Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus

Bilberry is an edible berry, a member of the berry family and related to blueberries. The edible, soft and juicy berry is dark purple, almost black in color. Bilberry is high in flavonoids; a family of nutrient rich phytonutrients found in plants, vegetables and fruits. Flavonoids are potent antioxidants. Bilberry is also high in essential fatty acids. Traditionally bilberry has been used to improve eyesight, night vision and for treating dry eczema.

Bilberry in Skin Care Products

Bilberry protects, nourishes, tightens, brightens and beautifies the skin. Bilberry works as a tonic and astringent and assists with tightening the skin. Bilberry oil from the bilberry seeds contains tocotrienols, tocopherols and offers nourishment to the skin. The strong antioxidants especially the anthocyanins help to protect the skin from UVA radiation.

Bilberry in skin care products promotes vital, radiant, soft, supple and firmer skin. Bilberry is excellent to use in cosmetic products such as facial creams, moisturizers and serums, toners and body lotions. Bilberry is excellent for most skin types and does particularly well with sensitive and mature skin.

The Bilberry Skin Brightening Moisturizer I formulated in the Professional Natural Skin Care Product Making Course has received feedback stating it is a great product on sensitive skin and helped to reduce skin irritations.

References
Formulating Natural Cosmetics by Anthony C. Dweck
Svobodová A1, Rambousková J, Walterová D, Vostalová J.
Bilberry extract reduces UVA-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT keratinocytes: a pilot study. 2008;33(4):249-66.

 Joan Morais is a natural cosmetic formulator, instructor, author and the owner of Joan Morais Naturals. Joan assists product makers on how to make high quality, stable and effective natural body, hair and skin care products for personal use and a product making business.