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Liz deSousa for BYRDIE
We're no strangers to DIY beauty recipes and multi-use products, and yet, every time we hear of a cult-classic product being used in new ways, it still surprises us. For example: deodorant as an anti-chafing agent and face mattifier, Vaseline as an overnight foot mask and heel-softener, hair conditioner as shaving cream, and now, Bio-Oil as facial skincare.
Bio-Oil is a vitamin-rich oil that promises huge benefits for your skin, such as preventing and fading stretch marks and scars and soothing sun-blasted or wind-whipped dry skin. While it's popularly used for the body, there are plenty of benefits to dabbing it on our faces, too. And guess what? The practice has even earned skincare experts' stamp of approval.
Below, we spoke to board-certified dermatologists, Morgan Rabach, Rachel Nazarian, and Marie V. Hayag, to ask them what their thoughts are on using Bio-Oil on your face and more. They share their expert take on what Bio-Oil is, whether or not it's comedogenic (aka the potential to clog pores), the benefits of using it, potential side effects, and more. Keep scrolling for their thoughts on the topic.
Meet the Expert
- Morgan Rabach, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at LM Medical in New York City who also serves as a clinical instructor in the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital and an assistant professor of Dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
- Rachel Nazarian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology specializing in cosmetic treatments, skin cancer, and dermatologic surgery.
- Marie V. Hayag, MD, is an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic and medical dermatology, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and an Assistant Clinical Professor at Mount Sinai Hospital.
What Is Bio-Oil?
Dr. Hayag explains that Bio-Oil is made of various vitamins and essential plant oils, including lavender oil, sunflower oil, and rosemary leaf oil. It also contains sunflower oil, "which is a great ingredient for the skin," she says. "It acts as an emollient and makes skin feel soft and smooth, and it’s even been shown to enhance recovery from damage to the skin barrier." Dr. Rabach adds that Bio-Oil also contains PurCellin, which is lighter than other oils and non-greasy.
In fact, one of the oil ingredients is soybean oil, which is rich in several different fatty acids, according to Dr. Hayag. "The oils all work in conjunction to effectively moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation," she says. "It also has tocopheryl acetate, a form of vitamin E, which is a great antioxidant and protects the skin from aging and damage by free radicals," adds Dr. Hayag.
Can You Use Bio-Oil on Your Face?
Fans of Bio-Oil's skincare oil know that the formula is geared heavily towards minimizing the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Quite gloriously, it may also do the same for acne scarring, even on the delicate skin of your face. In fact, Dr. Rabach confirms that if you have overly dry and flaky skin, Bio-Oil may be more helpful than some face creams.
So, does it work? The formula contains high quantities of vitamin A (which is the precursor to retinol) along with vitamin E, both of which are widely known for their regenerative properties. Dr. Hayag claims: "It’s generally safe to use Bio-Oil on the face and doesn’t come with side effects unless you are allergic to any of the ingredients in it." However, it's worth noting that Bio-Oil is considered highly comedogenic. If you have acne-prone skin, using Bio-Oil on the face and/or body is very likely to clog your pores and ultimately lead to breakouts.
The Benefits of Using Bio-Oil on the Face
Whether you are dealing with sun damage, or it’s fluctuating hormones that are upsetting the balance, using the Bio-Oil on your face may help to regulate hyperpigmentation (aka darker spots or patches). It all comes back to the blend of vitamins and botanical extracts (which include calendula, rosemary, and chamomile) found in Bio-Oil and their ability to replenish UV-damaged skin cells. Bio-Oil can also help with acne scarring and inflammation.
The proof? A 2011 clinical study found a “statistically significant improvement” in the appearance of uneven skin tone for 86% of its testers, who each applied Bio-Oil twice a day for 12 weeks.
In their 2012 study on people with newly formed acne scars, 84% of participants reported an improvement in the condition of their scars after applying the oil twice daily for 10 weeks and 90% of testers also confirmed that using the oil reduced the redness of their scarring.
Another clinical study done in 2008 found that the occlusivity level of Bio-Oil is very similar to the vernix caseosa, the viscous biofilm (aka white stuff) that protects the skin of babies while they're in the womb. (Fun fact: Scientists often use this as the ultimate benchmark for skin moisture and hydration levels.)
Occlusivity is the way in which a product can trap water and moisture in the deeper layers of the skin, acting as a barrier to prevent the rapid moisture loss that can lead to the cyclical nature of dryness. "It is moisturizing and if used over other serums, it may help seal them in," Dr. Rabach adds.
Potential Side Effects
If you like to reach for the Bio-Oil when your skin’s feeling dry, you’ll be happy to know you can reap the same rewards for the dehydrated skin on your face. But, Dr. Nazarian warns that while Bio-Oil is wonderful for the skin because it offers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients, "it also contains a lot of botanical ingredients and may be somewhat irritating for people that have allergies or have sensitive skin."
Just like any product, some bodies may be more sensitive to it than others, so the experts recommend proceeding with caution if you have a known sensitivity to any of the ingredients. "The ingredients that are derivatives of vitamin A or vitamin E have really great benefits for skin by acting as calming agents for inflammatory skin conditions, and improving hydration," says Dr. Nazarian, "but those who are acne-prone or who have sensitive skin should probably look elsewhere and limit Bio-Oil to neck-down body application."
Dr. Hayag adds that another important factor to consider is the fragrant components in essential oils. "If you have sensitive, acne-prone skin or have allergies to perfumes, it’s best to avoid using Bio-Oil," she says.
How to Apply Bio-Oil to Your Face
If you plan on adding this super hydrator to your face routine, we suggest applying it twice a day to clean skin. As far as the ideal amount, a few small drops will go a long way; just make sure to press it into the skin instead of rubbing it for maximum absorption. You can also use Bio-Oil after your moisturizer as the final step of your moisturizing routine. Dr. Rabach says you can use it after your morning and nightly washes, then leave it on overnight.
Alternatives to Bio-Oil
Some people have sensitivities to the essential oils and fragrance used in Bio-Oil. So if you're looking for alternatives, you'll want to find oils that have rich occlusive properties. Since Bio-Oil's base is safflower oil, you could just use straight-up safflower oil, which is rich in antioxidants and also non-comedogenic—so it won't cause any breakouts.
Other options include rosehip oil, squalane oil, and even castor oil. All of these provide a lightweight feel and offer amazing moisturizing and hydrating benefits.
The Final Takeaway
While it may not be the first thing you think to slather on your face, it works as wonderfully as a face hydrator as it does as a stretch mark inhibitor. There are several things to take into account ahead of making the switch to using Bio-Oil as a facial oil such as whether or not you have sensitivities to its ingredients, what other products you're using, and so on, but in general, Bio-Oil can be a helpful addition to your skincare routine for both your body and face moisturizing needs.
