DIY Stretch Mark Cream: A Natural Recipe Using Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter

Last updated: November 2026

To make a DIY stretch mark cream, melt 1/2 cup (120 g) cocoa butter, 1/4 cup (60 g) shea butter and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) coconut oil, cool for 5 minutes, then stir in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) baobab oil and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vitamin E oil. Baraka's shea butter is made by hand at the Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre in Wa, Ghana, and Baraka is Community Certified Fair Trade. This is a daily moisturising belly butter, not a treatment for stretch marks, which depend mostly on genetics and how fast the skin stretches.

Across West African communities where shea and cocoa butter come from, pregnant women have traditionally used them on the belly, hips and breasts as part of a daily skincare habit. This page gives you five formulations for the same purpose: daily skin moisturising during pregnancy. The first is a balanced everyday blend. The four variations draw on three Baraka recipe books and each has its own feel: richer and firmer, light and creamy, gentle for early pregnancy, or whipped and fluffy. Pick the one that suits the ingredients you have and the texture you like.

For a complete guide to natural skincare during pregnancy, see Natural Pregnancy Skincare: A Complete Guide.

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How do you make a diy stretch mark cream?

Melt the butters and coconut oil gently, let them cool a little, stir in the lighter oils, then pour or whip. In short: put 1/2 cup (120 g) cocoa butter, 1/4 cup (60 g) shea butter and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) coconut oil in a heat-safe bowl over simmering water and stir now and then for 5 to 8 minutes. Take it off the heat for 5 minutes, then stir in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) baobab oil and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vitamin E oil. Pour it into a clean jar, or chill it for 15 to 20 minutes until the edges firm up and whip it with a hand mixer for a fluffy texture.

Massage it into the belly, hips and thighs twice a day. It moisturises; it does not treat or prevent stretch marks. Ask your doctor or midwife before using any new product in pregnancy. The full steps and amounts are in the Primary Formulation below.

What is the best stretch mark cream for pregnancy?

No cream or butter can prevent stretch marks, so no product is best at that. Stretch marks depend mostly on genetics and how fast the skin stretches. A good choice for pregnancy is a simple daily belly butter that keeps skin moisturised as it changes, such as cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, baobab oil and vitamin E oil. Shea and cocoa butter have been used this way in West African communities for generations.

Many people like a homemade butter because they can see every ingredient and leave out anything they don't want, such as essential oils. Choose the texture you will actually use every day: a firm butter, a whipped cream or a light lotion-style cream. If you notice a rash, or have sore or cracked nipples or anything that does not go away, ask a midwife, doctor or pharmacist.

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Choose Your Formulation

Formulation	Source Book	Key Ingredients	Best For
Preventative Butter Blend for Growing Belly (Primary)	Motherhood Journey	Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Baobab Oil, Vitamin E	Balanced daily moisturising throughout pregnancy
Intensive Belly Butter for Pregnancy	Traditional Shea Remedies	Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Rosehip Seed Oil	Rich, firm daily moisturising
Pregnancy Daily Moisturising Cream	Traditional Shea Remedies	Shea Butter, Baobab Oil, Emulsifying Wax, Distilled Water	Lightweight daily use
Early Pregnancy Belly Butter	Nurture & Nourish	Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Baobab Oil, Frankincense (optional)	Daily use from early pregnancy
Rich Whipped Belly Cream	Nurture & Nourish	Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Baobab Oil, Shea Oil	Traditional multi-butter whipped blend

All formulations follow the same routine: apply twice daily to the belly, hips, breasts and thighs, massaging in circular motions until absorbed. Many people start as early as possible in pregnancy so it becomes a habit.

A note on essential oils

Every essential oil in these recipes is optional. Leave them out in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. After that, use only lavender, Roman chamomile, sweet orange, mandarin, frankincense, geranium, ylang-ylang or tea tree, at no more than 1% of the recipe. For the primary batch (about 7 oz, 205 g) that is up to 0.07 oz (2 g), about 40 drops, and the amounts below stay well under it. These are Baraka's recommended limits, not a guarantee of safety. If you are breastfeeding, leave essential oils out of anything you put on the breasts.

