Konnyaku Ceramide (Glucosylceramide)
こんにゃくセラミド (Konnyaku Seramido)
Why source from Japan
Gunma's >90% konnyaku monopoly + 50+ years of glucosylceramide extraction give Japanese suppliers unmatched cost-quality structure.
Key spec
Glucosylceramide content typically 1.8–4% in standardised extracts; daily intake reference 0.6–1.8 mg in FFC products.
Typical end-product
Skin-moisture FFC supplements, barrier-repair moisturisers, dermatology adjunct skincare.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 2 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 100 g – 1 kg active ingredient; 5–25 kg food-supplement grade
- Typical lead time
- 6–10 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Gunma (>90%), Tochigi, Ibaraki
- Category
- Cosmetic raw materials
- Harvest season
- Corm harvest October – November; processing year-round
- Japan regulatory status
- FFC notifications exist (skin moisture support); food product status; JSCI for cosmetic use
- INCI name
- Glucosylceramide
- Japanese name
- こんにゃくセラミド
- Romaji
- Konnyaku Seramido
About this ingredient
Plant-derived glucosylceramide extracted from konnyaku corm (Amorphophallus konjac). Gunma Prefecture produces over 90% of Japan's konnyaku and is the heartland of konnyaku-ceramide supply for both cosmetic and food-supplement applications. Functions as a barrier-supporting humectant in skincare and as an oral ingredient with FFC (Foods with Function Claims) notifications referencing skin moisture support. Distinct from rice-derived glucosylceramide in lipid profile.
Regulatory status
| Japan | FFC notifications exist (skin moisture support); food product status; JSCI for cosmetic use |
|---|---|
| EU | CosIng listed (Glucosylceramide); food: pre-1997 EU history typically allows non-novel-food classification |
| United States | Acceptable for cosmetics under MoCRA; DSHEA NDI for supplement positioning |
| China | NMPA cosmetic NCI; food import requires GACC registration |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Konnyaku Ceramide (Glucosylceramide) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Rice-Derived Glucosylceramide
米由来グルコシルセラミド
FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 5–20 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Apple Ceramide
リンゴセラミド
Pyrus malus (apple pomace) source; INCI Pyrus Malus (Apple) Glucosylceramide; MOQ from 100 g – 10 kg (extract); 1-10 kg (powder).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Konjac Ceramide
こんにゃくセラミド
Amorphophallus konjac (source) source; INCI Glucosylceramide (Konjac-derived); FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 100 g – 10 kg (3% powder).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Easier China regulatory path
Konnyaku Ceramide (Glucosylceramide) faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in China. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
Rice-Derived Glucosylceramide
米由来グルコシルセラミド
FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 5–20 kg.
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Equine Placenta Extract
馬プラセンタエキス
Total protein 40-65% in dried extract; growth-factor and cytokine profile preserved through low-temperature processing; commonly standardised by amino-acid content.
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Tsubaki / Camellia Oil
椿油
INCI Camellia Japonica Seed Oil; MOQ from 5–20 kg.
Simpler in China· shares 2 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Oryza Oil & Fat Chemical Co., Ltd.
オリザ油化株式会社
Ichinomiya, AichiEst. 1954English supportExport experienceGlucosylceramide standardised extract
Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd.
一丸ファルコス株式会社
Motosu, GifuEst. 1959English supportExport experienceCOSMOSEcocertKonnyaku-derived cosmetic ingredient
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Last updated: 2026-05-05