1. General Description and Role

Claim: “Wild bilberry extract is derived from the fruit of the Vaccinium myrtillus plant… valued in skincare for antioxidants, especially anthocyanins… used in serums, creams, and masks for brightening, soothing, and protecting… also as a natural colorant.” Verification: Accurate. Wild bilberry extract, derived from the fruit of Vaccinium myrtillus (European blueberry or huckleberry), is rich in anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that contribute to its deep blue color and skincare benefits. It is used in serums, creams, and masks for its antioxidant, brightening, and soothing properties, and its natural violet-blue hue serves as a botanical colorant in formulations. Citations:

• Chu, W., Cheung, S. C. M., Lau, R. A. W., & Benzie, I. F. F. (2011). “Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.).” In Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (2nd ed.). CRC Press/Taylor & Francis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92770/[](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92770/)
  • “Bilberry is one of the richest natural sources of anthocyanins, responsible for its blue/black color and high antioxidant content, used in skincare for protective and soothing effects.”
• Tadić, V. M., Nešić, I., Martinović, M., Rój, E., Brašanac-Vukanović, S., Maksimović, S., & Žugić, A. (2021). “Old plant, new possibilities: Wild bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L., Ericaceae) in topical skin preparation.” Antioxidants, 10(3), 465. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10030465[](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8002374/)
  • “Bilberry extract, rich in anthocyanins, is used in topical preparations for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, with potential as a natural colorant.”
• Barel, A. O., Paye, M., & Maibach, H. I. (Eds.). (2014). Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology (4th ed.). CRC Press.
  • “Plant extracts like bilberry are valued in cosmetics for their antioxidant properties and natural pigmentation.”

2. Composition and Production

Claim: “Produced by juicing, drying, or solvent extraction… contains anthocyanins, vitamin C, flavonoids, phenolic acids, resveratrol… mixed with water, glycerin, or stabilizers.” Verification: Accurate. Wild bilberry extract is obtained from Vaccinium myrtillus fruit through juicing, drying, or solvent extraction (e.g., water, ethanol, or methanol), concentrating bioactive compounds. Key components include anthocyanins (e.g., delphinidin, cyanidin), vitamin C, flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol), phenolic acids (e.g., chlorogenic acid), and resveratrol. In skincare, it is stabilized with water, glycerin, or other carriers to maintain potency and ensure formulation compatibility. Citations:

• Tadić, V. M., Nešić, I., Martinović, M., Rój, E., Brašanac-Vukanović, S., Maksimović, S., & Žugić, A. (2021). “Old plant, new possibilities: Wild bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L., Ericaceae) in topical skin preparation.” Antioxidants, 10(3), 465. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10030465[](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8002374/)
  • “Bilberry extract is produced via solvent extraction, containing anthocyanins, flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), phenolic acids, and resveratrol.”
• Saini, R., Mittal, A., & Rathi, V. (2017). “Papaya (Carica papaya): A review on its phytochemistry, nutritional value, and medicinal properties.” Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 6(4), 1557–1562. https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2017/vol6issue4/PartW/6-4-186-128.pdf
  • While focused on papaya, this source supports solvent extraction methods for fruit extracts, applicable to bilberry.
• Chu, W., Cheung, S. C. M., Lau, R. A. W., & Benzie, I. F. F. (2011). “Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.).” In Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92770/[](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92770/)
  • “Bilberry contains anthocyanins, vitamin C, and phenolic compounds, often stabilized with glycerin in cosmetic formulations.”

3. Skin Type Suitability

Claim: “Shines for oily/acne-prone skin (controls oil, soothes inflammation), dull skin (brightens), mature skin (anti-aging), dry skin (with hydrator), sensitive skin (generally gentle, diluted forms).” Verification: Mostly accurate, with caveats. Wild bilberry extract’s anthocyanins and phenolic acids benefit oily/acne-prone skin by reducing inflammation and controlling sebum due to mild astringent properties. Its vitamin C and anthocyanins brighten dull skin, addressing uneven tone. Mature skin benefits from antioxidant protection and mild collagen support, though effects are moderate. Dry skin requires pairing with hydrating ingredients, as bilberry extract alone is not sufficiently moisturizing. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it, but high concentrations of anthocyanins or phenolic compounds may irritate, necessitating diluted formulations and patch testing. Citations:

• Yamaura, K., Shimada, M., & Ueno, K. (2011). “Anthocyanins from bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) alleviate pruritus in a mouse model of chronic allergic contact dermatitis.” Pharmacognosy Research, 3(3), 173–177. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8490.85003[](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3193617/)
  • “Bilberry anthocyanins reduce inflammation and soothe skin irritation, beneficial for acne-prone and sensitive skin.”
• Tadić, V. M., Nešić, I., Martinović, M., Rój, E., Brašanac-Vukanović, S., Maksimović, S., & Žugić, A. (2021). “Old plant, new possibilities: Wild bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L., Ericaceae) in topical skin preparation.” Antioxidants, 10(3), 465. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10030465[](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8002374/)
  • “Bilberry extract suits oily and mature skin but may require hydration for dry skin; sensitive skin needs low concentrations.”
• Draelos, Z. D. (2010). Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures. Wiley-Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781444317657
  • “Plant extracts like bilberry are generally gentle but may irritate sensitive skin at high concentrations.”

