A lotion for stretch marks or cellulite can moisturise, soften and smooth the skin, and can help improve how marks look over time. No lotion removes stretch marks or cellulite. Both are extremely common, both usually become less noticeable with time, and the most useful things to look for in a lotion are regular, comfortable daily use, a formula that suits your skin, and honest labelling.
1. What stretch marks are
Stretch marks (striae) are narrow streaks that form when skin stretches quickly — during pregnancy, puberty, weight gain or loss, or rapid muscle growth. The NHS describes them as very common and not harmful.
New marks are often red, pink, purple or dark brown, depending on skin tone. Over months to years they usually fade to paler, silvery lines. That natural fading is why “before and after” claims on stretch mark products should be read with care: time alone makes a visible difference.
2. What cellulite is
Cellulite is the dimpled, “orange peel” look of skin, most often on the thighs, hips and bottom. It affects most adult women and many men, at any body weight. It is a normal feature of how fat and connective tissue sit under the skin, not a medical condition.
3. What a lotion can and cannot do
| A good lotion can | No lotion can | |
|---|---|---|
| Stretch marks | Keep skin moisturised and supple; soften the feel of the area; help improve the look of marks with regular use | Remove existing marks or guarantee that new ones will not form |
| Cellulite | Moisturise the skin and leave its surface feeling softer and smoother | Change the fat and connective tissue underneath, or remove cellulite |
In the UK, lotions like these are cosmetic products. Cosmetic claims must be truthful and supported by evidence, and a cosmetic can only claim to act on the skin’s appearance — not to treat, remove or cure anything. A label promising to “erase” or “eliminate” marks is a warning sign rather than a selling point.
4. What to look for when choosing
- A texture you will actually use every day. Consistency matters more than any single ingredient. A fast-absorbing lotion that does not feel greasy is easier to use daily.
- Your skin type. If your skin is sensitive, choose a gentler formula and avoid strong fragrance or essential oils. Citrus oils in particular can irritate some people.
- Fruit extracts and gentle exfoliation for a smoother surface on areas with cellulite.
- A patch test first. Apply a small amount to the inner arm and wait 24–48 hours before using it more widely.
- Pregnancy. Many people start using a stretch mark lotion during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your midwife or doctor before starting any new skincare product.
5. How to use a body lotion for the best results
- Apply once or twice a day to clean, dry skin — after a shower works well.
- Massage in with circular movements until fully absorbed.
- Keep going for several weeks before judging the result. Skin changes slowly.
- Stop using any product that causes redness, itching or stinging.
6. JeaKen’s body lotions side by side
JeaKen makes four 50ml body lotions for these concerns. All are applied once daily and are for external use only.
| Lotion | Made for | What’s in it | Worth knowing | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stretch Mark Lotion with Essential Oils | Moisturising areas with stretch marks | Olive, apricot kernel and coconut oils; grapefruit, lime, lemon, orange and palmarosa essential oils | Same formula as the Stretch Mark & Scar Lotion; patch test first | £19.95 |
| Stretch Mark & Scar Lotion | Moisturising areas with stretch marks and scars | Olive, apricot kernel and coconut oils; grapefruit, lime, lemon, orange and palmarosa essential oils | Same formula as the Stretch Mark Lotion; patch test first | £19.95 |
| Cellulite Body Lotion with Fruit Extracts | Moisturising cellulite-prone areas | Melon, strawberry and papaya extracts; apricot kernel, coconut and olive oils; grapefruit, lemon, lime and orange peel oils | Same formula as the Body Lotion for Cellulite-Prone Skin; contains citrus oils — patch test first | £19.95 |
| Body Lotion for Cellulite-Prone Skin | Moisturising cellulite-prone areas | Melon, strawberry and papaya extracts; apricot kernel, coconut and olive oils; grapefruit, lemon, lime and orange peel oils | Same formula as the Cellulite Body Lotion; contains citrus oils — patch test first | £19.95 |
Choosing between them: for marks, the Stretch Mark Lotion and the Stretch Mark & Scar Lotion share the same formula. For the look of cellulite, the Cellulite Body Lotion and the Body Lotion for Cellulite-Prone Skin share the same formula and price, so either is a good choice. Both contain citrus oils, so patch test first if your skin is sensitive. For very dry skin in general, Natural Whipped Shea Butter is a rich alternative.
Looking after your face instead? See our guide to retinol and collagen creams or browse the full skincare range.
7. Frequently asked questions
Can a lotion get rid of stretch marks?
No. A lotion can moisturise the skin and help improve how marks look over time, but no cream or lotion removes stretch marks. Most marks fade to paler lines naturally.
Is it better to use a lotion on new or old stretch marks?
New marks, which are still red or dark, tend to change more over time than older silvery ones. Regular moisturising is worthwhile at either stage for comfort and softness.
Can I use a stretch mark lotion during pregnancy?
Many people do. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your midwife or doctor before using any new skincare product.
Does anti-cellulite lotion work?
It can moisturise the skin and make its surface feel smoother, especially with daily massage. It does not change the structure beneath the skin.
How long before I see a difference?
Give any body lotion several weeks of daily use. Skin renews itself slowly, so day-to-day changes are hard to see.
Sources
- NHS — “Stretch marks”: causes, appearance and how they change over time.
- UK Cosmetic Products Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as retained in Great Britain) — the legal definition of a cosmetic product.
- Regulation (EU) No 655/2013 — common criteria for cosmetic claims: legal compliance, truthfulness, evidential support, honesty, fairness and informed decision-making.
