NOW CLOSED: Bio-Oil Review Feedback Thread - now with final questions added

[AnnMumsnet]

This thread is for the 50 MNers who are trying out Bio-Oil on their skin.

If you don't know about Bio-Oil - then they say: "Built into a daily skin care routine, Bio-Oil can be applied all over the body, including the face. Specialist skincare for scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, dehydrated skin and dry skin For best results Bio-Oil should be applied twice daily for a minimum of 3 months"

We're asking for those taking part to add feedback at least twice - any additional comments are also welcome - we want first impressions and later on we will add some additional questions after 4-6 weeks - though as noted above this is a longer term product as well. Please note this is in no way a clinical trial and we are simply after 'real' feedback on the oil and any changes in the condition of skin noted by those using it.

Everyone who is part of the project and adds two lots of feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will get a £100 Boots voucher.

Bio-Oil can also be used on children aged 2 and over so if you are using it on a child please state this in your response.

So, first impressions:
Please let us know your ....
~ overall first impressions
and your views on:
~ the smell or fragrance of the oil
~ how easy it was to apply
~ how it felt on your skin
~ please do state where you are using it

Thanks
MNHQ

[Tee2072]

Overall I like the oil very much. It smells and feels nice.

It is very easy to apply although does not rub in as much as I thought it would, so I am left a bit greasy.

I am using it on an old scar on my arm, which is already looking better (I think I started using it last Thursday, so 4 days, more or less, so far) and lighter.

I am also using it a newer scar on my side, but it doesn't seem to be helping that one at all.

I believe I said in my application that I would use it on my son, but I am not doing so. I should have looked at the ingredients before I said that as I didn't realize it had calendula in it. He has reacted badly to that in other products so I won't risk it on him for this!

One definite criticism is the bottle. The oil drips very easily down the sides of it and it is making a nice greasy mark on my dressing table!

[missorinoco]

Overall first impressions
I liked the look of it. Quite inoffensive it that makes sense. It wan't overmarketed, and filled with pro-this and pro-that, which just makes me switch off.

The smell or fragrance of the oil
Pleasant smell, not overwhelming.

How easy it was to apply
Very. I dabbed it on, I expected it to be hard to rub in, and the accompanying literature said apply sparingly, so my skin wasn't greasy afterwards.

How it felt on your skin
Fine. Not greasy. I haven't used it long enough to have any result - only twice.

I planned to use it on my section scar and the melasma on my face, but the literature also said it was good for dry skin, so I treated my depressed elbows, knees and feet too. Thinking about it, my hands aren't as cracked as normal. I didn't specifically put it on them, but I used them to rub it in.

[Pinot]

I've been using it for 8 days now and I am impressed with it so far. I'm using it on my chest for old scars and my DS2 is using it for his ezcema. So far, DS2 doesn't seem any different but I suspect that will change as time goes on. It's certainly easy enough to remember to put it on twice a day.

My first impression was what a dinky bottle - and how sweet it smells. Very nice indeed. I can't place the fragrance but it's nice! And OK for boys too. A flip-top would be easier IMO - you can then use it one handed.

Most important thing I've learnt this week - less is MORE. Jeez, I got carried away day one and I was slippery which wasn't nice at all. It did all soak in though (this was at bedtime). For DS2's ezcema (back of knees) I literally invert the bottle and use the tiniest amount for each knee. For my chest area, I squeeze two drops, rub between my hands and smooth on. Then rub into my hands when done.

I kinda like the idea it's a multitasker - cuticles, scars, skintone. I like very much.

I hope it's not one of those products where your skin gets used to the effects and stop 'working'. So far though, so very good.

[zinfandel]

So far, I think the packaging is just right. It looks like a high quality product. I like the smell as well - not too overpowering. It is very easy to apply to both my skin and my daughter's (she doesn't object to it like her regular eczema creams.

I am using it on a few stretch marks and dry skin on my legs as well as a couple of large birthmarks on my daughter's back which are prone to eczema.

I also found the oil can sometime spill out of the bottle a bit easily - maybe a pump dispenser would work well? It also takes a little while to sink into the skin so I need to leave a little bit of extra time to use it.

