Fragaria Vesca Fruit: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 27, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Fragaria Vesca Fruit?

Fragaria Vesca Fruit comes from the familiar wild strawberry. Once the ripe berries are harvested they are gently dried and milled into a fine plant powder that can be blended into creams, gels and serums. The fruit is naturally rich in sugars, fruit acids, vitamin C, flavonoids and tannins, all of which give it useful cosmetic properties.

People have used strawberries on the skin for centuries, especially in Europe where crushed berries were a folk remedy for dull or irritated complexions. Modern formulators picked up on this tradition and began standardizing the dried fruit for consistent quality so it could be added to mass-market beauty products.

Commercial production starts with pesticide-controlled cultivation or wild collection. After washing, the berries are dried at low temperatures to preserve heat-sensitive nutrients, then ground and sieved. The resulting powder can be further extracted with water or glycerin to create liquid concentrates that are easier to dose.

You will usually find Fragaria Vesca Fruit in rinse-off masks, clay or gel scrubs, soothing toners, lightweight moisturizers and brightening serums. It also appears in some after-sun products and gentle anti-aging formulas where a mild fruit source of antioxidants is preferred over stronger acids.

Fragaria Vesca Fruit’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient supports skin care formulas in more than one way:

  • Astringent: The naturally occurring tannins help tighten the appearance of pores and reduce excess surface oil which can leave the complexion looking smoother and more refined
  • Skin Conditioning: Sugars, vitamins and flavonoids hydrate lightly and supply antioxidants that soften the skin and support a healthy glow

Who Can Use Fragaria Vesca Fruit

Because dried strawberry powder is both mild and lightly astringent it suits most skin types, especially normal, combination and mildly oily skin that benefits from a gentle pore-tightening effect. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it thanks to its low acid content, although anyone prone to fruit allergies should proceed with caution. Very dry or eczema-prone skin might find frequent use a bit drying unless the formula is balanced with richer emollients.

The ingredient is 100 % plant derived so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, provided the rest of the product formula and manufacturing process also meet those standards.

No data suggest any risk specific to pregnancy or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically in normal cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice; pregnant or nursing individuals should check with their healthcare provider before adding new skincare products, just to be safe.

Fragaria Vesca Fruit is not known to cause photosensitivity. Standard daytime sun protection is still recommended as part of any healthy skincare routine.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Fragaria Vesca Fruit vary by individual. The following points list potential but uncommon side effects when the ingredient is properly formulated in a cosmetic product.

  • Skin irritation such as redness, burning or itching, more likely on very sensitive or compromised skin
  • Allergic response in people with a known strawberry or Rosaceae family allergy
  • Dryness or tightness if overused on already dry skin because of its natural astringency
  • Temporary stinging when applied to freshly shaved or broken skin
  • Mild surface staining of very light fabrics or nails if the raw powder contacts them before rinsing

If any adverse reaction occurs stop using the product and seek professional medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

Comedogenic Rating

Fragaria Vesca Fruit receives a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. It is a finely milled plant powder that contains mostly water-soluble sugars, mild fruit acids and tannins rather than heavy oils or waxes that could clog pores. The particles also tend to be used at low concentrations or in rinse-off formats which further lowers any pore-blocking risk. Because of this low score the ingredient is generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. Only formulas that combine the fruit powder with rich butters or occlusive oils would raise the overall comedogenic potential.

Summary

Fragaria Vesca Fruit acts mainly as an astringent and a gentle skin-conditioning agent. Natural tannins tighten the look of pores and curb surface oil while vitamins sugars and flavonoids supply light hydration and antioxidant support that helps keep the complexion soft and refreshed.

The ingredient is a niche yet steadily growing addition to masks, scrubs and light moisturizers especially in brands that focus on botanical or food-inspired formulas. It is not as common as powerhouse actives like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid but formulators value its mildness and familiar fruit origin.

Topical use is considered very safe with only rare reports of irritation or allergy. As with any new cosmetic it is smart to patch test first to make sure your skin is happy before applying a full-face layer.

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