Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil

Best

Antioxidant

Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil at a glance

  • Oil extracted from the bilberry plant, which is a known source of antioxidants
  • Rich in soothing omega fatty acids that help strengthen skin’s barrier
  • Helps seal in moisture, thereby boosting hydration
  • May be sourced as an “upcycled” byproduct of the food industry

Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil description

_Vaccinium myrtillus_ seed oil comes from the bilberry plant. Bilberry is one of the best sources of antioxidant compounds known as anthocyanins, polyphenolic chemicals that give bilberries their rich color. Applied to skin, bilberry is known to boost skin’s defenses against environmental stressors. In particular, the seeds are noted as containing a high level of vitamin E. Research has identified that _Vaccinium myrtillus_ seed oil is also rich in omega fatty acids (including linoleic, linolenic, and oleic) that can help strengthen skin’s barrier and provide soothing benefits. Oils rich in oleic acid are noted for their semi-occlusive ability to seal in moisture, which bodes well for skin’s hydration. While bilberry itself is a blue/black color, the seed oil extracted from it is a pale yellow to greenish color. On a sustainability note, _Vaccinium myrtillus_ seed oil can be sourced as a byproduct of the food industry, in which case it is considered an “upcycled” skin care ingredient. According to the 2017 safety assessment conducted by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, _Vaccinium myrtillus_ seed oil is typically used in concentrations between 0.01-0.1%, which is considered safe for cosmetic use.

Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil references

  • Antioxidants, March 2021, pages 1-17
  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2017, pages 51S-129S
  • Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects 2nd edition, 2011, chapter four

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.