Cosmetics · Plant extracts
Vigna Angularis Seed Extract
アズキエキス (Azuki ekisu)
Also known as: Adzuki Bean Extract, Azuki Extract
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| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Vigna Angularis Seed Extract↗ |
| Japanese labeling name | アズキエキス |
| Common Japanese notations | アズキエキス, 小豆エキス |
| Origin | Plant-derived (Vigna angularis, adzuki bean) |
| Typical functions | Skin conditioning, Exfoliation (powdered form), Antioxidant |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. Also a central ingredient in Japanese confectionery, regulated separately under food law. |
Azuki — the small red Vigna angularis bean — has a dual life in Japan. As food, it is the foundation of anko (sweet bean paste) and countless wagashi. As a traditional cleansing material, ground azuki powder has been used for face-washing in Japan for centuries. Cosmetic azuki extract and powder continue both traditions.
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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.
Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Facial cleansers and exfoliants
- Traditional soap
- Confectionery (as food)
Ingredient profile
Vigna angularis seed extract is produced by water or hydro-alcoholic extraction of azuki beans. The extract contains saponins, polyphenols including catechin derivatives, and amino acids.
Finely ground azuki powder (azuki no ko) is used as a gentle physical exfoliant — a separate cosmetic ingredient with its own particle-size specifications.
OEM applications
In cosmetics, azuki extract appears in facial cleansers, masks, and toners. Azuki powder is used in traditional-style cleansing bars and gentle exfoliating cleansers.
Azuki in food is the foundation of anko, dorayaki filling, and countless wagashi confections.
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. |
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 Vigna Angularis Seed Extract?
- Azuki — the small red Vigna angularis bean — has a dual life in Japan. As food, it is the foundation of anko (sweet bean paste) and countless wagashi. As a traditional cleansing material, ground azuki powder has been used for face-washing in Japan for centuries. Cosmetic azuki extract and powder continue both traditions.
- What is the regulatory status of Vigna Angularis Seed Extract in Japan?
- Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. Also a central ingredient in Japanese confectionery, regulated separately under food law.
- What products typically use Vigna Angularis Seed Extract?
- Facial cleansers and exfoliants / Traditional soap / Confectionery (as food)
- Where does Vigna Angularis Seed Extract come from?
- Plant-derived (Vigna angularis, adzuki bean)
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Vigna Angularis Seed Extract?
- INCI: Vigna Angularis Seed Extract / JSCI: アズキエキス
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Regulatory guidance
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FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. Is Vigna Angularis Seed Extract listed in CosIng / accepted as a cosmetic ingredient in major markets?
Yes, Vigna Angularis Seed Extract is registered in the EU CosIng inventory and INCI dictionary, with skin-conditioning function. It is broadly accepted as a cosmetic ingredient in Japan, EU, US, and most ASEAN markets without special restrictions.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- CosIng database — INCI: Vigna Angularis Seed Extract
- Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) INCI Dictionary
Q. What format is azuki extract typically supplied in for cosmetic OEM use?
It is most commonly supplied as a water/glycerin or BG (butylene glycol) liquid extract at 1:10 or 1:5 botanical-to-solvent ratio. Powdered azuki for scrub/exfoliating bars is supplied as milled seed coat or whole-seed flour, separately from the liquid extract.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — Japanese botanical extract suppliers
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. What use level is typical for azuki seed extract in finished formulas?
Liquid azuki extracts are typically used at 0.5-5% in toners, masks, and cleansers; physical azuki powder for scrub bars is used at 5-30% depending on exfoliation grade. Final use level should be confirmed against the supplier's recommended dosage.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — Japanese botanical extract suppliers
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. Are there any allergen, GMO or kosher/halal concerns to flag for azuki?
Azuki is a legume but not on the major regulatory allergen-labeling lists in EU, US, or Japan (which do not require legume allergen labeling outside of soy and peanut). GMO is not a concern as commercial azuki is non-GMO; kosher and halal certification is available from select Japanese suppliers on request.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Japan Consumer Affairs Agency (Consumer Affairs Agency, CAA) — Allergen Labeling Standards
- FDA Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA)
Use cases
Gentle exfoliating cleansing powder
- Positioning
- Traditional Japanese skincare ritual; sensitive-skin friendly physical exfoliation
- Typical usage level
- 10-30% azuki powder in enzyme-blended powder
- Formulation notes
- Combine with rice bran powder and protease enzymes; package as anhydrous powder to preserve enzyme activity
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese cosmetics market product examples
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Wash-off clay or paste face mask
- Positioning
- Wagashi/heritage-narrative skincare line
- Typical usage level
- 1-3% liquid extract
- Formulation notes
- Pairs with kaolin/bentonite base; preserves well in water-glycerin systems
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese cosmetics market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Hydrating toner
- Positioning
- Japanese botanical / wagashi-themed daily skincare
- Typical usage level
- 1-3% liquid extract
- Formulation notes
- Water-soluble; compatible with HA, glycerin, panthenol
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese cosmetics market
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Solid cleansing bar with azuki granules
- Positioning
- Heritage / artisanal traditional-style skincare bar
- Formulation notes
- Azuki seed-coat granules embedded in cold-process or syndet bar base for visual and tactile cue
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese artisanal soap 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 — アズキエキス
- EU CosIng entry: Vigna Angularis Seed Extract
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.