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Bio-Oil Skincare Oil Review: Would Users Buy It Again?

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this product in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of retailer ratings, ingredient information and expert and user comments, all listed at the end of this article. Our method.

Depends

A pleasant, moisturizing oil, but do not expect proven scar removal

Ulta shoppers rate Bio-Oil 4.4 out of 5 across 1,637 reviews, and 93% say they would recommend it. People praise the smell, the easy use and how soft it leaves skin. The weak spot is the science: a UK evidence appraisal found no trials that show it works for scars or stretch marks, while two dermatologists quoted by TODAY still recommend it for stretch marks. Treat it as a good moisturizer that may help appearance, and patch-test because it contains fragrance.

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Buy it again if you…

  • want a scented body oil that softens and moisturizes
  • are working on stretch marks or older marks and have realistic expectations
  • will massage it in daily for months

Skip it if you…

  • want a proven medical treatment for scars
  • are sensitive to fragrance or react to new skincare
  • dislike greasy-feeling products

This review summarizes user experiences and is not medical advice. If you have a raised, painful or worsening scar, or a skin condition, talk to a dermatologist. Bio-Oil should only go on healed skin, not open wounds.

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil is a body oil sold for scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. Ulta lists mineral oil, retinyl palmitate (a form of vitamin A), tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), plant oils including lavender, chamomile and sunflower, and fragrance.

We looked at retailer ratings, an independent evidence appraisal, dermatologist comments and an ingredient analysis to see how the product holds up beyond the marketing.

What owners say, at a glance

4.4 / 5Ulta average across 1,637 reviews93% would recommend
0trials included in a UK evidence appraisalSearch to January 2018
3+months of twice-daily use suggestedPer one reviewer's reading of the directions
Smell and feel
Most praised
Softens and moisturizes
Strong praise
Visible scar results
Mixed
Greasy feel
Common complaint
Fragrance and sensitivity
Patch-test advised

Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.

The key details

FormBody oil, applied by massaging in
Notable ingredientsMineral oil, retinyl palmitate, tocopheryl acetate, lavender, chamomile and sunflower oils
FragranceYes, listed by Ulta
Marketed forScars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone
Use onHealed skin only

What users love

It smells good and is easy to use.On Ulta, smells great was the most common praise (182 mentions), followed by easy to use (148), softens skin (126), improves texture (112) and moisturizes (106).
High satisfaction.Ulta shoppers rate it 4.4 out of 5 and 93% would recommend it to a friend.
Some dermatologists back it for stretch marks.Dr. Hadley King and Dr. Joshua Zeichner, quoted by TODAY, both recommend it. King says stretch marks cannot be permanently erased but products like this may reduce their appearance, and suggests massaging it in thoroughly.

What users complain about

The proof is thin.A Keele University evidence appraisal searched the research through January 2018 and found no trials to include. It found no evidence the oil works for scars or stretch marks, and also no evidence it causes harm. It noted that people may keep buying it if they feel it helps.
Greasy feel and odor.Ulta reviewers mention a greasy feel (about 51 comments combined) and a bad smell (16). A few say they saw no results.
Reactions are possible.The most helpful critical Ulta review describes a rash that spread after several days of use. That is one account, but with fragrance in the formula it supports patch-testing first.
Not a scar-removal product.A Singapore beauty reviewer using it on scars for about two months found it left skin less dry and scars a little faded but the pigment barely changed, and called it unsatisfactory for scar removal. She did find it useful for stretch marks during pregnancy.

How it holds up over time

The better outcomes in the sources involve consistency. Directions as described by one reviewer call for massaging it in twice a day for at least three months. A 2017 study cited by TODAY found 61% of participants felt their skin looked better, though that figure comes from the study as reported, and the Keele appraisal did not count it as trial evidence. Most people who rebuy seem to be buying a pleasant daily moisturizer rather than a proven treatment.

Tips from users and experts

  • Patch-test first, especially if you react to fragrance.
  • Apply only to healed skin.
  • Massage it in for a while and be consistent for months.
  • Be careful on the face. One ingredient analysis advises against using the original on the face because of fragrance.
  • See a dermatologist for raised or keloid-type scars.

Pros and cons

What owners love

  • Well rated on Ulta, with 93% recommending it
  • Pleasant to use and softens skin
  • Recommended for stretch marks by two dermatologists quoted by TODAY
  • No evidence of harm found in the Keele appraisal

What owners complain about

  • No trials found to prove scar or stretch-mark benefits
  • Contains fragrance, so sensitive skin should patch-test
  • Greasy feel for some
  • Results are slow and uneven

Other options users compare

These came up in a reviewer comparison of scar products.

ProductKnown forConsider it if…
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil (this review)Scented body oil for marks and stretch marksYou want a moisturizing oil and have realistic expectationsSee on Amazon
ScarAway Silicone Scar GelSilicone-based scar gel, the same type as the top pick in one reviewer's comparisonYou are treating a raised scarSee on Amazon
Mederma Advanced Scar GelScar gel with onion extract (Cepalin), from the same brand as the runner-up in that comparisonYou want a gel rather than an oilSee on Amazon

Want a pleasant body oil for marks and dry skin?

Check current sizes and availability on Amazon.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Bio-Oil remove scars?

Not according to the evidence we found. A UK appraisal found no trials supporting it for scars or stretch marks. Some users and dermatologists report improved appearance.

Does Bio-Oil work on stretch marks?

Two dermatologists quoted by TODAY recommend it and say it may reduce their appearance, though stretch marks cannot be permanently erased.

Does it contain fragrance?

Yes. Ulta lists fragrance in the ingredients, so patch-test if you are sensitive.

Can I use it on open wounds?

No. One reviewer notes it should be used only on healed skin.

Sources we analyzed

Figures reflect each source as of October 10, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.