Six Best Belly Butters for Pregnancy: An Honest Look After Real Comparison 

I was not going to find one lovely young mother, who I could confidently recommend without hesitation, into this comparison. This proved to be more difficult than anticipated. There are lots of products from which to choose that promise a transformation they cannot offer. Aconcagua fat and elastic body to a chiseled buff figure in a pretty jar with a nice scent. It had to be real comparison, so we had to delve deep under the packaging and check the actual deck of ingredients. 

After real time use, deep reading the patterns in reviews, and checking the clinical studies, six butters with which the outer Weebles are associated have been identified for recommendation. The “real” version of what I found is below. The list of the top brands isn’t always the noisiest: it’s the ones whose product decisions reflect the evidence. 

Quick Overview of the Best Belly Butter For Pregnancy 

How We Selected the Top Pregnancy Belly Butters 

Before I begin to list the top belly butter for a pregnant woman, I need to wet your appetite for some of the worst belly butter and what they’re in for. So here are a few of the products that you’ll find listed as well, but that are not really the best baby belly butter. I separate the products that actually get a thumbs up, from those that have way more ingredients that are a no, or that actually could be harmful to a developing baby. The screen that I used: 

• None of the ingredients on a list with real clinically proven support: One example of that is how many products support the use of a stretch mark prevention that contain none of the ingredients to which they claim to treat the condition. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has found only two ingredients that show a good balance of research: Centella Asiatica and Hyaluronic Acid. 
• Pregnancy safety: Non-negotiable. There are many excellent skin care ingredients that pose a potential risk when pregnant. Products that included items such as retinoids and hydroquinone were not considered and were rejected right away. 
• They’ve discovered real-world results—the 5 stars are just a portion of the picture. What did REAL moms in review threads say? What did the negative reviews highlight for their one-star rating? I scanned beyond the rating average to discover the actual patterns. 

6 Best Belly Butters for Pregnancy 

After sifting through hundreds of products, thousands of consumer reviews, and the published research (available with a subscription) on which foods and treatments work best for preventing stretch marks, I decided that the following six were definitely products worth considering. Here’s the ranking. 

1. 8 Sheep Organics True Belly Serum 

I’m pretty certain that there’s not much competition for my number one stretch mark serum from the organic skincare brand 8 Sheep Organics , who no longer has to work hard to earn a reputation for making some of the best organic pregnancy products in the country. My only attempt was to be objective about this and the end did not disappoint! This is the only product that I’m putting on my list that has the two ingredients that the AAD has said good for dealing with stretch marks. 

Cochrane review is considered the greatest evidence for medicine. The Centella Asiatica one said women who used it, had fewer stretch marks. The AAD, alone, concluded that Hyaluronic Acid might help to prevent as well. These two combined ingredients work well with each other all three trimesters. 

The real secret to the formula’s performance is its all the way through penetration. There is no connection between stretch marks and the top layer (epidermis) of the skin. They form deeper and are caused by the tension of collagen fibers. True Belly Serum is so light that even it can make a way to that layer. But hefty belly butter can’t… no matter how well formulated. 

Just as important is what is not on the ingredient deck! Nothing concerning, ever. It’s small batch, handmade in the USA and certified organic. 

The true catch is that price, which is highest on this list, for $47. With the length of a bottle running at approximately $1.57 per day this comes out to about $1.57/day for math. The full purchase will be covered under the 100 day money back guarantee. It is really a non-riskier real risk. 

2. Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter 

The go-to drugstore choice that always shows up on the best belly butter for pregnancy lists is Burt’s Bees in part, because the brand is so familiar and safe, in part because mommy don’t care to do all of the research. A tub at Target, Walmart or definitely in any drug store, or order online and have it delivered to you. 

I was first drawn to it because the 99% natural origin formula. Shea butter and cocoa butter do most of the work in providing moisturizing and jojoba and coconut oil complement them. All four are extremely moisturizing. Unfortunately, none of them have strong evidence in particular for stretch marks. During this “loving” period of expansion, the tummy will feel nice and comfy, but not so nice and comfy as to take prevention steps. 

A lot of individuals coming to the greatest belly butter for conception are on the lookout for the prevention of stretch mark. So, the real news about cocoa butter, come to think of it, is not inspiring. Several RCTs have demonstrated its efficacy at least equal to placebo. 

However, if you’re not primarily concerned with stretch marks, and you’re just looking to stay comfortable and get nourishment from your skin, that might not be a problem. The experience of using the application is really nice — absorbs quickly, no residue left behind. Which is important when you have morning sickness. 

3. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion 

Another palmer’s drugstore icon is the Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion. Likely you may have seen or possibly used it previously during pregnancy. It is the most popular pregnancy lotion to sell in the Amazon store and also for a $9 price, it is obvious that it will certainly be a best selling item. 

