Cosmetics · Plant extracts
Shiitake Extract
シイタケエキス (Shiitake ekisu)
Also known as: Lentinula Edodes Extract
At a glance
| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Lentinula Edodes Extract / Lentinus Edodes Extract |
| Japanese labeling name | シイタケエキス |
| Common Japanese notations | シイタケエキス, 椎茸エキス |
| Origin | Fungal (Lentinula edodes mushroom) |
| Typical functions | Food ingredient (primary), Skin conditioning, Supplement ingredient (beta-glucan source) |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Food regulated under the Food Sanitation Act. Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI labeling name dictionary. |
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is one of the most important mushrooms in Japanese cuisine. It is also one of the core vegetarian-compatible dashi ingredients: dried shiitake soaked overnight produces a rich umami stock distinct from bonito-based dashi. As a cosmetic ingredient, shiitake extract is used in specialty formulations emphasizing beta-glucan content.
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.
- Dashi (shiitake dashi)
- Functional food supplements
- Cosmetic applications
What it is
Shiitake extract is produced by water or hydro-alcoholic extraction of Lentinula edodes fruiting bodies. The extract contains lentinan (a beta-glucan polysaccharide), eritadenine, ergosterol, amino acids including free glutamate, and guanosine 5'-monophosphate.
Typical uses in Japanese products
In cooking, dried shiitake (hoshi-shiitake) is soaked and used as dashi base, especially in vegetarian (shōjin ryōri) preparations. Fresh and dried shiitake are widely used in simmered dishes and across Japanese cuisine.
In cosmetics, shiitake extract appears in specialty formulations; the ingredient's beta-glucan content underlies much of the marketing positioning.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Food regulation under Food Sanitation Act. Cosmetic use under JSCI dictionary.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng. Permitted for cosmetic use. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized by PCPC. |
| China | Permitted. |
| Korea | Permitted. |
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
- MAFF food classification — shiitake
- JSCI labeling name directory — シイタケエキス
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.