Cosmetics · Marine ingredients
Porphyra Yezoensis Extract
ノリエキス (Nori ekisu)
Also known as: Nori Extract, Japanese Laver Extract
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| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Porphyra Yezoensis Extract / Pyropia Yezoensis Extract |
| Japanese labeling name | ノリエキス |
| Common Japanese notations | ノリエキス, 海苔エキス |
| Origin | Marine (Porphyra / Pyropia yezoensis) |
| Typical functions | Skin conditioning, Moisturizing |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. The whole seaweed is a staple food ingredient (edible nori), regulated separately under food law. |
Nori — the thin dark-purple to near-black sheets familiar from onigiri and sushi — is primarily Porphyra / Pyropia yezoensis, cultivated in Japan's coastal waters. As a cosmetic ingredient, nori extract is a less-developed category than kombu or wakame but is used in marine-themed formulations.
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Classification
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Product applications
Regulatory tags
Origin
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Face masks
- Moisturizing products
- Food (primary use: edible nori sheets)
Ingredient profile
Porphyra yezoensis extract is produced by water or hydro-alcoholic extraction of Porphyra (taxonomically sometimes classified as Pyropia). The extract contains porphyran (a sulfated polysaccharide unique to Porphyra species), amino acids including taurine, and minerals.
The genus has been reclassified from Porphyra to Pyropia in some taxonomic revisions; the INCI register uses both names depending on the version.
OEM applications
In cosmetics, nori extract appears in face masks and moisturizing products, typically in marine-themed collections.
In food, nori is a daily staple — as rice-ball wrappers, sushi wrappers, seasoning (kizami-nori), and snack format.
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. |
| Korea | Widely used; similar species (gim) are also consumed as food. |
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 Porphyra Yezoensis Extract?
- Nori — the thin dark-purple to near-black sheets familiar from onigiri and sushi — is primarily Porphyra / Pyropia yezoensis, cultivated in Japan's coastal waters. As a cosmetic ingredient, nori extract is a less-developed category than kombu or wakame but is used in marine-themed formulations.
- What is the regulatory status of Porphyra Yezoensis Extract in Japan?
- Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. The whole seaweed is a staple food ingredient (edible nori), regulated separately under food law.
- What products typically use Porphyra Yezoensis Extract?
- Face masks / Moisturizing products / Food (primary use: edible nori sheets)
- Where does Porphyra Yezoensis Extract come from?
- Marine (Porphyra / Pyropia yezoensis)
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Porphyra Yezoensis Extract?
- INCI: Porphyra Yezoensis Extract / Pyropia Yezoensis Extract / JSCI: ノリエキス
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Regulatory guidance
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FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. Is the genus name Porphyra or Pyropia for this seaweed and how does it affect INCI?
Following 2011 taxonomic revision, the species was reclassified from Porphyra yezoensis to Pyropia yezoensis. However, both 'Porphyra Yezoensis Extract' and 'Pyropia Yezoensis Extract' INCI names are recognized; check with your supplier and end-market regulator for preferred labeling.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- CosIng database — Porphyra/Pyropia Yezoensis Extract entries
- Sutherland et al. (2011) — Pyropia genus reclassification, peer-reviewed taxonomy
Q. What is the typical extract format and concentration?
Most commonly supplied as a 1:10 water or water/BG extract liquid, brown-yellow in color. Spray-dried powder formats also exist for anhydrous applications; polysaccharide content (porphyran) is the typical functional marker.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — Japanese marine-extract suppliers
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. Is there any iodine concern for sensitive consumers (e.g., thyroid)?
Cosmetic dilution levels are generally not associated with systemic iodine concern, but consumer-facing claims should be reviewed for any regional restrictions (Korea has historically scrutinized seaweed-source iodine). Topical iodine absorption from cosmetic dilutions is generally regarded as negligible.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- WHO — topical iodine absorption literature
Q. What sourcing regions and seasons supply nori for cosmetic use?
Major Japanese nori production is centered in the Ariake Sea (Saga, Fukuoka, Kumamoto), Seto Inland Sea (Hyōgo, Okayama), and Tokyo Bay; harvest is winter through early spring. Cosmetic-grade extracts are typically derived from second/third-grade harvest material that doesn't meet food-grade visual standards but is microbiologically sound.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- 農林水産省 (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) — Japanese nori production statistics
Use cases
Hydrating sheet mask
- Positioning
- Marine-themed hydration / mineral-replenishment line
- Typical usage level
- 1-5%
- Formulation notes
- Polysaccharide content adds natural film-forming sensorial; pairs with HA
Sources
- Industry knowledge — sheet mask market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Marine moisturizing cream
- Positioning
- Premium ocean/Japan-coast heritage line
- Typical usage level
- 1-3%
- Formulation notes
- Combines with deep-sea water, alginate, fucoidan in marine cocktails
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese marine cosmetics market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Sleeping mask / overnight gel
- Positioning
- Hydration with film-forming sensorial
- Typical usage level
- 1-3%
- Formulation notes
- Polysaccharide assists overnight occlusion; clear gel base
Sources
- Industry knowledge — overnight 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 — ノリエキス
- EU CosIng entry: Porphyra Yezoensis Extract
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.