Lilly pilly

Antioxidant0.5–3%

A small, spicy rainforest berry rich in anthocyanins, used for antioxidant care and a native story.

What it is

Riberry is the small red fruit of Syzygium luehmannii, a lilly pilly tree from the rainforests of Queensland and northern New South Wales, with a clove-like flavour. Its colour comes from anthocyanins, the antioxidant pigments also found in berries. Extracts appear in antioxidant serums and creams.

Good for

Dull skinRadianceAntioxidant care

How it works

Riberry contains anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds that neutralise free radicals in lab assays. In principle this helps protect skin from everyday oxidative stress, as with other berry extracts.

Ratings

Evidence

1/5

Lab composition and antioxidant data only, with no skin studies.

Gentleness

4/5

No irritation concerns reported at typical levels.

Formulation difficulty

3/5

Its berry colour shifts with pH and fades in light.

Cost

3/5

Mid-priced, as orchard supply is small.

Popularity

2/5

Niche, appearing in some Australian brands and supplier blends.

Pairs and cautions

Pairs well with

In a routine. Pairing in one formula depends on matching pH windows.

Take care with

Neutral-to-alkaline bases if colour mattersTurns dull purple

Formulations it suits

Serum Cream Cream or sleeping mask Toner, essence and face mist Lotion

Packaging

Regional considerations

Australia	The species is not on the EPBC exempt list, but extract from Plant Breeder's Rights or cultivated-only varieties is; other material needs an export permit from an approved source. Confirm AICIS status.
China	Not in China's IECIC, so it must be notified to NMPA as a new ingredient before use; if it is used to colour the product, it needs full NMPA registration instead.
European Union	Listed in CosIng as Syzygium Luehmannii Fruit Extract, so use the 'Luehmannii' spelling on EU labels; there is no EU restriction.
Climate	Its anthocyanin colour fades with heat and strong UV, weakens as pH rises above about 3 and turns dull purple near neutral pH, so for hot or high-UV markets use opaque packs and keep pH towards the low end of 3–5.

In the lab

Specifications

Typical use level

0.5–3%0525%

pH window

pH 3–52 acid7 neutral10 alkaline

Solubility

Water-soluble

Sensitive to

LightHigh pHHeat

Serums, creams and masks use 0.5–3% as an antioxidant berry extract; higher levels add more pink-red colour.

INCI	Syzygium Luehmannii Fruit Extract
Also known as	Riberry, Small-leaved lilly pilly, Clove lilli pilli, Syzygium luehmannii
Origin	plant-derived

Lab notes

Solubility and phase

Water phase, as a glycerin–water extract.

Stability

Add below 40 °C and keep the formula acidic, as its pigments shift from pink-red to dull purple near neutral.

Regulatory, Australia

Cosmetic ingredient in Australia, with INCI spelling that varies (Luehmannii or Leuhmannii), so confirm AICIS Inventory status with the supplier.

Claims to take care with

Honest claims include 'with Australian riberry' and 'antioxidant-rich berry extract', without clinical-sounding antioxidant claims. Avoid anti-ageing claims. Any sun-protection claim makes it a sunscreen: primary sunscreens and moisturisers above SPF 15 are therapeutic; moisturisers up to SPF 15 (300 mL or less, not water resistant) and sunscreen lip products and tinted foundations that meet the Determination’s conditions are excluded cosmetics.