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Does this scar serum — with 107 million TikTok views — work? Experts weigh in

Dermatologists say it can help with stretch marks and dehydrated skin.
Woman pouring bio oil into her hands
Kara Birnbaum/ TODAY

Our skin can be easily affected by the slightest of changes, so it's normal to deal with issues such as stretch marks, scars and uneven skin tone on a regular basis.

While we've long known about (and even tried) the Bio-Oil Skincare Oil, the cult-favorite product is still trending thanks to beauty gurus on — you guessed it — TikTok.

For years, influencers and satisfied users alike have raved about this skin care essential — and still are, with the hashtag #biooil garnering more than 107 million views on the social platform. The multipurpose oil claims to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scarring, but TikTok users are also finding that it helps with dehydrated skin, too.

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

Can Bio-Oil get rid of stretch marks?

According to New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, stretch marks appear whenever our skin stretches or shrinks quickly, causing the collagen and elastin that supports the skin to rupture. While stretch marks cannot be permanently erased, treatments like Bio-Oil can work to reduce their appearance thanks to effective ingredients.

"Bio-Oil contains mineral oil, sunflower seed oil, vitamin E, chamomile oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, marigold extract and soybean oil," King says. "These oils are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants to support and protect the skin."

Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a New York City-based dermatologist, tells Shop TODAY that he also recommends Bio-Oil to patients to both prevent and treat stretch marks. He notes that the ingredients work together to help protect and strengthen the skin.

"Collectively, they hydrate the skin, calm inflammation and support healthy collagen production," he says.

What else can Bio-Oil be used for?

Though both dermatologists recommend Bio-Oil to treat stretch marks, Amazon customers have also found that it works for a wide variety of skin issues.

The oil has amassed nearly 43,000 verified five-star ratings and thousands of reviews from shoppers who claim to have seen improvement in the appearance of sunburn, scars and dark spots.

Morgan Greenwald holding a bottle of Bio-Oil in her hand
Courtesy Morgan Greenwald

"[I] Have been using it on my son's dog bite scar and in only a few days noticed a huge difference in the color of the scar. I also use this on my C-section scar! Absolutely love it," wrote one five-star reviewer. "It’s not super oily for an oil. The scent is good [and] not overbearing like a lot of other scar creams or oil."

Another verified reviewer said they replaced their moisturizer with the Bio-Oil, and that it fulfills all of their skin care needs.

Zeichner notes that the oil can also function as an after-sun treatment, helping to quench dry skin after long days spent outside. "The oils used in the formula offer light, emollient benefits to hydrate the skin and soften the outer skin layer."

Does Bio-Oil really work?

King cites a 2017 study in which "61 percent of participants indicated that they felt the product improved their skin appearance," but noted that it can take time to see results.

For best results, it's important to thoroughly massage the product into the skin. King says studies have shown that properly massaging the oil for an extended amount of time can help improve the appearance of stretch marks.

No matter which skin issue you're trying to target, this expert-approved oil might be the skin care item your regimen is missing.