Hatch Mama vs Mama Mio: Which Pregnancy Stretch Mark Oil Works Best?

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Hatch mama belly oil review - Hatch mama belly oil versus mamamio tummy rub oil - pregnancy stretch mark oils reviewed and compared

Dawn Teh

Hatch Mama Belly Oil vs Mama Mio Tummy Rub Oil

Which Pregnancy Stretch Mark Oil Works Best?

When I was searching for a stretch mark oil to use during pregnancy, I found the process challenging.

On the one hand, I definitely wanted something that was effective. But a new concern I had was the safety of its ingredients.

Growing a baby is such a delicate process and everything that we ingest (even through our skin!) goes to our little one. I definitely didn’t want to harm my baby with any chemicals that were present in my skincare products.

As I looked for a stretch mark oil that was both effective and safe, 2 names kept popping up in my search.

I noticed Mama Mio because it’s a trusted brand that uses all-natural ingredients. Hatch Mama was the other company that caught my eye as the new-comer on the scene with endorsements by several celebrities.

In this review, I will be doing an in-depth comparison of the Hatch Mama Belly Oil and Mama Mio Tummy Rub Oil.

Both oils may seem like they do the same thing, but there are differences that may make you choose one over the other.

In this review I will talk about:

  1. Do Pregnancy Oils Prevent Stretch Marks
  2. Comparison Table: Hatch Mama vs Mama Mio Tummy Oils 
  3. Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Oil Review
  4. Hatch Mama Belly Oil Review
  5. Which Stretch Mark Oil Do I Recommend?

Do Pregnancy Oils Prevent Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks occur because of tiny tears in the lower layers of the skin. This usually happens when the skin stretches or shrinks too quickly.

Whether you’re likely to get stretch marks in pregnancy is determined by many factors. But genetics and age play a big part.

In my case, the odds were really against me. My mother has stretch marks and I already had existing stretch marks on my thighs from my teen years. So I knew I was predisposed to having it.

But despite that, I was going to try my best to minimize my chances of getting stretch marks around the belly area. So I started applying a stretch mark oil 2 times a day the moment I found out I was pregnant.

I continued with this routine throughout my pregnancy, and even a few months after I gave birth.

To my surprise, I didn’t get a single stretch mark. I’ve read many stories from online forums and heard from friends that they’ve had similar experiences.

Those who consistently applied stretch mark oils from early on in their pregnancy reported having minimal stretch marks post-birth.

For me, using a stretch mark oil was also essential in helping to soothe the irritation on my skin as a result of a growing belly.

I found this was particularly true for me towards the end of my second trimester because I have naturally dry skin.

For me, using a stretch mark oil during pregnancy is a must for relieving discomfort and preventing stretch marks.

Prevention vs Correction of Stretch Marks

I’d also like to make a quick distinction between stretch mark oils that are for preventing or correcting stretch marks.

I came across some reviews saying the Hatch Mama and Mama Mio stretch mark oils have helped to lighten existing stretch marks. However, their main purpose is for preventing them before they appear.

With any skin or health condition, prevention is always better than cure. So don’t wait till stretch marks have begun showing to use these oils!

The earlier you start consistently using these oils in your pregnancy, the more effective they will be.

Hatch mama belly oil versus mamamio tummy rub oil - pregnancy stretch mark oils reviewed and compared

Hatch Mama Belly Oil vs Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Oil: Comparison Table

When choosing which stretch mark oil best, there are several factors to consider. These include ingredients, safety, effectiveness, texture, smell, hydration, and price.

While Mama Mio and Hatch Mama both score very well in these various criteria, there are some differences to note.

Here is a quick side-by-side comparison of the Mama Mio and Hatch Mama stretch mark oils:

 

Full Review Jump to full review Jump to full review
Prices Supersize bottle:
$49 for 200 mL
(6.8oz) $7.2/oz
Regular bottle:
$58 for 195 mL
(6.7 oz) $8.7/oz
Prices for smaller bottles $38 for 120 mL (4.1oz)

 

