Why source from Japan
UNESCO-listed Tomioka Silk Mill (Gunma) anchors Japan's heritage sericulture; remaining producers focus on high-purity sericin for cosmetic and biomedical applications.
Key spec
Molecular weight typically 5,000-50,000 Da depending on extraction; serine content ~30% of amino acid profile.
Typical end-product
Premium moisturisers, hair-conditioning serums, biomedical wound dressings.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 2 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 1–10 kg powder; 100 g – 5 kg active ingredient grade
- Typical lead time
- 8–14 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Gunma (Tomioka heritage region), Nagano, Saitama
- Category
- Cosmetic raw materials
- Harvest season
- Cocoon production June – September; processing year-round
- Japan regulatory status
- JSCI listed (シルクセリシン); MHLW cosmetic ingredient
- INCI name
- Sericin
- Japanese name
- シルクセリシン
- Romaji
- Shiruku Seshishin
About this ingredient
Water-soluble silk protein extracted from the cocoon of Bombyx mori silkworms. Historically a by-product of fibroin (fiber-grade silk) extraction, sericin's high serine content (~30%) gives it strong film-forming and humectant properties for skincare formulations. Japan's silk industry — concentrated in Gunma, Nagano, and Saitama — has rebuilt around high-grade sericin production since the 2000s, using cocoons from JA Silk and small remaining sericulture cooperatives. Used in moisturisers, hair-care, and increasingly in injectable/wound-care medical applications.
Regulatory status
| Japan | JSCI listed (シルクセリシン); MHLW cosmetic ingredient |
|---|---|
| EU | CosIng listed (Sericin); EU cosmetic regulation 1223/2009 compliant |
| United States | Acceptable for cosmetics under MoCRA; MoCRA registration required |
| China | NMPA cosmetic ingredient; verify IECIC inclusion |
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
Silk Sericin is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Sake Extract
日本酒エキス
INCI Sake Extract (cosmetic) — JSCI ingredient; MOQ from 10–30 kg (cosmetic extract) / 50–500 L (bulk for food use).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Japanese Bamboo Charcoal
日本産竹炭
Phyllostachys edulis (Moso Bamboo); Hachiku Bamboo source; MOQ from 100g – 1kg (retail); 500g – 10kg+ (B2B wholesale).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Tsubaki / Camellia Oil
椿油
INCI Camellia Japonica Seed Oil; MOQ from 5–20 kg.
Plant-based· shares 2 categories
Easier US regulatory path
Silk Sericin faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in US. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
Sake Extract
日本酒エキス
INCI Sake Extract (cosmetic) — JSCI ingredient; MOQ from 10–30 kg (cosmetic extract) / 50–500 L (bulk for food use).
Simpler in US· shares 3 categories
Japanese Bamboo Charcoal
日本産竹炭
Phyllostachys edulis (Moso Bamboo); Hachiku Bamboo source; MOQ from 100g – 1kg (retail); 500g – 10kg+ (B2B wholesale).
Simpler in US· shares 3 categories
Kakishibu (Persimmon Tannin)
柿渋
Total polyphenol content 5–15% in liquid; condensed tannin (proanthocyanidin) the principal active for deodorisation.
Simpler in US· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd.
一丸ファルコス株式会社
Motosu, GifuEst. 1959English supportExport experienceCOSMOSEcocertSilk-protein cosmetic ingredient
Seiwa Kasei Co., Ltd.
成和化成株式会社
OsakaEst. 1958English supportExport experienceSericin powder for cosmetic formulations
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Last updated: 2026-05-05