Ever feel like there’s a new beauty ingredient you can’t stop seeing and hearing about? That all of the sudden it’s in every product and all over your Instagram feed? This is what our Beauty Buzzwords series is all about – to help you learn more about these mysterious ingredients and why everyone is raving about them.

Next up is Bilberry Extract, a fruit derived, non-toxic ingredient that packs some serious skin healing benefits.

What is it?

Bilberry Extract (vaccinium myrtillus) is a fruit extract native to Northern Europe that shares the same plant family as blueberries. Bilberry is believed to have been used for medicinal purposes from as early as the 1600’s. They were also traditionally used to dye fabric and paper.

What are the Benefits?

Bilberry Extract is brimming with the antioxidant compound, anthocyanins, which gives red, purple, and blue fruits and veggies their distinct colour. Antioxidants are excellent in helping to control breakouts, reduce wrinkles, and calm irritated skin. They can also support the strengthening and protection of skin against free radicals and defend it in the presence of UVA light.

Bilberry Extract contains a high concentration of Vitamin C, (another powerful antioxidant), which works to slow the appearance of aging and improve the look of skin. Bilberry Extract also has anti-inflammatory properties that are great at reducing swelling. This makes it an ideal ingredient to look for in products if you’re experiencing redness or irritation.

Who should use it?

Everyone! No, but really; its gentle on sensitive skin, healing for those experiencing breakouts and helpful for reducing signs of aging. Plus, its totally natural. Not often is a skincare ingredient suitable for so many different people’s needs.

How do you use it?

Many kinds of products include this awesome ingredient, including those I mention down below, and because it is a fruit extract, there are no real side effects or restrictions to how and when you use it.

Top Products:

Consonant Natural Foaming Face Wash – This gentle yet effective cleanser has a creamy texture and is filled with nourishing ingredients to help even the most sensitive skin stay hydrated and control blemishes.

Derma E Tinted Moisturizing BB Cream SPF 30 – Not only does this do-it-all product prime, hydrate, and illuminate skin, it protects it with SPF 30. This BB cream offers light to medium coverage that stays in place all day long.

100% Pure Lip Caramel – Get smooth, silky lips without sacrificing bold and intense colours with these natural liquid lipsticks. Packed with tons of hydrating oils and extracts, they’ll keep your lips moisturized for hours.