$28 for 30 mL (1oz)
(Travel bottle with roll on applicator)
Special Ingredients Sweet almond oil
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it can reduce stretch marks, itch and irritation.
Coconut oil
It can promote collagen helping to improve skin elasticity.
Avocado oil
It can help with collagen building to help with skin elasticity.
Sweet Almond Oil
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it can reduce stretch marks, itch and irritation.
Calendula
Anti-inflammatory it can help sooth itch and rashes.
Grapefruit Peel
Anti-inflammatory and with a light citrus smell.
Bottle Design Pump bottle Dropper
Effectiveness 82-97% of 479 users gave 4 or 5 stars
(3 independent websites)
100% of 40 users gave 4 or 5- star ratings
(Hatch Mama website)
Hydration Deeply hydrating Hydrates well but feels light
Smell 100% natural citrus smell. Pleasing grapefruit citrus smell.
Texture Light, 1-2 minutes to fully absorb into the skin. Very quick absorbing, no residue.
Amount of Product Needed 2-3 pumps for whole belly area. 2-3 drops for whole belly area.
Pregnancy-safe Ingredients? Yes Yes, they use a blend of natural botanical ingredients
Dermatologically tested? Yes Yes
Special offers $10 off first order: Mama Mio
UK orders: Mama Mio
Hatch Mama

 

In terms of preventing stretch marks, the 2 oils scored equally well in this category.

Both products had many reviewers saying they were effective. So why you would choose one over the other would be dependent on other factors.

This includes things like texture, smell, price, and which ingredients you feel are more effective in minimizing stretch marks.

In my opinion, Mama Mio is a brand that’s been tried and tested by many mothers. The majority love it for its effectiveness in preventing stretch marks and hydrating properties.

However, the drawback for a small minority was its slightly greasy texture after application. Some also felt that the smell was a bit too strong for their liking.

Hatch Mama is a relative newcomer to the pregnancy skin-care industry but is part of the Hatch Collection, an established maternity wear brand.

Its newer beauty products have quickly gained popularity among celebrities.

It has an elevated feel with its minimalist packaging and top-grade ingredients. Also, one of its best features is that it absorbs very well without leaving any greasy feeling.

Feature Comparison

Price

When I compared the large bottles, the per-ounce price was a little higher for Hatch Mama than for Mama Mio. Hatch Mama’s Belly Oil does have a more luxurious feel than Mama Mio, so it’s good for moms who want to feel pampered with a higher-end oil.

Scent

When I tested both oils, I actually found each one to have a pleasant citrus smell and neither of them was overpowering to me.

Mama Mio had more of an orange scent, whereas Hatch Mama smelled more like grapefruit to me.

Skin Absorption

In terms of absorption, I considered both to be quick absorbing — but Hatch Mama did absorb into my skin slightly faster.

Hatch mama belly oil versus mamamio tummy rub oil - pregnancy stretch mark oils reviewed and compared

$10 off your first order: Mama Mio

Mama Mio Tummy Rub Oil Review

Mama Mio’s Tummy Rub Oil is a popular well-known stretch mark oil that has over 300 reviews on Amazon.

It often ends up in “best stretch mark creams” roundup lists for a good reason — it’s worked for many moms.

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Hydration

How I Found It

As someone with very dry skin, it’s hard for me to find products that provide the long-lasting hydration my skin needs. That’s why I like oil-based products like the Tummy Rub Oil.

I felt that a single application for me in the morning was able to leave my skin feeling soft and supple for the whole day.

What Others Had to Say

Many of the reviews I found said that this was one of the best qualities of this oil. (In fact, I didn’t see a single review that said it was not moisturizing.)

Many also added that it was effective at relieving the dreaded itch and irritation as a result of a growing belly.

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Texture

How I Found It

I’ve tried many natural oils in the past (like pure almond and avocado oil), and it often leaves an oily residue on the skin after application. But with the Tummy Rub Oil, I was impressed with how light it felt on my skin after application.

I could use it in the day and not worry about whether this oil would leave patches on my clothes.  Only 2-3 pumps were needed and it fully absorbed into my skin after about 1 minute.

What Others Had to Say

Most of the online reviews share the same opinion as me about the texture, with many saying that it absorbs quickly into the skin. However, a small minority did say that they felt it left a slightly greasy residue.

I can’t say for sure, but I think this may be due to pumping out too much of the product at one go. Another top tip from other moms was that applying the oil after showers helped it absorb faster.

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Scent

How I Found It

The Tummy Rub Oil also has a pleasantly earthy, orange scent that was not overpowering to me. People often have different preferences when it comes to scents. But I felt that this oil has a refreshing and energizing smell that I imagine most people would like because it’s quite light and neutral.

