I love body oils but I always passed over Bio-Oil in the pharmacy. It could be the plain packaging or the rather unattractive ads on TV. Or it could also be that I am quite picky about oils I put on my face, and for my body, I go for something that relaxes. I was offered a chance to try this quite a few months ago so I decided to give it a go.
When my sister was pregnant, we were doing some research on how to combat stretch marks and one of the oils that came recommended was Bio-Oil (She eventually went with Clarins, however. Thank goodness too, because that smells a heck of a lot better!) From what I remember of the TV ads, this oil also helps to reduce scarring, uneven skin tone and ageing skin.
There is a whole host of things Bio-Oil is supposed to be able to do for skin on body and face, so I was raring to give it a go.
Unfortunately however, I didn’t like it one bit.
I used to think that Bio-Oil was a local brand. I don’t know why LOL! But I found out from the box that it is actually from the UK. Not that it matters, but I just thought to mention that its something that’s available worldwide, and not just locally despite my initial impressions 🙂
The upside of Bio-Oil is its availability and relatively affordable price. It is easily available in most pharmacies, and the price point isn’t very high, starting from just over RM32 for a 60ml bottle. I often see it go on sale too. The bottle is a simple plastic bottle with a transparent orange oil in the bottle. It doesn’t quite pour out orange though. It looks almost clear on skin.
So I said I don’t like this oil and I could not bring myself to try it long enough to see any results because of two reasons – texture and scent.
The texture is quite runny, yet it feels greasy and thick – if I’m making sense. When I spread it on my skin, it hardly absorbs into my skin at all. Yet, it does not feel oily like a cooking oil. It just feels weird. I described it to a friend as feeling like liquid plastic. It is what I imagine plastic would feel like if it was melted and I poured it over my skin. It was weird.
The second thing I did not like is the scent. It has a funny flowery perfumed scent that really bugs my nose. I can handle most fragrances, but this one made me wrinkle my nose and want to scrub the oil off my hands as quickly as I could. It just wasn’t something that was pleasant to my nose.
One more thing that caught my eye when scanning the box was this thing called “Purcellin Oil”. Apparently, this is the oil that ducks use to preen their feathers with to make them waterproof and the Purcellin Oil is a synthetic version of it. Its quite interesting, because I didn’t quite see why I would want to put something to waterproof my skin, assuming it works the same way. However, a bit of research online yielded results that it is not an oil per se, but a delivery system to help the other oils absorb into the skin. Hmm… doesn’t seem to be working for me.
I know there are people out there who do like using Bio-Oil and for whom it might work to reduce scarring or stretch marks – 2 most common uses I believe. I however, can’t bear to bring it anywhere near my nose because my skin feels like its being suffocated by the texture, and the perfumed scent just really really bugs me.
I do like using oils on my skin but I prefer sticking to something that feels comfortable and that does not feel like plastic. Thus far, the oils I go to help to moisturise my skin, whether on face or body, and I’m a huge fan of aromatherapy and essential oil scents. So Bio-Oil didn’t do it for me at all.
If it did work for you though, I think its great but I will pass on this one. Maybe I’ll soak my feet in it or something.
In a nutshell
Bio-Oil is an affordable mineral based oil that is touted to be very good for many uses ranging from reducing scarring on skin to reducing stretch marks. I did not like it at all for 2 reasons, both sensory – texture and scent. The texture feels heavy on my skin and almost suffocating so I could not bring it anywhere near my face. The perfumed scent too is too strong and powdery for my tastes. I can’t say I like this at all, but there are many who do.
Pros: Affordable
Cons: Strong powdery perfumed scent, Heavy texture when applied on skin, Does not sink into my skin easily or at all
Who will like this: I’m not sure
Here is the ingredient list for your reference.
The first thing to note is that if you dislike mineral oil (it is a known pore clogger), there it is as ingredient #1. I can tolerate mineral oil but naturally, if there is an effective option without then I will opt for the one without. I primarily disliked this one purely thanks to the texture and scent that did not appeal.
If you plan to try this, I would suggest that you pick up the smallest bottle first. If it doesn’t work for you, you won’t feel so bad about it.
Have you used Bio-Oil before? Does it work for you as promised?
I couldn’t get past the product to test it for efficacy so I’m not going to be able to tell you if it does work or it doesn’t. But I will likely just use it on my poor neglected feet. I did pick up a bottle of argan oil recently, because I hear its good stuff, and I have a bottle of rose hip oil which I have used before with good results for reducing scarring. So, I would prefer to stick to those.
Paris B
Bio-Oil Price: RM32.95/60ml, RM54.95/125ml, RM74.95/200ml Availability: Most pharmacies
It works well for me for stretch marks around the hips but it’s not permanent – you gotta keep going at it. What I’m thinking of is the act of MASSAGING the oil into the skin that’s breaking down the baddies causing the stretch mark. Who knows – I’m not usually in skimpy clothing but I’ve given up. My sister swears by it though. It’s pretty good at healing minor scars – cuts on the arms and legs that I seem to be sporting. I think we’ve all learnt that there’s no miracle product for stretch marks 😛
I read that too. It might be the regular massaging and moisturizing of the skin that helps lighten stretch marks, not the oil per se. I am, I’m afraid not as hard working and erm… I guess I am not too bothered? LOL!
