Of the several brands that are operating in the natural beauty care segment, Bio-Oil is a prominent one.
Bio-Oil’s products are based on essential oils, which have anti-bacterial and soothing properties with aromatic fragrances as an added benefit. While fragrance could be appealing for some, it could cause allergies and irritation for others.
Let’s find out more about the fragrances in Bio-Oil products and if they will suit you.
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What does Bio-Oil contain?
Based in South Africa and owned by Union Swiss (Pty) Limited, the brand’s line of products include essential oils, gels, and lotions.
The chief ingredients are anthemis nobilis flower oil, calendula officinalis extract, bisabolol, helianthus annuus seed oil, lavandula angustifolia oil, rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil, glycine soja oil, soybean oil, sunflower seed oil, safflower seed oil, jojoba oil, pomegranate seed oil, chamomile oil, chia seed oil, parfum, tocopheryl acetate, and tocopherol.
The products also contain retinyl palmitate, triisononanoin, isopropyl myristate, citronellol, coumarin, eugenol, farnesol, gareniol, Ci 26100, limonene, and linalool.
Bio-Oil products are claimed to be free from harsh chemicals like phthalates, phytoestrogens, parabens, steroids, and folic acid.
Does Bio-Oil contain perfume?
Bio-Oil products do contain perfume. The company has launched a few fragrance-free variants too in 2021.
The fragrance products contain the scent of the essential oils they use. In addition, they also contain added fragrances like citronellol, parfum, linalool, limonene, geraniol, and coumarin.
While linalool has a fragrance akin to lavender and bergamot oil, the perfume of limonene is like sweet citrus, the aroma of geraniol is like that of the rose flower, and the scent of coumarin is similar to lavender and moss.
Meanwhile, the newly launched fragrance-free versions could carry mild scents of the essential oils. They are claimed to not contain any added fragrances.
Are the fragrances in Bio-Oil safe?
Perfumes accompany us every day in most aspects of our lives – from soaps, deodorants, cosmetics, detergents, toiletries, and home cleaning products. The preference for different fragrances varies from person to person and is also said to reflect one’s personality. We also associate fragrances with some memories and people!
The perfumes in Bio-Oil are from essential oils and added fragrances. Are these safe for you?
Essential oils are liquids extracted from plant sources. Perfumes that emanate from them are natural and free of alcohol. Therefore, they are softer, yet long-lasting. However, they have to be used in prescribed proportions only. This is because the compounds exist in highly concentrated forms in essential oils and have the potential to cause headaches, irritation, and asthma. If you are sensitive to smell, even the mild fragrance of the natural oil can lead to respiratory problems and skin allergies.
The added fragrances in Bio-Oil include chemical compounds like citronellol, parfum, linalool, limonene, geraniol, and coumarin. Absorption of these chemicals through inhalation is known to cause pain, allergy, irritation, asthma, vomiting, nausea, toxicity, contact dermatitis, and hives.
Conclusively, using the fragrance-free versions of Bio-Oil may be a safer option. These are not totally bereft of any aroma as they contain the scents of essential oils. They are milder and safer than the fragrance versions that contain harsh chemicals. If you are hypersensitive to smell, pick the fragrance-free versions with essential oils having a weaker whiff.
Is it good to use Bio-Oil?
Bio-Oil is largely a natural product with a small composition of chemicals. So, it is safer than products that are completely loaded with chemicals. Nevertheless, natural oils and their compounds could also have adverse reactions. The added fragrance chemicals also come with their own side effects.
Let’s check if using Bio-Oil is good in the following instances.
For face
If you have sensitive skin and respiratory system, using Bio-Oil on your face could cause skin and nasal irritation.
For babies
It is a common practice to give soothing massages with natural oils to babies. However, overtly fragrant oils and oils from particular plant sources are usually avoided. Therefore, check the essential oils included in the Bio-Oil product you plan to use for your baby. If you use the wrong product, it could cause your baby to develop skin rashes, vomiting, sneezing, wheezing, and other symptoms.
For tattoos
Essential oils are usually safe on tattoos. Check with your tattoo artist if the fragrance chemicals in Bio-Oil are safe too.
For pregnant women
During pregnancy, aromas may or may not be an appealing thing for you. If you are getting overwhelmed by fragrances, it is better to avoid the essential oils the smell of which you are unable to stand. If some aroma is helping you to relax, you could use the product in moderation.
References:
- Does Glossier Skincare Have Fragrance? - October 21, 2022
- Is Aveeno Color-Safe? - October 20, 2022
- Is Acure Color-Safe? - October 20, 2022