What Others Had to Say

The vast majority of online reviews had good things to say about the scent. A small minority did mention that they felt it was overpowering for them (especially in the first trimester, during the peak of morning sickness).

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Packaging

This oil comes in a very convenient pump bottle. And if you’re environmentally conscious, you’d be happy to know all their packaging is recyclable!

Many online reviews stated they only needed a small amount of product (2-3 pumps) to moisturize their entire baby bump.

 

What’s in Mama Mio’s Tummy Rub Oil?

Special ingredients:

  • Coconut, almond, argan, olive and rosehip oils: help with skin elasticity, and help to soothe irritated or itchy skin
  • Vitamin E: Antioxidant that protects the skin 

No nasty chemicals:

  • All Mama Mio products are free from parabens, petrolatum, colorants, xenoestrogens, PEGs, and phthalates.

Mama Mio Tummy Rub Oil – How Does it Work?

Mama Mio has shared on its website that the Tummy Rub Oil’s effectiveness comes from its high Omega-3 fatty acids concentration — a chemical known to help improve skin elasticity and prevent premature aging.

I wanted to have a closer look at its main ingredients to see how each one works, and here’s what I found:

Key ingredients

How does it help the skin?

Coconut oil Preliminary studies show that it promotes collagen building to improve skin elasticity.
Argan oil Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and promotes skin elasticity.
Sweet almond oil Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which helps prevent premature aging. It has also been shown to reduce stretch marks and skin irritation.
Avocado oil Preliminary studies show that it helps with collagen synthesis to improve skin elasticity.
Olive oil Protects the skin with its antioxidant properties which can prevent premature aging.
Rosehip oil Rich in Vitamin A and C, which aids the production of collagen to slow aging and improve elasticity.
Vitamin E An essential antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental free radical damage.

 

Does Mama Mio’s The Tummy Rub Oil help prevent stretch marks?

The secret to the Tummy Rub Oil’s effectiveness lies in the fact that its oils are packed full of Omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for increasing skin elasticity.

I found 479 reviews across 3 different websites for Mama Mio’s the Tummy Rub Oil. Between 82-97% of reviewers gave it a 4 or 5 star rating.

I found that the overwhelming majority of reviewers found that this oil was effective at preventing stretch marks. Many moms swear by it and even buy this oil for all their pregnant friends.

A number of the reviewers who gave the Tummy Rub Oil a lower rating, did so because of things like its texture or smell. These are factors that I feel are more about personal preference, rather than it being ineffective at preventing stretch marks.

Because it is so effective, many mothers stated that this product was worth every cent. And because you don’t need much product with each use, it lasts a long time.

Here are some of the latest online reviews of the Mama Mio Tummy Rub Oil:

Mamamio tummy oil review 1

Mamamio tummy oil review 2

Mama Mio Tummy Rub Oil Review Summary

Pros

Cons

An overwhelming majority of reviews say that it helped to prevent stretch marks The smell was strong for a small minority —  Especially those experiencing scent aversions or morning sickness in their first trimester.
All-natural ingredients A small minority that the texture felt greasy on their skin
The majority reported the smell was pleasant and mild Some would have preferred a clear bottle to see how much product is left
The majority reported that the oil easily absorbed into the skin, and did not leave a greasy feeling after application
Only a little product is required for application

More about Mama Mio

Mama Mio is a skincare pregnancy brand that’s been around since 2004 and has many rave reviews from their customers. They are a trusted brand in the industry and were one of the first few brands to come up with a pregnancy-specific skincare line.

I find that Mama Mio really understands the concerns of mothers who want natural, safe ingredients to use during their pregnancy.

All their products are free from nasty chemicals like parabens, petrolatum, colorants, xenoestrogens, PEGs, and phthalates.

I was also really impressed with the wide range of products that they have for pregnant moms. They have everything from tummy scrubs to bust creams.

One of their other special products I wanted to highlight is the Lucky Legs Cooling Leg Gel.

It is designed to help soothe tired or swollen legs during pregnancy by harnessing the cooling powers of plant oils and spearmint. I even found a reviewer who said that it was effective in helping to ease leg cramps.

Hatch mama belly oil versus mamamio tummy rub oil - pregnancy stretch mark oils reviewed and compared

Hatch Mama Belly Oil Review

Hatch Mama’s Belly Oil hasn’t been around for as long as Mama Mio’s Tummy Rub Oil, but it’s definitely made waves in the beauty and wellness circles.

