Is Bio Oil Natural Skincare Oil Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated March 12, 2026
Bio Oil Natural Skincare Oil
Bio Oil
Bio Oil Natural Skincare Oil receives a C- grade for pregnancy safety. While the plant based oils are nourishing, it contains chamomile, calendula, and lavender oils that carry caution ratings due to theoretical concerns about uterine stimulation during pregnancy.
You can use this, but maybe don't make it your everyday go to. Not the end of the world if you've used it. Consult your OBGYN or midwife if you have concerns.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
What Ingredients Are in Bio Oil Natural Skincare Oil?
Bio Oil Natural Skincare Oil has 16 ingredients. We flagged 3 ingredients to use with caution.
anthemis nobilis flower oil
CAUTION
Anthemis nobilis flower oil is an herb used for relaxation and digestive support. Chamomile essential oil carries a caution rating during pregnancy due to theoretical concerns about uterine stimulation; topical use in diluted products is likely low risk after the first trimester.
calendula officinalis extract
CAUTION
Calendula officinalis extract is a flowering plant used in herbal preparations. Calendula extract has a caution rating based on animal studies suggesting possible uterine effects; topical use in skincare is generally considered lower risk than oral consumption.
lavandula angustifolia oil
CAUTION
Lavandula angustifolia oil is an essential oil used for relaxation and aromatherapy. Lavender oil carries a caution rating during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester; small amounts in skincare products are likely safe after the first trimester.
tocopherol
LIKELY SAFE
Tocopherol is a fat soluble antioxidant vitamin commonly found in prenatal supplements and vegetable oils. Vitamin E is safe in skincare during pregnancy; only high oral doses raise concerns.
bisabolol
SAFE
Bisabolol is a natural, soothing compound derived from chamomile that is commonly used in skincare for its anti inflammatory and calming properties. Bisabolol is a gentle chamomile derived compound considered safe for topical use during pregnancy.
carthamus tinctorius seed oil
SAFE
Carthamus tinctorius seed oil, also known as safflower seed oil, is a lightweight, nourishing oil rich in unsaturated fats used in skincare and cooking. Safflower seed oil is a nourishing plant oil that is safe for topical use throughout pregnancy.
glycine soja oil
SAFE
Glycine soja oil is a nourishing, antioxidant rich oil derived from wild soybeans, commonly used in skincare for its moisturizing and skin soothing properties. Wild soybean oil is safe for external use during pregnancy and provides gentle skin nourishment.
helianthus annuus seed oil
SAFE
Helianthus annuus seed oil is a nourishing, lightweight oil derived from sunflower seeds, commonly used in skincare and cooking for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. Sunflower seed oil is a gentle, nourishing oil that is completely safe during pregnancy.
plukenetia volubilis seed oil
SAFE
Plukenetia volubilis seed oil, also known as sacha inchi oil, is a nutrient rich plant oil high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. Sacha inchi oil is rich in omega fatty acids and safe for topical application during pregnancy.
pogostemon cablin leaf oil
SAFE
Pogostemon cablin leaf oil is a fragrant essential oil derived from the leaves of patchouli, known for its earthy, woody aroma and use in perfumes and aromatherapy. Patchouli oil in small topical amounts is generally considered safe during pregnancy after the first trimester.
punica granatum seed oil
SAFE
Punica granatum seed oil is a nourishing, antioxidant rich oil extracted from pomegranate seeds, known for its skin rejuvenating and moisturizing properties. Pomegranate seed oil is a safe, antioxidant rich oil for topical use during pregnancy.
rosa canina fruit oil
SAFE
Rosa canina fruit oil is a nourishing botanical extract rich in antioxidants and vitamins, commonly used to hydrate and revitalize the skin. Rosehip oil is a pregnancy safe botanical oil known for its skin nourishing properties.
rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil
SAFE
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil is a fragrant essential oil derived from rosemary leaves, commonly used for its aromatic, antioxidant, and invigorating properties. Rosemary leaf oil in small topical amounts is generally considered safe during pregnancy, though some sources recommend avoiding it in the first trimester.
