Cosmetics · Plant extracts
Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract
シコン(紫根)エキス (Shikon ekisu)
Also known as: Shikon Extract, Purple Gromwell Root Extract
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| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract↗ |
| Japanese labeling name | シコンエキス |
| Common Japanese notations | シコンエキス, 紫根エキス |
| Origin | Plant-derived (Lithospermum erythrorhizon) |
| Typical functions | Skin conditioning, Color (purple) |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. The dried root is also a Kampo medicinal material (紫根, shikon). |
Shikon — the dried root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon — has been used for centuries in Japanese traditional medicine, notably as the active ingredient in Shiun-kō (紫雲膏), a traditional Kampo healing ointment. Its naturally purple-colored naphthoquinone compounds (including shikonin) give the extract a distinctive color and have made it a notable ingredient in specialty skincare.
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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
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Traditional healing salves (non-cosmetic context)
- Purple-toned cosmetic formulations
- Kampo-adjacent skincare
Ingredient profile
Lithospermum erythrorhizon root extract is produced by extraction of Lithospermum erythrorhizon roots. The extract contains shikonin and related naphthoquinones — compounds responsible for the distinctive purple-red color — along with tannins and other polyphenols.
OEM applications
In cosmetics, shikon extract appears in skincare specialty products, particularly ones positioning around Japanese traditional-medicine heritage. The natural purple color is sometimes a deliberate design element.
In traditional healing practice, Shiun-kō and related salves are applied to minor skin issues. These uses are separately regulated as Kampo preparations when claimed for medicinal purposes.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Cosmetic use is permitted under the JSCI dictionary. Shikon as a Kampo medicinal material is regulated separately.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng. Permitted for cosmetic use. Shikonin and related compounds may have specific considerations in concentrated preparations. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized by PCPC. |
| China | Widely used in Chinese traditional preparations. |
| Korea | Permitted under KFDA / MFDS. |
Market reference formulations
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Alternative ingredients
Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.
Quick answers
- What is Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract?
- Shikon — the dried root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon — has been used for centuries in Japanese traditional medicine, notably as the active ingredient in Shiun-kō (紫雲膏), a traditional Kampo healing ointment. Its naturally purple-colored naphthoquinone compounds (including shikonin) give the extract a distinctive color and have made it a notable ingredient in specialty skincare.
- What is the regulatory status of Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract in Japan?
- Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. The dried root is also a Kampo medicinal material (紫根, shikon).
- What products typically use Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract?
- Traditional healing salves (non-cosmetic context) / Purple-toned cosmetic formulations / Kampo-adjacent skincare
- Where does Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract come from?
- Plant-derived (Lithospermum erythrorhizon)
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract?
- INCI: Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract / JSCI: シコンエキス
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Regulatory guidance
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FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. Is Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract acceptable for cosmetic use globally?
Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract is listed in CosIng with skin-conditioning function. However, the related extract from Arnebia euchroma (which contains similar shikonin pigments) has had EU regulatory scrutiny over shikonin/alkannin content; check current CosIng and Annex III status for your target market.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- CosIng database — Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract entry
- EU SCCS — opinions on naphthoquinone-pigment-containing botanicals
Q. What is shikonin and is it regulated separately?
Shikonin is a naphthoquinone red-purple pigment in Lithospermum erythrorhizon root and is the source of the natural color and traditionally claimed activity. Pure shikonin and high-shikonin extracts may be subject to additional safety scrutiny depending on market; lower-shikonin standardized extracts are typical for cosmetics.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- PubChem CID 479503 (shikonin) — chemistry reference
- Peer-reviewed: shikonin pharmacology and toxicology literature
Q. What is the relationship between shikon cosmetics and the Kampo preparation 'Shiun-kō'?
Shiun-kō is a traditional Kampo ointment containing shikon and tōki used topically for minor skin issues; when sold for medicinal claims it is regulated as a Kampo drug by 厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare). A shikon-containing cosmetic may borrow heritage narrative but cannot make Shiun-kō-style medicinal claims without drug approval.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP) — Shiun-kō formulation reference
- 厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) — Pharmaceutical Affairs Act distinctions between cosmetics, quasi-drugs, and drugs
Q. What format is shikon extract supplied in for cosmetic OEM?
Most commonly supplied as a 1:10 oil-soluble (vegetable oil-extracted) red-purple extract or as a glycerin/BG hydrophilic extract. Color intensity varies substantially with extraction method; oil-soluble extracts are stronger in color for visual-cue applications.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — Japanese Kampo extract suppliers
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Use cases
Tinted lip balm
- Positioning
- Heritage Japanese pigment / natural color story
- Typical usage level
- 1-5% oil-soluble extract for natural pink-purple tint
- Formulation notes
- Lipid-base balm; shikonin's pigment provides natural color cue
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese natural color cosmetics market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Specialty face balm / 'Shiun-style' skincare
- Positioning
- Kampo-heritage narrative; cosmetic-tier (not medicinal) claims
- Typical usage level
- 1-3% in oil/balm phase
- Formulation notes
- Often paired with tōki extract for the Shiun-kō heritage cue; cannot claim medicinal benefit
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese Kampo-cosmetic market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Specialty body oil / massage oil
- Positioning
- Traditional-medicine heritage body care
- Typical usage level
- 1-5%
- Formulation notes
- Visible pigment doubles as design element
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese body care market
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 — シコンエキス
- EU CosIng entry: Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.