Cosmetics · Plant extracts
Perilla Frutescens (Red) Leaf Extract
赤シソ葉エキス (Akajiso-ha ekisu)
Also known as: Red Shiso Extract, Akajiso Extract
At a glance
| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract |
| Japanese labeling name | シソ葉エキス |
| Common Japanese notations | 赤シソ葉エキス, アカジソエキス |
| Origin | Plant-derived (Perilla frutescens var. crispa, red variety) |
| Typical functions | Skin conditioning, Antioxidant, Soothing |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI labeling name dictionary. Also a widely-used food colorant for pickled products. |
Red shiso — akajiso — is the red-leaved variety of Perilla frutescens, notable for its anthocyanin content that gives umeboshi and shibazuke their characteristic red-purple color. Cosmetic-grade red shiso extract concentrates the anthocyanin-rich water-soluble fraction along with rosmarinic acid and related polyphenols.
Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Sensitive skin formulations
- Face masks and toners
- Food colorant (umeboshi, shibazuke)
What it is
Perilla frutescens red leaf extract is produced by water or hydro-alcoholic extraction of red-leaved Perilla frutescens. Unlike green shiso extract, it contains substantial shisonin — the anthocyanin responsible for the red color — along with rosmarinic acid and luteolin.
On INCI labels, the red and green varieties often share the entry Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract; distinction between varieties appears on the supplier specification rather than in the INCI name.
Typical uses in Japanese products
In cosmetics, red shiso extract appears in sensitive-skin toners, face masks, and scalp products — often in lines positioning around spring seasonal skincare and anti-pollen-season reactivity.
As a food colorant, red shiso leaves are the traditional colorant for umeboshi (giving the ume its pink-red color) and shibazuke pickles.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Cosmetic use is permitted under the JSCI dictionary. Food use as a natural colorant is regulated under the Food Sanitation Act.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng under Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract. Permitted. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized by PCPC. |
| China | Permitted per IECIC listings. |
| Korea | Permitted under KFDA / MFDS. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after each product's current full ingredient list has been verified.
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Related ingredients
References
- JSCI labeling name directory — シソ葉エキス
- EU CosIng entry: Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.