Cosmetics · Plant extracts
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
ドクダミエキス (Dokudami ekisu)
Also known as: Dokudami Extract
At a glance
| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Houttuynia Cordata Extract |
| Japanese labeling name | ドクダミエキス |
| Common Japanese notations | ドクダミエキス, 十薬エキス |
| Origin | Plant-derived (Houttuynia cordata, dokudami) |
| Typical functions | Skin conditioning, Soothing, Astringent |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI labeling name dictionary. Also used as a traditional herbal tea (dokudami-cha) under Food Sanitation Act regulation when marketed as a food. |
Dokudami (Houttuynia cordata) is one of the most widely used traditional herbs in Japanese and East Asian folk medicine. Under the Japanese Pharmacopoeia name 十薬 (juyaku), the dried aerial parts have been prepared as a traditional tea and poultice for centuries. In modern cosmetics, dokudami extract is used in sensitive-skin and scalp formulations.
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.
- Sensitive skin formulations
- Face masks and toners
- Scalp products
- Traditional herbal tea (dokudami-cha)
What it is
Houttuynia cordata extract is produced by water or hydro-alcoholic extraction of the aerial parts of Houttuynia cordata. The extract contains quercitrin, isoquercitrin, hyperoside, chlorogenic acid, and trace volatile components including houttuynin.
Fresh and fermented dokudami have distinct aroma profiles. Cosmetic-grade preparations typically use dried aerial parts to reduce the intense fresh-leaf aroma.
Typical uses in Japanese products
In Japanese cosmetics, dokudami extract is a common ingredient in sensitive-skin formulations, face masks, toners, and scalp-care products. It pairs frequently with other traditionally-used plants like yomogi and shiso.
As a folk remedy, dokudami has been used topically for minor skin concerns and as an internally-consumed tea. These uses are not regulated cosmetic claims and should not be framed as such in product marketing.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Listed in the JSCI Japanese Cosmetic Ingredient Codex under ドクダミエキス and permitted as a cosmetic ingredient.
Juyaku (十薬) as a Kampo medicinal material is separately regulated under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act for medicinal claims.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng under the INCI name Houttuynia Cordata Extract. Permitted for cosmetic use. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized by PCPC. |
| China | Widely used in Chinese cosmetics. Permitted per IECIC listings. |
| Korea | Widely used in Korean cosmetics. Permitted under KFDA / MFDS system. |
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 — ドクダミエキス
- EU CosIng entry: Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.