Stretch Marks Improvement: Is Bio-Oil Safe to Use Pregnancy?
Bio-Oil is a widely used skin care product that caters to all skin types. It is often recommended for improving the appearance of scars and preventing stretch marks during pregnancy. Additionally, Bio-Oilis commonly incorporated into a skincare routine for its potential benefits in reducing the appearance of uneven skin tone and promoting overall skin health.
Formulated with ingredients like vitamins A and E, Bio-Oil supports skin regeneration, and addresses dehydrated skin.It is generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin due to its non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic formula limiting adverse reactions. However, not all ingredients in skincare products are safe for use during pregnancy.
We closely examined Bio-Oil’s ingredient list with our pregnancy-safe ingredient checker (which you can download on both IOS and Android).
Upon scanning the ingredient list, we found that Bio-Oil’s best-selling body oil, contains several questionable ingredients, notably from least to most concerning:
1. Benzyl Salicylate: A Low-Risk Ingredient During Pregnancy
Benzyl salicylate, identified as a low-risk ingredient, is one of the components in Bio-Oil. This ingredient is commonly used as a fragrance additive or UV light absorber in various personal care products such as body creams and sunscreen (both mineral and chemical). Despite its widespread use, benzyl salicylate’s safety profile during pregnancy remains a subject of debate due to a low but acute but present potential for oral and dermal toxicity in animal studies. This lack of human-specific data makes it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about its safety for pregnant women.
2. Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil: A Low-Risk Essential Oil Found in Bio-Oil
Another ingredient of concern in Bio-Oil is rosemary oil, which contains camphor. High concentrations of camphor have been associated with potential risks during pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, rosemary oil can stimulate contractions and may affect the uterus. Camphor, in high doses, can be toxic and has been linked to miscarriages in animal studies.
The company itself acknowledges the ability of rosemary oil to provoke menstruation and possibly induce early labor, which is especially risky during the first trimester. However, they emphasize that the concentration of rosemary oil in Bio-Oil Skincare Oil is very low and therefore safe to use during pregnancy.
The amount of camphor in rosemary oil used in skincare products is typically much lower than in undiluted essential oil, which is often advised against during pregnancy. However, it is still recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using products containing rosemary oil during pregnancy.
After consulting with board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Rogers, on the use of essential oilsin beauty products, we added rosemary oil (which is safe for cooking) to our Little Bean ingredients database, along with clary sage, sweet birch, and wintergreen oil, flagging them as low-risk essential oils.
Ultimately, the absorption of certain ingredients is influenced by various factors, such as the application area and whether the product is left on or rinsed off.
3. Parfum: A Medium-Risk Ingredient (Not of Concern With Bio-Oil Specifically)
Parfum, also known as fragrance, often conceals the ingredient phthalate, which manufacturers aren’t required to disclose due to trade secrets. However, Bio-Oil’s company website indicates that the product is free from phthalates, so we have decided to disregard this ingredient as a concern. It’s worth noting that parfum and fragrance are the only ingredients that could potentially conceal medium-risk phthalates. As consumer advocacy increases, companies may eventually be required to list phthalates on their ingredient lists.
Phthalates are known to be endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body’s hormone systems. This disruption can lead to developmental and reproductive issues,making phthalates a significant concern for pregnant women.
4. Retinyl Palmitate A High-Risk Ingredient
Retinoids, including retinyl palmitate (a form of vitamin A similar to retinol), are praised for improving skin turnover and reducing fine lines. These benefits may also extend to reducing the development of stretch marks and addressing current scar tissue. However, Dr. Mehr advises caution when using retinoids during pregnancy due to potential risks to fetal development.
However, the manufacturer states that Bio-Oil contains a vitamin A level below the 0.05% safety threshold set by the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) for body products used by pregnant individuals. In a 2022 report, the SCCS concluded that a maximum concentration 0.3% use of vitamin A level is safe for rinse-off products. they could not determine the overall exposure from cosmetics due to higher contributions from food, making it difficult to assess total exposure accurately.
Doctors in the US often caution pregnant women against using retinyl palmitate during pregnancy due to the limited research on its effects and the unknown risks to a developing baby. High doses of vitamin A derivatives have been linked to birth defects. Before the FDA phased out its pregnancy categories, topical use of retinyl palmitate was classified as category C, indicating that its harmful effects during pregnancy or breastfeeding are unknown, and its use is advised against. Bio-Oil’s company statement mentions a safety study on 20 participants, but none were noted to be pregnant. If you are uncertain about the pregnancy safety of Bio-Oil, it’s best to seek the advice of a medical practitioner.