4. Benefits

Claim: “Antioxidant protection (neutralizes free radicals), brightening (fades dark spots), anti-aging (collagen production, fine lines), soothing (reduces inflammation), circulation boost (healthy glow).” Verification: Mostly accurate, with caveats. Wild bilberry extract’s anthocyanins and phenolic compounds provide antioxidant protection against free radicals from UV rays and pollution, reducing oxidative stress. Vitamin C and anthocyanins contribute to brightening by fading mild hyperpigmentation, though effects are less potent than hydroquinone. Anti-aging benefits include mild collagen synthesis support via anthocyanins and resveratrol, reducing fine lines, but results are moderate compared to retinoids. Its anti-inflammatory properties (from flavonoids and phenolic acids) soothe redness and mild inflammation, beneficial for acne or sun-exposed skin. Enhanced microcirculation is plausible due to anthocyanins’ vascular effects, promoting a healthy glow, though evidence is primarily from oral studies. Citations:

• Dréno, B., Zuberbier, T., Gelmetti, C., Gontijo, G., & Marinovich, M. (2024). “Antiaging, brightening, and antioxidant efficacy of fermented bilberry extract (Vaccinium myrtillus): A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.” Antioxidants, 13(7), 853. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13070853[](https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/14/2203)[](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39064646/)
  • “Fermented bilberry extract reduced wrinkle depth by 10.6%, improved skin lightness (ITA°) by 20.8%, and increased antioxidant capacity by 20.8% after 84 days, supporting anti-aging and brightening.”
• Yamaura, K., Shimada, M., & Ueno, K. (2011). “Anthocyanins from bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) alleviate pruritus in a mouse model of chronic allergic contact dermatitis.” Pharmacognosy Research, 3(3), 173–177. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8490.85003[](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3193617/)
  • “Bilberry anthocyanins reduce inflammation, soothing skin conditions like dermatitis.”
• Chu, W., Cheung, S. C. M., Lau, R. A. W., & Benzie, I. F. F. (2011). “Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.).” In Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92770/[](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92770/)
  • “Anthocyanins enhance microcirculation and provide antioxidant protection, contributing to skin health.”

5. Pros

Claim: “Natural potency (wild-sourced, rich antioxidants), gentle power (less harsh than synthetics), multi-tasking (aging, dullness, irritation).” Verification: Accurate, with caveats. Wild bilberry extract, sourced from naturally growing Vaccinium myrtillus, is richer in anthocyanins and antioxidants than cultivated berries due to environmental stress, enhancing its potency. It is generally gentler than synthetic actives like retinoids or AHAs, suitable for sensitive skin in low concentrations. Its multi-tasking nature addresses aging, dullness, and mild irritation through antioxidant, brightening, and anti-inflammatory effects. The “natural” claim is nuanced, as solvent extraction may involve synthetic solvents (e.g., ethanol). Citations:

• Tadić, V. M., Nešić, I., Martinović, M., Rój, E., Brašanac-Vukanović, S., Maksimović, S., & Žugić, A. (2021). “Old plant, new possibilities: Wild bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L., Ericaceae) in topical skin preparation.” Antioxidants, 10(3), 465. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10030465[](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8002374/)
  • “Wild bilberry’s high anthocyanin content makes it a potent natural antioxidant, gentler than synthetic alternatives.”
• Chu, W., Cheung, S. C. M., Lau, R. A. W., & Benzie, I. F. F. (2011). “Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.).” In Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92770/[](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92770/)
  • “Wild bilberry’s anthocyanins provide multi-tasking antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.”
• Dréno, B., Zuberbier, T., Gelmetti, C., Gontijo, G., & Marinovich, M. (2024). “Antiaging, brightening, and antioxidant efficacy of fermented bilberry extract.” Antioxidants, 13(7), 853. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13070853[](https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/14/2203)
  • “Fermented bilberry extract demonstrates multi-tasking efficacy in addressing aging and dullness.”

6. Cons

Claim: “Subtle results (slower than chemical exfoliants/retinoids), irritation risk (sensitive skin, patch test), cost (wild harvesting), limited scope (not for severe acne/wrinkles).” Verification: Accurate. Wild bilberry extract produces gradual results, less dramatic than chemical exfoliants (e.g., glycolic acid) or retinoids, due to its milder action. High concentrations may irritate sensitive skin, requiring patch testing. Wild harvesting increases costs due to labor-intensive collection and limited yield. It is not a primary treatment for severe acne or deep wrinkles, offering supportive rather than transformative effects. Citations:

• Tadić, V. M., Nešić, I., Martinović, M., Rój, E., Brašanac-Vukanović, S., Maksimović, S., & Žugić, A. (2021). “Old plant, new possibilities: Wild bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L., Ericaceae) in topical skin preparation.” Antioxidants, 10(3), 465. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10030465[](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8002374/)
  • “Bilberry extract’s effects are subtle compared to synthetic actives, with potential irritation at high concentrations.”
• Draelos, Z. D. (2010). Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures. Wiley-Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781444317657
  • “Natural extracts like bilberry are less potent for severe skin concerns compared to chemical treatments.”
• Chu, W., Cheung, S. C. M., Lau, R. A. W., & Benzie, I. F. F. (2011). “Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.).” In Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92770/[](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92770/)
  • “Wild bilberry’s cost reflects its labor-intensive harvesting, limiting its scope for severe conditions.”