Cosmetics · Plant extracts
Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
シャクヤク根エキス (Shakuyaku-kon ekisu)
Also known as: Shakuyaku Extract, White Peony Root Extract
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| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract↗ |
| Japanese labeling name | シャクヤク根エキス |
| Common Japanese notations | シャクヤク根エキス, 芍薬根エキス |
| Origin | Plant-derived (Paeonia lactiflora, white peony) |
| Typical functions | Skin conditioning, Soothing, Antioxidant |
| 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 (芍薬, shakuyaku). |
Shakuyaku — Paeonia lactiflora — is one of the most frequently used botanicals in Kampo medicine and a defining spring flower in Japanese gardens. The dried root has a long medicinal heritage and appears in many Kampo formulations. As a cosmetic ingredient, shakuyaku root extract is used in sensitive-skin and heritage-positioning product lines.
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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.
- Sensitive skin formulations
- Kampo-adjacent cosmetic lines
- Face toners and essences
Ingredient profile
Paeonia lactiflora root extract is produced by water or hydro-alcoholic extraction of Paeonia lactiflora roots. The extract contains paeoniflorin — a glycoside characteristic of this species — along with tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenes.
OEM applications
In cosmetics, shakuyaku root extract appears in sensitive-skin toners and essences. It is often combined with tōki (Angelica acutiloba) root extract in Kampo-adjacent formulations.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Cosmetic use is permitted under the JSCI dictionary. Shakuyaku as a Kampo medicinal material is regulated separately under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng. Permitted for cosmetic use. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized by PCPC. |
| China | Widely used in Chinese traditional preparations. |
| Korea | Permitted under KFDA / MFDS. |
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 Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract?
- Shakuyaku — Paeonia lactiflora — is one of the most frequently used botanicals in Kampo medicine and a defining spring flower in Japanese gardens. The dried root has a long medicinal heritage and appears in many Kampo formulations. As a cosmetic ingredient, shakuyaku root extract is used in sensitive-skin and heritage-positioning product lines.
- What is the regulatory status of Paeonia Lactiflora 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 (芍薬, shakuyaku).
- What products typically use Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract?
- Sensitive skin formulations / Kampo-adjacent cosmetic lines / Face toners and essences
- Where does Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract come from?
- Plant-derived (Paeonia lactiflora, white peony)
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract?
- INCI: Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract / JSCI: シャクヤク根エキス
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From the same origin
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Regulatory guidance
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FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. Is Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract globally accepted for cosmetic use?
Yes, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract is listed in EU CosIng with skin-conditioning function and is acceptable for cosmetic use in Japan, EU, US, China, and Korea. In Japan it is also a Kampo crude drug (Shakuyaku) regulated under the JP Pharmacopoeia for medicinal use; cosmetic-grade and pharmacopoeia-grade extracts are different specifications.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- CosIng database — INCI: Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
- Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP) — Shakuyaku crude drug monograph
Q. What is the canonical 'Tōki-shakuyaku' pairing in Japanese skincare narrative?
Tōki (Angelica acutiloba root) and shakuyaku (Paeonia lactiflora root) are paired as the two key crude drugs of the Tōki-shakuyaku-san Kampo formulation traditionally for women's wellness. In skincare positioning, pairing these two ingredients invokes that Kampo-heritage narrative recognizable to the Japanese market.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP) — Tōki-shakuyaku-san formula monograph
Q. What functional markers are used for Paeonia lactiflora root extract?
Paeoniflorin is the primary monoterpene glucoside marker for Paeonia lactiflora root and is commonly used for standardization (often 0.5-2% in concentrated extracts). Paeoniflorin content is the typical COA spec for cosmetic-grade material.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Peer-reviewed: paeoniflorin standardization in Paeonia lactiflora extracts (Phytochemistry/Journal of Natural Medicines)
- JP Pharmacopoeia — Shakuyaku monograph paeoniflorin specification
Q. What is the difference between Paeonia lactiflora and Paeonia suffruticosa for cosmetic use?
Paeonia lactiflora (shakuyaku, herbaceous peony) uses the root, while Paeonia suffruticosa (botan, tree peony) uses the root bark — they are distinct INCIs and distinct Kampo crude drugs (shakuyaku vs. bokutanpi). Specify which species and plant part on supplier specs to avoid substitution.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- CosIng database — separate INCI entries for Paeonia lactiflora and Paeonia suffruticosa
Use cases
Sensitive-skin essence / serum
- Positioning
- Kampo-inspired skincare, women's-wellness adjacent
- Typical usage level
- 1-3% liquid extract
- Formulation notes
- Classic pairing with tōki (Angelica acutiloba); compatible with HA and panthenol
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese Kampo-skincare market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Brightening / clarity essence
- Positioning
- Even-tone skincare, supporting cosmetic-tier claims
- Typical usage level
- 1-3%
- Formulation notes
- Pair with quasi-drug bihaku active for legitimate whitening claim
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese brightening skincare market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Quasi-drug bath additive
- Positioning
- Traditional Japanese onsen / Kampo bath-soak segment
- Formulation notes
- Shakuyaku is recognized among crude drugs for 厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)-approved bath quasi-drugs
Sources
- 厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) — Quasi-drug ingredient standards (Yakuyō Nyūyokuzai)
Anti-aging cream / night cream
- Positioning
- Mature-skin Kampo-heritage line
- Typical usage level
- 1-3%
- Formulation notes
- Compatible with O/W emulsions and pH 4.5-7
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese anti-aging skincare market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
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Official regulatory databases
External links to public Japanese / international regulatory authorities. We are not affiliated.
References
- JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name directory — シャクヤク根エキス
- EU CosIng entry: Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.