Cosmetics · Plant extracts
Alpinia Zerumbet Leaf Extract
ゲットウ葉エキス (Gettō-ha ekisu)
Also known as: Gettou Extract, Shell Ginger Extract, Sannin Extract
At a glance
| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Alpinia Zerumbet Leaf Extract |
| Japanese labeling name | ゲットウ葉エキス |
| Common Japanese notations | ゲットウ葉エキス, 月桃葉エキス, サンニン |
| Origin | Plant-derived (Alpinia zerumbet, Okinawan shell ginger) |
| Typical functions | Skin conditioning, Antioxidant, Fragrance |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI labeling name dictionary. Okinawan households also use the leaves to wrap traditional mochi confections (muchi). |
Gettou — known locally as sannin in Okinawa — is a large, fragrant ginger-family plant (Alpinia zerumbet) abundant across the Ryukyu Islands. Its leaves are used to wrap traditional Okinawan mochi, and the leaf extract has emerged as a signature cosmetic ingredient in Okinawa-themed skincare lines.
Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Okinawa-themed cosmetics
- Face toners and essences
- Bath and body products
- Traditional food wrapper
What it is
Alpinia zerumbet leaf extract is produced by water or hydro-alcoholic extraction of Alpinia zerumbet leaves. The extract contains polyphenols including dihydro-5,6-dehydrokavain, flavonoids, and essential oil constituents that contribute to the distinctive aroma.
The plant is also a source of Alpinia zerumbet essential oil, used separately as an aromatic ingredient in fragrance and aromatherapy applications.
Typical uses in Japanese products
In cosmetics, gettou extract appears in face toners, essences, body washes, bath additives, and Okinawa-positioned product lines. The ingredient's distinct regional identity gives it storytelling value in travel-retail and island-themed lines.
In Okinawan food culture, fresh gettou leaves wrap muchi (a type of sticky rice confection), combining anti-microbial and aromatic functions in a single traditional use.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Cosmetic use is permitted under the JSCI dictionary.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng. Permitted for cosmetic use. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized by PCPC. |
| China | Permitted per IECIC listings. |
| Korea | Permitted under KFDA / MFDS. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after each product's current full ingredient list has been verified.
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Related ingredients
References
- JSCI labeling name directory — ゲットウ葉エキス
- EU CosIng entry: Alpinia Zerumbet Leaf Extract
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.