[Tee2072]

Ooh, the flip top is a good idea, Pinot. I second that. Or Zin's pump idea, although I think you'd get too much that way, maybe.

[MyLifeIsStillChaotic]

~ overall first impressions
Impressed - packaging is pleasant, appealing and under-stated. Will go into further detail in the particular points you asked about
~ please do state where you are using it
A 28 year old scar on my face from a fall down the stairs aged 3
~ the smell or fragrance of the oil
Really like the smell. It is nice, not over-powering imo. I do think it's a bit 'girly' though, my husband wouldn't use it for example. But then he's not vain like me anyway
~ how easy it was to apply
Very easy. I agree with posters saying 'less is more'. Particuarly because my scar is on my face I think but if I put too much on it feels greasy. I think a flip top is a great idea as it would be much easier to apply. Pump would definitely allow too much oil out I think but flip top would be better than it's current design
~ how it felt on your skin
Soft and gentle. Too much and it felt greasy but that was 'user-error' I think. I was worried about it affecting my skin but I have not had any breakouts

Not seeing any difference as yet (I don't think) but have only been using it a few days

[curlywurl]

Using it for acne scars. So far my skin is plumper and more glowing when I've used it.
Im afraid I don't really like the smell. With the different essential oils in I hoped it would smell more of them it smells artificial to me.

Otherwise easy and nice to use. Not aggravating my still acne prone skin

[browny]

I liked the colour and scent of the oil, smelt very calming, the packaging seemed a little 'cheap'.

I used a small amount on a very recent bruise on my 3 year old daughter's arm and the next day it looked much better. I also used it on my extremely dry cuticles/hands and an old burn scare on my neck, my cuticles look much more hydrated and the skin on the back of my hands looks younger. My scare looks a little tiny bit better, but I have only been using the oil for three days.

The oil sinked into my skin easily and didn't feel greasy at all.

I do agree that the lid/plastic stopper inside the bottle need re-designing, the oil tends to dribble down the sides of the bottle, making the bottle greasy.

[Blatherskite]

~ overall first impressions
Overall I'm happy with it so far. I do fell a little greasy but maybe I'm using too much? My skin is definitely feeling smoother and more toned but I can't say it's made any difference to my stretch marks or scars yet. My feet are better but I'm not sure they're any better better than they would be if I were using a standard moisturiser. Unfortunately, it doesn't see to have made any difference on my dry hands which in fact fell a little worse recently. Over all at the moment, I wouldn't chose it over a cheaper standard moisturiser. I love the fact that I can use it all over and that I could put some in the bath if i ever managed to find the time. It would be lovely if I came in a shower get format too.

and your views on:
~ the smell or fragrance of the oil
The smell is nice. Not too strong so I'm worried that everyone can smell me as I go about my day and not too floral and granny-ish. I can certainly pick out the lavender and calendula My 4 year old DS has commented once or twice that I smell pretty too which was lovely.

~ how easy it was to apply
Agree that the bottle shape and the fact that it's not a flip top makes the bottle greasy. I've had to use a cotton pad as a 'coaster' for mine to stop it marking my dressing table. I like the way the spout has a limiter in it though so it's hard to get too much out at once. I need to apply less though I think so stop me feeling so slimy

~ how it felt on your skin
The oil has a lovely texture and has made my skin feel much smoother and more toned

~ please do state where you are using it
I've been using it on the stretch marks and saggy skin on my tummy, hips, thighs and boobs as well as the old scars on my arm and the dry skin on my feet and hands. I've been rubbing my hands over my face once I've finished applying the oil too as my face has been really dry recently too - so pretty much all over!
I've also been trying it on the half healed cut on DS's forehead in the hopes that it won't become a scar after all!

[ouryve]

First impression, the oil is a lot lighter than I was expecting.

I'm not entirely sure what to make of the scent. It reminds me a little of washing up liquid, but also of a Body Shop perfume I used to use, way back in the late 80s!

I'm using it on my belly and thighs. I've had stretchmarks there since I was 10 and 30 odd more years of growth, weight fluctuations and pregnancy have left them a mess - I have stretchmarks radiating out from other stretchmarks plus a couple of small scars in the area - one from a cat's claw years ago and a more recent one where I had a reaction to a stud on my jeans which turned into a nasty spot. The skin is also very dry and sensitive and gets very itchy.

