A popular oil-based formula utilizing Mineral Oil and botanical extracts, but controversial for pregnancy due to the inclusion of Retinyl Palmitate and a high volume of fragrance allergens.
This product is formulated with a base of Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), a highly effective occlusive agent that traps moisture and helps maintain skin elasticity as the belly expands. The addition of emollients like Triisononanoin and Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate improves spreadability, making it easy to apply. The blend of botanical oils—Sunflower, Lavender, Rosemary, and Chamomile—provides soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help alleviate the itching often associated with stretching skin. However, the heavy mineral oil base may feel greasy and sits on top of the skin rather than absorbing deeply like some plant-based butters.
There are significant safety concerns regarding this formulation specifically for pregnancy. The most critical issue is the inclusion of Retinyl Palmitate (a Vitamin A derivative). While systemic absorption from topical use is low, most dermatologists and medical guidelines advise avoiding all Vitamin A derivatives (retinoids) during pregnancy due to potential teratogenic risks. Additionally, the product contains a high load of Fragrance and numerous specific allergens (e.g., Linalool, Limonene, Coumarin, Eugenol), which can trigger reactions in pregnant skin that is already hormonally sensitive. Red 17 is a synthetic dye that adds no benefit to the skin.
While this is a legacy product (likely Bio-Oil) known for helping with scars and hydration, its formulation is outdated regarding modern pregnancy safety standards. Although it performs well as a heavy moisturizer to prevent dryness, the presence of Retinyl Palmitate contradicts standard medical advice for pregnancy skincare. Furthermore, the extensive list of fragrance allergens poses a risk of sensitization. There are many safer, retinoid-free, and fragrance-free alternatives available that use plant-based oils (like pure Shea Butter or Jojoba) which are better suited for expectant mothers.
This product presents a significant dilemma for the conscious consumer, primarily due to the contradiction between its marketed use and its ingredient profile. On the surface, the base of Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) serves as a highly effective occlusive agent. Unlike some lighter plant oils, mineral oil sits on the surface to create a semi-permeable barrier, effectively locking in moisture and keeping the skin pliable as it expands. This function is supported by synthetic emollients like Triisononanoin and Isopropyl Myristate, which improve spreadability and reduce the heavy, greasy drag often associated with pure oils. The addition of botanical ingredients such as Calendula, Lavender, Rosemary, and Chamomile oils offers soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits, which can be helpful for itchy, stretching skin. Bisabolol and Vitamin E further support skin barrier repair and provide antioxidant protection against environmental stressors. However, the inclusion of Retinyl Palmitate acts as a major red flag for a pregnancy-specific product. Retinyl Palmitate is a derivative of Vitamin A. While topical absorption is significantly lower than oral ingestion, the general medical consensus strictly encourages pregnant women to avoid Vitamin A derivatives (retinoids) to eliminate any theoretical risk of fetal harm. Consequently, many experts and dermatologists advise avoiding this specific ingredient during gestation to remain on the safe side. Furthermore, the formulation is heavily laden with Fragrance (Parfum) and a massive list of volatile fragrance allergens like Limonene, Linalool, Coumarin, Eugenol, and Citronellol. Pregnancy often induces heightened olfactory sensitivity and skin reactivity; this cocktail of potential allergens significantly increases the risk of contact dermatitis, irritation, or nausea. While this oil is a cult classic for general scar reduction and uneven skin tone, its safety profile for active pregnancy is debated. It is likely a product better suited for postpartum recovery rather than use during gestation.
🧪 Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) / 矿物油 (液体石蜡)
Purpose: Occlusive Moisturizer
Concerns: Petrochemical derivative
Notes: Creates a barrier on the skin to lock in moisture; highly stable and non-irritating, though some prefer natural alternatives.
🧪 Triisononanoin / 三异壬酸甘油酯
Purpose: Emollient
Concerns: None
Notes: A synthetic skin-conditioning agent that helps improve the texture and spreadability of the product.
🧪 Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate / 鲸蜡硬脂醇乙基己酸酯
Purpose: Emollient
Concerns: None
Notes: Provides a velvety feel and helps the product resist water; acts as a lubricant on the skin surface.
