Common Name(s): Hops extract,hop cone extract,beer botanical
CAS Number: 8016-25-9
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides the most potent natural phytoestrogen (8-prenylnaringenin) alongside anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.
Why It's Used: The most potent phytoestrogen source — 8-prenylnaringenin from hops cones is the strongest phytoestrogen known (stronger than genistein or any other plant er agonist) for women's skin formulations.
How It Works: 8-prenylnaringenin (8-pn) binds er-alpha with ic50 ~5nm (stronger than all known phytoestrogens). xanthohumol provides antioxidant (orac >35,000) and anti-cancer activity. myrcene provides sedating and analgesic activity. lupulone and humulone provide antimicrobial activity vs p. acnes and s. aureus.
Typically Found In: Women's anti-aging,phytoestrogenic formulas,menopausal skincare
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – soothing / anti-inflammatory
Secondary Functions: Redness reduction,anti-inflammatory,calming
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–3%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes – from humulus lupulus cones
Halal Status: Conditional – hops cones are plant; beer production is halal; extract from non-fermented hops is halal
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; ideal for reactive and sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes – particularly recommended for sensitive skin
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,panthenol,allantoin,hyaluronic acid,centella asiatica
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
8-prenylnaringenin's extraordinary phytoestrogen potency (er-alpha ic50 ~5nm vs genistein's ~130nm — 26× more potent) was discovered when female hop harvesters were observed experiencing menstrual cycle disruption after occupational hops exposure. this occupational endocrinology observation led to identification of 8-pn as the most potent plant phytoestrogen known — a clinical observation that preceded the laboratory identification of the active compound by decades.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,milligan et al. 8-prenylnaringenin phytoestrogen discovery