FREE ORGANIC MUSLIN SET & BIRTHING BAG CHECKLIST WITH EVERY PURCHASE $100 & OVER. LIMITED TIME ONLY.
Best belly oils of 2025: A side-by-side comparison

Pregnancy skin deserves the same care and consideration you’re giving the rest of your journey. With your belly stretching, shifting, and changing daily, a high-performing belly oil is more than just a luxury, it’s a ritual of nourishment, hydration, and connection.
We’ve compared five of the most talked-about pregnancy belly oils of 2025, breaking them down by the details that matter most. Whether you’re drawn to results, luxe botanicals, eco-conscious packaging, or are simply trying to calm tight, itchy skin.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Feature | Pure Mama | Hatch | Burt’s Bees | Nemah | Bio-Oil |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ingredients | ✅ Low risk: 100% natural botanical oils (almond, jojoba, vitamin E, rosehip, pomegranate, avocado & coconut). No parabens, phthalates, sulphates or synthetic fragrances | 🔶 Medium risk: Contains synthetic emollients and penetration enhancers. Grapefruit peel oil may cause photosensitivity or irritation. | 🔶 Medium risk: Contains citrus lemon peel oil (potentially irritating) and soybean oil (contains phytoestrogens, debated in pregnancy). | 🔶 Medium risk: Contains isopropyl palmitate – may clog pores or irritate sensitive skin. | ❌ High risk: Contains retinyl palmitate (a Vitamin A derivative). Generally not recommended during pregnancy. |
Fragrance | 100% natural and subtle | Zesty citrus, not ideal for scent sensitivity | Fragranced (type not disclosed) | Fragranced (type not disclosed) | Contains synthetic fragrance |
Brand Story | Female-founded, made in NZ | US-based luxury skincare brand | Mass-market US drugstore brand | Founded by Mary Lawless-Lee | Mass-market pharma-style product |
Pregnancy-Safe? | ✅ Yes – pregnancy-specific formulation | 🔶 Yes, but no formal certification | 🔶 Yes, but caution advised due to soy | ✅ Yes | ❌ No – not recommended during pregnancy |
Clinically Proven? | Yes, tested & approved | No | Not specified | Yes | Yes |
Standout Benefits | Pregnancy-specific, fast-absorbing, clean & effective | Well-known, elevated branding | Affordable and accessible | Trendy branding and packaging | Widely available and affordable |
Customer Rating | ⭐ 4.9 / 5 | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | ⭐ 4.4 / 5 | ⭐ 4.3 / 5 | ⭐ 2 / 5 |
Explore PURE MAMA Belly & Body Oil and experience what’s been called the most luxurious part of the pregnancy ritual.
PURE MAMA
Ingredients: ✅ Low risk: 100% natural botanical oils (almond, jojoba, vitamin E, rosehip, pomegranate, avocado and coconut. No parabens, phthalates, sulphates or synthetic fragrances.
Fragrance: 100% natural and subtle.
Brand Story: Female founded, made in NZ.
Pregnancy-Safe?: ✅ Yes, pregnancy specific formulations.
Clinically Proven?: Yes, tested and approved.
Standout Benefits: Pregnancy-specific, fast-absorbing, clean and effective.
Customer Rating: ⭐ 4.9 / 5
PURE MAMA provides clinically proven and pregnancy-specific blends using high-performance botanicals with a naturally subtle scent for safe, effective daily use.
HATCH
Ingredients: 🔶 Medium risk: Contains synthetic emollients and penetration enhancers. Grapefruit peel oil may cause photosensitivity or irritation.
Fragrance: Zesty citrus, not ideal for scent sensitivity
Brand Story: US-based luxury skincare brand
Pregnancy-Safe?: 🔶 Yes, but no formal certification
Clinically Proven?: No
Standout Benefits: Well-known, elevated branding
Customer Rating: ⭐ 4.5 / 5
Hatch delivers luxury packaging and name recognition, but includes synthetic ingredients and citrus oils that may not suit all skin types.
BURT'S BEES
Ingredients: 🔶 Medium risk: Contains citrus lemon peel oil (potentially irritating) and soybean oil (contains phytoestrogens, debated in pregnancy).
Fragrance: Fragranced (type not disclosed)
Brand Story: Mass-market US drugstore brand
Pregnancy-Safe?: 🔶 Yes, but caution advised due to soy
Clinically Proven?: Not specified
Standout Benefits: Affordable and accessible
Customer Rating: ⭐ 4.4 / 5
Burt’s Bees brings citrus scent and affordability, but fragrance may irritate sensitive skin.
NEMAH
Ingredients: 🔶 Medium risk: Contains isopropyl palmitate – may clog pores or irritate sensitive skin.
