Traditional · Kampo botanicals
Coix Seed Inner Grain Extract (Yokuinin)
ヨクイニンエキス (Yokuinin ekisu)
Also known as: Yokuinin Extract
At a glance
| Category | Traditional |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract (often overlaps with hatomugi entries) |
| Japanese labeling name | ハトムギ種子エキス |
| Common Japanese notations | ヨクイニンエキス, 薏苡仁エキス |
| Origin | Plant-derived (Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen, dehulled inner grain) |
| Typical functions | Skin conditioning, Kampo medicinal material |
| Regulatory status in Japan | As a Kampo medicinal material, 薏苡仁 (yokuinin) is regulated under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act. Cosmetic uses fall under the JSCI dictionary under hatomugi-related entries. |
Yokuinin — 薏苡仁 — is the Kampo medicinal name for the dehulled inner grain of Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen. It shares source material with the hatomugi seed extract used as a cosmetic ingredient, but the Kampo preparation is specifically the inner grain without husk, and is regulated under pharmaceutical law when used medicinally.
Classification
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Product applications
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Kampo preparations (medicinal)
- Traditional skincare preparations
- Hatomugi-branded drugstore lines
What it is
Yokuinin is the traditional Kampo preparation of the dehulled, polished inner grain of Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen. It is used in certain Kampo formulations (including the preparation yokuinin-tō) for specific medicinal applications.
Typical uses in Japanese products
As a Kampo medicinal material, yokuinin is used in various traditional formulations.
The cosmetic-grade hatomugi seed extract (sharing source species) is separately handled under the JSCI dictionary.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Kampo medicinal use regulated under Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act. Cosmetic use under JSCI dictionary.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | As an herbal medicine ingredient, regulated under Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive where applicable. |
|---|---|
| USA | Sold as a dietary supplement; medicinal claims require separate FDA review. |
| China | Widely used in Chinese traditional preparations. |
| Korea | Used in Korean traditional medicine under related preparations. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after each product's current full ingredient list and (where applicable) Kampo preparation documentation has been verified.
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Related ingredients
References
- PMDA — Kampo medicinal material regulatory information
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.