What it is
Coix lacryma-jobi ma-yuen seed water is a water-based extract from the seeds of Job's tears, a cereal grass long used in East Asian foods and traditional skincare. It is incorporated as a lightweight, soothing, skin-conditioning component of the water phase. In sunscreens it is featured for a hydrating feel and gentle plant character.
Safety & warnings
This seed water is mild and generally well tolerated as a water-phase ingredient. As a grain-derived extract, individuals with relevant grain sensitivities may wish to take care. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen and is not comedogenic.
Origin & sourcing
Natural, derived from the seeds of Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen (Job's tears, known as hatomugi in Japan).
History
Job's tears (hatomugi) has a long history in East Asian food and folk skincare, which underpins its popularity in Japanese and Korean cosmetics.
Questions everyone asks
What is hatomugi?
Hatomugi is the Japanese name for Job's tears, a cereal grass whose seeds are used in food and skincare; this ingredient is its water extract.
What does it do in a formula?
It provides a light, hydrating, soothing water-phase ingredient with a gentle plant-derived character.