Cosmetics · Marine ingredients
Conchiolin
コンキオリン (Konkiorin)
Also known as: Pearl Shell Protein
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| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Conchiolin / Hydrolyzed Conchiolin |
| Japanese labeling name | コンキオリン |
| Common Japanese notations | コンキオリン |
| Origin | Marine (protein matrix of pearl and shell) |
| Typical functions | Skin conditioning, Film former |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. |
Conchiolin is the protein matrix component of pearl and shell materials. It is the organic scaffold on which nacre and aragonite layers deposit during pearl formation. Hydrolyzed conchiolin is supplied as a cosmetic ingredient, often alongside pearl extract in Japanese luxury-positioned skincare.
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Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Face masks and essences
- Hair care
- Luxury-positioned skincare
Ingredient profile
Conchiolin is a complex protein extracted from pearl and shell byproduct. Hydrolyzed conchiolin is produced by enzymatic or acid hydrolysis of the protein, yielding smaller peptides and amino acids.
OEM applications
In cosmetics, conchiolin and hydrolyzed conchiolin appear in face masks, essences, hair care, and luxury-positioned skincare. The ingredient frequently features in lines that also use pearl extract.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Cosmetic use is permitted under the JSCI dictionary.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng. Permitted for cosmetic use. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized by PCPC. |
| China | Permitted per IECIC listings. |
| Korea | Permitted 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.
Alternative ingredients
Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.
Quick answers
- What is Conchiolin?
- Conchiolin is the protein matrix component of pearl and shell materials. It is the organic scaffold on which nacre and aragonite layers deposit during pearl formation. Hydrolyzed conchiolin is supplied as a cosmetic ingredient, often alongside pearl extract in Japanese luxury-positioned skincare.
- What is the regulatory status of Conchiolin in Japan?
- Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary.
- What products typically use Conchiolin?
- Face masks and essences / Hair care / Luxury-positioned skincare
- Where does Conchiolin come from?
- Marine (protein matrix of pearl and shell)
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Conchiolin?
- INCI: Conchiolin / Hydrolyzed Conchiolin / JSCI: コンキオリン
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Regulatory guidance
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FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. What is the source of conchiolin and what INCI should be declared?
Conchiolin is a structural protein from the inner nacre layer of pearl/shell; cosmetic forms are usually hydrolyzed for water-solubility. INCI declarations are 'Conchiolin' or 'Hydrolyzed Conchiolin' depending on grade.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Personal Care Products Council — INCI Dictionary (Conchiolin / Hydrolyzed Conchiolin)
Q. Are there marine/animal-origin disclosure issues for export markets?
Yes — vegan/cruelty-free retailers (e.g., Sephora 'Clean+Planet Positive') will exclude pearl/shell-derived ingredients. EU and US buyers typically also require traceability documentation and a TSE/BSE-style animal-origin statement.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — vegan/clean-beauty retailer policies
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. Is conchiolin permitted as a quasi-drug active in Japan?
No — it is a general cosmetic ingredient, not an 厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)-listed quasi-drug active, so any 'firming/luxury' positioning must stay within general cosmetic claim ranges.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- 厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) — Standards for Cosmetics and quasi-drug active ingredient lists
Q. What format and typical use level should we plan for?
Hydrolyzed conchiolin is usually supplied as an aqueous solution at 1–10% solids, dosed in finished products at roughly 0.1–3%. It is water-soluble and works in toner/essence/mask base systems.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — Japanese protein extract formats
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Use cases
Luxury sheet mask
- Positioning
- Premium 'pearl & conchiolin' beauty mask
- Typical usage level
- 0.1–1%
- Formulation notes
- Pairs with pearl extract and hyaluronic acid; water-soluble in mask serum.
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese pearl-themed skincare
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Anti-aging essence
- Positioning
- Premium luxury skincare with marine-protein narrative
- Formulation notes
- Water-phase ingredient; combine with peptides for protein-led positioning.
Sources
- Industry knowledge — luxury skincare positioning
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Hair treatment / repair masque
- Positioning
- Damage-repair haircare with protein narrative
- Formulation notes
- Used at 0.5–2% in conditioning bases alongside hydrolyzed keratin/silk.
Sources
- Industry knowledge — protein-led hair treatments
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
High-end nail care / cuticle oil
- Positioning
- Strengthening narrative referencing pearl/shell heritage
- Formulation notes
- Niche use; protein-fraction inclusion in serum-based nail care.
Sources
- Industry knowledge — pearl-derived nail care
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 — コンキオリン
- EU CosIng entry: Conchiolin
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.