SARABiO
SARABiO is a Japanese biotechnology company that isolates and commercializes RG92, a novel hot spring algae discovered in Beppu, into cosmetics, hair care, pet care, functional foods, and aquaculture/livestock feed sold globally through owned brands, distributors, and OEM partnerships.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2006
- HeadquartersOita, Japan
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What SARABiO does
SARABiO Onsen Probiotic Lab (株式会社SARABiO温泉微生物研究所) is a Japanese biotechnology company headquartered in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, founded in 2006. The company's platform centers on RG92, a novel species of green algae discovered in Beppu hot springs in 2011, along with proprietary hot spring yeast strains. These microorganisms are processed into bioactive extracts with demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-glycation, and antioxidant properties, validated through 15+ years of research, 100+ academic publications, and joint research with leading Japanese institutions including Kurume University, Hiroshima University Hospital, the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Juntendo University, and the University of Tokyo. RG92 extract is protected under Japanese Patent No. 5676702 and certified as a natural cosmetic ingredient by ECOCERT.
SARABiO operates a hybrid B2C and B2B business model. On the B2C side, the company markets multiple proprietary consumer brands: SARABiO beauty (probiotic-inspired skincare priced ¥2,750–¥6,600), ONSENSOU Beppu Japan (hot spring algae shampoo and treatment, the international flagship at ¥1,980+), Docpal (pet skincare launched 2021), BESTIES (pet body mist), and M-1 (hair growth series). These are distributed via owned e-commerce (online.saravio.jp), department stores (Daimaru, Matsuzakaya), drugstores, 200+ medical and beauty clinics, beauty salons, pet specialty retailers, the on-site Morihan Bettei tourism facility, and country-specific distributors in China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Singapore, and Thailand. On the B2B side, SARABiO provides OEM formulation and manufacturing services for cosmetics and quasi-drug products, sells RG92 extract powder as a functional food ingredient, and supplies aquaculture and livestock feed additives for applications including warm algae flatfish (with Tomonaga Industry) and laying hens. The company was renamed from SARAVIO Cosmetics in April 2020 to reflect its broader biotech orientation, raised ¥110 million in December 2019, and operates a wholly-owned tourism subsidiary (Morihan Bettei) established in June 2020. The leadership team remains founder-controlled, with CEO Takuya Hamada and Chairman Shigeru Hamada overseeing a Central Research Institute led by Dr. Kuniyoshi Kaseda (Ph.D., Juntendo University).
SARABiO firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SARABiO
- Legal name
- 株式会社SARABiO温泉微生物研究所
- Website
- https://saravio.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2006
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- SARABiO is a Japanese biotechnology company that isolates and commercializes RG92, a novel hot spring algae discovered in Beppu, into cosmetics, hair care, pet care, functional foods, and aquaculture/livestock feed sold globally through owned brands, distributors, and OEM partnerships.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SARABiO industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Biotech Cosmetics and Personal Care
- NAICS
- Spice and Extract Manufacturing (311942)
- SIC
- Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844), Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833), Food And Kindred Products (2000), Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Algae & Seaweed Proteins (Microalgae/Spirulina, Macroalgae) (AFAJAHAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Natural Antimicrobials & Clean-Label Preservatives (Plant Extracts, Essential Oils, Fermented Extracts) (AFAJAFAF), Biostimulants & Plant Health Biologicals (Microbial/Non-microbial) (AFABAEAK)
Keywords
Where SARABiO is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Oita
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices5 records
Markets served
SARABiO business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Cosmetics & Skincare Products (B2C): Direct-to-consumer sales of proprietary cosmetic and skincare brands including SARABiO beauty, ONSENSOU hair care, Docpal pet care, and BESTIES pet products via e-commerce, department stores, drugstores, and beauty salons. One-time purchase and subscription models.
- OEM Manufacturing (B2B): Formulation development, production, and productization of cosmetics and quasi-drug products for partner companies. From planning through manufacturing. One of the core business pillars.
