Vaccinium Myrtillus

Vaccinium Myrtillus at a Glance

• Also known as bilberry
• Source of antioxidant compounds known as anthocyanins
• Has calming abilities
• Can boost skin’s environmental defenses against UVA light

Vaccinium Myrtillus Description

(also known as bilberry) is one of the best sources of antioxidant compounds known as anthocyanins, polyphenolic chemicals that give bilberries their dark color. Not surprisingly, bilberries are similar to blueberries.

Applied to skin, bilberry is known to strengthen skin against signs of redness, likely due to its calming properties. Bilberry can also boost skin’s environmental defenses in the presence of UVA light.

Note that while bilberry contains antioxidants known as tannins, the amounts are low and unlikely to pose a risk to skin. Tannins are one of the antioxidant chemicals in some plants (the most well-known being witch hazel) that offer benefits and risks for skin when they comprise a larger portion of a plant’s antioxidants.

Vaccinium Myrtillus References