Cosmetics · Plant extracts
Lindera Umbellata Branch/Leaf Extract
クロモジエキス (Kuromoji ekisu)
Also known as: Kuromoji Extract
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| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Lindera Umbellata Branch/Leaf Extract |
| Japanese labeling name | クロモジエキス |
| Common Japanese notations | クロモジエキス, クロモジ葉エキス |
| Origin | Plant-derived (Lindera umbellata, kuromoji) |
| Typical functions | Skin conditioning, Fragrance, Antioxidant |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. |
Kuromoji (Lindera umbellata) is a small native Japanese shrub historically prized for its fragrant branches — the polished young branches are the traditional material for premium wagashi picks (kuromoji tsumayōji). Cosmetic interest in the plant is relatively recent, concentrated around its distinctive fresh-woody aroma and a growing body of traditional-use-informed positioning.
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Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Facial toners and essences
- Aromatic blends
- Bath additives
- Artisanal soap
Ingredient profile
Kuromoji extract is produced by water or hydro-alcoholic extraction of the branches and leaves of Lindera umbellata. The extract and the corresponding essential oil (kuromoji essential oil) concentrate linalool, terpinolene, and other monoterpene constituents that give the plant its characteristic aroma.
Kuromoji essential oil is a distinct product from the extract, with its own supply channel — often small-scale regional distillation — and its own cosmetic use cases.
OEM applications
In modern Japanese cosmetics, kuromoji extract appears in facial toners, essences, artisanal soaps, and aromatic blends positioning around Japanese botanical heritage. The aroma works well as a standalone or in combination with hinoki, hiba, and sugi.
The ingredient is increasingly associated with small-batch, regionally-produced cosmetic lines that source from specific forestry regions.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Listed in the JSCI Japanese Cosmetic Ingredient Codex under クロモジエキス and permitted as a cosmetic ingredient.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng under the INCI name Lindera Umbellata Branch/Leaf Extract. Permitted for cosmetic use. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized by PCPC. |
| China | Suppliers should verify the specific preparation against IECIC listings. |
| Korea | Permitted as a cosmetic ingredient under the KFDA / MFDS system. |
Market reference formulations
Example finished products will be added after each product's current full ingredient list has been verified.
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Alternative ingredients
Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.
Quick answers
- What is Lindera Umbellata Branch/Leaf Extract?
- Kuromoji (Lindera umbellata) is a small native Japanese shrub historically prized for its fragrant branches — the polished young branches are the traditional material for premium wagashi picks (kuromoji tsumayōji). Cosmetic interest in the plant is relatively recent, concentrated around its distinctive fresh-woody aroma and a growing body of traditional-use-informed positioning.
- What is the regulatory status of Lindera Umbellata Branch/Leaf Extract in Japan?
- Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary.
- What products typically use Lindera Umbellata Branch/Leaf Extract?
- Facial toners and essences / Aromatic blends / Bath additives / Artisanal soap
- Where does Lindera Umbellata Branch/Leaf Extract come from?
- Plant-derived (Lindera umbellata, kuromoji)
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Lindera Umbellata Branch/Leaf Extract?
- INCI: Lindera Umbellata Branch/Leaf Extract / JSCI: クロモジエキス
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From the same origin
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Regulatory guidance
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FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. What aroma compounds dominate kuromoji essential oil?
Linalool is the dominant component of kuromoji (Lindera umbellata) essential oil. Published GC-MS analyses report linalool in the 40–66% range depending on harvest, region, and plant part, with geranyl acetate, geraniol, 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, and limonene as secondary constituents. The corresponding hydrosol is linalool-richer still (around 57%). The high linalool content drives kuromoji's characteristic fresh, slightly floral-woody aroma.
Q. What is the cultural / craft background of kuromoji?
Kuromoji's young branches, polished and trimmed, are the traditional material for kuromoji tsumayōji — premium picks served with high-grade wagashi (Japanese confectionery) and tea ceremony sweets. The species (Lindera umbellata, Lauraceae) is native to Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu mountain forests and has been used in Japanese craft and folk medicine for centuries. Cosmetic application of kuromoji is a relatively recent development concentrated around the distinctive aroma.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
Q. Are kuromoji extract and kuromoji essential oil the same ingredient?
No. The hydrophilic extract (Lindera Umbellata Branch/Leaf Extract on INCI; クロモジエキス on JSCI) is produced by water or hydro-alcoholic extraction. The essential oil (Lindera Umbellata Leaf Oil; corresponding to ク ロモジ葉油 / 枝油 family of JSCI names) is steam-distilled. They have different compositions, supply chains, MOQs, and formulation roles, and must be specified separately.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
Use cases
Artisanal soap (cold-process)
- Positioning
- Craft cosmetic with regional Japanese forest narrative — kuromoji oil added in finishing for aroma and 'satoyama-sourced' positioning; pairs well with hinoki, hiba, sugi in 'Japanese forest' soap collections.
- Typical usage level
- 1–3% essential oil in cold-process soap (fragrance loading)
Facial toner / mist
- Positioning
- Sensitive-skin and natural-positioning — kuromoji extract used as a primary functional + aroma ingredient in toners and mists from craft Japanese cosmetic brands.
- Typical usage level
- 0.5–3% extract in toner/mist
Sources
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Aromatherapy diffuser oil
- Positioning
- Aromatherapy and 'shinrin-yoku' (forest-bathing) positioning — single-note kuromoji oil sold to spa and hospitality channels, or blended with hinoki and hiba for Japanese-forest aromatic compositions.
- Typical usage level
- Up to 100% in pure aromatherapy oil; 1–5% in carrier blends
Sources
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
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Official regulatory databases
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References
- JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name directory — クロモジエキス
- EU CosIng entry: Lindera Umbellata Branch/Leaf Extract
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.