitamin E, the cream locks in moisture, absorbs quickly and increases elasticity in the skin.

3. Trilastin Maternity Stretch Mark Prevention Cream

After reading dozens of glowing Amazon reviews, this jaded former beauty editor had to try this. Trilastin’s Maternity Prevention Stretch Mark Cream lives up to the hype: it’s paraben-free, fragrance-free and safe for those with sensitive skin. The brand also makes a body oil and pre-applicaion thermo accelerator to enhance absorption of any of their products. But the best part? The product quickly absorbs into my skin, making getting dressed post-application a breeze.

4. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Body Oil

To be honest, I’ve been using this drugstore body oil since I was a teenager. I am obsessed with how it feels on my skin—silky soft, but not too thick—and it smells like absolute cocoa heaven. And although the Vitamin E-rich oil is designed to treat stretch marks, it’s also the ultimate red-carpet approved staple that gives limbs a glowing, year round J.LO-like effect.

5. Summer Fridays Babymoon Belly Balm

The beauty obsessed, influencer duo behind the cult skincare brand, Summer Fridays are now tackling areas below the neck. Enter Babymoon Belly Balm: a vegan, cruelty and paraben-free luxe balm that was no doubt inspired by co-founder Lauren Gores Ireland’s two pregnancies. Formulated with Sunflower oils to support skin’s barrier and Calendula Oil to soothe dry and stressed skin, it’s the ultimate IG-approved belly product that’s guaranteed to look just as good on your feed as it does on your bathroom counter.

6. Hatch Belly Oil

It was only a matter of time before Hatch, the uber chic maternity fashion line dove into the beauty space. Their cult dry oil, formulated with Argan and Rosehip Oils provides moisture and instant itch relief without a greasy or sticky feel. If that’s not enough, the lightly scented oil is housed in a stylish 6.6oz glass bottle with a long, long dropper—giving mamas and their growing bodies the extra love they deserve.

7. La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm

While La Mer’s Renewal Oil Balm isn’t technically designed for mamas-to-be, it’s a super luxe, lightly scented body balm that melts into skin upon contact. I first used this a few years ago and was HOOKED—I mean, what’s better than La Mer?  

8.bio oil

Long hailed as the superstar product to treat the appearance of both scars and stretch marks, Bio Oil remains one of the most well known and most popular body oil products on the market. Made from 100% natural oils, like chamomile, lavender and Vitamin E, the lightly fragranced oil provides skin with a soothing layer of hydration without leaving a heavy, sticky feeling in its wake.