Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a herbaceous essential oil with a herbaceous, bitter, earthy aroma and a heart note. Steam distillation from flower, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Lavender, Chamomile roman, Bergamot (FCF). For topical use, keep dilution at or below 5%.
Steam-distilled hop strobiles. Myrcene-dominant. Tisserand: no known hazards or contraindications. Estrogenic activity is in the herb not the essential oil.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Heart |
| Aroma family | Herbaceous |
| Chemical family | Monoterpene |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | flower |
| Origin | Germany, USA, Czech Republic |
| Blending factor | 4 |
| Volatility index | 3 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 6.0 |
Safety & dilution
Hops essential oil is NOT estrogenic. Estrogenic activity is in the hop herb only and does not survive steam distillation.
| Max topical dilution | 5% |
| Max facial dilution | 2.5% |
| Pregnancy | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~2 months) |
| Cats | Not recommended |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Evidence: Moderate.
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Not sure how much to use? Try the free dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Frequently asked questions
What does Hops essential oil smell like?
Hops has a herbaceous, bitter, earthy, spicy aroma, classed as a herbaceous oil with a heart note.
What is the safe dilution for Hops?
For topical use, keep Hops at or below 5%, and 2.5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Hops safe to use during pregnancy?
Hops is generally considered suitable during pregnancy when properly diluted. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Is Hops safe to use around children?
Hops is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 2 months). Consult a professional for young children.
Is Hops safe around pets?
For cats — avoid; not considered safe; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Hops blend well with?
Hops pairs well with Lavender, Chamomile roman, Bergamot (FCF), Clary Sage, Frankincense (Carterii).