At a glance
| Japanese name | 黒文字 |
|---|---|
| Romaji | Kuromoji |
| INCI name | Lindera Umbellata Leaf Oil / Branch Oil / Branch-Leaf Extract |
| Category | Cosmetic raw materials |
| Regions of origin | Gifu, Nagano, Tottori, Shimane, Kochi (Niyodogawa), Mt. Hakusan (Kanazawa) |
| Harvest season | Year-round (forestry-managed) |
| Typical MOQ | 100 ml – 1 L essential oil; 1–10 kg dried |
| Typical lead time | 4–10 weeks |
| Japan regulatory status | JSCI (クロモジ葉油, クロモジ枝油, クロモジ葉エキス) |
| Suppliers listed | 5 suppliers |
About this ingredient
Kuromoji (Lindera umbellata) is a deciduous shrub in the Lauraceae family, native to Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu mountain forests. Traditionally used for tea-ceremony toothpicks and premium wagashi picks. Steam-distilled essential oil offers a fresh, citrusy-woody profile with major components linalool, 1,8-cineole, α/β-pinene. Positions as a uniquely Japanese alternative to hinoki with satoyama sustainability credentials.
Regulatory status
| Japan | JSCI (クロモジ葉油, クロモジ枝油, クロモジ葉エキス) |
|---|---|
| EU | CosIng listed |
| United States | MoCRA; IFRA guidance |
| China | Verify IECIC |
Japanese suppliers
Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.
株式会社福光屋
Kanazawa, IshikawaEst. 1625English supportExport experienceOrganic (FRENAVA line — 100% organic rice)FRENAVA skincare collection signature botanical
Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.
株式会社福光屋
Kanazawa, IshikawaEst. 1625English supportExport experienceOrganic (FRENAVA line — 100% organic rice)FRENAVA skincare collection signature botanical
Nishi-Awakura Forestry Cooperative
西粟倉村森林組合
Nishi-Awakura, OkayamaThinnings-based kuromoji essential oil; 100-Year Forest vision sustainability brand
ARTQ ORGANICS
ARTQ オーガニクス
English supportKuromoji essential oil in the domestic botanical-oil catalog.
Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten
中川政七商店
Nara, NaraEnglish supportExport experienceKuromoji among curated heritage botanicals.
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Last updated: 2026-04-24