My mum swears by this stuff. She religiously applies it after her showers. I’ve been trying out Nuxe’s Huile Prodigeuse and it smells really yummy! They do a version with shimmer which is so pretty for a night out but SGD15 more… And Nuxe does theirs in a spray bottle which seems way more convenient.
I have been hearing about Nuxe recently too! I hear its good stuff.
Hey Paris, what other oils do you like then? I’ve tried Clarins lotus oil, dessert essence jojoba oil as well as Trilogy rose hip. The one with most significant results is the cheap ol’ jojoba oil. It’s nothing glam mind you, just really soothes my redness area and some little whitehead became easier to come off. ( as I rub the oil onto my skin I can feel the whitehead come off!)
Hi Kris, for body, I’m using up my Dollymoo lavender oil and I have the Ren Moroccan Rose oil, Antipodes Heavenly Body Oil and a couple more. For the face, I was using the Antipodes Divine Oil, and previously I used Rosehip which did help lighten scars but I also found it a bit rich for my skin. I’m giving Argan Oil and the Trilogy Rosehip oil a go soon though 🙂
It’s good for moisturizing the skin, however I only apply it on my body, whole body other than face. I don’t apply oil on my face.
Do not see any other improvement other than this, maybe I do not use this religiously enough. 😛
What I do enjoy is the process of applying oil on my body after shower at night (heating up the oil on the palm & apply to skin), it help in my sleep & most importantly the smell didn’t bug me. 🙂
Its good to know the smell doesn’t bug you Jesz 🙂 I couldn’t bring myself to use it too often because my hands would smell 😛
Oh yeah, thanks for this! I remembered you and Xin tweeted about this. Good thing its not a wonderful product as I may have a hard time purchasing it as I don’t see the brand down here! Wow , it does look unattractive, the packaging reminds me of a nail polish remover bottle or something 🙂
ROFLOL!! You are so right Nikki! You don’t want to mistake your polish remover for this oil when you want to rub it on your belly 🙂 This is very popular with many ladies who want to combat stretch marks when pregnant but I also read that you can use any oil, even baby oil, so long as you apply it regularly. Also, stretch marks are hereditary so look at your mom! 😉
Yay to Clarins! I used clarins during pregnancy too, the smell is too awesome! Bio-oil, however, didnt do a thing for me…
I liked the smell if the Clarins oil too and sis seems to think its helped 🙂 good to know others like it too!
I’m in two minds about recommending this to someone. I’d say, it depends on what you’re using it for, where and if you have any ingredient sensitivities.
I first used this a few years ago when I had just started university. I used it to fade a burn scar on my hand that had been there for over a year and another scar that covered my shin from a fall some years before (at least 5 years). It completely worked for fading these, but I would point out that they were “flat” scars i.e. mostly discoloured but with regular skin texture. Both became completely invisible after a few months of 2-3 times daily use.
Seeing this success, that summer I decided to try it on my face to fade some acne scarring, using it daily like before. I started breaking out way more than usual, but never made the connection until a couple of years later when I learnt more about ingredients. Looking back, I realized it had ingredients I’m highly sensitive to and even now I will break out that badly if I use something with it.
Well, that’s my long-winded story, but basically, for discolourations it’s great, but I can’t comment on stretch marks and scars where the skin texture has changed.
Thanks for sharing your experience Leila 🙂 I think for the most part, skin on out bodies are less sensitive than our faces so I personally wouldn’t recommend this to go on the face but if it will work on the body then why not eh?
I had an exhaust-pipe wound and I bought a bottle of Bio Oil to reduce the scarring. I did not use it religiously, hence can’t comment on its effectiveness (my bad). I’m hoping some comments on this post would make me go back to it, haaha 😀
Bad news is, my scar is as big as a one-ringgit note.
Good news is, it’s on the inside of my right knee 😀
Ouch sounds painful Pelf! Opinions seem to be divided on Its efficacy but I think for these things consistency is key. I personally found vitamin e oil did a good job too.
I don’t think I’ve ever tried this product.
I’ve never bothered to get this product as it’s majorly mineral oil. And at that price, abit pricey for just that. I would rather get pure 100% vitamin E oil for my skin. Works much better although it takes awhile.
Anything that actually gets rid of impurities/scars or anything that we don’t want to see on the skin, are really scarry as it probably has alot of chemicals or strong ingrediants. And you know what they say about that!
I’m with you. Vitamin e oil for me too when it comes to reducing scars 🙂
Bio oil, nope doesnt work at all… I did use this awhile but no results… Effort is there but no sign of improvenest.. 🙁
Well, at least you can say, been there, done that! 😉 Sorry to hear it didn’t work for you
I used this during my first pregnancy and it helped keep my fast growing moisturised. The smell didn’t bother me at all. Maybe I just couldn’t smell it, since i only applied on my belly. I continued to use it after I delivered, and it has reduced the stretch marks quite a bit.