The formula is packed with 45 ingredients, including my top hero when it comes to oils: Centella Asiatica. The bare truth is where it sits on the list of ingredients. Position #19 is a really strong “is not highly concentrated” statement. Quite a few ingredients that I do not want in a pregnancy product are present as well. These ingredients are listed on the label: petrolatum, dimethicone, and synthetic fragrance. 

The company is promoted as being the “#1 Stretch Mark Brand” and on that basis, it is. Palmer’s does also has scientific evidence to-back it. A group of 102 women was researched over a period of 8 weeks and 98% of them noted that their skin skins as more elastic with improvements in the texture and tone. 

There’s nuance in those results, though. Improvements in elasticity and tone are a real help. But, whether or not they actually prevent or reduce stretch marks is not something the study concluded. This, however, is a safe supplement to your daily regimen from the drugstore, when quality isn’t necessarily a high priority.

4. Belli Stretch Mark Minimizing Cream 

Belli is one of the few brands that will guarantee any decrease in the appearance of previous stretch marks. Hedge to prevention is the typical practice of most competitors. I’m taking my hat off to people posting that as the only reason to look around for authenticity. 

Hero ingredients are darutoside and Regestril, data is genuine. In a 1997 study by the University of France, as much as 72% loss of the depth and 52% of the length of stretch marks was reported. Since then, the research has hardly been replicated and those original numbers count. 

The second thing Belli does – that really impressed me – is, teratology screening. All ingredients are then cross-referenced to scientific medical literature to identify any development concerns. It’s a much more strict process than other brands on the list use. 

But make no mistake, there is one that I have to call out — retinyl palmitate (a Vitamin A derivative). Belli states that it passed the screening at safe levels. It is, of course, a critical time of pregnancy. So, dermatologists are in a limbo with retinoids. It’s a decision you must make yourself. 

5. Mustela Maternity Stretch Marks Cream 

Mustela is the European maternity brand straight from overseas that’s finally started to make its mark in North America for serious responsibility. The ingredient deck is the only part on the list which differentiates itself from the rest. 

The cream is based on patented avocado peptides to reinforce the capacity to create and maintain a proper hydrolipidic barrier: this is the technical name for the ability of your skin to be moistened and to keep the skin moist while it is stretched, so that it stretches and gives. The polyphenols of passion fruit help to support elasticity, which are added to the peptides supplied by food for a further reinforcement. 

A clinical study with 64 pregnant women was conducted to test the formula. 98% reported their skin felt more elastic. 87% reported it decreased the appearance of stretch marks after 3 months. Not quite the most objective study design, it is more data than most brands publish though. 

It has a somewhat longer list of ingredients – 25, but nothing really does raise red flags – no parabens, phthalates or phenol ethanol. If you prefer a fragrance-free option, it’s vegan and EWG Verified, but you get a smaller size bottle for relatively small savings. 

6. Earth Mama Organics Belly Butter 

In terms of being certified, Earth Mama has the most on its name. I guess, on its own merits, if there’s anything to contend with supply chains or environmental impact. The headline certifications: 

• NSF/ANSI 305 organic 
• Oregon Tilth certified 
• EWG Skin Deep rating of 1 
• Leaping Bunny cruelty-free 

But what kind of drinks does it contain to give it the sixth slot? The formula is more of a tradition of herbs than dermatology. Depending on their perspective, either trick will be attractive to honest moms. 

Glyceroethanolic acid, also known as gamma-linolenic acid, can be found in borage seed which has been long-used for better skin elasticity. Calendula helps to calm itchy, discolored skin that is stretched. Rooibos calms inflammation. A sweet orange and neroli bring a flavor contrast in chosen for their nice makeup when a lady is pregnant on account of the nausea. 

Keep in mind that this “butter” is more akin to a light paste or lotion than butter. That’s not necessarily a negative. Absorbs quickly without greasiness. 

Comparing the Different Types of Belly Stretch Mark Products 

If you were looking for the best belly butter for pregnancy, a couple of the above listed options just might be a good purchase, considering that they would be suited to reduce stretch marks and give you comfort and comfort alone throughout your pregnancy. When the category discussion takes Andrew and Jennifer into the realm of honesty, however, there are a number of other product formats to be known about. 

A belly butter is made with a rich, thick formula that is usually made from cocoa butter or shea butter, or a combination of the two. These products envelop the skin and bind in water, easing tension causing discomfort in tight dry skin. The downside to the honest belly butter is that it’s just on the surface, not down to the tissue where stretch marks are created. 

Therefore, another form may be suitable for your needs: 

Serums: These are called ‘serums’ and are more effective for the more active approach of stretch mark management since they penetrate deeper to the layer where the stretch marks are formed, from where the smaller molecules can reach. The example of a nature made product falls into this category here is a True Belly Serum made by the 8 Sheep Organics. 

