“Can you really prevent stretch marks?”

We’ve all been there. Pregnant and terrified of that moment the first stretch mark will appear, we wonder if we should just buy the entire shelf lined with the lotions and crèmes that promise to keep them at bay.

The truth is, while there’s no magic lotion that can guarantee you won’t ever see a stretch mark during your pregnancy (they’re hereditary, after all, and whether you get them depends on a whole host of factors), using a stretch mark cream or oil does have benefits. Keeping your belly ultra-moisturized from the beginning of your pregnancy helps skin stay pliant and can help minimize the appearance of stretch marks. It can also reduce itching caused by ever-stretching skin.

Finding products that are safe and effective is key. Here are some of our favorites:

Belli Elasticity Belly Oil

A Belly Dance best-seller, Belli’s Elasticity Belly Oil is packed with Vitamin E, Gotu Kola extract, and cocoa butter to hydrate your belly and decrease the risk and severity of stretch marks. Lavender and sweet almond oil calm the senses and nourish and moisturize the skin.

Matter Company Substance Belly Jelly

We love Matter Company’s holistic approach to skincare, and many of their ingredients are certified organic. This soothing balm is made up of six essential oils—including shea butter, lavender, and evening primrose—rich in Vitamin E, which promote skin elasticity and help stop itching.

Basq Advanced Stretch Mark Butter

Loaded with omega rich oils, essential fatty acids, shea, and jojoba, Basq’s buttery stretch mark cream can help heal existing stretch marks while preventing new ones from forming.

Bella B Tummy Honey Butter

This light, fresh butter is full of cocoa and shea butter and aloe vera to soothe itching. Bonus: many of the ingredients are organic!