Ingredient on hair labels

Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract

TheWashDay editorial · Updated · From the EU ingredient register and the makers’ own labels · How we match names

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Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract is on 7 of the 177 hair-product labels we compare, from 4 makers. Its uses in the EU ingredient register include hair conditioning, antimicrobial and fragrance. 2 of these labels name it among the first five ingredients.

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.

Every label, product by product (7)

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

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.