Is Bio-Oil Skincare Oil (Natural) Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated September 9, 2026
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil (Natural)
Bio-Oil
Bio Oil Skincare Oil (Natural) receives a D+ pregnancy rating, so it is not a preferred choice for your pregnancy skincare routine. Its ingredient based score reflects caution flags for chamomile, calendula, lavender and rosemary; these involve limited pregnancy evidence, not proof that ordinary topical use harms your baby. Concerns from swallowing concentrated oils or high dose extracts should not be treated as equivalent to applying a formulated skincare oil.
Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic. Consult your OBGYN or midwife for guidance.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
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What Ingredients Are in Bio-Oil Skincare Oil (Natural)?
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil (Natural) has 16 ingredients. We flagged 4 ingredients to use with caution.
anthemis nobilis flower oil
CAUTION
Anthemis nobilis flower oil is a soothing, aromatic essential oil derived from chamomile flowers, known for its calming and anti inflammatory properties. Roman chamomile flower oil warrants caution because pregnancy evidence is limited, although mixed findings from oral herbal use do not establish harm from ordinary topical application.
calendula officinalis extract
CAUTION
Calendula officinalis extract is a natural botanical extract known for its soothing, anti inflammatory, and skin healing properties. Calendula skincare on intact skin is lower concern than concentrated oral extracts, but pregnancy data remain limited and daisy family allergy is possible.
lavandula angustifolia oil
CAUTION
Lavandula angustifolia oil is a soothing essential oil derived from lavender flowers, known for its calming, antiseptic, and aromatic properties. Limited studies of diluted topical lavender later in pregnancy have not reported clear harms, but they do not establish this formula's safety or justify swallowing concentrated oil.
rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil
CAUTION
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil is a fragrant essential oil derived from rosemary leaves, commonly used for its aromatic, antioxidant, and invigorating properties. Rosemary oil warrants caution because pregnancy specific topical data are limited, with normal dilute cosmetic exposure distinct from oral, undiluted or frequent large area use.
punica granatum seed oil
LIKELY 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 rated likely safe, but reassuring pregnancy evidence mainly concerns food and juice rather than topical seed oil.
tocopherol
LIKELY SAFE
Tocopherol is a form of vitamin E commonly used as an antioxidant in skincare and cosmetic products. Topical tocopherol is a low systemic exposure use rated likely safe, distinct from high dose oral vitamin E supplementation concerns in 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. Soybean oil is compatible with pregnancy in normal food amounts, but that dietary evidence does not directly establish safety for topical use.
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 soothing skincare ingredient, but being unflagged does not establish pregnancy safety for topical use.
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 skincare oil, but its unflagged status is not confirmation of pregnancy specific topical safety.
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 moisturizes skin, but its unflagged status does not establish pregnancy specific safety when applied topically.
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 contains fatty acids and antioxidants, but that composition does not establish pregnancy safety for topical application.
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 leaf oil is a fragrant essential oil, and its unflagged status should not be read as confirmed pregnancy safety for skin application.
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 fruit oil is used to hydrate skin, but its unflagged status does not confirm pregnancy specific topical safety.
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 contains omega-3 fatty acids, but its nutrient content does not establish pregnancy safety when applied to skin.
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 a moisturizing skincare ingredient, but being unflagged is not proof of pregnancy specific topical safety.
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 used to nourish skin, but its vitamin and antioxidant content does not establish pregnancy safety for topical use.
Answering Your Questions
How much Bio-Oil Skincare Oil (Natural) is safe during pregnancy?
A simpler, fragrance free moisturizer without the flagged botanicals is the more conservative choice. If you choose to use this oil, apply only enough to lightly cover a small area of intact skin rather than using it generously over large areas. No pregnancy specific safe amount has been established for this formula.
Can you use Bio-Oil Skincare Oil (Natural) daily while pregnant?
There is no established pregnancy specific safe application schedule for this oil. Avoid making frequent, large area application your routine, and ask your maternity clinician about continued use if you need it regularly. Stop using it if you develop irritation or a rash.
Why does Bio Oil Skincare Oil (Natural) receive a D+ grade?
The D+ comes from ingredient based scoring, with caution flags for Roman chamomile flower oil, calendula extract, lavender oil and rosemary leaf oil. Pomegranate seed oil and tocopherol are rated likely safe rather than caution. The grade is a screening result, not evidence that the finished product causes pregnancy complications at ordinary topical doses.
Can I use Bio Oil Skincare Oil (Natural) while breastfeeding?
Its pregnancy grade does not establish breastfeeding safety, and evidence for this exact topical blend is insufficient for a firm recommendation. If you use it, keep it off your nipples and any skin your baby may mouth so that skin application does not become oral exposure. A simpler, fragrance free moisturizer is a more conservative option; ask your clinician about products intended for nipple use.
What can I use instead during pregnancy?
Look for a simple, fragrance free moisturizer without chamomile, calendula, lavender or rosemary essential oils. Choose by the full ingredient list rather than a natural or pregnancy friendly marketing claim. These selection criteria are not an endorsement of any specific alternative.
Is it safer in the second or third trimester than the first?
There is not enough evidence to give this formula a trimester specific safety clearance. Small studies of diluted topical or inhaled lavender later in pregnancy have not reported clear harms, but they do not establish safety for this whole blend or for first trimester use. The D+ rating therefore does not change simply because you enter a later trimester.
What side effects should I watch for?
Skin irritation and allergic reactions are practical concerns with this botanical blend. Chamomile and calendula can trigger reactions in people sensitive to ragweed or other daisy family plants. Stop applying it if a rash or irritation develops; high dose oral toxicity findings do not show that normal skin application causes the same effects.
Is the Natural version safer than original Bio Oil during pregnancy?
This D+ rating applies specifically to Bio Oil Skincare Oil (Natural), not the original formula. Natural ingredients are not automatically pregnancy safe, and the Natural version still contains several caution rated botanicals. You need a separate review of the original formula to make a meaningful comparison.
Are Other Bio-Oil Products Safe During Pregnancy?
We looked at 10 other Bio-Oil products. 0 are pregnancy safe (A or B grade), while 10 need a closer look.
| Grade | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| D+ | Bio-Oil Natural Oil For Scars And Stretch Marks 200Ml | skin oil |
| D+ | Bio-Oil Natural Skincare Oil | skin oil |
| D+ | Bio-Oil Natural Skincare Oil 125Ml | skin oil |
| D+ | Bio-Oil Natural Skincare Oil 60Ml | skin oil |
How Does Bio-Oil Skincare Oil (Natural) Compare to Other Skincare Oils?
We graded 12 Skincare Oils for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil (Natural) earns a D+ grade, placing it among the top 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 an ingredient Pregnancy Safe recommends avoiding during pregnancy. This may reflect an established risk or a precaution based on limited evidence; check the ingredient guidance and exposure context.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
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