Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Extract

What is Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Extract?

Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Extract comes from the dark blue berries of the Vaccinium myrtillus shrub, native to Europe and related to blueberries. These berries yield a concentrated extract high in anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, and vitamins, prized for their antioxidant capacity. In skincare formulations like toners, serums, and moisturizers, it primarily serves as a skin conditioning agent. It functions by forming a protective film on the skin to lock in moisture, promoting suppleness. Its astringent properties arise from tannins that gently contract surface tissues for a toned appearance. Refreshing effects stem from natural volatile elements that evaporate to cool and invigorate. As a tonic, it blends these actions to balance skin's sensory profile, aiding absorption of other actives while refining texture for a smooth finish.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Skin conditioning agent

Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.

Astringent

Creates a temporary tightening and toning effect by contracting surface proteins, helping reduce the look of oiliness and refining feel on skin.

Refreshing

Delivers a fresh, clean sensory impression (often via cooling agents or volatile carriers), improving perceived cleanliness and after-feel.

Tonic

Supports a light, toning after-feel—often combining mild astringency, refreshing solvents, and humectants—to prep skin and refine sensory finish.

Benefits

Supports skin softness and flexibility through conditioning action.

Offers temporary tightening to minimize oiliness and refine skin feel.

Provides a fresh, invigorating sensation for improved cleanliness perception.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit	Who Should Avoid
People with oily or combination skin seeking a toned finish.	Individuals with known allergies to berries or Vaccinium plants.
Individuals desiring antioxidant botanical support in routines.	People experiencing irritation from polyphenol-rich botanicals.
Those preferring natural extracts for refreshed daily care.	Those preferring to avoid plant-derived extracts in formulations.

Safety Notes

Typically well-tolerated in cosmetic concentrations for topical use.
Patch testing recommended for new users to check personal tolerance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Extract

What makes bilberry extract suitable for skincare?

Its anthocyanin content provides antioxidant support while conditioning and toning skin mildly.

Is bilberry extract non-comedogenic?

It carries a comedogenic rating of 0, making it unlikely to clog pores.

How does it function in products?

Acts as a conditioner, astringent, refresher, and tonic for softness, tightening, and clean feel.