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Tissue Oil Benefits: 10 Ways to Use It on Face, Body and Stretch Marks
Tissue oil is a light body oil, usually blended from plant oils and vitamin E, that moisturises and softens skin. People use it on stretch marks, scars, dry hands, cuticles and dry scalp. It can make stretch marks and scars look softer and less noticeable, but no oil has been proven to prevent or remove them. It does not lighten or bleach skin.

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Moroccan Argan, Vitamin E & Rosehip Organic Tissue Oil for Stretch Marks, Scars & Dry Skin 200ml
Argan, rosehip and vitamin E tissue oil for stretch marks, scars and dry skin. A big 200ml bottle for face and body.
Our Moroccan Argan, Vitamin E and Rosehip Tissue Oil (200ml, R129) is used in all the tips below.
10 ways to use tissue oil
1. Soften the look of stretch marks
Massage a few drops into stretch marks once or twice a day. Regular massage with oil keeps the skin soft and supple, and many people find marks look less noticeable over time. A large Cochrane review found no high-quality evidence that any cream or oil prevents stretch marks in pregnancy, so think of tissue oil as skin care, not a treatment.
2. Rescue dry, overworked hands
Rub two or three drops into hands after washing, especially at night.
3. Make healed scars look softer
Once a cut or wound has fully closed and healed, gentle oil massage can make the scar feel softer. Never apply oil to open wounds.
4. Nourish nails and cuticles
Massage one drop into each cuticle to keep nails from looking dry and ragged.
5. Add it to your bath
A capful in warm bath water leaves skin feeling soft. Take care, as the bath will be slippery.
6. Soothe a dry scalp
Part your hair and massage a few drops into dry areas before wash day.
7. Lock in moisture after showering
Apply to damp skin straight after a shower, then pat dry.
8. Calm skin after shaving
Press a drop or two over shaved areas. Patch test first if you get razor bumps.
9. Boost your body lotion
Mix a few drops into your usual lotion or our Rooibos Shea Body Butter for extra slip.
10. Pair it with a scrub
Use our Rooibos & Coffee Body Scrub twice a week, then follow with tissue oil. Or get both in the Stretch Mark & Body Kit.
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Does tissue oil lighten skin?
No. Tissue oil does not bleach or lighten your natural skin tone. Skin may look more even and glowing because it is moisturised. For dark marks, use a vitamin C serum and daily sunscreen instead. See fading dark marks vs lightening skin.
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Is tissue oil good for the face?
It can be, for dry skin. If you are prone to pimples, start with a small area, because some oils can feel heavy and may block pores. For dark marks on the face, a lighter routine with a vitamin C serum usually works better.
When will I see results?
Skin feels softer straight away. Any change in how stretch marks or scars look, if it happens, takes weeks to months of regular use. New red or purple stretch marks tend to fade on their own to paler lines over time.
Tissue oil FAQs
What is tissue oil used for?
Moisturising dry skin and making stretch marks, scars, hands and cuticles look and feel softer.
Can I use tissue oil while pregnant?
Many women do. Ask your doctor or midwife first, and patch test, especially with oils that contain fragrance.
Can I put tissue oil on my hair?
Yes, a few drops on dry ends or scalp. Use sparingly, as too much can weigh hair down.
Written by the Black African Organics team. General skincare information, not medical advice.
Sources
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Free delivery on orders over R600. FREE Black Soap Paste on orders over R999.
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