Traditional · Fermented foods
Amazake Extract
甘酒エキス (Amazake ekisu)
Also known as: Fermented Rice Drink Extract
At a glance
| Category | Traditional |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Rice Ferment / Amazake Ferment (preparation-specific) |
| Japanese labeling name | コメ発酵液 (preparation-specific) |
| Common Japanese notations | 甘酒エキス, アマザケエキス |
| Origin | Fermented (rice fermented with koji, low/no alcohol) |
| Typical functions | Food (beverage), Cosmetic skin conditioning |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Amazake as a food is regulated under the Food Sanitation Act. Cosmetic extracts are handled under the JSCI dictionary as preparation-specific fermentation entries. |
Amazake is a traditional Japanese sweet fermented rice drink, typically made by fermenting cooked rice with koji for a short period. Unlike sake, amazake contains little or no alcohol and has been a household staple — especially as a winter warm drink — for centuries. In cosmetics, amazake extract connects skincare to this familiar fermentation heritage.
Classification
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Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Traditional seasonal beverages (chilled and hot amazake)
- Sweetener for desserts and confectionery
- Cosmetic ingredient in fermentation-positioned skincare lines
- Hair conditioners and scalp tonics
- Functional food bars and smoothies
What it is
Amazake is produced by fermenting cooked rice with koji (Aspergillus oryzae-inoculated rice) for 8 to 12 hours. The enzymatic action of koji breaks down rice starches into glucose, producing natural sweetness without added sugar, and amino acids from rice protein.
Cosmetic amazake extract is produced by water or hydro-alcoholic extraction of amazake, standardized for cosmetic use. The resulting ingredient concentrates the fermentation-derived amino acids and saccharides.
Typical uses in Japanese products
As food, amazake is a year-round beverage in contemporary Japan but retains strong winter and seasonal-festival associations. Sakura-season and winter product releases frequently feature amazake.
In cosmetics, amazake extract appears in essences, toners, and sheet masks in fermentation-positioned product lines.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Food regulation under Food Sanitation Act.
Cosmetic use under JSCI dictionary (preparation-specific fermentation entries).
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Rice fermentation extracts are listed in CosIng. |
|---|---|
| USA | Used in finished cosmetic products. |
| China | Permitted per IECIC listings. |
| Korea | Similar fermented rice drinks exist; cosmetic crossover permitted. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after each product's current full ingredient list has been verified.
All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.
Related ingredients
References
- MAFF food classification — amazake
- JSCI labeling name directory — related fermentation entries
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.