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What is Bearberry Extract?

Alyssa Simon
Alyssa Simon

Bearberry extract is made from the leaves of the bearberry plant. It is commonly used as an astringent in cosmetic preparations and skin care products. Astringents are cleansers that remove dirt and oil from the skin's pores. It is also used as a lightening agent to fade freckles or skin discoloration which may be caused by sun damage or hormonal conditions.

The bearberry plant is also known as the beargrape plant or mountain cranberry. Its Latin name is Arctostaphyllos Uva Ursi. Another term for bearberry extract is uva ursi extract. Bearberry extract is reputed to have antibacterial and antioxidant properties that may be beneficial for cleansing the skin and improving its appearance. It is thought by some to increase cell turnover rate, thus shedding old skin cells which do not reflect light as smoothly and make the skin look dull.

The leaves of the bearberry plant may be used to make bearberry extract.
The leaves of the bearberry plant may be used to make bearberry extract.

The extract from the bearberry leaves was traditionally used in Northern Europe and Russia to tan leather and even out the color of the hides. Similarly, the extract also is used to help improve skin tone and coloration. Hydroquinone and arbutin are the two active components of bearberry extract thought responsible for its ability to reduce skin pigmentation. Hydroquinone is known to inhibit melanin production in the skin. Melanin is a pigment found in skin that determines a skin's color. Arbutin is also reported to have melanin-inhibiting properties but not to the same extent as hydroquinone. However, arbutin is thought to be less irritating to the skin and is used more frequently in cosmetics. Hydroquinone is recognized by the United States Food and Drug Administration as a bleaching agent.

Bearberry extract may be used to lighten the appearance of freckles.
Bearberry extract may be used to lighten the appearance of freckles.

Other ingredients in skin creams designed to lighten skin must legally be called skin brighteners or skin whiteners. Although cosmetic companies may tout the benefits of bearberry or uva ursi extract, there is no definitive scientific proof that the amounts may be enough to lighten a skin discoloration or change the appearance of the skin.

It is considered best to use a product made from bearberry extract only on the spot one wishes to lighten. Applying a cream or lotion with bearberry extract all over the face could conceivably cause undesired results such as removing too much pigment from the skin and increasing discoloration and the uneven appearance of skin tone.

Bearberry extract may be found in skin care products.
Bearberry extract may be found in skin care products.

Bearberry extract has also been used for medicinal purposes as a diuretic and possible remedy for urinary tract and bladder infections. It commonly is available in a liquid, tablet or teabag form. A physician should always be consulted before using any herbal supplement.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

I've used this herb before. Bearberry is prescribed by alternative medicine often for urinary problems like infections, urethritis and cystitis. I had cystitis last year and had a lot of chronic pain in my pelvic area despite being treated with antibiotics.

My brother's wife then took me to the ayurvedic doctor she visits sometimes and he prescribed bearberry tea for me. I did drink it for a couple of days and I'm not sure if it was the bearberry tea or the antibiotics taking effect but my pain disappeared. I stopped drinking it but I still have it in my cabinet.

I do think the bearberry tea helped because I had been taking antibiotics for two weeks before that and hadn't had any improvement.

fify

@turkay1-- If you use FDA approved products, I don't think it will be a problem. You can keep using it for your blemishes.

Bearberry extract is a little controversial for exactly the reason you stated. Some researchers have found that large amounts of it can be toxic in their trials. But the amounts used in those studies are very large and nowhere comparable to what's used in cosmetic products.

So the concern is baseless in my view. But I'd still recommend purchasing well known brands that go through proper testing. That way you will know the amount of bearberry extract in the product is not more than it should be.

I use bearberry extract and bearberry tea myself and this is what I do as well. And using it as a spot treatment is the best method. I agree with the article that using it consistently all over the face might cause problems in the long term. But as a spot treatment, it's fine.

candyquilt

I've started using a spot treatment with bearberry leaf extract to lighten blemishes and sun spots. It's working! In a little over a week, I see a considerable difference. The blemishes definitely look lighter to me.

I'm a little concerned about long term use though. I will stop using it if the blemishes disappear completely. But since I have acne, I develop blemishes often and I don't find a product that helps them every day. I'd like to continue using bearberry extract. Is that safe?

Any one else use bearberry leaf extract for their skin? How long do you think it's safe to use for?

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    • The leaves of the bearberry plant may be used to make bearberry extract.
      By: Vibe Images
      The leaves of the bearberry plant may be used to make bearberry extract.
    • Bearberry extract may be used to lighten the appearance of freckles.
      By: Mat Hayward
      Bearberry extract may be used to lighten the appearance of freckles.
    • Bearberry extract may be found in skin care products.
      By: red150770
      Bearberry extract may be found in skin care products.
    • Bearberry extract has been used as a remedy for urinary tract and bladder infections.
      By: 7activestudio
      Bearberry extract has been used as a remedy for urinary tract and bladder infections.
    • It's wise to consult with a physician before taking bearberry extract or any other supplement.
      By: Monkey Business
      It's wise to consult with a physician before taking bearberry extract or any other supplement.
    • The diuretic properties of bearberry extract may be helpful for people with liver disease.
      By: pankajstock123
      The diuretic properties of bearberry extract may be helpful for people with liver disease.