Packed with vitamins and plant-based essential oils, Bio-Oil is advertised as a multi-purpose skincare product. But what exactly is this versatile oil truly capable of? Wonder no longer—we’ve covered everything this handy product can do so you can make the most of your own bottle. Read on to learn all about this skincare oil’s official (and unofficial!) uses.

Things You Should Know

  • Apply Bio-Oil twice per day to stretch marks and scars for at least 3 months.
  • Use Bio-Oil to help hydrate your skin and even out your pigmentation.
  • Add Bio-Oil to your beauty routine as face oil, bath enhancer, cuticle oil, or a shaving cream alternative.
1

Stretch Marks and Scars

  1. Some research suggests that Bio-Oil can reduce stretch marks and scars. In one particular study, participants treated their stretch marks or scars with Bio-Oil over an 8-week period. At the end of the trial, over half of the participants agreed that the product reduced their blemishes.[1] Reap these benefits yourself by rubbing Bio-Oil directly on your scars and stretch marks twice a day for at least 3 months.[2]
    • Bio-Oil is formulated to treat a variety of scars, including ones from surgical operations.[3] The company officially claims that Bio-Oil can help with acne scars, too.[4] Just keep your skin type in mind before you use this product—it might not be the best option for people with oily or acne-prone skin.[5]
    • Use Bio-Oil during your entire pregnancy (including the first trimester) to help prevent stretch marks.[6]
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2

Uneven Pigmentation

  1. Certain research shows that Bio-Oil can help even out your pigmentation. In one small study, people with uneven pigmentation rubbed Bio-Oil around their face and neck 2 times a day for a total of 12 weeks. At the end of the study, the vast majority of participants felt that their skin looked better and more evenly pigmented after the Bio-Oil treatments.[7] Apply the product to any uneven pigmentation on your own face or neck—the official company recommends rubbing it in a circular motion directly onto your skin.
    • For the best results, apply Bio-Oil twice a day for at least 3 months.
3

Dehydrated Skin

  1. Bio-Oil is a very effective moisturizer. Research shows that Bio-Oil is great at locking moisture into your skin. In fact, one particular study puts Bio-Oil’s moisturizing capabilities on par with vernix caseosa, the filmy material that covers babies that are still in the womb.[8] Apply Bio-Oil to any part of your skin that could use a little extra moisture, rubbing the product in circular motions as you go.[9]
    • Bio-Oil moisturizing qualities can help reduce wrinkles and lines, making it a great product for aging skin.[10]
    • Use it to moisturize your lips, too! Switch out your normal lip balm with a drop or 2 of Bio-Oil.[11]
    • Some Bio-Oil users recommend mixing a few drops of the product with your usual body lotion or cream.
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4

Face Oil

  1. Bio-Oil nourishes your skin without leaving it greasy. The formula is non-comedogenic; in other words, it won’t clog up your pores or lead to acne breakouts.[12] Feel free to apply this oil to your skin twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening is a good schedule to follow.[13]
    • Bio-Oil is full of vitamin A, which helps boost your skin’s elasticity and texture. It also includes vitamin E, which helps moisturize and protect your skin.[14] That’s a pretty great combo for a face oil!
12

Body Oil

  1. Bio-Oil is totally safe to apply as a topical essential oil. Lavender and rosemary oil are both key ingredients in Bio-Oil’s formula, as well as popular essential oils.[25] Rub this powerful oil combo directly onto your skin—for the best effects, massage therapists suggest focusing on your wrists, arms, and top of your feet.[26]
    • Feel free to massage the oil around your neck and the back of your ears, too.
    • Lavender oil helps promote relaxation, while rosemary oil can help with pain and boost your mood.[27]
    • Bio-Oil is also an effective massage oil.[28]

Expert Q&A

  • Question
    Can Bio-Oil remove old scars?
    Aparna Ghosh
    Aparna Ghosh
    California Licensed Esthetician & Electrologist
    Aparna Ghosh is a Licensed Esthetician & Electrologist and the Owner of Synergy Skincare in Folsom, California. She has been running Synergy Skincare since 2017 and has over eight years of industry experience working with various skin types. Aparna specializes in corrective and preventative skincare. She is a Kaiser Permanente Network Provider providing electrolysis hair removal for transgender patients diagnosed with adult gender dysphoria and gender incongruence. In addition to being certified in skin health and herbology, she holds a Master's degree in Zoology with a specialization in Biochemistry and a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology with a minor in Chemistry. Synergy Skincare won the Hall of Fame Best in Folsom Award in 2019 and 2022 and the Yelp Recognition Badge in 2017 and 2020.
    Aparna Ghosh
    California Licensed Esthetician & Electrologist
    Expert Answer
    Well, Bio-Oil is actually not very successful in areas where the scar is old. It's mostly used topically within three months of the formation of the scar tissue. It is also not good for acne scars.
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Warnings

  • Make sure your skin is completely healed before applying Bio-Oil to any scars. Never rub it over any scrapes or open wounds.[33]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about using Bio-Oil, check out our in-depth interview with Aparna Ghosh.

