Japan Ingredient Glossary

Cosmetics · Oils & lipids

Aomori Hiba

青森ヒバ (Aomori hiba)

Also known as: Hiba arborvitae, Thujopsis dolabrata

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At a glance

CategoryCosmetics
INCI nameThujopsis Dolabrata Wood Oil↗
Common Japanese notations青森ヒバ, ヒノキアスナロ, アテ
OriginPlant-derived (wood of Thujopsis dolabrata)
Typical functionsAntimicrobial, Soothing, Deodorizing
Regulatory status in JapanListed cosmetic ingredient; long-standing traditional use in Japanese architecture and bathing.

Aomori hiba is the steam-distilled essential oil of Thujopsis dolabrata, designated as the official tree of Aomori Prefecture. The oil contains approximately 2% hinokitiol, giving it a notably strong antimicrobial profile. Nano-emulsion grades developed by Aomori producers have expanded its use into water-based cosmetic systems.

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Classification

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Common OEM product categories

Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.

  • Bath additives
  • Room sprays
  • Skincare for sensitive skin
  • Scalp tonics

Ingredient profile

Thujopsis dolabrata is a conifer endemic to Japan, distinct from hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) although often confused in popular writing. Heartwood (akami) has a higher hinokitiol content than sapwood; some specialty producers use only heartwood.

Commercial forms include essential oil (typically 5–30 mL bottles), hydrosol (distilled water byproduct), and water-soluble nano-emulsions (e.g., Nano Hiba Oil).

OEM applications

Cosmetics: soothing skincare, scalp tonics, and antimicrobial formulations (also used for underarm and foot care).

Fragrance: coniferous woody-fresh base notes; pairs with hinoki and kuromoji for 'Japanese forest' accord compositions.

Household: bath additives, air fresheners, and furniture care (traditional use includes chopping blocks and onsen bath-tub construction).

Regulatory classification in Japan

Accepted cosmetic ingredient. Hinokitiol content varies by part and processing; suppliers typically publish a certificate of analysis.

IFRA guidance applies for use in fragrance compositions; confirm with the supplier for product category limits.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUCosIng-listed; IFRA considerations for fragrance use.
USAAcceptable for cosmetics under MoCRA; IFRA for fragrance.

Market reference formulations

Example finished products will be added after verification. Use 'Aomori hiba (regional brand; Thujopsis dolabrata)' framing in copy rather than treating the name as a generic term.

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.

Alternative ingredients

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Quick answers

What is Aomori Hiba?
Aomori hiba is the steam-distilled essential oil of Thujopsis dolabrata, designated as the official tree of Aomori Prefecture. The oil contains approximately 2% hinokitiol, giving it a notably strong antimicrobial profile. Nano-emulsion grades developed by Aomori producers have expanded its use into water-based cosmetic systems.
What is the regulatory status of Aomori Hiba in Japan?
Listed cosmetic ingredient; long-standing traditional use in Japanese architecture and bathing.
What products typically use Aomori Hiba?
Bath additives / Room sprays / Skincare for sensitive skin / Scalp tonics
Where does Aomori Hiba come from?
Plant-derived (wood of Thujopsis dolabrata)
What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Aomori Hiba?
INCI: Thujopsis Dolabrata Wood Oil

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FAQ for OEM buyers

Q. What is Aomori Hiba botanically?

Aomori Hiba is the steam-distilled essential oil and wood material from Thujopsis dolabrata, a conifer endemic to Japan and the official tree of Aomori Prefecture.

Sources

Q. Is hiba the same as hinoki?

No. Thujopsis dolabrata (hiba) is botanically distinct from Chamaecyparis obtusa (hinoki), though both are Japanese cypress-family conifers and are sometimes conflated in popular writing.

Sources

Q. What is the characteristic compound in hiba oil?

Aomori hiba oil contains hinokitiol (β-thujaplicin), a tropolone with documented antimicrobial activity. Industry materials cite roughly 2% hinokitiol in heartwood-derived oil; buyers should verify with COA.

Sources

  • Source dossier (provided)

Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

Q. What INCI name applies to hiba wood oil?

The INCI name is Thujopsis Dolabrata Wood Oil.

Sources

  • Source dossier (provided)

Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

Use cases

  • Bath additives and bath salts

    Positioning
    Japanese-forest aromatherapy bath experience
    Formulation notes
    Essential oil dispersed via solubilizer; combine with hinoki for forest accord

    Sources

    • Source dossier (provided)

    Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

  • Room and fabric sprays

    Positioning
    Natural deodorizing and antimicrobial freshening
    Formulation notes
    Water-soluble nano-emulsion grades suit aqueous spray bases

    Sources

    • Source dossier (provided)

    Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

  • Skincare for sensitive skin

    Positioning
    Soothing hiba-anchored skincare
    Formulation notes
    Use within IFRA limits; conduct patch testing on sensitive populations

    Sources

  • Scalp tonics

    Positioning
    Refreshing scalp care with antimicrobial positioning
    Formulation notes
    Common in leave-on tonics; concentration to be set per supplier guidance

    Sources

    • Source dossier (provided)

    Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

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Official regulatory databases

External links to public Japanese / international regulatory authorities. We are not affiliated.

References

  1. Aomori Prefecture — Aomori hiba resource information
  2. JSCI labeling name database

Last updated: 2026-04-23. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.

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