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Primary Formulation: Preventative Butter Blend for Growing Belly

From Motherhood Journey: Baraka Butter Remedies for Motherhood & Infancy

This rich butter blend is made to moisturise your skin as your belly, hips and breasts begin to grow. Regular use also turns it into a daily moment of connection with your changing body.

Why This Formulation Works

Cocoa Butter — Firm at room temperature, it gives the blend its structure. Melts at close to body temperature.

Shea Butter — Traditionally used on dry skin. Solid at room temperature, it melts on contact with skin. It naturally contains vitamins A and E.

Coconut Oil — Softens the butters so the blend is easier to scoop and spread.

Baobab Oil — Fast-absorbing and nutrient-dense, rich in omega fatty acids. Light on the skin without heavy residue, it suits facial oils and serums and lightens the butter base here.

Vitamin E Oil — Added in a small amount to the blend.

Ingredients

• Cocoa Butter — 1/2 cup (120 g)
• Shea Butter — 1/4 cup (60 g)
• Coconut Oil — 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
• Baobab Oil — 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
• Vitamin E Oil — 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
• Lavender Essential Oil (optional, not in the first 12 weeks) — 5-8 drops (about 0.3 g, well under 1%)

Directions

1. Create a double boiler by placing a heat-safe glass bowl over a pot of simmering water.
2. Add cocoa butter, shea butter, and coconut oil to the bowl.
3. Melt completely, stirring occasionally, approximately 5–8 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
5. Add baobab oil and vitamin E oil, and optional lavender essential oil if desired, stirring to combine thoroughly.
6. For a whipped texture: allow to cool in the refrigerator until the edges begin to solidify (about 15–20 minutes), then whip with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
7. Pour into a clean jar or allow to set in the whipped state, then cap tightly.
8. Once set, store in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight.

Application Tips

Massage into belly, hips, breasts, and thighs morning and evening with gentle circular motions until absorbed. Many people begin as early in pregnancy as possible, ideally by the end of the first trimester, so it becomes a daily habit. The ritual of application becomes a moment to connect with your changing body and the child within.

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Variation 1: Intensive Belly Butter for Pregnancy

From Traditional Shea Remedies: DIY Shea Remedies for Mother & Baby Wellness

This rich butter combines shea butter and cocoa butter with rosehip seed oil for a daily belly moisturiser during pregnancy. It is meant for daily moisturising, not as a treatment for stretch marks.

Ingredients

• Shea Butter — 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons (150 ml)
• Cocoa Butter — 1/4 cup (60 ml)
• Rosehip Seed Oil — 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
• Vitamin E Oil — 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)
• Frankincense Essential Oil (optional, not in the first 12 weeks) — 5-8 drops

Directions

1. Create a double boiler by placing a heat-safe glass bowl over a pot of simmering water.
2. Add shea butter and cocoa butter to the bowl.
3. Melt completely, stirring occasionally, approximately 5–8 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
5. Add rosehip seed oil, vitamin E oil, and frankincense essential oil if desired, stirring to combine thoroughly.
6. Pour into a clean jar and allow to cool completely at room temperature, approximately 1–2 hours. Do not seal until completely cool.
7. Once set, the balm will be firmer than plain shea butter because of the cocoa butter content. Store in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight.

Application Tips

Apply to belly, hips, breasts, and thighs morning and evening with gentle circular motions. Use daily throughout pregnancy as part of your regular moisturising routine.

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Variation 2: Pregnancy Daily Moisturising Cream

From Traditional Shea Remedies: DIY Shea Remedies for Mother & Baby Wellness

This lightweight cream combines shea butter and baobab oil with water and emulsifying wax for a daily belly moisturiser throughout pregnancy. The formulation absorbs quickly, which many people like in warmer weather.

