Brand

Bio-Oil

One of the most recognized specialist products for the appearance of scars and stretch marks, which makes it a direct shelf competitor to Mederma.

Bio-Oil is a South African skincare brand made by Union Swiss, best known for a single hero product: a multi-use skincare oil positioned to help improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks. The original formula is built around the brand's proprietary PurCellin Oil. Since going global in the early 2000s, the line has added a plant-based Natural oil, a Dry Skin Gel, and a body lotion.

Founded

1987 (launched in South Africa; parent Union Swiss was founded in 1954)

Founder

Made by Union Swiss (Pty) Ltd of South Africa; the brand was refocused globally after the Letschert brothers acquired Union Swiss around 2000

Headquarters

Cape Town, South Africa (Union Swiss)

Ownership

Owned and made by Union Swiss (Pty) Ltd. The product is sold as Bio-Oil or Bi-Oil depending on the region, and US distribution has historically run through Kao USA.

Ownership and scale

Rolled out internationally from the United Kingdom in 2002 and is widely cited as a best-selling scar and stretch-mark product in many markets. No verified revenue figure is published.

Brand timeline

1954
Union Swiss is founded to import Swiss skincare into South Africa
1987
Bio-Oil launches in South Africa with the PurCellin Oil formula
2000
The Letschert brothers buy Union Swiss and refocus the company on Bio-Oil
2002
Bio-Oil launches internationally, starting in the United Kingdom
2022
The US line expands with a plant-based Natural oil and a Dry Skin Gel

Where to buy

Brand siteAmazonTargetWalmartCVSWalgreensUlta

Where to get the best offers

Larger 4.2 oz and 6.7 oz bottles give the best per-ounce value; watch for drugstore sales at Target, CVS, and Walgreens.

Bio-Oil products we have reviewed

mid-range

Skincare Oil

Bio-Oil

Key Ingredient

PurCellin Oil (mineral oil base)

Helps improve the appearance of scarsHelps improve the appearance of stretch marksHydrates and helps even the look of skin tone

$21.49/ 4.2 fl oz (125 mL)($0.17/ml)

Review Product

mid-range

Dry Skin Gel

Bio-Oil

Key Ingredient

Gelled-oil base

Nourishes and helps restore dry skinRestores moisture to the top layer to relieve cracked, flaking skinNon-comedogenic and suitable for face and body

$23.99/ 6.7 fl oz (200 mL)($0.12/ml)

Review Product

Brand background is compiled from public sources. Ownership and valuation figures are reported acquisitions or valuations where disclosed; private brands are marked as not publicly disclosed. Prices and retailers change, so confirm on the brand's official page.