Cosmetics · Marine ingredients
Pearl Extract
パールエキス (Pāru ekisu)
Also known as: Pearl Powder Extract, Hydrolyzed Pearl
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| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Pearl Extract / Hydrolyzed Pearl |
| Japanese labeling name | パールエキス |
| Common Japanese notations | パールエキス, 真珠エキス |
| Origin | Marine (cultured pearls, ground and extracted) |
| Typical functions | Skin conditioning, Luminous finish |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. |
Pearl extract — produced from ground cultured pearls — has a long cultural association with Japanese cosmetics, connected to the historical pearl-culturing industry developed around Ise-Shima and other Japanese coastal regions. Pearl extract is used in luxury skincare and base makeup for its amino acid content and its association with luminous skin narratives.
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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
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Base makeup (foundations, primers)
- Luxury skincare
- Face masks
Ingredient profile
Pearl extract is produced by grinding cultured pearls into fine powder, then extracting with water or acid hydrolysis. The extract contains amino acids (particularly glycine, alanine, and aspartic acid), calcium carbonate, and trace minerals.
Hydrolyzed pearl is a protein-hydrolysate variant with smaller peptide fragments.
OEM applications
In cosmetics, pearl extract appears in foundations, primers, face masks, and luxury skincare positioning around luminosity. Japanese pearl culturing heritage is often referenced in storytelling.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Cosmetic use is permitted under the JSCI dictionary.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng. Permitted for cosmetic use. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized by PCPC. |
| China | Permitted per IECIC listings; pearl powder has strong presence in Chinese traditional preparations as well. |
| 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. Region-specific pearl origin branding (e.g. Ise-Shima) is handled as descriptive production-region context rather than in ingredient names.
All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.
Alternative ingredients
Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.
Quick answers
- What is Pearl Extract?
- Pearl extract — produced from ground cultured pearls — has a long cultural association with Japanese cosmetics, connected to the historical pearl-culturing industry developed around Ise-Shima and other Japanese coastal regions. Pearl extract is used in luxury skincare and base makeup for its amino acid content and its association with luminous skin narratives.
- What is the regulatory status of Pearl Extract in Japan?
- Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary.
- What products typically use Pearl Extract?
- Base makeup (foundations, primers) / Luxury skincare / Face masks
- Where does Pearl Extract come from?
- Marine (cultured pearls, ground and extracted)
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Pearl Extract?
- INCI: Pearl Extract / Hydrolyzed Pearl / JSCI: パールエキス
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Regulatory guidance
Take the next step
FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. What is the difference between 'Pearl Extract', 'Hydrolyzed Pearl', and 'Pearl Powder' on a label?
Pearl Powder (CI 77713 / calcium carbonate-based) is finely milled raw pearl used as a colorant or texture filler. Pearl Extract is a solubilized preparation; Hydrolyzed Pearl is enzymatically/acid-hydrolyzed pearl protein/conchiolin yielding a peptide-rich water-soluble fraction. The three are distinct INCIs and not interchangeable.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- CosIng database — Pearl Powder / Pearl Extract / Hydrolyzed Pearl entries
Q. Are there animal-origin labeling concerns (vegan / halal / CITES)?
Pearl is animal-origin (mollusk Pinctada spp.) and therefore not vegan; vegan/cruelty-free certifications are not available. Cultured pearl is not on CITES restricted lists, but halal and kosher status varies by certifier — confirm with the relevant authority for the target market.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- CITES Appendices — bivalve mollusks (Pinctada spp. not listed)
Q. Can 'pearl' be used in claims about whitening / luminosity?
In Japan, 'whitening' (bihaku) claims are restricted to quasi-drug actives approved by MHLW (e.g., niacinamide, kojic acid, tranexamic acid) — pearl extract is not on that list, so it cannot legally support whitening claims even if marketed alongside one. Soft luminosity / luster claims and 'pearl glow' sensorial language are generally acceptable for cosmetic positioning.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- 厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) — Quasi-drug Active Ingredient Standards (Bihaku active list)
Q. What is the cost / MOQ profile for cosmetic-grade pearl extract from Japan?
Japanese-origin Akoya pearl extract carries premium pricing vs. Chinese freshwater pearl-derived extracts. MOQs are typically 1-5 kg from premium Japanese suppliers; Akoya pearl heritage from Mie/Ehime is a strong storytelling angle.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — Japanese pearl extract suppliers
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Use cases
Luxury anti-aging cream
- Positioning
- Premium Japanese-pearl-heritage skincare (Mikimoto-style storytelling)
- Typical usage level
- 0.1-1% hydrolyzed pearl liquid
- Formulation notes
- Use pearl peptide for skin compatibility; visible pearl powder may be added separately for visual luxury
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese luxury skincare market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Liquid foundation / BB cream
- Positioning
- Luminous-finish base makeup
- Typical usage level
- 0.5-3% pearl powder (CI 77713) for finish + optional pearl extract
- Formulation notes
- Pearl powder pigment for optical luminosity; pearl extract for marketing narrative
Sources
- Industry knowledge — luminous foundation market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Brightening sheet mask
- Positioning
- Single-use luxury / occasion-based mask
- Typical usage level
- 0.1-0.5% hydrolyzed pearl
- Formulation notes
- Pair with niacinamide (quasi-drug active) for legitimate brightening claim
Sources
- Industry knowledge — sheet mask 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 — パールエキス
- EU CosIng entry: Pearl Extract
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.