Creams: For topping, creams are in the middle they’re lighter than a butter but thicker than a serum. Both Mustela and Belli produce creams. 

Oils: May be applied over a butter or cream for added moisture. The one top massage favorite of mine they glide splendidly with the increasing tummy. 

The important thing is what’s in the bottle what’s on the label is a good-gay indicator. 

Pregnancy Belly Butter Buyer’s Guide 

• Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola): This ingredient has the most clinical support when it comes to the prevention of stretch marks. Pregnant women who use it don’t develop as many stretch marks. But it must not be just a dusting at the bottom of the deck — it needs to be used in meaningful concentration as an ingredient. 
• Hyaluronic Acid: The best available ingredient to keep your skin hydrated – this is especially important for stretch mark prevention and in triple-weight formulation it can work its way deeper into your skin. 
• Clean formula: Frankly, the best stretch mark ingredients and the rest of the ingredients can combine to threaten your baby. The skin is also more sensitive during pregnancy. Free of anything non savory like petrolatum, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, parabens, phthalates and all the familiar culprits. 
• Texture and consistency: what would you want to rub on your belly each and every day for months. The rule is stick with a product you like to use — which is the MOST underrated reason on the list! 
• Third Party Testing: How do you know that a product consists what it states, and not contains what it doesn’t? Laboratory work of an independent laboratory. There is one more essential point to note while looking for the best belly butter for pregnancy—availability of the product. 
• Satisfaction Guarantee: Any brand that can boast that they have the best of anything should be ready to demonstrate their satisfaction guarantee right up front. Provides true exposure to a new brand and customer risk free.

The price was not the reason for this not being on the list – on purpose. The cheapest formulas around, it’s what you pay for, are listed above. It is a matter of value, not price. If a product scores positive on all other characteristics, it’s a buy at the higher end, too. 

What to Steer Clear of in the Best Belly Butter for Pregnancy 

It’s finding the right product the first half of the equation. But what you put to a pregnant woman’s skin is just as important. Some of these ingredients are very safe when not used in pregnancy and breastfeeding they cause concern when they are used in these periods:  

• Retinoids: Forms of Vitamin A can include retinol, tretinoin, or retinyl palmitate and are great for skin renewal; practically all Obstetrician Gynaecologists advise their pregnant patients to avoid them. Even the OTC ones are less risky as opposed to no-risk. It doesn’t seem like a fair bet. 
• Hydroquinone: A very strong lightening agent used in skin lightening and in the formulas for scar treatments. It has a greater systemic absorption rate than I’m comfortable with when I’m pregnant. 
• Synthetic fragrance (Parfum): Any labels that say synthetic fragrance (Parfum) may contain dozens of the chemicals that are not listed above. A number of are associated with skin sensitivity. Other compounds are referred to as hormone disruptors. Bad news in general during pregnancy. 
• Mineral oil and petrolatum: both ingredients derived from petroleum. They do adhere to the skin, but they are nothing more than fillers added to a formula where it is required. 
• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: These preservatives like DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea and Quaternium-15 release formaldehyde gradually over time. 

Keep to my suggestion of the better picks above and you won’t have much to worry about. Get the best belly butter for pregnancy, and support a growing magnificent skin and face during this walk, with this one thing. Get today’s best belly butter for pregnancy and support your walk for a growing magnificent skin and face, through the below. 

Frequently asked questions 

Do belly butters actually help with stretch marks during pregnancy? 

Is totally reliant on what they contain. A lot of products start out with just either cocoa butter or shea butter (also known as Vitamin A icosaic or linoleic acid). Both are great moisturizers and really on their own won’t be that much of a help in preventing or reducing stretch marks in most women. You’re looking for one with the Center Asia Centella and Hyaluronic Acid. 

What’s the best thing to rub on your stomach while pregnant? 

8 Sheep Organics True Belly serum is the top belly butterfly for pregnancy due to the unique combination of the to ingredients that AAD has singled out as effective in the treatment of stretch marks – Centella Asiatica and Hyaluronic Acid. This is my #1 choice. 

When to start belly butter during pregnancy? 

The sooner the better, honest. The elasticity increase has to occur at least prior to the second trimester, but stretch marks are not visible then. Once they’re formed, stretchmarks can be difficult to get rid of. This is all about prevention. 

How do I actually use the best belly butter for pregnancy? 

Clean and pat dry skins once or twice daily – morning and evening. Wrap around the sides and lower back and cover the entire belly; remember skin stretches in those areas also. The upper back, breasts and thighs are also fair game targets. Proper application of product depends on liberal use. Vigorously rub each of the areas for 30-60 seconds.

Image by Keity from Unsplash

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