Why source from Japan
A tropical herb native to Okinawa.
Key spec
INCI Alpinia Zerumbet Leaf Extract; MOQ from 100 ml – 1 L (essential oil); 1-10 kg (dried leaves).
Typical end-product
Facial toners and aromatic waters — Okinawan botanical skincare with citrus-woody-herbaceous scent.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 5 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 100 ml – 1 L (essential oil); 1-10 kg (dried leaves)
- Typical lead time
- 4-6 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Okinawa Prefecture, Amami Islands
- Category
- Okinawan longevity ingredients
- Harvest season
- Year-round (leaves); May-August (flowers)
- Japan regulatory status
- Listed cosmetic ingredient (表示名称)
- INCI name
- Alpinia Zerumbet Leaf Extract
- Japanese name
- 月桃
- Romaji
- Gettō
About this ingredient
A tropical herb native to Okinawa. Research at University of the Ryukyus (Prof. Tawada) demonstrated lifespan extension of 22.6% in nematode studies.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Listed cosmetic ingredient (表示名称) |
|---|---|
| EU | CosIng listed (confirm current) |
| United States | Acceptable for cosmetics under MoCRA |
FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. Where is gettō cultivated commercially?
Cultivation and wild harvest are centered in Okinawa Prefecture and the Amami Islands.
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. What MOQ should buyers expect?
Typical MOQs are 100 mL–1 L for essential oil and 1–10 kg for dried leaves; smaller R&D samples are sometimes available.
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. What is the harvest schedule?
Leaves can be harvested year-round in the Ryukyu climate; flowers are typically harvested May–August.
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. Is it acceptable in the US under MoCRA?
Alpinia Zerumbet Leaf Extract is acceptable as a cosmetic ingredient in the US under MoCRA. Importers should follow facility registration and product listing requirements.
Sources
Q. Is it CosIng-listed for the EU?
Industry references indicate CosIng listing for the leaf extract; buyers should verify the latest CosIng entry directly.
Sources
Use cases
Facial toners and aromatic waters
- Positioning
- Okinawan botanical skincare with citrus-woody-herbaceous scent
- Formulation notes
- Hydrosol fits well into low-preservative toners; pair with humectants
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Body lotions
- Positioning
- Soothing, antioxidant-positioned body care
- Formulation notes
- Leaf extract used at supplier-recommended levels; check IFRA limits when essential oil is added
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Herbal teas
- Positioning
- Okinawan longevity / herbal infusion category
- Formulation notes
- Dried leaves are blended with other Okinawan botanicals such as guava and goya
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Insect-repellent body sprays
- Positioning
- Natural-fragrance repellent positioning
- Formulation notes
- Marketing claims on insect repellency must comply with applicable pesticide regulations in destination market
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
More cost-efficient options
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柚子エキス
INCI Citrus Junos Fruit Extract / Citrus Junos Peel Oil; MOQ from 5–20 kg (extract); 5–20 L (essential oil).
Cost-efficient· shares 3 categories
Shikuwasa (Citrus depressa)
シークヮーサー
Citrus depressa Hayata source; INCI Citrus Depressa Fruit Extract; MOQ from 100 L (fresh juice); 1-10 kg (extract).
Cost-efficient· shares 3 categories
Japanese Natural Spring Water
日本名水
MOQ from 24-case retail; bulk water supply via OEM.
Cost-efficient· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Nippon Gettō Co., Ltd.
日本月桃株式会社
OkinawaEssential oil, distilled water, cosmetic raw material, gettō paper
Ruhaku Co., Ltd.
株式会社琉白
Uruma (Hamahiga Island), OkinawaEnglish supportExport experienceOrganic JASOrganic JAS certified gettō from Hamahiga Island
Rich Green Co., Ltd.
株式会社リッチグリーン
OkinawaUniversity of the Ryukyus field-scale cultivation partner
Green Plan Shinjo Co., Ltd.
株式会社グリーンプラン新城
Nakijin, OkinawaOkinawa Prefectural Superior Product Award'Shima Gettō' native Okinawa cultivar; vertically integrated
Nakazen Co., Ltd.
株式会社仲善
OkinawaOkinawa herbal line includes gettō tea and supplements alongside flagship turmeric.
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Last updated: 2026-04-24