Juniper Berry ( Juniperus communis ) is the female seed cone produced by the various species of junipers. It is not a true berry but a cone with unusually fleshy and merged scales called a galbulus, which gives it a berry-like appearance. The cones from a handful of species, especially Juniperus communis, are used as a spice, particularly in European cuisine, and also give gin its distinctive flavor. Juniper berries are among the only spices derived from conifers, along with spruce buds.
Juniper berries contain diverse phytochemicals, including an essential oil in about 2% volume, a flavonoid called juniperin, resins (about 10% of volume), proteins, and acetic, malic and formic acids. From extracts of the berries, fatty acids, terpenes, aromatic compounds, and hydrocarbons, such as pinene, sabinene, terpinen-4-ol, limonene, and myrcene, were isolated.
Suggested Cosmetic Uses:
Juniper Berry Extract can act as a natural moisturizer to help improve the look and feel of dry, rough or flaky skin. It is also suitable for nearly all skin types, as it can also help to balance the skin’s oil content.
Standard Usage Level: 1 - 10% in skin and hair care products. Can be used up to 100%.