6 Best Stretch Mark Creams and Treatments (2026)

This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. GHK-Cu is not FDA approved to treat any condition, and compounded medications have not been reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before treating stretch marks.

Stretch marks form when skin stretches faster than it can adapt, during pregnancy, growth spurts, weight changes, or muscle gain. New marks are red, pink, or purple and may feel slightly raised. Over time they fade and sink below the skin.

That timing matters more than any product. Dermatologists note that treatment seems to have little effect on mature stretch marks, so the best results come from treating marks early. We ranked six creams and treatments by what the evidence shows for new and older marks.

Stretch Mark Treatments Compared

Full Reviews

1. Prescription Tretinoin: Best cream for new marks

Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid that supports collagen and skin renewal. In one study, people who applied it nightly for 24 weeks had less noticeable early stretch marks, while in those who did not, early stretch marks grew. It does much less for older, white marks. Cashmere combines tretinoin with GHK-Cu in one prescription cream after a clinician review.

Not for: pregnancy or breastfeeding, or very sensitive skin that cannot tolerate retinoids.
Our score breakdown: Evidence 8, Results 8, New marks 9, Old marks 5, Safety 8.

2. Professional Microneedling: Best in office option

Microneedling uses fine needles to create tiny injuries that prompt the skin to rebuild collagen. A 2024 meta analysis found it significantly outperformed laser and non laser treatments for stretch marks, with less risk of dark marks afterward, though it was more painful. It works on both newer and older marks and usually takes several sessions with a dermatologist. At home rollers are far gentler and less effective.

Not for: anyone with active skin infections or a tendency to form raised scars.
Our score breakdown: Evidence 8, Results 8, New marks 7, Old marks 8, Safety 6.

3. Hyaluronic Acid and Centella Creams: Best over the counter cream

Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating molecule found naturally in skin. Applying it to early stretch marks made the stretch marks less noticeable in two large studies, and creams with centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid showed positive results for preventing stretch marks in a systematic review. They are gentle and inexpensive, but they do little for older marks.

Not for: anyone hoping to fade old, white stretch marks.
Our score breakdown: Evidence 6, Results 6, New marks 8, Old marks 3, Safety 10.

4. Laser and Light Treatments: Best for redness

Lasers, along with microdermabrasion, chemical peels, radiofrequency, and ultrasound, can reduce redness and improve texture. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that none of these can get rid of stretch marks, but procedures are often more effective than creams and can be combined. Some lasers carry a higher risk of dark marks on deeper skin tones, so choose an experienced provider.

Not for: pregnancy, or anyone wanting a low cost option.
Our score breakdown: Evidence 7, Results 7, New marks 7, Old marks 6, Safety 5.

5. GHK-Cu Cream: Best gentle add on

GHK-Cu is a copper peptide that supports collagen production, and 12 week skin studies reported improved firmness, laxity, and skin density. It has not been tested specifically on stretch marks, so it is best used as a gentle add on rather than a main treatment. Research on GHK-Cu for stretch marks and scar remodeling is still at an early stage. It is available as a prescription GHK-Cu cream after a clinician review.

Not for: pregnancy or breastfeeding, since GHK-Cu has not been studied in pregnancy, or anyone with a copper sensitivity.
Our score breakdown: Evidence 3, Results 5, New marks 6, Old marks 5, Safety 9.

6. Cocoa Butter and Oils: Skip for stretch marks

Cocoa butter, olive oil, almond oil, and vitamin E are the most popular stretch mark remedies, but studies found they do not work for treating or preventing stretch marks. A Cochrane review of creams used in pregnancy also found no high quality evidence that any topical preparation prevents stretch marks. They are fine for soothing dry, itchy skin, just not for the marks themselves.

Not for: anyone expecting them to prevent or fade stretch marks.
Our score breakdown: Evidence 3, Results 1, New marks 2, Old marks 1, Safety 10.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Quickly

There is no quick way. Start treatment while marks are still red or pink, when they respond best. A prescription retinoid or hyaluronic acid cream is a reasonable first step outside pregnancy, and in office procedures such as microneedling or lasers can add more visible change over several months.

Can Stretch Marks Be Removed 100%?

No. Every treatment on this list can make stretch marks less noticeable, but none removes them completely. Older marks usually fade to a pale, silvery color on their own, which many people find easier to live with than the early red stage.

Can You Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?

The evidence is limited. Creams with centella or hyaluronic acid show some promise, while oils and cocoa butter do not. Tretinoin and retinol should be avoided during pregnancy, and GHK-Cu has not been studied in pregnancy. It is worth asking your doctor before using any product.

How Do Koreans Remove Stretch Marks?

Korean skincare often features centella asiatica, known as cica, which has some evidence for preventing stretch marks. Korean dermatology clinics commonly use microneedling and lasers. These are the same evidence based approaches used elsewhere, and none removes stretch marks entirely.

How to Build a Stretch Mark Routine

• Treat early: start as soon as new red or pink marks appear.
• Use an evidence based cream daily: a retinoid at night, or hyaluronic acid if you are pregnant and your doctor agrees.
• Massage it in: work the cream gently into the marks.
• Give it time: expect weeks to months before changes are visible.
• Avoid tanning: tanning makes stretch marks more noticeable.
• Consider a procedure: ask a dermatologist about microneedling or lasers for older marks.

Copper peptides are well tolerated, and the most common GHK-Cu side effects are mild tingling or redness that fade within weeks.

What the Evidence Does and Does Not Support

The evidence supports tretinoin and hyaluronic acid for making early stretch marks less noticeable, and microneedling and lasers for improving both new and older marks. It does not support cocoa butter, oils, or vitamin E, and no treatment removes stretch marks completely. Most studies are small, and evidence for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy is weak. Results vary from person to person.