Hops Flowers
A Comforting Botanical for Skin, Scalp, and Quiet Moments
Hops, Humulus lupulus, are the fragrant, cone-like flowers of the hop plant. These fast-growing climbing vines thrive in temperate regions, including the Pacific Northwest. The female flowers contain a yellow, resinous substance called lupulin, which is best known for giving beer its distinctive aroma and bitterness.
Beyond brewing, hops have a long history of traditional use in personal care. Compounds found in lupulin contribute to hops’ naturally soothing and toning properties, which make them especially useful in topical applications designed to comfort and refresh the skin.
Excellent for both skin and hair care, hops contain plant compounds that help calm irritation, support skin tone, and promote a refreshed, balanced feel. Naturally occurring phytohormone-like compounds contribute to hops’ toning and circulation-supporting properties, while their mildly humectant nature helps skin retain moisture.
Topical Skin Benefits of Hops
Hops are valued in skincare for their ability to soothe, hydrate, and refine the skin while supporting overall comfort.
- Soothing & Calming: Helps reduce the appearance of redness and discomfort, making it well-suited for sensitive or easily irritated skin
- Hydration Support: Naturally humectant properties help attract and retain moisture
- Skin-Toning: Supports a firmer, more refreshed skin feel
- Blemish Support: Mild antibacterial properties help keep blemish-prone skin calm and balanced
- Pore Refining: Helps improve skin texture and the appearance of pores
Hair Care Benefits of Hops
Hops have long been used in hair rinses and shampoos to support scalp comfort and hair vitality.
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Stimulates Circulation: Hops invigorate the scalp, increasing blood flow to hair roots, which nourishes them.
- Balances Oil Production: Hops have purifying and anti-seborrheic properties, helping to regulate oil production.
- Strength & Resilience: Rich in vitamins and flavonoids, hops promote stronger-feeling hair by helping reduce dryness and breakage
- Reduces Inflammation: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects help calm irritated or sensitive scalps.
- Volume & Bounce: Helps hair feel fuller, lighter, and more refreshed
- Shine & Smoothness: Supports a smoother cuticle for improved shine and manageability
Hops as a Calming Herb
Hops have a long history of traditional use as a calming herb. Historically, Humulus lupulus was used to ease restlessness and nervous tension, often appearing in herbal pillows, baths, and teas—frequently blended with herbs such as lemon balm or valerian. Dried hop cones were once tucked into pillows to encourage relaxation and rest.
The calming nature of hops is linked to compounds found in lupulin, the yellow resin within the hop flowers. These compounds interact with the nervous system and are believed to help quiet overstimulation and promote a sense of ease. Because of this, hops have long been described in traditional herbalism as a gentle “nerve tonic.”
When used topically, hops bring this same calming character to body care. While topical products are not intended to induce sleep, the soothing, relaxing nature of hops makes them especially well-suited for evening rituals and comfort-focused formulations.
How We Use Hops Flowers
We use hop flowers thoughtfully in products designed to comfort, relax, and support skin and scalp health.
For calming relaxation
- Infused into our Sweet Dreams Salve and Juniper Mint Body & Massage Oil
- Added as a loose flower to our Sweet Dreams Herbal Bath Tea, where warm water creates a soothing infusion that helps calm the nervous system, ease muscle tension, soften skin, and support a restful evening routine
For scalp stimulation
- Used in an Herbal Hair Tea Rinse to refresh the scalp and support circulation
In natural soap
- Used as a companion ingredient in our Honey Beer Soap, where hops provide gentle exfoliation and help soften, soothe, and calm the skin
Hops are a versatile botanical that bridges traditional and modern skin and hair care. Their calming nature, combined with skin-toning and conditioning properties, makes them a natural choice for products designed to comfort, refresh, and support balanced skin and scalp health.
