Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Bilberry
No meaningful concern for most people; irritation is possible but rare.
Also written as: Bilberry Extract · European Blueberry Extract · Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract
What it is
Bilberry is a small dark European berry closely related to the blueberry, rich in anthocyanin pigments with antioxidant activity. In cosmetics it is used for antioxidant support and appears in "natural AHA" blends, though the fruit acid content of a typical extract is low. It is common in brightening and antioxidant masks.
What it does well
Provides antioxidant anthocyanins
Bilberry anthocyanins are potent antioxidants in laboratory testing. Evidence that a cosmetic-level extract produces visible skin benefits is thin.
Limited evidence
Worth knowing
"Natural AHA" claims are usually overstated
Bilberry-based blends are often marketed as gentle exfoliants, but the naturally occurring acid content at usual cosmetic levels is far too low to exfoliate meaningfully. Treat it as an antioxidant, not an acid.
Matters most toAnyone buying a product for its advertised natural exfoliating action.
Where the EU stands
No specific restriction
Not listed in any Annex of the EU Cosmetics Regulation, so there is no specific concentration limit; it is still covered by the general safety assessment every cosmetic product must pass before sale.
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 - no annex entry · source ↗
