What it is
Vaccinium myrtillus seed oil is obtained from the small seeds of the European bilberry and is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, along with naturally occurring tocopherols. In skincare and sunscreens it serves as a lightweight emollient that softens and conditions the skin and lends antioxidant character to the oil phase. It is generally used at low levels to enhance the sensory and skin-care profile of a formula.
Safety & warnings
Bilberry seed oil is generally well tolerated and considered relatively low on the comedogenic scale. As a polyunsaturated oil it is susceptible to oxidation and is typically stabilized with antioxidants. It contains no added fragrance, though individual sensitivity to botanical oils can occur.
Origin & sourcing
Natural. It is a fixed oil pressed from the seeds of Vaccinium myrtillus, often recovered as a by-product of bilberry processing.
Questions everyone asks
What does bilberry seed oil do in a formula?
It acts as a lightweight emollient rich in unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, softening skin and supporting the oil phase with antioxidant character.
Is it different from bilberry fruit extract?
Yes. The seed oil is a pressed lipid from the seeds, while the fruit extract is a polyphenol-rich extract of the berry flesh.