Vaccinium Myrtillus Leaf Extract

Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) leaf extract is a botanical antioxidant/astringent used at low concentrations, but as a complex plant extract it contains multiple bioactive compounds (including tannins) that can sting or over-dry compromised barriers. Clinical irritation rates are generally low, yet sensitive and eczematous patients have a meaningful risk of irritant reactions or occasional contact allergy to botanicals, so I score it as mild rather than “gentle” for safety. Safety Notes: In mass-market leave-on skincare (toners, emulsions, serums) and rinse-off cleansers, Vaccinium Myrtillus Leaf Extract is frequently used at trace levels as part of multi-botanical blends or preservative-support/antioxidant complexes, with finished-product levels commonly down around 0.0001–0.05%. Higher-strength consumer products marketed as “botanical/antioxidant concentrates” or “bilberry leaf” ampoules/serums can reach ~1–5% when the extract is a primary featured ingredient and supplied in a stable solvent system (e.g., water/glycerin/butanediol); above ~5% is uncommon in OTC products due to cost, color/odor, and stability/compatibility constraints.