Fragrance: Fragranced (type not disclosed)
Brand Story: Founded by Mary Lawless-Lee
Pregnancy-Safe?: ✅ Yes
Clinically Proven?: Yes
Standout Benefits: Trendy branding and packaging
Customer Rating: ⭐ 4.3 / 5
Nemah offers sleek branding and nourishing oils, though added fragrance and isopropyl palmitate may be less ideal for pregnancy-purist routines.
BIO-OIL
Ingredients: ❌ High risk: Contains retinyl palmitate (a Vitamin A derivative). Generally not recommended during pregnancy.
Fragrance: Contains synthetic fragrance
Brand Story: Mass-market pharma-style product
Pregnancy-Safe?: ❌ No – not recommended during pregnancy
Clinically Proven?: Yes
Standout Benefits: Widely available and affordable
Customer Rating: ⭐ 4.2 / 5
Bio-Oil is affordable and well-known, but its use of synthetic fragrance and retinyl palmitate makes it a no-go for many expectant mums.
____
Every mama has her own journey, and the right belly oil can be a small yet powerful part of how you support your body through pregnancy. While each brand brings something unique to the table, PURE MAMA Belly & Body Oil stands apart, not just for its clinically tested and proven, all natural formulation, but for its experience also.
“With my first pregnancy, I got stretch marks despite religiously using a well-known belly oil. This time, I did my research and chose PURE MAMA Belly Oil, and wow, what a difference. My skin has remained soft, supple, and more resilient. No itching, no tightness, and most importantly, no new stretch marks! It’s become my daily ritual, and I actually look forward to applying it.” Hannah, New Plymouth
It’s the only oil that balances luxury, safety, and science and is trusted by hundreds of thousands of women who know the difference high-performance skincare can make.
Explore PURE MAMA Belly & Body Oil and experience what’s been called the most luxurious part of the pregnancy ritual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best belly oil for pregnancy in 2025?
The best belly oil for pregnancy in 2025 depends on your personal preferences, but PURE MAMA Belly & Body Oil stands out for its 100% natural formulation, pregnancy-specific testing, and high customer rating. It’s designed to nourish stretching skin, reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and soothe itchiness, without synthetic fragrances or questionable ingredients.
Is PURE MAMA Belly & Body Oil safe to use during pregnancy?
Yes, PURE MAMA Belly & Body Oil is specifically formulated for pregnancy and safe to use from the first trimester onward. It contains no synthetic fragrances or retinols and is dermatologically tested and clinically proven to support healthy, hydrated skin during pregnancy.
What should I look for in a pregnancy belly oil?
When choosing a belly oil for pregnancy, look for natural, non-toxic ingredients, no synthetic fragrance, and oils that are non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). Bonus points if it’s pregnancy-specific and dermatologically tested. Avoid retinoids, high concentrations of essential oils, and known allergens.
Can belly oils help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy?
While no product can guarantee stretch mark prevention (genetics play a big role), consistent use of a high-quality belly and body oil like PURE MAMA can support skin elasticity and hydration, helping to minimise the appearance and severity of stretch marks.
Is Bio-Oil safe to use during pregnancy?
Bio-Oil contains synthetic fragrance and retinyl palmitate (a form of Vitamin A), which many health professionals recommend avoiding during pregnancy. If you're looking for a safer alternative, choose a pregnancy-specific oil like PURE MAMA that’s free from potentially harmful ingredients.
What makes PURE MAMA different from other belly oils?
Pure Mama Belly & Body Oil is uniquely formulated for pregnant bodies using only natural, high-performance oils like jojoba, almond, and rosehip. It’s clinically tested, subtle in fragrance, and designed by mums for mums. It’s also rated 4.9/5 by thousands of happy customers.
Is Hatch Belly Oil pregnancy safe?
Hatch Belly Oil is generally considered safe for pregnancy but is not officially certified or formulated specifically for pregnancy. It contains synthetic emollients and citrus oils, which may cause irritation for those with sensitive skin.
Can I use belly oil after pregnancy?
Absolutely. Belly oils like PURE MAMA are great for postpartum skin recovery too. Continued use after birth can help improve skin hydration, elasticity, and the appearance of stretch marks as your body heals and changes.
Are belly oils better than stretch mark creams?
Belly oils and stretch mark creams can both be effective, but oils typically absorb deeper into the skin and create a more breathable barrier. Many women prefer oils for their natural formulations and luxurious feel, especially when used during a daily ritual of connection with your changing body.
When should I start using belly oil during pregnancy?
It’s best to start using belly oil as early as the first trimester to support skin elasticity from the beginning. Regular application, especially as your bump grows, can help keep the skin supple and reduce dryness, tightness, and itchiness.