Myrica Cerifera Fruit Extract

Myrica cerifera (bayberry) fruit extract is a botanical astringent rich in tannins/resins and is typically used at low percentages in “pore/clarifying” formulas, where it can increase tightness and stinging on compromised barriers. While not a classic high-rate allergen like many essential oils, botanical extracts have meaningful variability and have been associated with irritant and occasional sensitization reactions in patch testing populations. Given its astringent profile and higher risk in eczema-prone or post-procedure skin, I rate it as mild (0.4) rather than assuming it is inherently gentle. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, Myrica cerifera (bayberry) fruit extract is most often used as a low-level astringent/antioxidant botanical, commonly appearing around 0.001–0.1% in emulsions, toners, and cleansers as part of multi-extract blends. Higher-strength consumer products (typically leave-on serums/spot products marketed for oil control, pore refining, or “natural” brightening) can reach ~1–5% when the extract is a primary active, with the practical upper end driven by supplier extract potency/solvent system, color/odor, and irritation/astringency constraints rather than specific regulatory limits.