- Functional Food Ingredients (B2B): Sale of RG92 extract powder as a functional food ingredient to food and beverage manufacturers. Sales to aquaculture and livestock feed companies for use in fish and poultry farming.
- Tourism & Hospitality (森藩別邸): Food service, spa experiences, cosmetic creation workshops, and specialty product retail at the Morihan Bettei (森藩別邸) tourism facility on the company grounds. Group company operated.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | ONSENSOU Beppu Japan Hair Care Shampoo |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | ONSENSOU Beppu Japan Hair Care Treatment |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | SARABiO Beauty Skincare Line |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Docpal Pet Care Products |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | RG92 Extract (B2B, aquaculture/livestock) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels10 records
SARABiO product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SARABiO discovers, cultivates, and commercializes proprietary hot spring microorganism extracts — primarily the novel algae RG92 and hot spring yeast — discovered in Beppu hot springs. These patented bioactive extracts are formulated into skincare, hair care, pet care, and functional food products under consumer brands (SARABiO beauty, ONSENSOU, Docpal, BESTIES), supplied as B2B ingredients to aquaculture, livestock feed, and functional food manufacturers, and produced via OEM formulation services for partner cosmetics companies.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- ONSENSOU: 大分県別府温泉より採取された特許成分「温泉藻類®」を配合したヘアケアブランド
- SARABiO beauty
- Docpal（ドクパル）
- M-1
- 森藩別邸
Products and services
- SARABiO beauty skincare line Probiotic-inspired skincare brand using RG92 algae extract and hot spring yeast, including Cleansing Gel, Foaming Wash, Face Oil, Lotion, Serum, and All-in-one Gel, sold to individual consumers seeking anti-inflammatory and anti-aging skincare.
- ONSENSOU Beppu Japan hair care brand Hair care brand combining patented hot spring algae RG92 for scalp care, including menthol-infused shampoo and treatment sold through SARABiO's own shop, department stores, beauty salons, and Chinese distributors.
- Docpal pet care brand Lifestyle pet care brand combining RG92 extract with hot spring-derived ingredients, offering pet care lotion (200mL), paw pad oil (30mL), and a face oil, sold through pet shops and pet salons nationwide.
- BESTIES pet body mist Pet body mist co-produced with actress Kana, part of the BESTIES pet care line distributed alongside Docpal through pet specialty retail.
- BEP collaboration shampoo Original shampoo brand leveraging RG92 algae extract from Beppu hot springs, co-launched with a Tokyo-based international entertainment company.
- M-1 hair growth series Patented RG92-based hair growth and thinning hair care series developed by CEO Hamada Takuya, sold as a premium line within the hair care portfolio.
- SARABiO Hand Cleaner 71 71% alcohol-based hand sanitizer with sandalwood fragrance and patented RG92 algae extract to minimize skin irritation from repeated disinfection.
- RG92 extract for laying hens B2B thermo-algae RG92 feed additive for laying hens that improves egg production rate and pack rate by supporting intestinal bacterial flora.
- RG92 extract for salmon aquaculture B2B thermo-algae RG92 feed additive for salmon aquaculture that reduces mortality rates through immune activation.
- OEM cosmetics and quasi-drug manufacturing B2B end-to-end OEM service covering formulation development, production, and productization of cosmetics and quasi-drug products for partner companies using RG92 and hot spring yeast ingredients.
- RG92 functional food ingredient RG92 extract powder sold as a B2B functional food ingredient to food and beverage manufacturers for products targeting metabolic syndrome, diabetes prevention, and general wellness, backed by Kurume University clinical trial data.
- Morihan Bettei tourism and hospitality services Food service, foot baths, cosmetic creation workshops, and specialty product retail at the Morihan Bettei tourism facility on SARABiO's Beppu grounds, operated through subsidiary Morihan Bettei (森藩別邸).
