What it is
In the register’s words: “Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract is the extract obtained from the inflorescence (hops cone) of Humulus lupulus, Cannabidaceae.”
- EU register name (INCI)
- HUMULUS LUPULUS EXTRACT
- CAS number
- 8060-28-4, 8016-25-9
- EC number
- 232-504-3
Labels often add a second name in brackets, so a label may say Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract where the register says HUMULUS LUPULUS EXTRACT. Both are the same ingredient.
What the register lists it for
These are the uses the European Commission’s CosIng register lists for Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract in any cosmetic, hair roles first. They say why a maker might add it, not what it does in one formula, and they aren’t a safety rating.
- Hair conditioning
-
The register’s hair role for ingredients that make hair feel softer, smoother or easier to comb. Most conditioners, masks and leave-ins list several.
Register definition: “Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.”
- Antimicrobial
-
Slows the growth of microbes, in the product or on the surface it touches. Some preservatives, extracts and essential oils carry this role.
Register definition: “Preventing and/or slowing down microbial growth.”
- Fragrance
-
Gives the product its smell or covers an unpleasant one. A label may name each scent ingredient or group them as Fragrance (Parfum).
Register definition: “Imparting an odour or taste. Creating a perceivable pleasant smell and/or masking a bad smell.”
- Antiperspirant
-
Reduces sweating. On a hair label it is a role the ingredient has elsewhere.
Register definition: “Reducing perspiration.”
- Skin conditioning
-
The register’s broad role for ingredients that keep skin in good condition. On a hair label it often sits beside a hair role, or marks a plant oil or extract.
Register definition: “Maintaining the skin in good condition.”
- Skin protecting
-
Helps shield skin from outside factors. On a hair label it usually sits beside a conditioning role.
Register definition: “Helping to avoid harmful effects to the skin from external factors.”
Where it sits on each label
US labels list ingredients from most to least, except that those at 1% or less may follow in any order. A name near the top is a large part of the formula. A label doesn’t mark where the 1% point falls, so further down, the order says little about how much is in it.
- Shampoos 1 label First five names: 0 of 1 Shampoos without it
- Deep conditioners 1 label First five names: 0 of 1 Deep conditioners without it
- Leave-in conditioners 1 label First five names: 0 of 1 Leave-in conditioners without it
- Stylers 2 labels First five names: 1 of 2 Stylers without it
- Curl refreshers 2 labels First five names: 1 of 2 Curl refreshers without it
Every label, product by product (7)
- Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo Shampoo 22nd of 31 names
- Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque Deep conditioner 28th of 37 names
- Curlsmith Fragrance-Free Leave-In Leave-in conditioner 11th of 25 names
- Curlsmith Fragrance-Free Strong Hold Gel Styler 5th of 15 names
- Rizos Curls Light Hold Gel Styler 14th of 29 names
- PATTERN Hydrating Mist Curl refresher 4th of 52 names
- Rizos Curls Refresh & Detangle Spray Curl refresher 19th of 25 names
Each line runs from the first name on a label to the last; a dot is where this ingredient sits. Makers change formulas now and then; if the list on your bottle differs, go by your bottle.
Your next step
Other hair conditioning ingredients on these labels
- Glycerin 131 labels
- Panthenol 72 labels
- Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil 69 labels
- Behentrimonium Methosulfate 38 labels
- Caprylyl Glycol 37 labels
- Behentrimonium Chloride 34 labels
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine 34 labels
- Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil 34 labels
Updated · The name, numbers and uses come from the European Commission’s CosIng entry (CC BY 4.0); we write the uses in US spelling and put the hair ones first. The labels are each maker’s own. The order rule is the FDA’s Cosmetics Labeling Guide. All our sources are on the Sources page.