Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Juice: 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 30, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

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 Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Juice?

Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Juice is simply cranberry juice that has been prepared for use in cosmetics. Squeezed from the bright red berries of the North American cranberry plant, this juice is naturally rich in sugars, organic acids, vitamins such as vitamin C and small amounts of fruit acids like citric and malic acid. These components help the skin feel smoother and look refreshed.

Cranberries have long been valued in food and folk care routines but it was only in the late 20th century that formulators started adding the fruit’s juice to skincare. They noticed its light moisturizing touch and its ability to leave skin feeling soft without a greasy film. To produce the cosmetic grade ingredient, ripe cranberries are washed, mechanically pressed and then filtered to remove seeds and pulp. The resulting liquid is sometimes gently pasteurized or concentrated, then standardized so every batch offers the same skin-friendly qualities.

You will most often spot Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Juice in hydrating face masks, lightweight daily moisturizers, toners, after-sun gels and soothing serums designed for dull or tired skin. Because it is water based and mild it fits easily into formulas aimed at both quick pick-me-up treatments and everyday care.

Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Juice’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient is prized for one main job in skincare.

As a skin conditioning agent, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Juice helps keep the outer layer of skin hydrated and soft. Its natural sugars act like tiny moisture magnets drawing water to the surface while the fruit acids gently smooth rough patches. The result is skin that feels supple looks fresher and gains a healthy glow without added heaviness.

Who Can Use Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Juice

This berry derived juice is lightweight and water based which makes it a friendly option for nearly every skin type including oily, combination, normal and dry. Sensitive skin can usually tolerate it too because the natural fruit acids are present in very small amounts yet extremely reactive or compromised skin might still prefer cautious use due to those mild acids. Very oily or acne prone users may like its non greasy finish though they might need extra oil control from other ingredients in the formula.

Because the juice is obtained solely from cranberries and processed without animal derivatives it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not known to face specific risks from topical cranberry juice. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should have their healthcare provider review any skincare product they plan to use just to be safe.

Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Juice does not make skin more sensitive to the sun so regular daily sun protection is still recommended but no special precautions are required with this ingredient.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Juice differ from person to person. The following list shows potential issues that could occur although most people will never experience them when using a well formulated product.

  • Redness or mild irritation a temporary tingling or warm feeling may appear especially on very sensitive skin
  • Allergic reaction rare but possible for individuals with a known berry allergy resulting in itching hives or swelling
  • Stinging on broken skin the small amount of natural fruit acid can cause discomfort if applied to open cuts or raw areas
  • Contact dermatitis prolonged use in an unsuitable formula could trigger dryness flaking or small bumps

If any of these effects occur discontinue use and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0–1 (virtually non-comedogenic)
Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Juice is almost entirely water with dissolved sugars, vitamins and trace fruit acids and contains virtually no oils or waxes that could block pores. Its light watery texture is easily rinsed away and does not leave an occlusive film, keeping the chance of clogging minimal. For this reason it is generally a safe pick for people who break out easily, though extremely heavy formulas pairing it with rich oils could raise the risk slightly.

Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

Because the juice is mildly acidic it can give a subtle fresh feel that some users misinterpret as irritation, but this sensation is not related to pore clogging.

Summary

Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Juice is a skin-conditioning ingredient that draws moisture to the surface, lightly smooths rough areas and leaves skin looking refreshed. Natural sugars act as humectants, gentle fruit acids refine texture and a touch of vitamin C adds an antioxidant boost, all without heaviness.

While it is not as famous as aloe or hyaluronic acid, formulators reach for cranberry juice when they want a plant-based hydrator that feels fresh and offers a subtle glow, so you will spot it now and then in toners, masks and light creams.

Overall it is considered low risk with rare reports of irritation or allergy. As with any new skincare product though, a small patch test on clean skin helps confirm personal compatibility before full use.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search