Can I use Bio-Oil While Breastfeeding?
The concerns regarding Bio-Oil safety during pregnancy also extend to breastfeeding. However, its advice is even more ambiguous. The company states that application to the nipples should be avoided as young babies should not ingest Bio-Oil.
The FDA classified the topical application of retinyl palmitate as category C, meaning the risk to the fetus cannot be ruled out. Most dermatologists advise avoiding this type of beauty product during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
100% Pregnancy-safe Alternatives to Bio-Oil
Despite Bio-Oil’s claims that their original product is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, they released Bio-Oil Skincare Oil (Natural) in 2020. This new version omits retinoids and claims to be as effective as their best selling product.
Weight gain and expanding blood vessels can increase the likelihood of developing stretch marks, as they affect the elasticity of the skin.
Luckily there are a plethora of pregnancy-safe alternatives that can address the appearance of stretch marks. For in-depth information, you can read our previous blog post on the best belly oil for pregnancy. While there is no perfect solution for stretch marks, topical treatments can help hydrate your skin, promote healing, and even out skin tone.
A 2015 study suggests that the topical application of lotions or oils containing centella extract, and possibly massage with bitter almond oil, may help prevent stretch marks. Evereden Golden Belly Serum contains centalla asiatica and states to be clinically proven to reduce stretch marks by 30 participants over 4 to 8 weeks
Another small study found that massaging bitter almond oil, which is rich in vitamin E, for 15 minutes significantly reduced the appearance of stretch marks. However, applying bitter almond oil without the massage did not have an impact on stretch marks at all. So if you want to go the extra mile, get yourself some 100% Bitter Almond Oil and massage away!
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, two large studies have shown that applying hyaluronic acid to early stretch marks can make them less noticeable. Personally, I find the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream to have great moisturizing capabilities.
However, limited reliable, well-designed, randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes exist to definitively determine the effectiveness of these ingredients. Here are some commonly recommended ingredients by dermatologists.
1. Pure Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E is renowned for its antioxidant properties, which protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It also promotes skin healing and improves elasticity, making it a top choice for preventing and reducing stretch marks during pregnancy. Pure Vitamin E oil can be applied directly to the skin or mixed with other oils and lotions for added benefits.
Benefits:
- Deeply moisturizing
- Promotes skin regeneration
- Protects against environmental damage
2. Shea Butter
Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, rich in vitamins A and E, both of which are beneficial for maintaining skin health and elasticity. It is deeply moisturizing and helps to soothe and nourish the skin, making it an excellent choice for preventing and treating stretch marks.
Benefits:
- Rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids
- Provides deep hydration
- Helps improve skin elasticity
3. Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is another natural option that has been used for generations to prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It is high in fatty acids, which penetrate the skin deeply, providing long-lasting moisture.
Benefits:
- High in antioxidants
- Deeply moisturizing
- Helps improve skin texture and tone
Concluding Thoughts on Bio-Oil Safety During Pregnancy
In conclusion, while Bio-Oil is a popular choice for improving the appearance of old scars and preventing the formation of stretch marks, it is essential to approach its use during pregnancy with caution.
Although Bio-Oil is generally well-tolerated and offers benefits like enhancing skin elasticity and hydration, certain ingredients such as retinyl palmitate and essential oils may pose risks during pregnancy.
For the best results and to ensure the safety of both mother and baby, it’s crucial to follow medical advice and test products on a small area of skin before full application. Clinical trials and dermatological studies often provide insights into the efficacy and safety of skincare products, but individual reactions can vary. Applying certain stretch creams in a circular motion can aid in better absorption, and monitoring any adverse reactions is key to achieving significant improvement in skin health.
Ultimately, consulting with a healthcare provider and considering pregnancy-safe alternatives, such as pure Vitamin E oil, shea butter, or cocoa butter, can offer peace of mind and support a skincare routine that aligns with both personal and medical guidelines.
Sources:
2.9 Benzyl salicylate – Therapeutic Goods Administration Australian Government
Herbs and Pregnancy – American Pregnancy Association
Bio Oil Product Information – Bio Oil
Endocrine Disruptors – National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Can I Use Bio-Oil During Pregnancy? – Parents
Fetal Retinoid Syndrome – National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
FDA Pregnancy Categories – U.S. Department of Health & Human Services CHEMM
Can I Use Bio-Oil While Breastfeeding? – Very Wellwell Family
Stretch marks during pregnancy: a review of topical prevention – National Library of Medicine