Ingredients

• Shea Butter — 3 tablespoons (45 ml)
• Baobab Oil — 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
• Emulsifying Wax — 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
• Distilled Water — 1/2 cup (120 ml)
• Vegetable Glycerin — 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
• Vitamin E Oil — 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)
• Lavender Essential Oil (optional, not in the first 12 weeks) — 8 drops

Directions

1. Create a double boiler by placing a heat-safe glass bowl over a pot of simmering water.
2. In the bowl, combine shea butter, baobab oil, and emulsifying wax.
3. Stir occasionally until all ingredients are completely melted and well combined, approximately 5–8 minutes.
4. In a separate heat-safe container, combine distilled water and vegetable glycerin, and warm to approximately the same temperature as the oil mixture (about 160°F (70°C)).
5. Slowly pour the water mixture into the oil mixture while continuously whisking.
6. Continue whisking for 3–5 minutes as the mixture cools and begins to thicken.
7. Once the temperature has dropped to about 120°F (50°C), add vitamin E oil and lavender essential oil if desired.
8. Continue to whisk for another minute to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
9. Pour into a clean container and allow to cool completely, approximately 4–6 hours.
10. Contains water, so make small batches, keep it cool and throw it out if it smells or looks off.

Application Tips

Apply to clean skin all over the body, with extra focus on the abdomen, breasts, hips, and thighs. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly enough to use morning and evening. The emulsified formula makes a light cream for daily use.

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Variation 3: Early Pregnancy Belly Butter

From Nurture & Nourish: DIY Remedies for Mother & Baby

This rich butter blend is made for daily use from the earliest stages of pregnancy, moisturising the belly, hips and breasts as they grow. You can begin it in the first trimester and keep using it throughout pregnancy. In the first 12 weeks, make it without essential oils.

Ingredients

• Shea Butter — 2 oz (60 g)
• Cocoa Butter — 2 oz (60 g)
• Coconut Oil — 1 oz (30 g)
• Baobab Oil — 1/2 fl oz (15 ml)
• Vitamin E Oil — 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
• Frankincense Essential Oil (optional, from week 13) — 10 drops (about 0.5 g, under 0.5%)
• Lavender Essential Oil (optional, from week 13) — 5 drops

Directions

1. Combine shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil in a double boiler.
2. Melt completely over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
4. Add baobab oil, vitamin E oil, and essential oils if you are using them, stirring to combine.
5. Pour into clean glass jars and allow to cool completely until solid.
6. Seal tightly and label with ingredients and date.
7. Store in a cool, dark place.

Application Tips

Apply daily to clean, damp skin on the belly, hips, breasts, and thighs, massaging in circular motions until absorbed. Starting a steady moisturising routine early keeps the habit easy as your body changes. This rich butter blend makes a daily ritual of self-care that connects you to your changing body as your baby grows.

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Variation 4: Rich Whipped Belly Cream

From Nurture & Nourish: DIY Remedies for Mother & Baby

This rich formula combines cocoa butter and shea butter with baobab oil and shea oil for daily moisturising during the most rapid growth phases of pregnancy. The whipped texture is light and easy to apply. Baraka's shea oil is made from unrefined shea butter.

Ingredients

• Cocoa Butter — 2 oz (60 g)
• Shea Butter — 2 oz (60 g)
• Coconut Oil — 1 oz (30 g)
• Baobab Oil — 1/2 fl oz (15 ml)
• Shea Oil — 1/2 fl oz (15 ml)
• Vitamin E Oil — 2 teaspoons (10 ml)
• Frankincense Essential Oil (optional, from week 13) — 10 drops
• Lavender Essential Oil (optional, from week 13) — 10 drops (20 drops in total is about 1 g, under 1%)

Directions

1. Melt cocoa butter, shea butter, and coconut oil in a double boiler.
2. Remove from heat and allow to cool until the mixture begins to solidify around the edges (about 15–20 minutes).
3. Add baobab oil, shea oil, vitamin E oil, and essential oils if you are using them.
4. Whip with a hand mixer until light and fluffy (about 5–7 minutes).
5. Transfer to clean glass jars and seal tightly.
6. Store in a cool, dry place.