Applying the oil to this area isn't difficult, though I do seem to need to splash on quite a lot of it and it disappears very quickly. I'm only applying it to once side, at first, so i can have a better idea of any difference it is making and the skin doesn't look any different with it on, but it at least doesn't leave any greasiness, which I was a little concerned about before trying it.

I'm finding it hard to remember to use it twice a day. Mornings are incredibly hectic and I only have time for the most rudimentary of ablutions, then, and I don't always remember once I get back from taking the kids to school.

[GleamingHeels]

I'm not in the project, but am a long term fan of Bio Oil and use it everywhere especially on my face, I like the texture and the way my skin feels afterwards - after a while you get used to how much to apply.

However much as I really like the minimal packaging and the gentle scent, I agree with everyone who says it's impossible to stop the outside of the bottle getting greasy and causing rings on surfaces - don't know what the answer is....

[MotherPanda]

I've only just started to use it (package may have been sat in the post office for a few days...) for my postnatal stretch marks on my hips and legs but was really impressed with the packaging (I'm a packaging freak!) It looked really high class - I liked the clear dinky bottle, but was really surprised that the oil was pink, as the packaging was orange - I'd always assumed the oil was orange too!

I second that a flip top rather than a screw top would be easier to use. But the packaging is certainly very appealing! I would have been put off by the price for such a small bottle however, unless I had the chance to try a small amount free first - free samples in the Bounty packs please :) Also, a no spill bottle would be much appreciated, Nearly had a heart attack when I knocked the bottle over, that could have been a very expensive mistake.

~ the smell or fragrance of the oil - It's like a really mild soap that my grandmother would use - I think it must be the lavender oil and other yummy ingredients - very nostalgic and calming. I keep smelling my hands where I was rubbing it into my hips and legs.

~ how easy it was to apply - very easy, I was surprised by how little you had to use to get immediate relief from dry itchy stretch marks, I only needed four drops so I certainly haven't noticed any greasyness, My skin feels very soft and attractive already.

[LoveBeingAFirework]

~ overall first impressions
and your views on:
~ the smell or fragrance of the oil
The smell is not offensive but also not something that I love, think there's more chance of me growing to love it rather than hate it.
~ how easy it was to apply
Very easy to apply, but also very easy to put on too much!
~ how it felt on your skin
It felt nice and was easily absorbed, there was some grease feel left but I just left it to sink in.
~ please do state where you are using it
I'm using it on my very recent post pregnancy tummy. I now think I might also use it on my upper arms due to weight loss. With a newborn and a toddler I dint get much time to myself so will be leaving it in the bathroom near the toilet to remind me!

[LoveBeingAFirework]

Btw totally agree about the lid/top/pourability, defo needs to be changed.

[MrsDmitriTippensKrushnic]

I really like the fragrance, it reminds me of something I used to wear way back when I was a student
The oil is a nice weight, not too heavy, it rubs in really well as long as you don't use too much. It took a couple of tries to gauge exactly how much I needed but now I know it's fine. It's a lot less greasy than baby oil which is something I use on occasion.
I'm using it on my face (I get very dry skin patches on my cheeks and forehead but I have a tendency to react to most branded moisturisers), stretchmarks on my stomach, and scars on my arm and leg. As an extra I've been having problems with the skin on my hands peeling for the last 4 or 5 months. Since using the oil that's all cleared up, which is great!

[yellowraincoat]

Overall First Impressions - looks good, like someone said upthread, it's not filled with "probiotic anti aging" blah blah, which I don't really like. The colour is nice.

Smell is lovely, I really liked it. It's pretty easy to apply, a little goes a long way. It did feel a little greasy and took a while to sink in but not annoyingly so. I'm using it on 2 self-harm scars on my arm, only been using it for 2 days so not really seen a difference yet.

[lankyesme]

the smell or fragrance of the oil
Inoffensive, clean and reminisant of pregnancy.
~ how easy it was to apply
Very easy, but the bottle is very drippy and slippery
~ how it felt on your skin
Soft and smooth once it had been absorbed
~ please do state where you are using it
I am using it all over, especially on an old neck scar and stretch marks over tummy from pregnancies.

