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, German Chamomile (Blue), 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 | No specific caution recorded |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~2 years) |
| 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 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?
Our dataset records no specific pregnancy caution for Hops. That is not the same as it being established as safe — always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any essential oil during pregnancy.
Is Hops safe to use around children?
Hops is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 2 years old). 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, German Chamomile (Blue), Bergamot (FCF), Clary Sage, Frankincense (Carterii).