  1. https://www.bio-oil.com.au/ageing-skin/
  2. http://thefabulousreport.com/wp-content/2010/10/40-Uses-of-Bio-Oil.pdf
  3. https://bio-oilprofessional.co.uk/content/uploads/2016/08/Bio-Oil-Product-Guide.pdf
  4. https://patient.info/news-and-features/does-bio-oil-help-acne-scars
  5. https://bio-oilprofessional.co.uk/content/uploads/2016/08/Bio-Oil-Product-Guide.pdf
  6. https://bio-oilprofessional.co.uk/content/uploads/2016/08/Bio-Oil-Product-Guide.pdf
  7. https://www.self.com/story/ways-to-use-bio-oil-the-drugstore-scar-treatment-people-love
  8. https://bio-oilprofessional.co.uk/content/uploads/2016/08/Bio-Oil-Product-Guide.pdf
  9. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/want-a-smooth-safe-shave-every-time-try-these-10-tips/
  10. https://www.self.com/story/ways-to-use-bio-oil-the-drugstore-scar-treatment-people-love
  11. http://thefabulousreport.com/wp-content/2010/10/40-Uses-of-Bio-Oil.pdf
  12. https://www.self.com/story/ways-to-use-bio-oil-the-drugstore-scar-treatment-people-love
  13. http://thefabulousreport.com/wp-content/2010/10/40-Uses-of-Bio-Oil.pdf
  14. https://www.self.com/story/ways-to-use-bio-oil-the-drugstore-scar-treatment-people-love
  15. https://bio-oilprofessional.co.uk/content/uploads/2016/08/Bio-Oil-Product-Guide.pdf
  16. https://bio-oilprofessional.co.uk/content/uploads/2016/08/Bio-Oil-Product-Guide.pdf
  17. https://health.osu.edu/wellness/integrative-healing/essential-oils
  18. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/essential-oils-101-do-they-work-how-do-you-use-them/
  19. http://thefabulousreport.com/wp-content/2010/10/40-Uses-of-Bio-Oil.pdf
  20. https://www.milleworld.com/bio-oil-benefits-incredible-ways-to-use/
  21. http://thefabulousreport.com/wp-content/2010/10/40-Uses-of-Bio-Oil.pdf
  22. https://bio-oilprofessional.co.uk/content/uploads/2016/08/Bio-Oil-Product-Guide.pdf
  23. http://thefabulousreport.com/wp-content/2010/10/40-Uses-of-Bio-Oil.pdf
  24. https://www.bio-oilprofessional.co.uk/skincare_questions_answered/

About This Article

Aparna Ghosh
Co-authored by:
California Licensed Esthetician & Electrologist
This article was co-authored by Aparna Ghosh and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Aparna Ghosh is a Licensed Esthetician & Electrologist and the Owner of Synergy Skincare in Folsom, California. She has been running Synergy Skincare since 2017 and has over eight years of industry experience working with various skin types. Aparna specializes in corrective and preventative skincare. She is a Kaiser Permanente Network Provider providing electrolysis hair removal for transgender patients diagnosed with adult gender dysphoria and gender incongruence. In addition to being certified in skin health and herbology, she holds a Master's degree in Zoology with a specialization in Biochemistry and a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology with a minor in Chemistry. Synergy Skincare won the Hall of Fame Best in Folsom Award in 2019 and 2022 and the Yelp Recognition Badge in 2017 and 2020. This article has been viewed 314,722 times.
6 votes - 77%
Co-authors: 7
Updated: February 8, 2023
Views: 314,722
Categories: Essential Oils
Article SummaryX

To use Bio Oil for scars and stretch marks, rub 2-3 drops of oil onto your skin. Then, massage the product into your skin using gentle, circular motions, until it’s absorbed. You can use Bio Oil on your skin twice a day. However, if you start to get breakouts or irritation, make sure to take a break from using the product. While Bio Oil is effective, keep in mind that it may take 2-3 months before you start to see results. To learn how to use Bio Oil to soothe sunburns, read on!

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