Humulus Lupulus Extract

Humulus lupulus (hops) extract is typically used at low levels as a botanical antioxidant/soothing agent, but it contains resinous bitter acids and polyphenols that can act as irritants or allergens in reactive skin. Patch-test and case-report literature describes occasional allergic contact dermatitis to hops (including cross-reactivity with other Cannabaceae/plant allergens), making sensitivity possible even at modest concentrations. Given the variability of botanical extracts and higher risk in eczema-prone patients, I rate it as mild rather than gentle. Safety Notes: In mass-market leave-on skincare (creams/lotions/serums/toners) Humulus lupulus (hops) extract is commonly used as a supporting botanical at very low levels (~0.001–0.1%), often within multi-extract blends where it contributes soothing/antioxidant positioning. Higher concentrations are observed in consumer-available “botanical active” products (ampoules/serums, aftershaves, scalp tonics) and some natural/deodorant-style formulas where hops extract can be used for its deodorizing/antimicrobial marketing, reaching ~1–5% depending on extract type (e.g., glycerin/propylene glycol extracts) and sensorial constraints. There are no specific FDA/EU maximum limits for hops extract itself in cosmetics; practical upper limits are usually set by extract solvent system, odor/color, and irritation potential, with rinse-off formats typically tolerating the upper end more easily than leave-on.