Cosmetics · Marine ingredients
Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
ワカメエキス (Wakame ekisu)
Also known as: Wakame Extract
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| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Undaria Pinnatifida Extract↗ |
| Japanese labeling name | ワカメエキス |
| Common Japanese notations | ワカメエキス, 若芽エキス |
| Origin | Marine (Undaria pinnatifida, wakame) |
| Typical functions | Skin conditioning, Moisturizing, Food ingredient |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. Widely consumed as a food. |
Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) is one of Japan's most widely eaten seaweeds, familiar worldwide through its standard role in miso soup and seaweed salads. As a cosmetic ingredient, wakame extract is used in marine-positioned skincare and hair care.
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Classification
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Product applications
Origin
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Face masks and essences
- Body and hair products
- Miso soup and Japanese cuisine
Ingredient profile
Undaria pinnatifida extract is produced by water or hydro-alcoholic extraction of Undaria pinnatifida — typically the fronds harvested in late winter to early spring. The extract contains fucoidan-family polysaccharides, alginates, minerals, amino acids, and trace fucoxanthin.
The mekabu fraction (sporophyll, a separate anatomical part of the same seaweed) is sometimes marketed as a distinct cosmetic ingredient with its own specification.
OEM applications
In cosmetics, wakame extract appears in face masks, essences, body products, and hair care. Marine-positioning storytelling drives much of the use-case narrative.
In food, wakame is a staple vegetable in Japanese cuisine — miso soup, seaweed salad, sunomono, and various dried preparations.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Listed in the JSCI Japanese Cosmetic Ingredient Codex under ワカメエキス and permitted as a cosmetic ingredient.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng under the INCI name Undaria Pinnatifida Extract. Permitted for cosmetic use. Note: Undaria pinnatifida is classified as an invasive species in some European coastal regions; cultivation for cosmetic extraction should follow local regulations. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized by PCPC. |
| China | Permitted per IECIC listings. |
| Korea | Widely used in Korean cosmetics. Permitted under the KFDA / MFDS system. |
Market reference formulations
Example finished products will be added after each product's current full ingredient list has been verified.
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 Undaria Pinnatifida Extract?
- Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) is one of Japan's most widely eaten seaweeds, familiar worldwide through its standard role in miso soup and seaweed salads. As a cosmetic ingredient, wakame extract is used in marine-positioned skincare and hair care.
- What is the regulatory status of Undaria Pinnatifida Extract in Japan?
- Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. Widely consumed as a food.
- What products typically use Undaria Pinnatifida Extract?
- Face masks and essences / Body and hair products / Miso soup and Japanese cuisine
- Where does Undaria Pinnatifida Extract come from?
- Marine (Undaria pinnatifida, wakame)
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Undaria Pinnatifida Extract?
- INCI: Undaria Pinnatifida Extract / JSCI: ワカメエキス
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Regulatory guidance
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FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. Is Undaria Pinnatifida Extract listed in CosIng?
Yes, 'Undaria Pinnatifida Extract' is listed in the CosIng database as a skin-conditioning ingredient. Wakame-derived materials are used internationally in cosmetics under their INCI name.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- CosIng database — INCI: Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
Q. Are there iodine or heavy-metal disclosure requirements similar to kombu?
Yes — like kombu, wakame is a brown seaweed that accumulates iodine and trace heavy metals, and cosmetic-grade COAs should include heavy-metal panel results. Buyers exporting to the EU should confirm compliance with Annex II/III of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 — Annex II/III
Q. Is Undaria pinnatifida considered an invasive species, and does this affect sourcing claims?
Undaria pinnatifida is listed as one of the world's worst invasive species in non-native marine environments, but Japanese-domestic harvests use cultivated and wild stocks within native habitat. Origin documentation should specify Japanese cultivation and natural-habitat sourcing.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- IUCN Global Invasive Species Database — Undaria pinnatifida
Q. What is the typical extraction format and use level?
Liquid BG/water extracts at 1:1 to 1:10 plant-to-solvent ratios are most common, with cosmetic use levels typically 0.5–3%. Specialty fractions (fucoidan-enriched fractions, e.g.) are also marketed for premium positioning at lower doses.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — Japanese seaweed-extract suppliers
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Use cases
Sheet mask
- Positioning
- Marine-themed moisturizing mask with smooth-skin claims (cosmetic-claim range)
- Typical usage level
- 0.5–3%
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese mask market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Facial essence
- Positioning
- Marine-mineral hydration essence
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese essence segment
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Hair treatment / shampoo
- Positioning
- Marine-themed haircare with mineral/moisture story
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese haircare market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Body lotion
- Positioning
- Marine-spa daily body lotion
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese body-care market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
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Official regulatory databases
External links to public Japanese / international regulatory authorities. We are not affiliated.
References
- JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name directory — ワカメエキス
- EU CosIng entry: Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.