14 Ways to Use Bio-Oil

Co-authored by Aparna Ghosh and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: February 8, 2023 References

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

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]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} Reap these benefits yourself by rubbing Bio-Oil directly on your scars and stretch marks twice a day for at least 3 months.^{[2]
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- Bio-Oil is formulated to treat a variety of scars, including ones from surgical operations.^{[3]
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  Research source} The company officially claims that Bio-Oil can help with acne scars, too.^{[4]
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  Research source} 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]
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- Use Bio-Oil during your entire pregnancy (including the first trimester) to help prevent stretch marks.^{[6]
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2

Uneven Pigmentation

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]
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Research source} 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

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]
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Research source} 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]
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- Bio-Oil moisturizing qualities can help reduce wrinkles and lines, making it a great product for aging skin.^{[10]
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- Use it to moisturize your lips, too! Switch out your normal lip balm with a drop or 2 of Bio-Oil.^{[11]
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- Some Bio-Oil users recommend mixing a few drops of the product with your usual body lotion or cream.

4

Face Oil

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]
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Research source} 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]
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- 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]
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  Research source} That’s a pretty great combo for a face oil!

5

Cuticle Moisturizer

Bio-Oil is an effective moisturizer that’s great for your cuticles.^{[15]
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Research source} Squeeze a small drop onto each finger and rub it in gently but thoroughly with one of the fingers on your other hand. Goodbye, dried-out cuticles!

6

Bath Enhancement

Bio-Oil gives your bath a moisturizing and great-smelling boost. It’s made with rosemary and lavender oil, giving your bath a relaxing and invigorating touch. Just stir a few drops in with the rest of your bath water to enjoy a luxurious soak.^{[16]
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- Bio-Oil is also made with chamomile oil, which adds a calming touch to your bath.^{[17]
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7

Shaving Cream

Body oils are a great alternative to traditional shaving cream.^{[18]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Just massage a few drops of Bio-Oil onto your skin before you start shaving so the razor moves smoothly. Make sure that your skin feels really lubricated, and rub a few extra drops into your skin if needed.

8

Makeup Remover

Bio-Oil removes makeup while hydrating your skin. It sticks to the oil in your makeup, making it super easy to remove. Just squeeze a few drops onto a cotton ball or pad and start dabbing at your makeup—it’ll come right off.^{[19]
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- Some Bio-Oil enthusiasts also use it to clean their cosmetic brushes.^{[20]
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9

Bronzer Additive

Bio-Oil gives your bronzer an extra glow. Squeeze 1-2 drops into your favorite bronzer and apply it as you normally would. Your skin now looks a little brighter and more invigorated!^{[21]
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- This hack works with both liquid and powder bronzers.

10

Spray Tan Protector

Bio-Oil can help your spray tan from washing off in the shower. Massage a little bit of Bio-Oil into all of your spray-tanned skin right before you hop in the shower. The oil protects the tanning product in the shower so it isn’t as likely to run off.^{[22]
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- Bio-Oil can help with sunless tanning products, too. While you’re self-tanning, rub a few drops of Bio-Oil around your knees and elbows to keep the tanning product from streaking.

11

Post-waxing Brow Bumps

Bio-Oil’s anti-inflammatory ingredients help calm irritated skin. After a round of eyebrow plucking, your skin might be looking a bit red, swollen, and worse for wear. Not to worry, though—a quick dab of Bio-Oil over the trouble spots can help ease away any redness and discomfort.^{[23]
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- Bio-Oil is made with chamomile and calendula oil, which are both great for easing inflammation.^{[24]
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12

Body Oil

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]
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Research source} 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]
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- 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]
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  Trustworthy Source
  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- Bio-Oil is also an effective massage oil.^{[28]
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13

Itchy Scalp Relief

Apply a few drops of Bio-Oil as an overnight treatment. Massage a drop or 2 into your scalp if it’s feeling a bit itchy or uncomfortable. Then, wrap a hair scarf around your locks before heading to bed. In the morning, your scalp may feel a little bit better.^{[29]
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- You can also rub a little bit of oil along the ends of your hair. Just remember—a little goes a long way!
- Some people find that Bio-Oil is an effective tamer for stubborn strands of hair, too.^{[30]
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14

Sunburn Recovery

Bio-Oil has helped some people with their peeling, sunburnt skin. Calendula oil is a key ingredient in Bio-Oil, which is a natural remedy for irritated, sensitive, and/or sunburned skin.^{[31]
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Research source} Massage a few drops over the burned skin to keep it from peeling.^{[32]
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- With all of its anti-inflammatory ingredients, Bio-Oil can help soothe your sunburn, too.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can Bio-Oil remove old scars?

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.

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]
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