Companies that use SARABiO
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
SARABiO technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
SARABiO partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- 東京大学 (University of Tokyo)coreJoint research on Alzheimer's disease prevention using RG92-derived ingredients, applying scientific methodology. Announced November 2024.
- リージョナルフィッシュ株式会社 (Regional Fish Co., Ltd.)coreKyoto University-affiliated startup developing 'smart land-based aquaculture' using genome editing technology. Collaboration to develop new models for sustainable land-based fish farming using RG92.
- 京都大学 (Kyoto University)coreKyoto University spinoff collaboration on 'smart land-based aquaculture' — combining genome editing technology with RG92 for sustainable fish farming.
- JA全農インターナショナル株式会社 (JA ZENNOU International Co., Ltd.)coreJoint initiative to transform food waste into cosmetic products. Development of skincare products using surplus agricultural produce, branded 'ニッポンエール'. Also three-party partnership with 羽田未来総合研究所 for airport-based regional product promotion.
- 中国河南省駐馬店経済開発区 (Henan Province Zhumadian Economic Development Zone, China)minorMOU signed at ITOCHU Tokyo headquarters for accelerating RG92 applications in animal feed. Focus on expanding RG92 use in aquaculture and livestock feed in China.
- 国立長寿医療研究センター (National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology)coreJoint research on inflammation suppression mechanisms and aging control using hot spring algae-derived ingredients. Part of broader 'healthy longevity society' initiative.
- 友永工業 (Tomonaga Industry)coreCollaboration to develop '温藻ヒラメ' (warm algae flatfish) — adding RG92 extract to aquaculture feed for flatfish. Results include reduced mortality, improved growth rate, and enhanced flavor (umami). Production expanded commercially.
- 株式会社羽田未来総合研究所 (Haneda Mirai General Research Institute)minorThree-party partnership with JA ZENNOU International for promoting regional products from Japanese airports. SARABiO products featured at Haneda Airport.
- Kazakhstan Business Owners (via APU)minorBusiness partnership discussions facilitated by APU (Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University) professor Serik and Kazakh business owners visiting Beppu. Strong interest in beauty market opportunity. New long-term partnership confirmed.
- VELAS International Trading Co., Ltd. (China)coreExclusive China distributor for ONSENSOU Beppu Japan hair care brand. Launched July 2019 with media event in Shanghai attended by major influencers, Taobao buyers, and shopping mall representatives.
- Kingstar Global Co. (Sri Lanka)minorLargest import/export company in Sri Lanka. Launched 'JAPAN ONSEN RG92' brand through EC channel. Local newspaper coverage generated strong interest. Plans to open dedicated shops in Sri Lanka.
- H&H – Healthy & Happy Co. (Vietnam)minorVietnam's top beauty company. MOU signed at Vietnam Embassy with Ambassador witnessing. Goal to bring safe cosmetics to Vietnamese market.
- 広島大学病院 (Hiroshima University Hospital)coreLong-standing joint research with Regenerative Medicine Dept. (Dr. Akeyaki) and Rheumatology Dept. (Dr. Yamazaki) on anti-inflammatory effects of RG glycolipids extracted from RG algae. Led to the 2015 patent and multiple academic publications.
- 久留米大学医学部 (Kurume University School of Medicine)coreJoint research with Prof. Yamagishi's team (diabetes research authority) on RG92's effects on lifestyle diseases. Part of METI's Sappoin project. Human clinical trials demonstrated RG92 improves insulin resistance, blood glucose, blood pressure, and reduces abdominal circumference.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SARABiO competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Alltech: Global animal nutrition and feed additive company leveraging biotechnology for aquaculture and livestock performance. Comparable because both companies market proprietary biological feed additives targeting mortality reduction, growth improvement, and product quality in aquaculture and livestock.
- Fancl Corporation: Japanese cosmetics and health products company with strong biotech/skin science R&D focus. Comparable because both are Japan-based cosmetics companies with proprietary ingredient science and direct-to-consumer brands, though Fancl operates at significantly larger scale.
