Benzophenone 3

At least a dozen different benzophenones exist. They are used as fixatives for heavy perfumes and soaps. Obtained as a white, flaky solid with a delicate, persistent, rose-like odor, and soluble in most fixed oils and in mineral oil. They help prevent deterioration of ingredients that might be affected by the ultraviolet rays found in ordinary daylight. The CIR Expert Panel concludes this is a safe ingredient in the present practices of use and concentration.

Bilberry Extract

Vaccinium Myrtillus. Grown in the Alps and Scandinavia, this fruit is used by folk medicine practitioners to improve night vision. A number of modern studies have shown that bilberry anthcyanins (the blue-coloring chemicals) given orally improve vision in healthy people and also help treat people with eye diseases. The anthocyanins contained in bilberry act to prevent blood vessel fragility and inhibit blood clot formation. It has been reported that bilberry increases prostaglandin release from arterial tissue, which dilates blood vessels. Bilberry als contains arbutin, a diurectic and anti-infective derived from the dried leaves.

Bladderwrack

Fucus Vesicolosus. Sea Wrack. A common black rockweed used in cosmetics. No known toxicity.

Butchers Broom

Ruscus Aculeatus. A shrub native to Europe, with stiff prickle-tipped, flattened stems resembling true leaves, used in cosmetics. Formerly used as a broom by butchers. No known toxicity.