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.
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.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.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
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
| Form | Body oil, applied by massaging in |
|---|---|
| Notable ingredients | Mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, tocopheryl acetate, lavender, chamomile and sunflower oils |
| Fragrance | Yes, listed by Ulta |
| Marketed for | Scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone |
| Use on | Healed skin only |
What users love
What users complain about
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.
| Product | Known for | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bio-Oil Skincare Oil (this review) | Scented body oil for marks and stretch marks | You want a moisturizing oil and have realistic expectations | See on Amazon |
| ScarAway Silicone Scar Gel | Silicone-based scar gel, the same type as the top pick in one reviewer's comparison | You are treating a raised scar | See on Amazon |
| Mederma Advanced Scar Gel | Scar gel with onion extract (Cepalin), from the same brand as the runner-up in that comparison | You want a gel rather than an oil | See on Amazon |
Want a pleasant body oil for marks and dry skin?
Check current sizes and availability on Amazon.
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
- Ulta: Bio-Oil Skincare Oil for Scars and Stretch Marks — rating, ingredients and review themes
- Keele University: Bio-Oil evidence appraisal — review of clinical evidence
- TODAY: Bio-Oil and stretch marks — dermatologist comments
- Illuminate Labs: Bio Oil review — ingredient analysis and sensitivity notes
- Daily Vanity: Best scar reducing products — one reviewer's comparison with Dermatix and Mederma
- KTNV: Bio-Oil for scars and stretch marks — ASIN reference and user feedback
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.