- BioGaia: Swedish probiotic and microbiome ingredient company selling B2B to consumer health, food, and animal health manufacturers. Comparable because both companies commercialize proprietary microorganism-derived bioactive ingredients across human nutrition, animal health, and consumer products.
- Chr. Hansen: Global bioscience company producing cultures, enzymes, and probiotic ingredients for food, animal health, and plant health. Comparable because both companies operate B2B ingredient platforms leveraging proprietary microorganism technology with applications across multiple end markets.
Broad incumbents
- Rohto Pharmaceutical: Japanese pharmaceutical and OTC company producing quasi-drug skincare, eye care, and functional dermatology products. Comparable because both target the atopic dermatitis and inflammation consumer segment with proprietary skincare formulations.
- Kewpie Corporation: Japanese food manufacturer with diversified ingredient business including functional foods, supplements, and egg-derived ingredients. Comparable because both sell functional food ingredients B2B to food manufacturers, though Kewpie is far larger and operates in mass-market channels.
- Pola Orbis Holdings: Japanese cosmetics group with premium skincare brands (POLA, Orbis, H2O+). Comparable because both emphasize proprietary ingredient science and dermatology-validated product claims, though Pola operates much larger direct-sales and retail distribution.
- Kose Corporation: Major Japanese cosmetics company with premium skincare brands (Decorté, Sekkisei, Clear Turn). Comparable because both are Japan-based cosmetics manufacturers selling through department stores, drugstores, and beauty salons with proprietary ingredient science.
- Shiseido: Japan's largest cosmetics company with premium skincare, sun care, and professional beauty brands. Comparable because both target Japanese and Asian consumers with skincare products, though Shiseido operates at vastly larger scale with global brand portfolio.
Others
- Cargill Animal Nutrition: Global agribusiness and animal feed/nutrition supplier with aquaculture and livestock feed portfolios. Comparable as a potential competitor/distributor in the B2B feed additive space where SARABiO sells RG92 extract, though Cargill is vastly larger and infrastructure-driven.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
SARABiO social profiles
Digital presenceSARABiO financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SARABiO leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
SARABiO subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
SARABiO funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SARABiO M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SARABiO
What does SARABiO do?
SARABiO discovers, cultivates, and commercializes proprietary hot spring microorganism extracts — primarily the novel algae RG92 and hot spring yeast — discovered in Beppu hot springs. These patented bioactive extracts are formulated into skincare, hair care, pet care, and functional food products under consumer brands (SARABiO beauty, ONSENSOU, Docpal, BESTIES), supplied as B2B ingredients to aquaculture, livestock feed, and functional food manufacturers, and produced via OEM formulation services for partner cosmetics companies.
Is SARABiO a public or private company?
SARABiO is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was SARABiO founded?
SARABiO was founded in 2006. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is SARABiO based?
SARABiO is headquartered in Oita, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does SARABiO make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Cosmetics & Skincare Products (B2C) is the primary driver. The others are OEM Manufacturing (B2B), functional Food Ingredients (B2B) and tourism & Hospitality (森藩別邸).
Who are SARABiO's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Alltech, Fancl Corporation, BioGaia and Chr. Hansen. Broad incumbents are Rohto Pharmaceutical, Kewpie Corporation, Pola Orbis Holdings, Kose Corporation and Shiseido. Cargill Animal Nutrition is listed as an others.
Does SARABiO have an API?
No public API is recorded for SARABiO.
What industry is SARABiO in?
SARABiO's product category is Biotech Cosmetics and Personal Care. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAJAHAF, Algae & Seaweed Proteins (Microalgae/Spirulina, Macroalgae), with a secondary code of AFAJAFAF, Natural Antimicrobials & Clean-Label Preservatives (Plant Extracts, Essential Oils, Fermented Extracts). Its NAICS code is 311942 and its SIC code is 2844.