My dad used it after his accident, since there were plenty of huge angry scars on his body, and it helped A LOT. It reduced the redness, and while the scars are still there, they have lightened and smoothed out tremendously.
Its great to know it works for you and for your Dad. I think its one of those “love it or hate it” products 😛
I’ve only used this a few times but from what I remember, the rosemary is what came through the most for me! 😛 Funny how scents are so different to different people.
I couldn’t bring myself to smell it to see if there was rosemary in there LOL I just remember the strong powdery scent and I just don’t like that. I think its a love or hate product LOL!
I don’t apply anything on my body after I bathe with Dove for sensitive skin — the sticky or oily residues and scents annoy me. Been lucky with no stretch marks and a barely visible scar after two C-sections. I suppose if I did tend to scar, I’d try a natural product like vitamin E.
You ARE lucky, Kay and blessed with good skin too! 😉
I apply this after shower religiously on my arms for a while and noticed the difference but as much as I would like to see. I still have half a bottle left, I’ll try it on my surgical scars and see if it helps.
Hope it does help your surgical scars, Amanda 🙂 If this doesn’t, there’s always Vitamin E oil 🙂
I was previously really tempted to give this a go, as I have some stretch marks near the hip and thigh area. But every time I go to the store, I just never made it to that aisle. 😀 And gradually, I just forgot all about it. Plus I don’t usually swim or wear super short shorts/skirt, so I just gave up. LOL. 😛
Does the Clarins oil help with stretch marks too? I’m having a Clarins kick lately. Trying their HydraQuench cream-gel moisturizer and so far so good. But I’m still on the fence with Double Serum. The sample sachet seems to be dispensing a whole lot of product, and all of that just sits on my skin, never fully absorbed. Need to figure that part out.
The Clarins Toning Oil (I believe that’s the one) is meant to tone the skin and toned skin will lessen the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite, I believe. I like the smell and was tempted to give it a go just for the fun of it, because it can’t not work well if pregnant women swear by it right? 😛 I still haven’t tried the Double Serum LOL But maybe I should, just to see what the fuss is all about eh? 😉
Gonna go smell it next time I’m at the Clarins counter. 😀
I’m giving up on the Double Serum. Will be sticking with the ANR. 😉
I can’t take mineral oil, so this is an immediate out for me.
I just bought pure horse oil extract from Sasa to try.
I always see the horse oil thing at Japanese fairs! Also saw it in Japan when I was there a couple of years back. Very interesting 🙂
Hmmm…I have not used this oil. My two teen girls swear its good. I do use a lot of different oils though, essential and carrier oils..concocted with specific recipes for different family members. They are used either on its own, but mostly complementing existing skincare. I don’t know why, I am just not into Bio Oil even though we have them all the time at home, and I do have more than 30 different type of oils which I love…must be the packaging I think.
Haha that’s how important packaging is eh? I do think they could work on their packaging too and make it look attractive, at least.
I will pass over the Bio Oil. I’ve asked my pharmacist the effectiveness of Bio Oil for scarring and even though she didn’t outright dissuade me from it, she however convinced me to try another product which really works though more pricey.
I recently discovered “Kneipp” oil from Watsons. And i love it. I bought the miniature 20ml Almond Blossom Body Oil and the Warming Massage Arnica oil. Both give a lovely comforting scent and are gentle enough for everyday use even in humid weather. I think i must check out the brand further. Have you come across it in Malaysia?
And yes…i want to get to try more oils. Have you tried the Josie Maran Argan Oil before? I wonder whether there’s any difference between this and other argan oils. I do like her hair serum version argan oil. Another oil i’ve been wanting to try is the Marula The Leaky Collection Omega Rich Pure Marula Oil.
I am loving most things oil these days. For hair, for nails, for face, for skin… Wonder if it has anything to do with age. Found the Loccitane Almond Shower Oil recently too. Where else can i find shower oil? This is my first one and it’s big love so far…
I love that your pharmacist is honest 😉 I don’t know if Kneipp is available here but will take a look the next time I’m in Watson’s. I just realised I haven’t been to one in ages! 😛 I haven’t tried Josie Maran although I think that’s amongst the most popular brand for argan oil. I bought a natural one online but haven’t gotten round to trying it. Some people say to use it on its own and others to mix it with creams.
I love the L’Occitane Shower Oil too! But it would appear they are the only people doing it. I haven’t come across others and I’d love for them to make it in different scents.
It’s great for my dry skin, however I didn’t use it religiously because of the scent. It’s not that bad but it isn’t great. I used it on my body rather than on my face so I don’t smell too much of it. It took me a long time to finish a small bottle.
A little does go a long way, that’s for sure. I’m going to use it on my feet instead. Its the farther part of my body from my nose 😛