It’s appeared in online magazines like Allure and Vogue. Even Khloe Kardashian shared on Instagram that she used this through her pregnancy.

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Hydration

How I Found It

Hatch Mama’s Belly Oil is very hydrating, even when I compare it to other pure oils that I’ve used in the past.

With just a few drops in the morning, it managed to help my skin feel soft and supple for the whole day. You won’t need to worry about reapplying it throughout the day.

I have naturally dry skin (with occasional eczema), so it’s usually hard for me to find any moisturizer that is able to retain moisture in my skin so well.

What Others Had to Say

I found many online reviews have also praised this oil for its great moisturizing properties.

It was especially effective at relieving the irritation and itching around the belly area for several reviewers. I think this can be attributed to the Calendula ingredient in this oil which has been shown to be effective in relieving skin irritations.

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Texture

How I Found It

For me, the best feature about this oil is its quick-dry, non-greasy texture.

I’ve used many pure natural oils, and this belly oil actually felt more like a moisturizer rather than an oil.

After applying 2-3 drops, it only took a few seconds for it to absorb into my skin. To me, this oil is one of the most absorbent I’ve seen.

What Others Had to Say

I found that many of the positive reviews for this belly oil had moms swooning over how it absorbed into their skin very quickly.

Apart from helping to prevent stretch marks, many said that its non-greasy feel was its next best feature. If you’re very sensitive to greasy textures, this is the oil for you.

It was even rated by Cosmopolitan magazine as the best oil for a non-greasy feeling after application.

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Scent

How I Found It

For many moms with morning sickness or scent aversions, even the slightest whiff of an unpleasant smell can send them gagging.

Hatch Mama has definitely put this into consideration when making this product. It has a very light and subtle smell that I feel may not even be noticeable to some.

I usually like anything with a citrus smell, so the grapefruit scent of the Hatch Mama Belly Oil really appealed to me. It also didn’t linger at all and quickly dissipated after I rubbed it into my skin.

What Others Had to Say

Most of the reviews said that it had a very light, refreshing, and calming smell. I didn’t find a single review saying that the smell was too strong or unpleasant.

Some compared it to previous oils they’ve used and said that this oil was a lot less overpowering.

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Packaging

The packaging for this oil is so stunning, it could also work as a decorative piece on your nightstand. If you like having pretty things around your home, this oil will definitely brighten your day whenever you look at it.

The only small practical issue some moms had with the packaging was the dropper design. They found that the suction was not strong enough and had a few drops leaking from the dropper at times.

Several reviewers said that they only needed to use a small amount for each application and it could last up to 4 months if applied 1-2 times a day.

What’s in Hatch Mama Belly Oil?

Special ingredients:

  • Calendula oil: Soothes rashes, itch, and irritation.
  • Sweet almond oil: Full of vitamin-E, which helps with moisturizing and regeneration.
  • Grapefruit peel: Antioxidant-rich and provides natural citrus fragrance.

 

No nasty chemicals:

●       No parabens, phthalates, dyes, and fragrances.

●       Dermatologist and allergy-tested.

Hatch Mama Belly Oil – How Does it Work?

Hatch Mama’s Belly Oil has a quick-dry formula that still deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin. I decided to dig a little deeper about what makes their ingredients so special, and here’s what I found:

Key ingredients

How does it help the skin?

Jojoba seed oil Contains natural Vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties. These can protect the skin from environmental damage.
Sweet almond oil Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which helps prevent premature aging. It has also been shown to reduce stretch marks and skin irritation during pregnancy.
Grapefruit peel oil An antioxidant-rich oil that can protect the skin and produces a refreshing citrus scent.
Calendula This oil has anti-inflammatory properties, and is effective in soothing skin irritations like rashes or itching.
Olive oil Protects the skin with its antioxidant properties which can prevent premature aging.
Rosehip oil Rich in Vitamin A and C, which can aid the production of collagen to slow aging and improve elasticity.

 

Does Hatch Mama’s Belly Oil help to prevent stretch marks?

Being a relative newcomer on the pregnancy skin-care scene, it does not have as many reviews as Mama Mio. But it does have some big names like Khloe Kardashian and Gwyneth Paltrow saying it’s worked for them.

It’s even ended up on Cosmopolitan’s  top list of stretch mark oils.

