Cosmetics · Plant extracts

Citrus Sphaerocarpa Extract

カボスエキス (Kabosu ekisu)

Also known as: Kabosu Extract

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At a glance

CategoryCosmetics
INCI nameCitrus Sphaerocarpa Fruit Extract
Japanese labeling nameカボスエキス
Common Japanese notationsカボスエキス, カボス果実エキス
OriginPlant-derived (Citrus sphaerocarpa, cultivated primarily in Oita)
Typical functionsSkin conditioning, Fragrance, Antioxidant
Regulatory status in JapanCosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary.

Kabosu — Citrus sphaerocarpa — is a round green citrus cultivated primarily in Oita prefecture on Kyushu. It is used similarly to sudachi and yuzu in Japanese cuisine but has its own distinct aroma profile. The fruit and peel extract are used in specialty cosmetic formulations.

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Classification

Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.

Common OEM product categories

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

  • Face toners
  • Body products
  • Fragrance blends
  • Culinary use (traditional)

Ingredient profile

Citrus sphaerocarpa fruit extract is produced by water, hydro-alcoholic, or glycol extraction of Citrus sphaerocarpa fruit. The extract contains flavonoids, citric acid, and essential oil components producing its characteristic aroma.

OEM applications

In cosmetics, kabosu extract appears in face toners, body products, and fragrance blends in Japanese botanical cosmetic lines.

In food, kabosu is squeezed on grilled fish, added to ponzu, and used in Oita-region specialty dishes.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Cosmetic use is permitted under the JSCI dictionary.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUListed in CosIng. Permitted for cosmetic use.
USAINCI recognized by PCPC.
ChinaPermitted per IECIC listings.
KoreaPermitted under KFDA / MFDS.

Market reference formulations

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.

Seasonality & supply calendar

Harvest months
Kabosu harvested August – October (green); cold-stored kabosu used through January
Peak supply
August – September
Off-season
February – July

Source: 大分県 カボス統計. Oita prefecture supplies >95% of national kabosu volume; GI-registered.

Storage requirements

How the receiving OEM facility needs to handle inbound raw material.

Temperature
Refrigerated 4°C
Conditions
Sealed, opaque
Shelf life
12–18 months sealed

Supply concentration

Where this ingredient comes from — useful for single-source-risk planning.

Primary regions
Oita — supplies approximately 97% of national kabosu volume (特産果樹生産動態等調査; Oita has held >90% since 1978)
Import dependence
100% domestic; near-total prefectural concentration

農林水産省 果樹生産出荷統計 / 大分県統計

Certifications commonly available

Certification schemes commonly obtainable for this raw material. Always confirm the specific supplier's current certificate before contracting.

SchemeAvailability
Organic JASOn-request
COSMOSOn-request
HalalCommon
VeganInherent
GI statusYes (大分県 kabosu)

Alternative ingredients

Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.

Quick answers

What is Citrus Sphaerocarpa Extract?
Kabosu — Citrus sphaerocarpa — is a round green citrus cultivated primarily in Oita prefecture on Kyushu. It is used similarly to sudachi and yuzu in Japanese cuisine but has its own distinct aroma profile. The fruit and peel extract are used in specialty cosmetic formulations.
What is the regulatory status of Citrus Sphaerocarpa Extract in Japan?
Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary.
What products typically use Citrus Sphaerocarpa Extract?
Face toners / Body products / Fragrance blends / Culinary use (traditional)
Where does Citrus Sphaerocarpa Extract come from?
Plant-derived (Citrus sphaerocarpa, cultivated primarily in Oita)
What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Citrus Sphaerocarpa Extract?
INCI: Citrus Sphaerocarpa Fruit Extract / JSCI: カボスエキス

FAQ for OEM buyers

Q. Is kabosu a Ōita Prefecture regional product?

Yes — kabosu is the Ōita Prefecture flagship citrus, with Ōita supplying the overwhelming majority of Japan's commercial kabosu. 'Ōita Kabosu' is also a registered Geographical Indication (GI) under 農林水産省 (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries), meaning origin and traditional cultivation are protected.

Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26

  • 農林水産省 (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) Geographical Indication (GI) Registry — Ōita Kabosu
Q. Is Citrus Sphaerocarpa Extract listed in INCI/CosIng?

Yes, Citrus Sphaerocarpa Fruit Extract is listed in CosIng/INCI dictionaries with skin-conditioning function. It is acceptable for cosmetic use in Japan, EU, US, and most major markets and is botanically distinct from yuzu and sudachi.

Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26

  • CosIng database — INCI: Citrus Sphaerocarpa Fruit Extract
Q. What part of the plant is used and what is the typical extract format?

The fruit (with peel) is the typical raw material. Standard format is a 1:10 water/BG or water/glycerin liquid extract; cold-pressed peel oil is also produced for fragrance applications.

Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26

  • Industry knowledge — Ōita kabosu processors

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

Q. How does kabosu sensorial differ from yuzu and sudachi for fragrance positioning?

Kabosu has a soft, slightly sweeter green-citrus character with less of yuzu's floral complexity and less of sudachi's sharp-tart bite, making it a good 'mid' citrus for accessible fragrance. Marketing-wise, kabosu carries a strong Ōita regional identity that yuzu (which is broadly Kōchi/Tokushima associated) does not.

Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26

  • Industry knowledge — Japanese fragrance and citrus marketing

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

Use cases

  • Body mist / room/body fragrance

    Positioning
    Ōita regional gift line / Japanese citrus aromatherapy
    Typical usage level
    0.5-3% extract; trace peel oil for top-note
    Formulation notes
    Pair with yuzu and sudachi for 'Japanese citrus' tasting flight concept

    Sources

    • Industry knowledge — regional Japanese fragrance products

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

  • Hand soap / kitchen-adjacent body wash

    Positioning
    Refreshing daily-use citrus line
    Typical usage level
    0.5-2%
    Formulation notes
    Rinse-off forgives furocoumarin content; pairs with glycerin

    Sources

    • Industry knowledge — Japanese citrus body care market

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

  • Onsen-themed hotel amenity range

    Positioning
    Ōita prefecture (Beppu/Yufuin) hospitality SKUs
    Typical usage level
    0.5-2%
    Formulation notes
    Regional storytelling; often co-branded with onsen ryokan

    Sources

    • Industry knowledge — Japanese hotel amenity market

    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. JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name directory — カボスエキス
  2. EU CosIng entry: Citrus Sphaerocarpa Fruit Extract

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

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