Blueberry extract is made from the fruit of Vaccinium corymbosum and is rich in anthocyanins, the deep blue purple pigments that also give blueberries their strong antioxidant reputation as a food.
A review of research on blueberries and skin found evidence that their anthocyanin and polyphenol content can help protect skin cells against UV and pollution related oxidative stress, and may support collagen preservation. Most of the strongest evidence comes from studies where blueberries were eaten as part of the diet rather than applied topically as a skincare ingredient, so its effects when used specifically in a leave on product are considered promising but less directly proven.
Blueberry Extract References
A Review of the Potential Benefits of Plants Producing Berries in Skin Disorders, Nutrients, 2020
Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Effects of Blueberry Extract against Ultraviolet Radiation in a Skin Cell Co Culture System, Journal of Functional Foods, 2018
Our team reviews ingredient research and uses up-to-date evidence to rate ingredients based on the categories below.
Best
Ingredients with the most rigorous and convincing evidence. These are the standouts backed by consistent findings across independent, peer reviewed clinical research.. When we call an ingredient Best, it has earned that distinction through genuine, reproducible proof that it improves skin.
Good
Reliable, well tolerated ingredients that do their job without complaint. They may not carry the headline benefits of a Best rated active, but they hydrate, stabilize a formula, or support the ingredients around them in ways that make a real difference in how a product performs and feels.
Average
Ingredients that are perfectly safe and serve a clear function, typically as an emollient, thickener, or filler, but do not offer any meaningful skin benefit beyond that basic job. Not a red flag, just not a reason to choose one product over another.
Bad/Worst
Ingredients with documented potential to irritate skin, disrupt the barrier, or trigger sensitization in some users, often synthetic fragrance, drying forms of alcohol, or certain essential oils. Not automatically a dealbreaker for every skin type, but worth knowing about before you commit to a product.