Application Tips

Apply twice daily to the belly, hips, breasts and thighs, massaging in circular motions until absorbed. The whipped texture makes daily skincare feel like a mindful ritual of connection with your changing body and growing baby.

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What each ingredient does in these recipes

• Cocoa butter makes the blend firm and rich. It holds the shape of a balm.
• Shea butter makes it creamy and rich. It melts on contact with warm skin and naturally contains vitamins A and E.
• Coconut oil makes it softer and easier to scoop.
• Baobab oil makes it light. It absorbs quickly and leaves little residue.
• Shea oil (Variation 4) makes it soft and silky. It is made from unrefined shea butter.
• Rosehip seed oil (Variation 1) adds a light, soft oil to a rich base.
• Emulsifying wax and water (Variation 2) turn the oils into a light cream that absorbs fast.
• Vitamin E oil is added in a small amount to the oil phase.

How to change the texture

A simple rule of thumb: butters make it rich, oils make it soft and light, wax makes it hold its shape.

• Firmer: use a little more cocoa butter and a little less coconut oil.
• Softer or runnier: use a little more coconut oil, baobab oil or shea oil.
• Richer: add more shea butter.
• Lighter: add more baobab oil, or whip it as in the primary recipe so it feels airy.
• Cream instead of butter: make Variation 2, where emulsifying wax holds the water and oil together.

Change one thing at a time and keep notes. Keep leave-on essential oils at or below 1% of the batch if you add any.

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Storage

Store the butter-based formulations in sealed glass jars in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Use a clean, dry spoon or spatula every time, because water in the jar can spoil the butter. If the butter becomes too firm in cooler weather, place the jar in warm water for a few minutes before use.

Variation 2 is the exception. Contains water, so make small batches, keep it cool and throw it out if it smells or looks off.

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Safety Notes & Precautions

These recipes are DIY advice, not medical advice. Always ask your healthcare provider or midwife before using new skincare during pregnancy. Patch test first. Do not apply to broken or irritated skin. For sore or cracked nipples, rashes or anything that does not go away, ask a midwife, doctor or pharmacist. Keep butter off the nipples if you are breastfeeding, and leave essential oils out of anything you put on the breasts. Do not use undiluted essential oils on skin. If you notice any sensitivity, stop using it.

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Make It Your Own

These recipes are a starting point, not a rulebook. Use your judgement, be inspired, and don't be afraid to experiment. Everything here is a pure, natural ingredient that blends happily with the others. Start with a small batch, write down what you did, and see how your skin responds. When you find a belly butter that works for you, make it again.

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Voice Search FAQ

When should I start using belly butter during pregnancy?

Many people begin as early as possible, ideally by the end of the first trimester or when the belly first starts to expand. Daily use from early pregnancy builds an easy habit. Starting at any stage is fine; the butters work as daily moisturisers throughout the remaining months.

Can these butters actually prevent stretch marks?

No. Stretch marks depend mostly on genetics and the speed of skin stretching, not on whether a moisturiser is used. These traditional butters are used to keep skin moisturised and supple during pregnancy. They make a comfortable daily moisturiser, not a treatment.

How often should I apply these butters?

Apply twice daily to the belly, hips, breasts and thighs. A steady daily habit suits most people better than occasional use. Many people link it to their morning and evening routines.

Are these formulations safe during pregnancy?

The butters and oils are plant-derived, and shea and cocoa butter have been traditionally used on pregnant skin across West Africa for generations. Essential oils are optional: leave them out in the first 12 weeks, and after that keep to the amounts given. As with any new skincare, ask your healthcare provider before use, especially if you have sensitive skin or known allergies to any ingredient.

