Cosmetics · Oils & lipids
Thujopsis Dolabrata Branch Oil
ヒバ油 (Hiba-yu)
Also known as: Hiba Oil, Aomori Hiba Oil
At a glance
| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Thujopsis Dolabrata Branch Oil |
| Japanese labeling name | ヒバ油 |
| Common Japanese notations | ヒバ油, 青森ヒバ油 |
| Origin | Plant-derived (Thujopsis dolabrata, hiba cypress) |
| Typical functions | Fragrance, Antimicrobial, Skin conditioning |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI labeling name dictionary. |
Hiba (Thujopsis dolabrata) is a cypress-family tree native to Japan. Wood oil distilled from its branches and leaves is naturally high in hinokitiol — the tropolone-family compound more commonly associated with hinoki. Hiba oil is strongly associated with Aomori prefecture, historically the main supply region for hiba timber and essential oil.
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.
- Body soaps and bath additives
- Scalp and hair products
- Fragrance blends
- Insect-repellent personal care
What it is
Hiba oil is steam-distilled from the branches, leaves, and wood of Thujopsis dolabrata. The composition is dominated by thujopsene, dolabrellol, and carvacrol-family compounds, alongside a small but meaningful concentration of hinokitiol.
The characteristic aroma is sharp, resinous, and cooling — distinct from the warmer aroma of hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) despite the compositional overlap. Hiba oil is widely used in traditional Japanese construction for the same moisture- and insect-resistance properties that make it attractive for personal care.
Typical uses in Japanese products
In Japanese cosmetic formulations, hiba oil appears in body soaps, scalp lotions, deodorant products, bath additives, and insect-repellent body sprays. The aroma overlaps conceptually with hinoki and is often used alongside it in forest-bathing (shinrin-yoku) positioning.
Aomori prefecture has historical associations with hiba timber and oil production. Regional branding around "Aomori hiba" appears in some finished products; on ingredient labels, the standard general name is ヒバ油 or its INCI equivalent.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Listed in the JSCI Japanese Cosmetic Ingredient Codex under ヒバ油 and permitted as a cosmetic ingredient.
Hinokitiol content may contribute to the functional profile; formulations with elevated hinokitiol concentrations should be evaluated against the regulatory status applicable to that specific compound.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng under the INCI name Thujopsis Dolabrata Branch Oil. Permitted for cosmetic use. Fragrance allergen declarations may apply depending on composition. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized by PCPC. Used in finished cosmetic products. |
| China | Suppliers should verify the specific preparation against the current IECIC listing. |
| Korea | Permitted as a cosmetic ingredient under the KFDA / MFDS system. |
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 — ヒバ油
- EU CosIng entry: Thujopsis Dolabrata Branch Oil
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.