Cosmetics · Plant extracts
Swertia Japonica Extract
センブリエキス (Senburi ekisu)
Also known as: Senburi Extract, Japanese Gentian Extract
At a glance
| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Swertia Japonica Extract |
| Japanese labeling name | センブリエキス |
| Common Japanese notations | センブリエキス, 千振エキス |
| Origin | Plant-derived (Swertia japonica) |
| Typical functions | Scalp conditioning, Skin conditioning |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI labeling name dictionary. The dried aerial parts are also a Kampo medicinal material (当薬, tōyaku). |
Swertia japonica — senburi — is a bitter gentian-family herb used in Japanese traditional medicine as a digestive aid. Its cosmetic role is primarily in scalp-care products, where it is used in hair tonic formulations with a long-standing presence in Japanese men's grooming.
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.
- Scalp and hair care
- Hair tonics
- Traditional Kampo preparations (separate context)
What it is
Swertia japonica extract is produced by water or hydro-alcoholic extraction of the dried aerial parts of Swertia japonica. The extract contains swertiamarin, gentiopicroside, and other secoiridoid compounds, along with xanthones and amarogentin.
The cosmetic extract and the Kampo medicinal material (当薬) share source material but operate under separate regulatory frameworks.
Typical uses in Japanese products
In Japanese cosmetics, senburi extract appears primarily in scalp tonics and hair-loss-related product positioning. It is a common component in traditional-heritage men's hair tonic formulations.
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 | Permitted under KFDA / MFDS. |
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 — センブリエキス
- EU CosIng entry: Swertia Japonica Extract
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.