Can I use these formulations after pregnancy?

Yes. They also work as general body moisturisers for postpartum skin. If you are breastfeeding, leave essential oils out of anything you put on the breasts.

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Try These Next

If you enjoyed these belly butter formulations, you might also like:

DIY Stretch Mark Repair Serum — A serum made with specialised oils and butters, not a treatment for stretch marks.

Cocoa Butter for Stretch Marks: What It Can and Cannot Do — A guide to what cocoa butter can and cannot do for stretch marks.

Does Shea Butter Help With Stretch Marks? — An honest look at what shea butter can and cannot do for stretch marks.

Should You Use Coconut Oil for Stretch Marks? (Solved) — Detailed analysis of coconut oil's role in pregnancy skincare and daily moisturising.

Shea Butter During Pregnancy: What Is Safe and What to Expect — A complete guide to using shea butter throughout your pregnancy journey, addressing safety concerns and optimal application methods.

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The Impact of Your Purchase

Baraka is Community Certified Fair Trade. Baraka's shea butter is made by hand by the women of the Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre in Wa, Ghana, and our shea oil and baobab oil are made by hand in Ghana. According to Baraka's Social and Environmental Impact Report, this direct trade model provided income for over 1,000 women and prevented 47 metric tons of CO2 emissions. You also know exactly what touches your skin and your family's skin, without hidden synthetics or uncertain supply chains.

Meet one of the women behind these ingredients in this short film: Abudi Asana on Celebrating Mothers.

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Shop the Baraka Ingredients in This Recipe

Baraka's shea butter is made by hand at the Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre in Wa, Ghana. Shea oil and baobab oil are made by hand in Ghana. These are the ingredients trusted throughout Baraka's DIY guides and recipes.

Shea Butter | Unrefined shea butter, strained and filtered only, traditionally used on dry skin. A versatile base for balms, creams, and body butters.

Cocoa Butter | Firm at room temperature and unrefined, with the chocolate smell of the bean. Adds structure to balms and solid formulations.

Baobab Oil | Fast-absorbing and nutrient-dense, rich in omega fatty acids. Light on the skin without heavy residue. Excellent for facial oils and serums.

Shea Oil | Made from unrefined shea butter, a single-ingredient oil that is liquid at room temperature. A lighter texture for beard oils, hair serums and facial care.

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Quick answers

How do you make a diy stretch mark cream?

Melt 1/2 cup (120 g) cocoa butter, 1/4 cup (60 g) shea butter and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) coconut oil in a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring now and then for 5 to 8 minutes. Take it off the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes, then stir in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) baobab oil and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vitamin E oil. Pour it into a clean jar, or chill it until the edges firm up (15 to 20 minutes) and whip it with a hand mixer for a fluffy texture. This is a daily moisturising belly butter to massage in twice a day, not a treatment for stretch marks, and it is wise to check with your healthcare provider or midwife first if you are pregnant. More in Primary Formulation: Preventative Butter Blend for Growing Belly

What is the best stretch mark cream for pregnancy?

No cream or butter can prevent stretch marks, because they depend mostly on genetics and how fast the skin stretches. A good choice for pregnancy is a simple daily belly butter of cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, baobab oil and vitamin E oil, which keeps skin moisturised as it changes. Shea and cocoa butter have been used this way in West African communities for generations. It is a moisturiser, not a treatment for stretch marks, so check with your healthcare provider or midwife before using a new product. More in Primary Formulation: Preventative Butter Blend for Growing Belly

Disclaimer

The recipes and ingredients on this page are intended for cosmetic use only — for application to the skin, hair, and nails to cleanse, condition, and beautify. They have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any other regulatory authority. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. If you have a medical condition, skin condition, or known allergies, consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Keep all products away from eyes and out of reach of children. Results will vary between individuals.