Most of the reviews that I managed to find online were only on the Hatch Mama website, and they were all either 4 or 5-star ratings.

While the number of reviews is limited, not a single one of the 30 reviews said it did not help to prevent stretch marks. There was 1 reviewer who even said it helped to lighten existing stretch marks.

Here are 2 of the most recent reviews of Hatch Mama Belly Oil from their website:

Hatch Mama belly oil review 1

Hatch Mama belly oil review 1

Hatch Mama Belly Oil Review Summary

Pros Cons
The majority said that it helped to prevent stretch marks Not many reviews online
Some reported it to help to lighten existing stretch marks Has a slightly higher per ounce price compared to Mama Mio
Quick-dry oil that does not leave a greasy feeling, and does not stain clothes Some did not like the dropper design
Has a pleasant citrus smell from the grapefruit oil that is light and calming
Very hydrating and helps to soothe itching and dryness around the belly area
All-natural ingredients
Only a small amount of product required for application

More about Hatch Mama

Hatch actually started out as a maternity fashion brand. Its founder, Ariane Goldman, was having difficulties finding clothes during her pregnancy that was both chic, elevated, and timeless.

With this need in mind, the Hatch Collection was born. It’s gained a big following, and even celebrities like Meghan Markle have been spotted wearing their clothing

After a successful 6 years in the maternity fashion industry, Ariane wanted to branch out into the pregnancy skincare line.

She saw a need for moms to have a trusted and centralized source of skincare advice and products. Hatch Mama is her answer to all the moms out there who are unsure how to care for their skin during pregnancy.

In addition to their Belly Oil, Hatch Mama is famous for producing the first Belly Sheet Mask. The name describes exactly what it does — it’s a sheet mask, but for your baby bump instead of your face!

This ultra-luxurious mask works to prevent stretch marks by infusing your skin with collagen, aloe vera, and antioxidants.

I think it’s perfect for any mother who feels like giving their baby bump a special treat after months of stretching.

Which Stretch Mark Oil Do I Recommend?

These 2 belly oils are not only effective at preventing stretch marks, they also use ingredients that are all-natural and safe for pregnant moms. I would recommend either oil to an expecting mother.

If I had to choose between the two, I’d have to go with Mama Mio. It’s been tried and tested by many mothers, with the overwhelming majority saying it works. I agree with the majority of the reviewers who found it to be moisturizing and soothing to dry, itchy skin.

However, Hatch Mama’s Belly Oil is a great choice if you want to pamper yourself (or another mummy) with a luxury belly oil.

They’ve put a lot of thought into using top-grade ingredients and creating a beautiful, minimalist design. Also, if you’re very sensitive to smell or the feeling of oil on your skin, this option may be a safer bet for you.

The most important thing is to start applying either stretch mark oil today no matter where you are in your pregnancy journey.

Preventing stretch marks is always easier than trying to lighten it after it has formed. It’s worked for me and many other moms and I hope it works for you too!

Other Bestsellers From These Brands:

Hatch Mama and Mama Mio Stretch Mark Oil Alternatives

Mama Mio has a wide range of additional pregnancy skincare products — including their highly popular tummy rub butter and scrub. (You can see our full Mama Mio review here) 

 

And don’t forget to check out Hatch Mama’s Belly Mask for some extra pampering!

 

In addition to caring for your skin during pregnancy, it’s also important to look after your nutritional health. 

Other Pregnancy Wellness Products

 

To complement your diet, prenatal vitamin brands like Ritual and Beli can help supplement any nutrients you’re lacking. (Check out of full Ritual review and Beli review here). 

FAQs: Hatch Mama

Does Hatch Mama belly oil stain?

Hatch Mama’s belly oil quick-drying formula prevents it from staining clothes. I personally did not have any issue with this either.

Is Hatch Mama belly oil safe during pregnancy?

Hatch Mama belly oil is formulated to be safe to use during pregnancy and specifically helps to minimize the appearance of stretch marks.  

FAQs: Mama Mio

Is Mama Mio safe?

Mama Mio products are dermatologically tested and are safe for use during pregnancy. However, always do a small patch test to see if your skin can tolerate the product and discontinue use if irritation occurs.  

Where is Mama Mio based?

Mama Mio is headquartered in the UK. 

How do you use Mama Mio tummy rub oil?

Mama Mio tummy rub oil can be applied twice a day around belly, boobs, back, and bum.  

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