Common Name(s): Bilberry extract,european blueberry,huckleberry extract
CAS Number: 84082-34-8
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides anthocyanin antioxidant and vascular protective activity for capillary-strengthening and photoprotection.
Why It's Used: Vascular-protective antioxidant from european bilberry with clinical evidence for capillary strengthening and photoprotection โ particularly relevant for rosacea-prone skin with fragile surface capillaries.
How It Works: Anthocyanins (malvidin, cyanidin, delphinidin glycosides) provide exceptional free radical scavenging. opcs bind and cross-link collagen in vascular basement membrane strengthening capillaries. anthocyanins inhibit collagenase and elastase protecting vascular matrix.
Typically Found In: Anti-rosacea products,vascular health formulas,anti-aging serums
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Capillary strengthening,anthocyanin antioxidant
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ3%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ from vaccinium myrtillus berries
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Bilberry anthocyanins' capillary protective activity was originally documented in wwii-era research on british raf pilots who consumed bilberry jam before night missions and reported improved night vision โ the capillary protection of retinal microvasculature by anthocyanins was recognized decades before the anti-aging skin applications eupdated. the same capillary-strengthening mechanism applies to skin surface capillaries in rosacea.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,canter & ernst bilberry review