Cosmetics · Marine ingredients
Salmon Nasal Cartilage Proteoglycan
サケ鼻軟骨プロテオグリカン (Sake bi-nankotsu proteoglycan)
Also known as: PG, Aomori PG
At a glance
| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Proteoglycan |
| Common Japanese notations | プロテオグリカン, サケ鼻軟骨由来プロテオグリカン |
| Origin | Marine/animal-derived (salmon nasal cartilage) |
| Typical functions | Moisturizing, Skin elasticity, Joint comfort support |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient; FFC-accepted for joint comfort and skin elasticity applications. |
Salmon nasal cartilage proteoglycan is a high-molecular-weight biopolymer commercialized in Aomori Prefecture starting in 2003. Studies at Hirosaki University showed water-retention capacity approximately 1.3 times that of hyaluronic acid, giving the ingredient a distinctive moisturizing and skin-elasticity profile for both topical and inside-out applications.
Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Product applications
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Serums and essences
- Beauty drinks
- Joint-support supplements
What it is
Proteoglycans are protein-glycosaminoglycan (GAG) complexes native to animal connective tissue. The commercial Japanese ingredient is extracted from the nasal cartilage of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) using a proprietary acetic-acid process developed at Hirosaki University in Aomori.
Two main grades are supplied — a food-grade Proteoglycan F (for ingestible FFC supplements) and a cosmetic-grade Proteoglycan IPC (for topical leave-on). Core suppliers include Kakuhiro (mass-production pioneer from 2003), Ichimaru Pharcos (group supply under the Falcolex name), Astrim, and DyDo DRINCO.
Typical uses in Japanese products
Cosmetics: included in Japanese premium skincare under moisturizing and anti-aging positioning. Often paired with hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Functional foods: Food with Function Claims (FFC) notifications cite skin elasticity and joint comfort; Astrim markets a dedicated skin-elasticity supplement using Proteoglycan F.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Accepted as a cosmetic ingredient in Japan.
Multiple FFC notifications cite skin elasticity and joint comfort endpoints — individual brand submissions should be checked against the CAA's FFC database before making identical claims.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | CosIng-listed for cosmetic use; food-supplement status varies by member state and may require novel food evaluation for specific preparations. |
|---|---|
| USA | Acceptable for cosmetics under MoCRA. Dietary supplement pathway under DSHEA; verify source and supplier documentation. |
| China | Verify current IECIC listing before launching cosmetic products. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after full ingredient list verification with the supplier. Regional brand 'あおもりPG' should only be cited for certified Aomori-origin material.
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
- Hirosaki University Proteoglycan research publications
- Aomori Proteoglycan Brand Promotion Council (brand registry)
Last updated: 2026-04-23. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.