The Best Oils, Butters, and Balms for Your Bump
The journey of pregnancy is filled with emotions, physical changes, and anticipation for new life. Stretch marks are a reflection of the growing life inside you. However, you can help your skin along the way. Your skin will stretch to accommodate the growing baby as your belly expands. This can cause itchiness, dryness, and even stretch marks.
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Many expecting parents use belly butters and balms to keep their skin as supple and comfortable as possible. These products are designed to specifically care for pregnant skin. These products are designed to moisturize, soothe, and support the skin’s flexibility. They can turn your skincare routine into an enjoyable ritual that helps you bond with your baby bump.
We’ve put together a guide of 10 of the most effective products available, whether you’re searching for budget-friendly or luxurious skincare. Before we get started, let’s quickly review what you should consider when selecting the right product for your skincare.
What to Look for in a Belly Butter or Oil
Keep these things in mind when shopping for belly oil or balm during pregnancy:
Skin Type Compatibility: Do you have sensitive skin? Choose fragrance-free formulas or hypoallergenic ones. Shea butter and cocoa oil can be used to hydrate dry skin.
Ingredient Safety
Check for ingredients that are considered safe to use during pregnancy. Some products contain Vitamin A derivatives like retinol, which should be avoided in early pregnancy. Consult your GP or midwife if you are unsure.
Texture Preference
What do you prefer? A light oil that quickly absorbs, or a buttery richness that melts on your skin. The texture can affect how you use the product and when (e.g., after showering vs. just before bed).
Scent
You can become hypersensitive to smell during pregnancy. Choose unscented or mildly scented products that contain natural essential oils if you are experiencing morning sickness.
Vitamin A: Important Information
Some skincare products contain derivatives of Vitamin A, such as retinol and retinyl Palmitate. Vitamin A is essential for skin health and the development of a fetus, but high doses–especially when taken orally– can be harmful to a pregnant woman. The risk is low when applied topically, but it is best to avoid Vitamin A-based products during early pregnancy. If you are unsure, always read the labels and speak to your doctor.
1. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Tummy Butter to Reduce Stretch Marks
The best budget-friendly hydration
Palmer’s is a household brand when it comes to affordable, effective skincare. Their Tummy Butter does not disappoint. This thick, rich balm melts on your skin and delivers intense hydration where you need it.
This formula, infused with argan, salmon,d and shea butters, Vitamin E, and cocoa butter, targets dry, itchy skin. It also helps to improve elasticity. This formula also contains elastin and collagen – proteins that your skin produces naturally, but could use a little extra help during pregnancy.
This is perfect for daily use, and it’s especially soothing to areas that are prone to stretching, like the belly and breasts. It also works well on hips and thighs.
RRP $19.99 (125g) Available in major supermarkets and pharmacies.
2. Bio Oil Skin Care Oil
Best for: Scar Prevention and Light Oil Application
Bio-Oil is known for its ability to fade scars and prevent stretch marks. The product is a blend of vitamins and plant extracts, including Vitamin A and E, suspended in an oil base. It also contains their proprietary ingredient PurCellin Oil, which makes it less greasy and easier to absorb.
Bio-Oil can be used safely from the second trimester. It is also a versatile product that you can use on your breasts and lower back as well as your thighs, hips, and ankles.
This is a good choice if your goal is to find a formula that’s non-sticky and quick-absorbing. It can be used under your body lotion or on its own.
RRP $25.95 (125ml). — Available in most supermarkets and pharmacies.
3. Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter
The best for: Organic and luxury skincare lovers
Mama Mio’s Tummy Rub butter is the best option for those who are looking for organic products. This butter is rich in organic oils such as avocado, rosehips, argan, a nd sweet almond. It also contains shea butter to provide deep hydration.
Its focus on increasing skin flexibility while being safe for any skin type is what sets it apart. The brand is vegan and cruelty-free, with a fresh citrus scent.
For optimal results, apply twice daily during the first trimester and postpartum.
$41.03 (4oz.) Available through Mio Skincare Online
4. Sukin BioNatural Skin Oil
Best for: All over hydration and scar treatments
This oil from the Australian brand Sukin is packed with oils that are nourishing, such as jojoba oil, tamanu oil, avocado oil, and carrot seed oil. These ingredients improve skin texture, tone, and hydration.
It’s perfect to brighten and improve skin elasticity with added Vitamins C and E. You can also use it on other parts of your body, such as dry elbows or scars.
15.95 ($60ml) Available at major retailers and Sukin.
5. Mummy’s Tummy Skin Juice Cream
The best for: natural, deeply nourishing skin care
This rich, buttery cream melts like oil into the skin, leaving it ultra-hydrating and full of skin-loving nutrients. It is a combination of omega-rich oils and plant butters, with Kakadu Plum for added brightness and skin repair.
Skin Juice is known for its free of toxins, harmful additives, and synthetic fragrances.
35ml Available at skinjuice.com.au.
6. Aesop Breathless Body Oil
Ideal for: Aromatherapy and minimalists
Aesop’s Breathless Oil, though not specifically created for pregnancy, is deeply moisturizing and contains natural oils such as sweet almond, macadamia, and orange peel. The oil is beautifully scented, with citrusy and woody notes. It absorbs easily for daily use.
The chic minimalist design makes this a perfect gift for a friend who is expecting, or even for yourself.
35ml Available in Aesop shops and online.
7. Gaia Belly Butter
Best for: Organic, essential oil-enriched care
Gaia Belly Butter soothes and nourishes sensitive skin. This cream, which combines shea butter with cocoa butter and wheat germ oil and organic rosehip oils, soothes and supports the skin as it stretches. This cream also contains a soothing blend of essential oils.
Use it from the moment your bump starts to grow, and throughout postpartum for healing and hydration.
$17.95 for 150ml. Available at Gaia Skin Naturals
8. Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter
Rich moisturiser without synthetic chemicals
Mama Bee Belly Butter, a product from a trusted brand, is a rich, ultra-moisturising formulation with a combination of cocoa, jojoba, and shea butters. It is free of parabens and phthalates.
This cream is rich and luxurious, perfect for those who prefer a thicker cream in winter or dry climates.
$28.20 185g Available at Biovea or online retailers.
9. Myrtle & Tuppence elastic belly balm
The best balm for those who are 100% organic balm lovers
This balm, which is made with organic tamanu, coconut oil, and essential oils of orange and neroli, targets stretch marks while supporting collagen production. Tamanu oil, a traditional Polynesian medicine known for its healing properties and scar reduction, is made from organic tamanu oil.
If you like boutique, artisanal brands, this small-batch, tch handcrafted product will be a great choice.
$29.95 for 100ml Available at Myrtle & Tuppence
10. Bee Beauty Mom to be Belly Balm
Concentrated, long-lasting use is best.
This buttery, rich balm is highly concentrated, so a small amount goes a very long way. It is packed with vitamin-rich butters and nut oils.
It’s designed to last a whole pregnancy if you use it regularly.
Available at Bee Beauty for $23.70 (40ml).
Conclusion
Care for your growing tummy is more than just avoiding stretch marks. It’s also about spending time with your body each day. There are products to suit every skin type and budget. Whether you want to massage your belly with a nourishing cream or use a soothing oil to massage it, there is a product for you.
Consistency is the key, no matter what you decide. Applying the cream regularly, often twice daily, can improve your skin texture, reduce dryness, itching, and stretch marks.
Remember that stretch marks can be a normal part of pregnancy. It doesn’t matter if you try to minimize their appearance or embrace them, but it is important to treat your skin with care and kindness.
