Cosmetics · Plant extracts
Wasabi Extract
ワサビ根エキス (Wasabi-kon ekisu)
Also known as: Wasabia Japonica Root Extract, Eutrema Japonicum Root Extract
Looking for a Japanese supplier of Wasabi Extract? Tell usWhy now · 2022 — ongoing
Real Wasabi: The Premium Sourcing Question Western Restaurants Are Asking
Authentic Japanese wasabi (Wasabia japonica) is rare, slow-growing, and dramatically different from the horseradish-based 'wasabi' on most shelves. Sourcing the real thing.
Read the trend reportAt a glance
| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Wasabia Japonica Root Extract↗ |
| Japanese labeling name | ワサビ根エキス |
| Common Japanese notations | ワサビ根エキス, 山葵エキス |
| Origin | Plant-derived (Wasabia japonica / Eutrema japonicum) |
| Typical functions | Skin conditioning, Antibacterial, Antioxidant |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. Wasabi as a food product is regulated under the Food Sanitation Act. |
Wasabi (Wasabia japonica, also classified as Eutrema japonicum) is the green-tinged paste familiar from sushi. Authentic wasabi is cultivated in flowing-water beds in regions including Shizuoka and the Izu Peninsula. Cosmetic wasabi root extract concentrates the isothiocyanate compounds responsible for the pungent character.
Find OEM manufacturers
Browse Japanese OEM manufacturers that build products in this category. Filter by small lot, certifications, prefecture.
Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Product applications
Regulatory tags
Origin
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Specialty cosmetic formulations
- Scalp care
- Food (primary use as condiment)
Ingredient profile
Wasabia japonica root extract is produced by water or hydro-alcoholic extraction of the cultivated wasabi rhizome. The extract contains allyl isothiocyanate and related compounds responsible for the characteristic pungency.
Note: Most commercial wasabi sold internationally is reconstituted from horseradish (Armoracia rusticana), mustard, and food coloring rather than authentic Wasabia japonica.
OEM applications
In cosmetics, wasabi extract appears in specialty formulations.
In food, authentic wasabi is the traditional accompaniment to sashimi and sushi, served grated fresh.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Cosmetic use under JSCI dictionary; food use under Food Sanitation Act.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng. Permitted for cosmetic use. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized. |
| China | Permitted per IECIC listings. |
| Korea | Permitted under KFDA / MFDS. |
Market reference formulations
Example finished products will be added after verification.
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 Wasabi Extract?
- Wasabi (Wasabia japonica, also classified as Eutrema japonicum) is the green-tinged paste familiar from sushi. Authentic wasabi is cultivated in flowing-water beds in regions including Shizuoka and the Izu Peninsula. Cosmetic wasabi root extract concentrates the isothiocyanate compounds responsible for the pungent character.
- What is the regulatory status of Wasabi Extract in Japan?
- Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. Wasabi as a food product is regulated under the Food Sanitation Act.
- What products typically use Wasabi Extract?
- Specialty cosmetic formulations / Scalp care / Food (primary use as condiment)
- Where does Wasabi Extract come from?
- Plant-derived (Wasabia japonica / Eutrema japonicum)
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Wasabi Extract?
- INCI: Wasabia Japonica Root Extract / JSCI: ワサビ根エキス
Explore related ingredients
Used in similar product applications
Other ingredients commonly used in the same finished-product families.
Sharing similar functions
Ingredients that overlap on functional benefit tags.
From the same origin
Other ingredients that share an origin classification.
Regulatory guidance
Take the next step
FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. What INCI listing covers wasabi extract for cosmetic OEM?
The INCI listing is 'Wasabia Japonica Root Extract' (sometimes 'Eutrema Japonicum Root Extract' in newer listings). Confirm which form the supplier uses on the CoA.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Personal Care Products Council — INCI Dictionary (Wasabia Japonica entries)
Q. Is the cosmetic extract still pungent / sensitizing?
Cosmetic-grade wasabi extracts are typically processed to remove or reduce allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), the compound responsible for pungency, since AITC is a known skin irritant. Always request a sensitization-relevant impurity spec at qualification.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — wasabi extract cosmetic processing
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. Is the species (true wasabi vs. horseradish) regulated for marketing claims?
True wasabi (Wasabia japonica / Eutrema japonicum) is geographically scarce and frequently substituted with horseradish + green colorant in food. For cosmetic 'authentic Japanese wasabi' positioning, supplier traceability documents (often from Shizuoka or Nagano growers) are essential.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — true wasabi vs. horseradish identification
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. Are there quasi-drug or major regulatory considerations in Japan?
Wasabi extract is not on 厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)'s quasi-drug active lists; it is a general cosmetic ingredient. Marketing must stay within general cosmetic claim ranges.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- 厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) — quasi-drug active ingredient lists
Use cases
Premium 'Japanese-heritage' brightening serum
- Positioning
- Niche luxury skincare with regional botanical narrative
- Typical usage level
- 0.1–1%
- Formulation notes
- Water-soluble extract; pair with vitamin C derivatives.
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese specialty botanical positioning
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Scalp care / hair tonic
- Positioning
- Scalp-stimulating ingredient narrative
- Formulation notes
- Used at low % in alcoholic tonic; AITC-reduced grade required.
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese specialty scalp tonics
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Antioxidant face mask
- Positioning
- Wellness / regional botanical mask line
- Formulation notes
- Compatible with mask serum bases; combine with rice/green-tea extracts.
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese botanical mask category
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Search the academic literature
Pre-filled queries for the major research databases. Opens in a new tab.
Official regulatory databases
External links to public Japanese / international regulatory authorities. We are not affiliated.
References
- JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name directory — ワサビ根エキス
- EU CosIng entry: Wasabia Japonica Root Extract
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.