Supplements · Marine functional

Salmon Nasal Cartilage-Derived Proteoglycan

サケ鼻軟骨由来プロテオグリカン (Sake hana-nankotsu yurai puroteogurikan)

Also known as: Salmon Cartilage Proteoglycan, Hirosaki Proteoglycan

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At a glance

CategorySupplements
INCI nameProteoglycan (specification-dependent)
Japanese labeling nameプロテオグリカン (preparation-specific)
Common Japanese notationsサケ鼻軟骨由来プロテオグリカン, プロテオグリカン
OriginAnimal-derived (extracted from salmon nasal cartilage)
Typical functionsJoint function support (supplement context), Skin moisture support, Cosmetic skin conditioning
Regulatory status in JapanFunctional food applications notified under Foods with Function Claims (機能性表示食品). Cosmetic use under JSCI dictionary.

Salmon nasal cartilage-derived proteoglycan is a Japanese functional ingredient with industry-academia origins. Cost-effective extraction of proteoglycan from salmon byproducts (specifically nasal cartilage) was developed through collaboration centered around Hirosaki University in Aomori prefecture, with regional Aomori companies contributing to commercial-scale production.

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Classification

Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.

Common OEM product categories

Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.

  • Joint-care supplements (FFC notifications)
  • Skin-moisture functional supplements
  • Moisturizing essences
  • Sheet masks

Ingredient profile

Proteoglycan is a class of glycoprotein consisting of a core protein with covalently attached glycosaminoglycan chains. The salmon-nasal-cartilage-derived preparation specifically extracts intact proteoglycan molecules from a marine byproduct that was historically discarded.

Commercial-scale extraction methods developed through Aomori-based industry-academia collaboration substantially reduced production cost compared to earlier purification routes, enabling the ingredient's expansion into supplement and cosmetic categories.

OEM applications

In supplements, salmon-derived proteoglycan is used in joint-function and skin-moisture positioning. Specific FFC notifications exist for some brand-claim combinations; verify in the Consumer Affairs Agency database.

In cosmetics, proteoglycan preparations appear in moisturizing essences, sheet masks, and serums.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Functional food uses are notified case-by-case under the Foods with Function Claims system.

Cosmetic use is permitted under JSCI dictionary preparation-specific entries.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUMarine-derived proteoglycan supplement uses may fall under Novel Food regulation depending on the specific preparation. Cosmetic uses should be verified in CosIng.
USAMarine proteoglycan supplements are sold.
ChinaCosmetic and supplement uses should be verified against current authority listings.
KoreaVerify against current KFDA / MFDS listings.

Market reference formulations

Example finished products are marketed by various Japanese brands, with significant industry presence centered in Aomori-based suppliers.

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.

Alternative ingredients

Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.

Quick answers

What is Salmon Nasal Cartilage-Derived Proteoglycan?
Salmon nasal cartilage-derived proteoglycan is a Japanese functional ingredient with industry-academia origins. Cost-effective extraction of proteoglycan from salmon byproducts (specifically nasal cartilage) was developed through collaboration centered around Hirosaki University in Aomori prefecture, with regional Aomori companies contributing to commercial-scale production.
What is the regulatory status of Salmon Nasal Cartilage-Derived Proteoglycan in Japan?
Functional food applications notified under Foods with Function Claims (機能性表示食品). Cosmetic use under JSCI dictionary.
What products typically use Salmon Nasal Cartilage-Derived Proteoglycan?
Joint-care supplements (FFC notifications) / Skin-moisture functional supplements / Moisturizing essences / Sheet masks
Where does Salmon Nasal Cartilage-Derived Proteoglycan come from?
Animal-derived (extracted from salmon nasal cartilage)
What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Salmon Nasal Cartilage-Derived Proteoglycan?
INCI: Proteoglycan (specification-dependent) / JSCI: プロテオグリカン (preparation-specific)

FAQ for OEM buyers

Q. What is the IP/origin story of salmon nasal cartilage proteoglycan?

The high-yield extraction process for proteoglycan from salmon nasal cartilage was developed at Hirosaki University (Aomori, Japan) in the 2000s, and is licensed/produced through partner suppliers using Aomori-landed salmon as the raw material. This 'Aomori salmon proteoglycan' origin story is a key positioning element.

Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26

  • Hirosaki University — Proteoglycan research and licensing program (Industry knowledge)
Q. Are there approved Foods with Function Claims (FFC) products containing salmon proteoglycan?

Yes — multiple FFC notifications using salmon-derived proteoglycan exist for joint comfort and skin moisture-related claims. Buyers must verify the exact functional ingredient name, dose, and claim language against each notification in the Consumer Affairs Agency database.

Q. What are typical daily doses for proteoglycan supplements?

FFC-notified salmon proteoglycan supplements typically use daily doses in the range of 5-10 mg of proteoglycan, depending on the specific notification and target claim. Capsule, tablet, and powder formats are all in market.

Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26

  • Industry knowledge — Japanese proteoglycan supplement market

Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

Q. What are typical MOQs and pricing tier for proteoglycan as an OEM ingredient?

Salmon proteoglycan is a premium-priced ingredient (often several JPY per mg of active), so OEM quotes commonly use kg-level minimums and finished-product MOQs of 10,000-30,000 capsules. Suppliers typically require an end-product label review before shipping.

Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26

  • Industry knowledge — Japanese functional ingredient supply

Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

Use cases

  • Joint-comfort supplement capsule (FFC-notified)

    Positioning
    Joint-flexibility daily supplement targeting active seniors
    Typical usage level
    5-10 mg proteoglycan per daily dose
    Formulation notes
    Often combined with type II collagen or hyaluronic acid in same SKU.
  • Skin-moisture-positioned beauty drink

    Positioning
    Inner beauty RTD with collagen + proteoglycan
    Formulation notes
    50-100 mL glass or PET bottle; often combined with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C.

    Sources

    • Industry knowledge — Japanese inner beauty drink market

    Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

  • High-end moisturizing essence (cosmetic)

    Positioning
    Premium age-care line emphasizing salmon-PG ingredient story
    Typical usage level
    0.01-0.5% in formula
    Formulation notes
    Heat-sensitive — added in cooling phase of emulsion manufacture.

    Sources

    • Industry knowledge — Japanese premium cosmetic formulation

    Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

  • Sheet mask premium SKU

    Positioning
    Single-use intensive moisture treatment
    Typical usage level
    0.01-0.1%
    Formulation notes
    Combined with HA, glycerin in serum essence.

    Sources

    • Industry knowledge — Japanese sheet mask formulation

    Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

Search the academic literature

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Official regulatory databases

External links to public Japanese / international regulatory authorities. We are not affiliated.

References

  1. Hirosaki University — Salmon proteoglycan industry-academia collaboration publications
  2. Japan Consumer Affairs Agency — Foods with Function Claims notification database

Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.

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