What it is
Coix Lacryma-Jobi Seed Extract is derived from the starchy seeds of Job's tears, a cereal grass long cultivated in East Asia. In cosmetics it is valued as a botanical conditioning agent that can help leave skin feeling smooth and comfortable, and it is a familiar marketing-friendly ingredient in Japanese and Korean formulas under the name hatomugi. It is typically used at low to moderate levels as part of the water phase of lotions, milks, and sunscreens.
Safety & warnings
Generally well tolerated as used in cosmetics. As with any botanical extract, sensitive individuals may occasionally react, and people with grass or grain sensitivities should be mindful. It is not a known fragrance allergen and is not associated with comedogenicity at typical use levels.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; a water or hydroglycolic extract prepared from the seeds (grains) of the Job's tears plant, Coix lacryma-jobi, an Asian cereal grass.
History
Job's tears (hatomugi) has a long history of use as a foodstuff and in traditional East Asian preparations, and the seed extract became a popular conditioning ingredient in Japanese and Korean skincare and sun care.
Questions everyone asks
What is hatomugi?
Hatomugi is the Japanese name for Job's tears, the cereal grain whose seed extract is this ingredient; it is a popular conditioning botanical in Japanese skincare.
What does Job's tears seed extract do in a sunscreen?
It acts as a botanical skin-conditioning and soothing component, helping the formula feel comfortable on the skin rather than contributing to UV protection.