Cosmetics · Plant extracts

Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract

ヨモギ葉エキス (Yomogi-ha ekisu)

Also known as: Yomogi Extract, Japanese Mugwort Extract

At a glance

CategoryCosmetics
INCI nameArtemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Japanese labeling nameヨモギ葉エキス
Common Japanese notationsヨモギ葉エキス, ヨモギエキス
OriginPlant-derived (Artemisia princeps, Japanese mugwort)
Typical functionsSkin conditioning, Soothing, Antioxidant
Regulatory status in JapanCosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI labeling name dictionary. Yomogi is also used in traditional food (kusa-mochi) and Kampo (as gaiyō, 艾葉) — separately regulated under the relevant frameworks.

Yomogi (Artemisia princeps) is the Japanese mugwort. Its most famous culinary appearance is in kusa-mochi — the green mochi colored and flavored with pounded yomogi leaves — but the plant has a long presence in traditional medicine, moxibustion (the moxa of kyū therapy is compressed yomogi), and bathing culture. In cosmetics, the leaf extract appears in formulations for sensitive and reactive skin.

Classification

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Used in (typical product categories)

Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.

  • Sensitive skin formulations
  • Face masks and toners
  • Scalp and hair products
  • Bath additives

What it is

Artemisia princeps leaf extract is produced by water, hydro-alcoholic, or glycol extraction of the leaves of Artemisia princeps. The extract contains chlorogenic acid, flavonoids including eupatilin and jaceosidin, organic acids, and trace essential oil constituents such as 1,8-cineole and camphor.

Yomogi is sometimes confused with Artemisia vulgaris (common mugwort) or Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood). Artemisia princeps is specifically the East Asian species used in Japan and Korea.

Typical uses in Japanese products

In Japanese cosmetics, yomogi leaf extract is frequently used in sensitive-skin lines, scalp-care products, bath additives, and face masks. Many Japanese sensitive-skin formulations combine yomogi with other traditionally soothing ingredients such as Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract and allantoin.

Culturally, yomogi carries a spring association — the first tender leaves of spring yomogi are the traditional raw material for the year's kusa-mochi and kusa-dango.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Listed in the JSCI Japanese Cosmetic Ingredient Codex under ヨモギ葉エキス and permitted as a cosmetic ingredient.

The Kampo ingredient 艾葉 (gaiyō, mugwort leaf) is regulated separately under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act for medicinal uses.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUListed in CosIng under the INCI name Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract. Permitted for cosmetic use.
USAINCI recognized by PCPC. Commonly used in finished cosmetic products, especially those in the sensitive-skin and Asian-heritage positioning.
ChinaListed in the IECIC. Permitted for cosmetic use.
KoreaWidely used in Korean cosmetics as well. Permitted under KFDA / MFDS system.

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

  1. JSCI labeling name directory — ヨモギ葉エキス
  2. EU CosIng entry: Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract

Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.

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