Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract

Humulus lupulus extract is an extract from hops flowers, the same ones that are used to flavor beer. It is used in skincare as a fragrance and for its antimicrobial properties.

Hops have a long tradition of use in traditional medicine, with various applications. The most famous is its sedative and calming effect, as well as its beneficial effects on digestion and appetite. Its uses in skincare, however, are more sparse. In traditional Chinese medicine, hops were used to treat skin inflammation and ulcers, as the extract has some anti-inflammatory activity.

When it comes to the essential oil, the compounds responsible for its characteristic beer-like smell are caryophyllene, farnesene, and humulene.

Its other compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and bitter acids have various antimicrobial activities (against bacteria and fungi). They are also antioxidants, protecting the skin from reactive oxygen species and pollutants. Hops can be also responsible for allergic reactions in more sensitive individuals.