Cosmetics · Marine ingredients
Porphyra Yezoensis Extract
ノリエキス (Nori ekisu)
Also known as: Nori Extract, Japanese Laver Extract
At a glance
| 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 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.
Classification
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Product applications
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Face masks
- Moisturizing products
- Food (primary use: edible nori sheets)
What it is
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.
Typical uses in Japanese products
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. |
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 — 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.