Cosmetics · Quasi-drug actives
Hinokitiol
ヒノキチオール (Hinokitiōru)
Also known as: β-Thujaplicin
At a glance
| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Hinokitiol |
| Japanese labeling name | ヒノキチオール |
| Common Japanese notations | ヒノキチオール |
| CAS number | 499-44-5 |
| Origin | Plant-derived (naturally present in hiba [Thujopsis dolabrata] and hinoki [Chamaecyparis obtusa]); also produced synthetically. |
| Typical functions | Antimicrobial, Preservative support, Skin conditioning |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI labeling name dictionary. Hinokitiol has specific concentration-dependent considerations in some product categories. |
Hinokitiol (β-thujaplicin) is a tropolone-family compound naturally present in hiba (Thujopsis dolabrata) and hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) heartwood. Its isolation from these Japanese trees and subsequent use across cosmetic, oral-care, and scalp-care applications has made it a recognizable ingredient in Japanese-market product formulations.
Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Product applications
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Scalp and hair care
- Deodorant products
- Specialty skincare
- Oral care
What it is
Hinokitiol is the tropolone-family compound 2-hydroxy-4-isopropyl-2,4,6-cycloheptatrien-1-one, present in varying proportions in several cypress-family species. Commercial isolation is primarily from hiba heartwood.
Both naturally sourced and synthetic hinokitiol are commercially available. Supply-chain documentation distinguishes the two; both are handled under the same INCI name.
Typical uses in Japanese products
In cosmetics, hinokitiol appears in scalp tonics, deodorant products, specialty skincare, and oral care. It is often a background-function ingredient that supports formulation stability in addition to its active-use positioning.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Cosmetic use is permitted under the JSCI dictionary. Concentration-dependent considerations apply in some product categories.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Hinokitiol is listed in CosIng. Some restrictions may apply depending on product type and concentration; check current Cosmetics Regulation annexes. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized by PCPC. |
| China | Permitted per IECIC listings; verify concentration ranges. |
| Korea | Permitted under KFDA / MFDS. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after each product's current full ingredient list has been verified.
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Related ingredients
References
- JSCI labeling name directory — ヒノキチオール
- EU CosIng entry: Hinokitiol
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.