Cosmetics · Marine ingredients
Pearl Hydrolysate
真珠加水分解物 (Shinju Kasui Bunkai-butsu)
Also known as: Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Hydrolyzed Pearl
At a glance
| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein |
| Japanese labeling name | 加水分解コンキオリン |
| Common Japanese notations | 真珠加水分解物, 加水分解コンキオリン, 加水分解パール |
| Origin | Marine / animal (akoya pearl oyster pearl and shell proteins, enzymatically hydrolyzed) |
| Typical functions | Skin conditioning, Moisturizing (low-molecular-weight peptide humectant action), Smoothing surface feel |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI labeling name dictionary as 加水分解コンキオリン. |
Pearl hydrolysate is the enzymatically cleaved low-molecular-weight peptide form of conchiolin — the structural protein matrix of pearl and pearl oyster shell. It is the more specific INCI category that sits within the broader pearl extract family, distinguished by its hydrolyzed peptide profile rather than the whole-protein and mineral composition of the parent ingredient. Mikimoto Pharmaceutical (ISO 22716 certified) has developed multiple proprietary pearl-derived ingredients since 1966 and operates a long-running OEM skincare program built around this material.
Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Luxury skincare (essences, serums, masks)
- Base makeup (foundations, primers)
- Specialty body products
What it is
Pearl hydrolysate is produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of conchiolin — the organic protein matrix that binds the calcium carbonate microcrystals of pearl and the inner nacre layer of pearl oyster shell. The starting material is most commonly the akoya pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii), with the black-lip pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) used in some preparations.
The hydrolysis step yields a mixture of low-molecular-weight peptides and free amino acids — including glycine, alanine, aspartic acid, and other constituents reflecting the parent protein composition. The resulting hydrolysate has improved water solubility and skin penetration profile relative to the unhydrolyzed pearl extract / pearl powder forms, which retain calcium carbonate and higher-molecular-weight protein fractions.
Typical uses in Japanese products
Pearl hydrolysate appears in luxury essence and serum positioning, facial masks, base makeup (where it is associated with luminosity claims), and specialty body products. Mikimoto Pharmaceutical's OEM business builds finished skincare around the company's proprietary preparations.
Pearl culturing heritage in Mie (Ise-Shima — the founding region of cultured pearl production), Ehime (Uwajima), Nagasaki, and Oita is frequently referenced in product storytelling. Cosmetic ingredient labels generally use the JSCI-listed name 加水分解コンキオリン rather than regional designations.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Listed in the JSCI Japanese Cosmetic Ingredient Codex under the labeling name 加水分解コンキオリン and permitted as a cosmetic ingredient.
The general pearl extract category (パールエキス) is separately listed; the hydrolysate is the more specific peptide preparation.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng under the INCI name Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein. Permitted for cosmetic use. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized by PCPC. Used in finished cosmetic products under MoCRA. |
| China | Suppliers should verify the specific preparation against current IECIC listings; NMPA registration may be required for new ingredient variants. |
| Korea | Permitted as a cosmetic ingredient under the KFDA / MFDS system. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after each product's current full ingredient list has been verified. Mikimoto Pharmaceutical-branded preparations are handled with trademark attribution as described in the trademark notice above.
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.
Related ingredients
References
- JSCI labeling name directory — 加水分解コンキオリン
- EU CosIng entry: Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
- Mikimoto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. — pearl-derived ingredient portfolio
Last updated: 2026-04-25. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.