Supplements · Marine functional
Salmon Nasal Cartilage-Derived Proteoglycan
サケ鼻軟骨由来プロテオグリカン (Sake hana-nankotsu yurai puroteogurikan)
Also known as: Salmon Cartilage Proteoglycan, Hirosaki Proteoglycan
At a glance
| Category | Supplements |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Proteoglycan (specification-dependent) |
| Japanese labeling name | プロテオグリカン (preparation-specific) |
| Common Japanese notations | サケ鼻軟骨由来プロテオグリカン, プロテオグリカン |
| Origin | Animal-derived (extracted from salmon nasal cartilage) |
| Typical functions | Joint function support (supplement context), Skin moisture support, Cosmetic skin conditioning |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Functional food applications notified under Foods with Function Claims (機能性表示食品). Cosmetic use under JSCI dictionary. |
Salmon nasal cartilage-derived proteoglycan is a Japanese functional ingredient with industry-academia origins. Cost-effective extraction of proteoglycan from salmon byproducts (specifically nasal cartilage) was developed through collaboration centered around Hirosaki University in Aomori prefecture, with regional Aomori companies contributing to commercial-scale production.
Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Product applications
Functions
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Joint-care supplements (FFC notifications)
- Skin-moisture functional supplements
- Moisturizing essences
- Sheet masks
What it is
Proteoglycan is a class of glycoprotein consisting of a core protein with covalently attached glycosaminoglycan chains. The salmon-nasal-cartilage-derived preparation specifically extracts intact proteoglycan molecules from a marine byproduct that was historically discarded.
Commercial-scale extraction methods developed through Aomori-based industry-academia collaboration substantially reduced production cost compared to earlier purification routes, enabling the ingredient's expansion into supplement and cosmetic categories.
Typical uses in Japanese products
In supplements, salmon-derived proteoglycan is used in joint-function and skin-moisture positioning. Specific FFC notifications exist for some brand-claim combinations; verify in the Consumer Affairs Agency database.
In cosmetics, proteoglycan preparations appear in moisturizing essences, sheet masks, and serums.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Functional food uses are notified case-by-case under the Foods with Function Claims system.
Cosmetic use is permitted under JSCI dictionary preparation-specific entries.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Marine-derived proteoglycan supplement uses may fall under Novel Food regulation depending on the specific preparation. Cosmetic uses should be verified in CosIng. |
|---|---|
| USA | Marine proteoglycan supplements are sold. |
| China | Cosmetic and supplement uses should be verified against current authority listings. |
| Korea | Verify against current KFDA / MFDS listings. |
Example products
Example finished products are marketed by various Japanese brands, with significant industry presence centered in Aomori-based suppliers.
All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.
Related ingredients
References
- Hirosaki University — Salmon proteoglycan industry-academia collaboration publications
- Japan Consumer Affairs Agency — Foods with Function Claims notification database
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.