Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract

Vaccinium Myrtillus (bilberry) fruit extract is typically used at low concentrations as an antioxidant/polyphenol and color/marketing extract, and it is not inherently caustic like acids or retinoids. However, botanical extracts contain multiple bioactive compounds and trace impurities that can provoke stinging or allergic-type reactions in reactive or eczema-prone skin, with patch testing showing occasional sensitization across plant extracts as a class. Given real-world cumulative exposure in multi-extract formulas and the need to protect highly sensitive patients, it warrants a mild (0.4) irritancy score rather than being treated as universally “gentle.” Safety Notes: In mass-market cleansers, toners, and creams, Vaccinium Myrtillus (bilberry) fruit extract is frequently used as part of an “antioxidant/fruit complex” or botanical blend at very low label-levels (often around 0.0005–0.05%), especially in rinse-off where contact time is short. Mid-range leave-on serums/lotions commonly use ~0.1–1% when bilberry is a featured antioxidant/brightening support extract. High-strength consumer-available formulas (e.g., “superfruit” antioxidant serums/masks or products built around a bilberry extract/ferment) can reach ~2–5% extract, with higher practical limits typically constrained by extract solvent system, color/odor, and stability rather than specific regulatory caps.