🧪 Isopropyl Myristate / 肉豆蔻酸异丙酯
Purpose: Texture Enhancer / Emollient
Concerns: Comedogenic (Can clog pores)
Notes: Reduces the greasy feel of mineral oil and helps other ingredients penetrate the skin.
🧪 Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil / 野大豆油
Purpose: Carrier Oil / Moisturizer
Concerns: None
Notes: A natural plant oil rich in fatty acids and antioxidants; smoothes the skin.
🧪 Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil / 向日葵籽油
Purpose: Emollient / Barrier Repair
Concerns: None
Notes: Rich in linoleic acid and Vitamin E; helps repair the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
🧪 Retinyl Palmitate / 视黄醇棕榈酸酯
Purpose: Antioxidant / Skin Conditioning
Concerns: Vitamin A Derivative (Pregnancy Safety)
Notes: A milder form of Vitamin A. While oral Vitamin A is teratogenic, topical absorption is low. However, many medical professionals advise avoiding retinoids completely during pregnancy as a precaution.
🧪 Tocopheryl Acetate / 生育酚乙酸酯
Purpose: Antioxidant
Concerns: None
Notes: A stable form of Vitamin E that protects skin from free radical damage.
🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚
Purpose: Antioxidant
Concerns: None
Notes: Pure Vitamin E; prevents oxidation of the oils in the formula.
🧪 Bisabolol / 红没药醇
Purpose: Soothing Agent
Concerns: None
Notes: The primary active component of chamomile; acts as a potent anti-inflammatory and skin soother.
🧪 Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil / 白花春黄菊花油
Purpose: Soothing
Concerns: None
Notes: Roman Chamomile oil; calms irritated skin.
🧪 Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil / 薰衣草油
Purpose: Soothing / Fragrance
Concerns: Potential Sensitizer
Notes: Known for its calming scent and mild antiseptic properties.
🧪 Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil / 迷迭香叶油
Purpose: Antimicrobial / Antioxidant
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps invigorate the skin and protect against bacteria.
🧪 Calendula Officinalis Extract / 金盏花提取物
Purpose: Soothing / Healing
Concerns: None
Notes: Marigold extract; excellent for healing wounds and soothing eczema or irritation.
🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精
Purpose: Scent
Concerns: Irritation / Sensitivity
Notes: A blend of chemicals to create the product’s smell; the most common cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis.
🧪 Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Coumarin, Eugenol, Benzyl Salicylate / 柠檬烯, 芳樟醇, 香茅醇, 香叶醇, 香豆素, 丁香酚, 水杨酸苄酯
Purpose: Fragrance Components
Concerns: EU 26 Allergens
Notes: Naturally occurring components of essential oils or synthetic fragrance ingredients that must be listed due to allergic potential.
🧪 Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Amyl Cinnamal, Amyl Salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Farnesol / α-异甲基紫罗兰酮, 戊基肉桂醛, 水杨酸戊酯, 羟基香茅醛, 法尼醇
Purpose: Fragrance Components
Concerns: EU 26 Allergens
Notes: Additional specific fragrance allergens mandated for labeling.
🧪 Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil / 酸橙果皮油
Purpose: Fragrance / Essential Oil
Concerns: Photosensitivity
Notes: Provides a citrus scent; citrus oils can sometimes increase skin sensitivity to sun.
🧪 Other Fragrance Compounds (Beta-Caryophyllene, Camphor, Geranyl Acetate, Hexamethylindanopyran, Isoeugenyl Acetate, Linalyl Acetate, Pinene, Terpineol, Terpinolene) / 其他香料化合物
Purpose: Scent Modifiers
Concerns: Potential Irritation
Notes: A mix of terpenes and aromatic compounds that build the complex scent profile of the oil.
🧪 Red 17 (CI 26100) / CI 26100 (红 17)
Purpose: Cosmetic Colorant
Concerns: None
Notes: A synthetic red dye used to give the oil its characteristic peach/pink hue.