Cosmetics · Plant extracts
Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract
ハトムギエキス (Hatomugi ekisu)
Also known as: Hatomugi Extract, Yokuinin (薏苡仁)
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| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract↗ |
| Japanese labeling name | ハトムギ種子エキス |
| Common Japanese notations | ハトムギエキス, ハトムギ種子エキス, ヨクイニンエキス |
| Origin | Plant-derived (Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen seed) |
| Typical functions | Skin conditioning, Moisturizing |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. The closely related 薏苡仁 (yokuinin) extract is also classified as a Kampo (traditional herbal medicine) ingredient when prepared and used under the Kampo framework. |
Hatomugi — the Japanese name for Job's Tears, Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen — is one of the most widely consumed traditional grains in East Asian herbal medicine. Under its Kampo name 薏苡仁 (yokuinin), the seed has been used for skin and general wellness applications for centuries. As a cosmetic ingredient in modern Japan, hatomugi seed extract sits in the middle of one of Japan's highest-volume drugstore skincare categories.
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Classification
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Product applications
Regulatory tags
Origin
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Large-volume body and face moisturizers
- Sheet masks
- Toners and lotions
- Traditional herbal preparations
Ingredient profile
Hatomugi seed extract is produced by water, hydro-alcoholic, or glycol extraction of the dehulled, polished seeds of Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen. The extract contains proteins, amino acids, polysaccharides, lipids including coixol, and trace organic acids.
In Kampo practice, the seed is used as 薏苡仁 (yokuinin) and enters formulations for skin-related applications. The cosmetic-grade ingredient and the Kampo medicinal preparation share source material but are handled under separate regulatory frameworks.
OEM applications
In Japanese cosmetics, hatomugi extract is strongly associated with large-volume, low-cost moisturizers — hatomugi-branded big-format toners and creams have been drugstore mainstays for years. The ingredient's cultural association with skin care makes it a consistent choice in formulations positioned around mild, everyday use.
The ingredient also appears in sheet masks, body lotions, and scalp products. In many formulations it is used in combination with hyaluronic acid or glycerin as a skin-conditioning base.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Listed in the JSCI Japanese Cosmetic Ingredient Codex under ハトムギ種子エキス and permitted as a cosmetic ingredient.
Yokuinin (薏苡仁) as a Kampo medicinal material is separately regulated under Japan's Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act when prepared and claimed for medicinal use.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng under the INCI name Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract. Permitted for cosmetic use. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized by PCPC. Commonly used in finished cosmetic products. |
| China | Listed in the IECIC. Permitted for cosmetic use. |
| Korea | Permitted as a cosmetic ingredient under the KFDA / MFDS cosmetic ingredient system. |
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.
Alternative ingredients
Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.
Quick answers
- What is Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract?
- Hatomugi — the Japanese name for Job's Tears, Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen — is one of the most widely consumed traditional grains in East Asian herbal medicine. Under its Kampo name 薏苡仁 (yokuinin), the seed has been used for skin and general wellness applications for centuries. As a cosmetic ingredient in modern Japan, hatomugi seed extract sits in the middle of one of Japan's highest-volume drugstore skincare categories.
- What is the regulatory status of Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract in Japan?
- Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. The closely related 薏苡仁 (yokuinin) extract is also classified as a Kampo (traditional herbal medicine) ingredient when prepared and used under the Kampo framework.
- What products typically use Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract?
- Large-volume body and face moisturizers / Sheet masks / Toners and lotions / Traditional herbal preparations
- Where does Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract come from?
- Plant-derived (Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen seed)
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract?
- INCI: Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract / JSCI: ハトムギ種子エキス
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Regulatory guidance
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FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. Is Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract listed as a regulated cosmetic ingredient in Japan?
Yes, the ingredient is recognized under its INCI name in the CosIng database and is widely used in finished cosmetics distributed in Japan as a general cosmetic ingredient (not a quasi-drug active). Brands marketing claims beyond moisturization should review 厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) quasi-drug rules before adding active-ingredient positioning.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- CosIng database — INCI: Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract
- 厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) — Standards for Cosmetics (Notification No. 331, 2000)
Q. What concentration is typically used in Japanese hatomugi-themed toners?
Hatomugi extract is most often dosed at low single-digit percentages (commonly 0.1–3%) as a humectant-style botanical, with the brand narrative carrying more weight than the dose. Suppliers typically provide 1:1 to 1:10 glycerin/BG/water-based liquid extracts that fold into water-phase formulations.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — Japanese cosmetics market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. What MOQ should overseas brands expect when sourcing hatomugi extract from Japanese suppliers?
Most domestic extract houses sell in 1 kg or 5 kg liquid units as a starting MOQ for sample/pilot work, with bulk pricing tiers from 20 kg upward. Finished-goods OEM typically starts at 1,000–3,000 unit production runs depending on the format.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — Japanese cosmetics OEM
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. Is the ingredient compatible with hyaluronic-acid-led moisturizing systems?
Yes — hatomugi extracts in BG/water solvent systems are water-phase compatible and are commonly co-formulated with sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, and amino-acid humectants. No known antagonism with mainstream humectant or preservative systems at typical use levels.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — formulation compatibility, Japanese cosmetics market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. Can the ingredient name be marketed in English as 'Job's Tears' on overseas labels?
INCI labeling rules require 'Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract' on the ingredient declaration, but marketing copy and front-of-pack storytelling can use 'Job's Tears' or 'Hatomugi.' Confirm local labeling rules per market (EU CPNP, US FDA, China NMPA) before launch.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Personal Care Products Council INCI dictionary
- EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 — Annex VI labeling
Use cases
Large-format moisturizing toner (500 mL+)
- Positioning
- Daily-use, mass-market value moisturizer with heritage-botanical narrative
- Typical usage level
- 1–3% liquid extract
- Formulation notes
- Water-phase soluble; pairs well with glycerin and BG carriers used by many drugstore brands
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese drugstore cosmetics category
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Sheet mask
- Positioning
- Affordable everyday hydration mask with Japanese-botanical story
- Formulation notes
- Combines well with sodium hyaluronate and amino-acid humectants in serum essence
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese sheet-mask market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Body milk / body lotion
- Positioning
- Mild, fragrance-light body care for sensitive or daily use
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese body-care market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Scalp lotion
- Positioning
- Mild scalp moisturizing tonic positioned for daily use
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese scalp-care 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
- JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name directory — ハトムギ種子エキス
- EU CosIng entry: Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.