Cosmetics · Plant extracts
Chamaecyparis Obtusa Extract
ヒノキエキス (Hinoki ekisu)
Also known as: Hinoki Extract, Japanese Cypress Extract
At a glance
| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract / Chamaecyparis Obtusa Wood Extract |
| Japanese labeling name | ヒノキ葉エキス / ヒノキ木エキス |
| Common Japanese notations | ヒノキエキス, ヒノキ葉エキス, ヒノキ木エキス |
| Origin | Plant-derived (Chamaecyparis obtusa, Japanese hinoki cypress) |
| Typical functions | Skin conditioning, Antimicrobial, Fragrance |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Leaf and wood extracts are listed in the JSCI labeling name dictionary as cosmetic ingredients. |
Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) is one of the most culturally significant trees in Japan. It is the traditional material for Shinto shrines, temples, noh stages, and high-end bathtubs. As a cosmetic ingredient, different parts of the tree — leaf, wood, and essential oil — bring distinct profiles centered on a characteristic woody aroma and a traditional reputation for antimicrobial activity.
Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Body soaps and bath additives
- Deodorant products
- Facial toners
- Hair and scalp products
What it is
Hinoki cosmetic ingredients are produced from several parts of the Chamaecyparis obtusa tree. The leaf extract (ヒノキ葉エキス) and wood extract (ヒノキ木エキス) are water or hydro-alcoholic extractions. The essential oil (ヒノキ精油) is steam-distilled from leaves, branches, or wood, and concentrates components including α-pinene, borneol, cadinene, and hinokitiol.
Hinokitiol itself is a tropolone-family compound present in hinoki and in a related species, Thujopsis dolabrata (hiba). Hinokitiol is sometimes used as a separate cosmetic ingredient and has its own INCI listing.
Typical uses in Japanese products
In Japanese formulations, hinoki extracts appear most often in body soaps, bath additives (yu-no-moto), facial toners, scalp lotions, and deodorant products. The hinoki aroma is a core component of Japanese aromatherapy and bath culture, with deep cultural resonance.
The ingredient is also increasingly used in fragrance blends positioning around "forest bathing" (shinrin-yoku) concepts in both Japanese and international markets.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Hinoki leaf extract (ヒノキ葉エキス) and wood extract (ヒノキ木エキス) are listed in the JSCI labeling name dictionary and permitted as cosmetic ingredients.
Hinokitiol as a separate ingredient has additional regulatory considerations in some product categories and concentration ranges. Formulators using hinokitiol-dominant preparations should consult the specific regulatory status in Japan for the concentration and product category in question.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract and Wood Extract INCI entries are present in CosIng and permitted for cosmetic use. Hinokitiol (INCI: Hinokitiol) has specific restrictions in some product categories and should be checked against the current Cosmetics Regulation annexes. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI-recognized by PCPC. Commonly used in finished cosmetic products. |
| China | Chamaecyparis Obtusa entries are present in the IECIC. Suppliers should verify the specific preparation against the IECIC list. |
| Korea | Permitted as a cosmetic ingredient under the 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
- JSCI labeling name directory — ヒノキ葉エキス, ヒノキ木エキス
- EU CosIng entries: Chamaecyparis Obtusa
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.