Hops Extract

What hops extract is

Hops extract is a polyphenol-rich liquid made from the flowers of Humulus lupulus, the plant brewers use to flavor beer. This extract is upcycled from a by-product of the brewing industry and standardized for xanthohumol, the prenylated flavonoid that makes hops interesting for skin care. Xanthohumol is a strong antioxidant, and hops are also valued for their purifying, soothing and tone-evening effects in cosmetic products.

It sits with the plant liquids in our botanical extracts section. For a second antioxidant botanical in the same serum, green tea exosome solution is a modern partner, and tamarind seed extract adds a smoothing, film-forming plant active.

Composition and label INCI

The INCI is Water (and) Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Flower Extract (and) Propanediol (and) Benzoic Acid (and) Ethylhexylglycerin. The CAS number for the hops flower extract is 84012-13-5. The extract is preserved with a corn-derived preservative system made in the USA that is Ecocert approved and non-GMO certified. It is a light brown to yellow liquid with a strong, herbal, resinous and slightly spicy odor typical of hops.

What it does in skin and hair care

In skin care, hops extract works as an antioxidant that helps protect skin from free radicals linked to sun exposure, while supporting collagen and elastin for a smoother look to fine lines. Its purifying effect suits products for blemish-prone skin and deodorant creams. It also calms the look of redness and irritation and helps even out red spots. In hair care, hops are used in shampoos, conditioners and serums to keep the scalp comfortable, reduce visible flakes and add shine, especially to darker hair.

Why xanthohumol matters

Hops contain many compounds, but most of the cosmetic interest centers on xanthohumol, which is found almost only in this plant. Standardizing the extract for it gives each lot a consistent antioxidant profile, which helps when you repeat a formula across production runs. The water and propanediol base also means the extract blends cleanly without the waxy residue of solvent extracts.

How to use it

Add it to an emulsion during the cool-down phase, or to the water phase if you are cold processing. The extract is water-soluble and blends into serums, creams, toners, gels, shampoos and conditioners. Because the extract arrives preserved, you can add it to an already preserved base without changing the system, though the finished product still needs its own full preservation.

Working with the scent

In hair care and men's grooming it often suits the product story.

Bench example: antioxidant toner essence

This 100 g bench batch shows one way to use the material. Weigh 85.4 g warm distilled water and dissolve 0.5 g allantoin in it. Add 4 g glycerin, 3 g propanediol and 0.1 g sodium hyaluronate, and let the hyaluronate hydrate fully. Once cool, add 5 g hops extract, 1 g panthenol and 1 g broad-spectrum preservative used at its supplier rate. Mix until clear, check that the pH sits between 5.0 and 5.5, and fill into bottles with a fine mist or a flow cap.

Where it fits in a product line

Hops extract suits antioxidant serums, toners for oily skin, deodorant creams, shampoos, conditioners and beard care. It brings a clear upcycling and brewing story that resonates with craft and men's grooming brands.

Storage

Keep the container tightly closed in a cool place away from direct light. Close the pack quickly after each use. For cosmetic formulation use only.