Pregnancy test of Bio‑Oil: reviewer reports reduced itching and no stretch marks after six months of use

A New York Post review found that regular use of the over‑the‑counter product Bio‑Oil coincided with relief from pregnancy‑related skin tightness and an absence of new stretch marks after six months of application.

The review, written by commerce journalist Miska Salemann, describes using Bio‑Oil from the third month of pregnancy through birth, applying the oil twice daily to the belly, thighs, hips and breasts. Salemann reported immediate relief from itching and a sustained improvement in skin hydration and tone, and said she did not develop visible stretch marks during the testing period. The product retails for about $12 on Amazon and is marketed for use on scars, stretch marks and dehydrated skin.

Bio‑Oil’s formula combines a mix of vitamins and plant oils, including vitamins A and E, chamomile, lavender, calendula and rosemary oil, along with a synthetic ingredient called Purcellin oil that the manufacturer says reduces the oil’s thickness and helps it absorb quickly. Salemann noted the oil left a light sheen and fragrance on the skin but was not greasy or prone to staining clothing.

The product has been studied in small trials. A 2018 study published in the National Library of Medicine examined 80 participants with non‑hypertrophic scars and reported that 93 percent of participants indicated an enduring soft and supple skin sensation after using the product, and 51 percent said scars or stretch marks appeared less pronounced. The study’s findings are cited by the brand to support claims of improved skin texture, though experts and product literature emphasize that results can vary by individual.

Master aesthetician Caroline Abraham, who spoke with The Post, said Bio‑Oil has undergone safety assessments and is widely advertised as safe for pregnant and lactating people, but she recommended consulting a physician before starting any new cosmetic product during pregnancy. Abraham said most oils help skin remain supple and may reduce the chance of stretch marks by improving elasticity, but she cautioned that once stretch marks form they can be difficult to remove and that topical vitamins in the oil may only fade or soften existing marks rather than erase them.

Salemann described the original scent as mild and palatable during a period when many smells can provoke nausea; the brand also offers a fragrance‑free "natural" formulation based on plant oils for those who prefer to avoid added fragrance. She reported one practical drawback: the bottle lacks a pump and can dispense more oil than intended, which led to some waste. Salemann said consistent application was a barrier at times, but that the skin’s increased dryness and itch during the third trimester made twice‑daily use easier to sustain.

The reviewer outlined a regimen reflected in manufacturer guidance: apply Bio‑Oil twice a day in small circular motions for face or body use, beginning in the first trimester if used for stretch‑mark prevention, and continuing through birth. The company and reviewers say visible difference in stretch mark appearance may require consistent use for about three months. Abraham advised against applying oil to open wounds because of infection risk and reiterated that healed scars may be appropriate targets for topical treatments.

In assessing efficacy, Salemann compared Bio‑Oil to other interventions used to address stretch marks and skin texture, including retinoids, microneedling and laser therapies. Abraham noted that retinoids and prescription tretinoin — ingredients shown to affect skin remodeling — are typically prescribed by dermatologists and should not be used during pregnancy. Microneedling and laser treatments are generally considered post‑partum options or procedures to pursue under dermatologic supervision.

Salemann said she evaluated Bio‑Oil on three dimensions: efficacy, ease of use and value. On efficacy she reported reduced irritation from itchy, dehydrated skin late in pregnancy and a consistent skin tone with no new stretch marks over six months. On ease of use she pointed to the twice‑daily application requirement and the bottle design as limitations. On value she noted the product’s relatively low cost compared with clinical procedures such as lasers or professional microneedling.

The review concluded that while individual responses vary, the reviewer’s personal experience aligned with clinical and anecdotal reports that Bio‑Oil can help maintain skin hydration and may reduce the visibility of some scars and stretch marks. Experts cited in the article reiterated that results depend on consistency of application and individual factors such as genetics and the severity of skin changes.

The article advises people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or concerned about interactions with other treatments to consult a health care provider before starting new topical products. It also notes that for more severe or persistent stretch marks, dermatologic options exist but may require timing and medical oversight that differ from over‑the‑counter approaches. The Post said Salemann evaluated the product over six months and consulted medical and skincare professionals as part of the review process.