salvia hispanica seed oil
SAFE
Salvia hispanica seed oil is a nutrient rich oil extracted from chia seeds, known for its high omega-3 fatty acid content and skin nourishing properties. Chia seed oil is safe for topical use during pregnancy and provides gentle hydration.
simmondsia chinensis seed oil
SAFE
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, also known as jojoba oil, is a nourishing, lightweight oil derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant, commonly used in skincare for its moisturizing and balancing properties. Jojoba oil is one of the safest carrier oils for use during pregnancy.
triticum vulgare germ oil
SAFE
Triticum vulgare germ oil is a nourishing oil extracted from wheat germ, rich in vitamins and antioxidants that promote healthy skin and hair. Wheat germ oil is safe for topical use during pregnancy and rich in vitamin E.
Answering Your Questions
How much Bio Oil Natural Skincare Oil is safe during pregnancy?
Apply a small amount (about a quarter sized drop) to areas prone to stretch marks like the belly, hips, and thighs. A little goes a long way since the oil spreads easily on skin.
Can you use Bio Oil Natural Skincare Oil daily while pregnant?
If you choose to use Bio Oil during pregnancy, limit application to once daily after the first trimester. Many healthcare providers suggest waiting until the second trimester due to the essential oils it contains.
Is Bio Oil safe while breastfeeding?
Bio Oil is generally considered safe while breastfeeding, but avoid applying it to your nipples or chest area where your baby may come into contact with it. The essential oils could irritate your baby's sensitive skin or be ingested during nursing.
What are pregnancy safe alternatives to Bio Oil?
For a safer option during pregnancy, look for pure plant oils without added essential oils. Plain jojoba oil, rosehip seed oil, or coconut oil provide similar moisturizing benefits without the caution rated ingredients. Products specifically formulated for pregnancy often avoid lavender and chamomile.
Why does Bio Oil Natural get a C- grade?
Bio Oil Natural receives a C- grade because it contains three ingredients with caution ratings: chamomile flower oil, calendula extract, and lavender oil. While these are natural botanicals, they have theoretical concerns about stimulating uterine contractions, particularly in the first trimester.
What is the difference between Bio Oil Original and Natural?
Bio Oil Natural uses plant derived ingredients and natural oils like rosehip, sunflower, and jojoba instead of the mineral oil base found in the Original formula. Both versions contain essential oils that carry caution ratings during pregnancy, so neither is significantly safer than the other.
Does Bio Oil actually prevent stretch marks during pregnancy?
No oil has been clinically proven to prevent stretch marks, which are largely determined by genetics and how quickly your skin stretches. Bio Oil may help keep skin moisturized and supple, which can reduce itching and potentially minimize the appearance of marks, but it cannot guarantee prevention.
Which essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy?
Essential oils to avoid during pregnancy include clary sage, cinnamon, basil, birch, camphor, and aniseed. Lavender and chamomile, both found in Bio Oil Natural, are considered caution level ingredients, especially during the first trimester when the risk of uterine stimulation is a greater concern.
Can Bio Oil help with pregnancy skin inflammation?
Bio Oil contains anti inflammatory ingredients like chamomile and calendula that may soothe irritated skin. However, these same ingredients carry caution ratings during pregnancy. For skin inflammation, consider fragrance free moisturizers or consult your healthcare provider for pregnancy safe options.
Are Other Bio Oil Products Safe During Pregnancy?
We looked at 1 other Bio Oil products. 0 are pregnancy safe (A or B grade), while 1 need a closer look.
| Grade | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| C- | Bio-Oil Natural Skincare Oil | skin oil |
How Does Bio Oil Natural Skincare Oil Compare to Other Skincare Oils?
We graded 1 Skincare Oils for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
Bio Oil Natural Skincare Oil earns a C- grade, placing it among the majority of Skincare Oils. Only 0% of products in this category get an A grade, so it pays to choose carefully.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
People Also Checked
References
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- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229925000676
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- https://www.medicinenet.com/calendula/article.htm
