What it is
Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of bearberry, a low-growing evergreen shrub, and is a natural source of arbutin and related polyphenols. In cosmetics it is used as a conditioning and antioxidant botanical and is often associated with evening-out, brightening-type formulations. It typically appears at low levels in the aqueous phase.
Safety & warnings
The leaf extract is generally well tolerated at cosmetic levels. As with any active botanical, very sensitive skin may occasionally react; it is used at low concentrations and is not associated with comedogenicity.
Origin & sourcing
Plant-derived, prepared from the leaves of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (bearberry), a shrub of cooler temperate regions.
Questions everyone asks
Why is bearberry extract used in skincare?
It is a natural source of arbutin and polyphenols and is used as a conditioning, antioxidant botanical, often in brightening-style products.
Does it offer sun protection?
No. It is a supporting botanical, not a UV filter.