Propolis (Japanese-processed)
プロポリス (Puropurisu)
Why source from Japan
Japanese supplement OEM standardisation methods differentiate Japanese-processed propolis from raw Brazilian or Chinese supply; high traceability to specific apiaries.
Key spec
Flavonoid content 3-15% in standardised extracts; cinnamic acid carry-over from Brazilian green propolis; ethanol-extraction grade vs water-soluble grade differ in profile.
Typical end-product
Immune-support throat sprays, propolis-positioned skincare, wellness beverages.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 2 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 1–10 kg liquid extract; 100 g – 1 kg standardised actives
- Typical lead time
- 8–14 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Japan domestic (limited), Brazil (raw imported, processed in Japan)
- Category
- functional-food-ingredients
- Harvest season
- Continuous (Japanese processing year-round)
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; FFC notifications exist; cosmetic JSCI listed
- INCI name
- Propolis Extract
- Japanese name
- プロポリス
- Romaji
- Puropurisu
About this ingredient
Resinous mixture collected by honey bees from tree buds and used to seal hives. Japanese commercial propolis is largely processed from imported raw resin (primarily Brazilian green propolis) under strict Japanese supplement-grade standards, with limited Japan-domestic raw production. Japanese flavonoid + cinnamic-acid standardisation drives premium positioning in immune-support and cosmetic-skin-conditioning applications. Yamada Bee Farm and Honjien have built decade-old Brazilian-supply partnerships with Japanese-style processing standards. Distinct from royal jelly in active-ingredient profile.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; FFC notifications exist; cosmetic JSCI listed |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; CosIng listed; allergen labelling for bee-product markets |
| United States | GRAS by traditional use; bee-product allergen labelling |
| China | Imported supplement; GACC food facility 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
Propolis (Japanese-processed) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Shiso / Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract
紫蘇葉エキス
INCI Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract / Perilla Frutescens Red Leaf Extract; MOQ from 10–30 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Kuromoji / Lindera Umbellata
黒文字
INCI Lindera Umbellata Leaf Oil / Branch Oil / Branch-Leaf Extract; MOQ from 100 ml – 1 L essential oil; 1–10 kg dried.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
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
Easier China regulatory path
Propolis (Japanese-processed) faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in China. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
Sasa Bamboo Leaf Extract
クマザサエキス
Alkaline polysaccharide 5-15%; chlorophyll-derived bioactives 0.5-2%; minimal allergen profile.
Simpler in China· shares 4 categories
Ashitaba (Tomorrow's Leaf)
アシタバ / 明日葉
Total chalcone (xanthoangelol + 4-hydroxyderricin) 0.5-2.5% dry leaf; chlorogenic acid 1-3%; vitamin K 600-1,200 µg/100g.
Simpler in China· shares 4 categories
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
イチョウ葉エキス
Flavone glycoside 24-26%; terpene lactone 6-9%; ginkgolic acid <5 ppm; bioactive: bilobalide, ginkgolide A/B/C.
Simpler in China· shares 4 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
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Last updated: 2026-05-05