Cosmetics · Marine ingredients
Fucoidan
フコイダン (Fukoidan)
Also known as: Sulfated Fucan Polysaccharide
At a glance
| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Fucoidan (or species-specific Ferment / Extract) |
| Japanese labeling name | フコイダン |
| Common Japanese notations | フコイダン |
| Origin | Marine (sulfated polysaccharide from brown seaweeds) |
| Typical functions | Moisturizing, Skin conditioning, Functional food ingredient |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI labeling name dictionary. Food-grade preparations are recognized in supplement and functional food applications, with some notifications under the Foods with Function Claims system. |
Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide found in brown seaweeds — most commonly sourced in Japan from mozuku (Cladosiphon okamuranus), kombu (Saccharina japonica), and related species. It has attracted significant research attention and is used as a standalone cosmetic and supplement ingredient in addition to being a component of whole-seaweed extracts.
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.
- Face masks and essences
- Moisturizing serums
- Fucoidan supplements
What it is
Fucoidan is a family of sulfated polysaccharides containing fucose as their primary sugar, with variable proportions of galactose, xylose, mannose, uronic acids, and sulfate groups depending on species and extraction method. Commercial fucoidan is supplied under varying molecular weight and purity specifications.
The source species meaningfully affects the polysaccharide structure and functional profile. Mozuku-derived fucoidan and kombu-derived fucoidan are not identical materials and should not be treated as interchangeable without supplier specification sheet review.
Typical uses in Japanese products
In Japanese cosmetics, fucoidan appears in moisturizing face masks, essences, serums, and sometimes hair care. It is often paired with other seaweed extracts in marine-themed product ranges.
In supplements, fucoidan products are sold both under generic supplement positioning and under Foods with Function Claims notifications where specific claims have been submitted.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Listed in the JSCI Japanese Cosmetic Ingredient Codex under フコイダン and permitted as a cosmetic ingredient.
Specific fucoidan products with functional claims are notified under the Foods with Function Claims system; check the Consumer Affairs Agency database for specific ingredient-plus-claim combinations.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Fucoidan is listed in CosIng. Supplement-grade fucoidan for novel health claims may fall under the EU Novel Food regulation depending on the specific preparation and claim. |
|---|---|
| USA | Used in cosmetic and supplement products. FDA does not pre-approve most supplement ingredients, but manufacturers bear safety substantiation responsibility. |
| China | Cosmetic uses should be verified against IECIC. Supplement / health-food uses are subject to specific authority review. |
| Korea | Permitted in cosmetics. Functional health food uses require MFDS notification. |
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 — フコイダン
- EU CosIng entry: Fucoidan
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.