Hop CO2-to Extract, Standardized, Flavor Reduced, 50 ml

Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) is a herb with a long tradition in folk medicine — and for cosmetics it is interesting primarily due to its content of humulones (alpha acids) and lupulones (beta acids), bitter compounds with a proven antimicrobial effect against gram-positive bacteria. Hop CO₂-to extract with reduced odour is obtained by a two-step process: first, a full extract is obtained from dried hop cones by supercritical CO₂, and in the second step, volatile aromatic components are selectively removed from it by countercurrent CO₂ column extraction — the result is an extract with a weak, unobtrusive odour, but with preserved active components. The extract is then standardised with organic sunflower oil to an exact content of 49–51 % humulones and lupulones. For 1 kg of the final product, 3–4 kg of dried hop cones are used.
At room temperature it is a green-brown viscous extract with a bitter taste. The reduced odour is a key property — it allows it to be included in formulations where a dominant hop aroma would not be welcome.

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Key benefits

• Antimicrobial protection against odour — humulones and lupulones act selectively against gram-positive bacteria responsible for unpleasant body odour.
• Shine of dark hair — hop extract improves the surface of dark hair fibres and gives them visible shine.
• Standardised content of active substances — each batch certified for 49–51 % humulones and lupulones guarantees a reproducible result of the formulation.
• Unobtrusive odour — reduction of volatile components makes it possible to include the extract in deodorants, shower gels and hair care products without the risk of a dominant hop note.
• Herbal perfumery character — even after reduction it retains a subtle herbal note that enriches the earthy or green fragrance profile of natural formulations.
• Pure extract without solvents — supercritical CO₂ extraction leaves no chemical residues, inorganic salts or heavy metals.

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Suitable for products such as

• stick, gel or spray deodorants — primary use of the antimicrobial effect
• deodorising soaps and shower gels
• natural deodorants without aluminium salts, where the extract complements antimicrobial protection
• hair conditioners, masks and serums focused on dark hair
• shampoos with a herbal profile
• perfumes and cream perfumes with earthy, herbal notes

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Use in formulation

• Phase: oil phase — the extract is lipophilic, the carrier is organic sunflower oil.
• Mix before use — the extract may sediment; thorough mixing before measuring will ensure homogeneity and the correct content of active substances.
• Compatibility: compatible with vegetable oils, esters and waxes. In emulsions, include in the oil phase before emulsification.
• Fragrance note: even after aroma reduction the extract retains a weak herbal note — at higher concentrations this must be taken into account in the overall fragrance profile of the formulation.

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Safety and storage

For external use only; not intended for direct application to the skin in undiluted form. Store in a cool, dry and dark place, hermetically closed and out of reach of children. Storage under inert gas is recommended.
More detailed information on the product quality can be found in the certificate of analysis, which we update with each new batch.

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Frequently asked questions

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If you want to learn more about CO₂ extracts and their use in cosmetics, read our article CO₂ extracts and their use.
Also have a look at the other CO₂ extracts in the Handymade.sk range.