[3isthemagicnumber]

I like the fragrance-non offensive or heavily perfumed just quite clean smelling.The packaging is simple and stylish in a 'medicinal,good for you way'.It looks like a serious product that will do a serious job,which I like.
Am surprised at how quickly it is absorbed-it feels so greasy in your hands,and puddles out of the bottle really quickly that I expect to leave a greasy film but it doesn't.definitely agree that a flip top lid would improve the design but not essential-some way of controlling the flow too-I am always a little apprehensive about how much will come out.
Really like the feel of my skin after use-using it on dry skin patches and a very wrinkly crinkly tummy too.Can see The benefit on my dry patches already-to early to tell on my stomach yet,but it does feel good be attempting to do something about it and hopefully will be able to report some changes soon and my skin feels very soft too.

[3isthemagicnumber]

Also,I know it says it can be used onthe face, but (probably for no founded reason)I dont think i would not put it on my face as it feels too oily/greasy a product-even though I know how well it is absorbed.

[rumpleteaser]

~ overall first impressions - Just got it in the post. Packaging nice and simple, instructions nice and simple.
The imitation, Rescue Oil, has almost identical packaging.

and your views on:
~ the smell or fragrance of the oil - Nice smell, reminds me of hairspray though!

~ how easy it was to apply - I have only used one blob as yet, easy to apply one small drop on small areas by inverting the bottle against the skin. Not sure about bigger areas, have not tried it on the huge A-Z that is my stomach yet.

~ how it felt on your skin - nice and smooth and not too greasy, I tried a blob on a scar on my arm and it soaked in pretty rapidly. It now feels soft and smooth and smells nice.

~ please do state where you are using it - Pregnancy stretchmarks, and scars from burns, cuts, and insect bites.

I will take before and after pics!

[rumpleteaser]

Oh, forgot to add I will try it on my c section scar too but don't know how easy a photo of that would be!

[MumToTheBoy]

I am not in the project but have been using bio oil for over 5 years as a moisturiser and general healer of all ails and cannot recommend it enough!

I have extremely sensitive skin and cannot use many products. I also have PCOS and cystic acne, which flares up with most make up / moisturisers etc.

I use bio oil on my face daily and it has helped heal the acne scars as well as keep new acne at bay.

I used bio oil as a body moisturiser when pregnant and have no stretch marks, which I think is because of the bio oil, as I was huge!

I used it on my c-section scar and more recently my laparoscopy scars - both have faded to almost skin colour and are soft to the touch.

I use bio oil daily on my upper arms as it has helped the spotty and textured skin I had there.

When my ds had chicken pox aged 2, I used bio oil on his scabs - he has NO scars.

I have recommended bio oil to all my friends and family and have converted many. I think it's a fantastic product, it's a dry oil so doesn't leave my skin feeling or looking oily, and my cover up sits on it well without becoming greasy.

I've used bio oil on bites and cuts, surgical scars and acne, and even on my sons cradle cap! It's great. A small bottle will last about 6 months, so great value for money too.

[Woodlands]

I really love the smell. The appearance I'm not quite so keen on - the orange colour is a bit offputting! I agree with whoever said about it leaving greasy rings on your dressing table.

It rubs in very well and makes my skin feel lovely and soft.

I'm using it on pregnancy stretchmarks and on my dry hands and elbows.

[ouryve]

Re: the greasy rings - I'm keeping mine in the bathroom on a tiled shelf.

[RainQueen]

I am using my Bio oil on my stretch marks from 4 preganancies. They are from my just under my belly button to the top of my pubic bone and are quite red. I have never tried anything on them before.

I like the feel of the Bio oil. It is smooth and easy to apply and the bottle is good because it is easy to control how much is coming out as I have found that I don't need much at any one time. The smell is fairly neutral and inoffensive and the oil leaves my skin feeling soft. I do have to remember to put it on a little before I get dressed so I don't leave greasy marks on my clothes.

I have been keeping the bottle in my bathroom cabinet as it can get greasy. The packaging of the Bio oil is ok if a little understated and I am not keen on the orange colour.