Hop CO2

Hop CO₂ Select Extract – Humulus lupulus
Part Typically Used: Flower (seed cone)
Method of Extraction: Super-critical CO₂ Extraction (a low-temperature process that extracts the 'heavier' therapeutic properties from the raw plant material, rather than steam distillation)
Perfumery Note: Middle
Country of Origin: USA

This Hop CO₂ Select oil has a sharp, green, caramel beer-like aroma. Hops are often used in aromatherapy for their belief to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This Hop CO₂ Select is more viscous than the essential oil version, therefore may require some care before blending. Hops are the flowers (seed cones) of the hop plant.

How Hop CO₂ Extract is Different from Hop Essential Oil
CO₂ Extract includes both volatile oils and non-volatile bitter acids (humulones and lupulones), offering a broader therapeutic spectrum.
Steam-distilled hop essential oil captures only the light aromatics (like myrcene or humulene), while the CO₂ extract delivers stronger antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties.
It has a thicker texture, with a rich, herbaceous aroma and is more stable in formulations.
Also shows natural deodorant and preservative activity due to its effects on gram-positive bacteria.

Typical Main Constituents
α-Humulene – 45%
Myrcene – 15%
β-Caryophyllene – 12%

Actions
Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, sedative. Supports conditions related to anxiety, stress, nervousness, insomnia, neuralgia, bruising, and menstrual issues. Clinical evidence suggests that when combined with Valerian, this blend can have a sedating effect.

Blends Well With
Benzoin, Cypress, Frankincense Carterii, Royal Sandalwood, Geranium, Lavender, Mandarin, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Pine, Rose, Sweet Marjoram, Thyme (Red).

Skincare Actions
Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial (especially gram-positive), deodorising, astringent, antioxidant, soothing, anti-ageing, hair conditioning, shine-enhancing (especially for dark hair).

Perfumery Actions
Aromatic, herbaceous, bitter-green, middle note, fixative support, slightly resinous, masculine-toned.

Skincare Dilution
0.1–0.5% for deodorants, soaps, and hair care products.
0.5–1% in skin creams for irritation, inflammation, or ageing support.
Up to 2% in therapeutic or cleansing balms targeting bacterial imbalance.

Perfumery Dilution
0.2–1% in botanical or aromatic compositions.
Suits herbal colognes, masculine blends, and modern fougères.

Safety Data
During pregnancy and lactation it is best to avoid.
Avoid use with children.
May interact with barbiturates and other drugs that depress the central nervous system.
May interact with drugs that influence hormone levels (e.g. contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy).
Do not use 2 weeks prior to surgery as it could interact with anaesthesia drugs and potentiate sedative effects.

Zurma Essential Oils – Highest Quality Pure and Natural
At Zurma we go to great lengths to ensure that we only sell the highest quality pure and natural essential oils. We have searched the world for the best essential oils. Our in-house quality control system ensures that this high standard is maintained for all our essential oils. Every essential oil comes with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) test to confirm that they are genuine and authentic essential oils containing their correct active constituents.

The only exception to this is with the New Zealand small-scale essential oil producers we buy direct from — e.g. Lavender, Mānuka, Kānuka, Tea Tree etc. This is because we know and trust these growers who distil their own essential oils.

Finally, all essential oils have to undergo our own in-house smell, appearance and feel test — and if they are not up to our high standards, we simply send the product back to the supplier. Based on this quality control process, we believe that the 100% Pure and Natural essential oils that Zurma supplies to our customers are of the highest quality and are excellent for use in aromatherapy.

General Essential Oil Safety Recommendations
Do not take essential oils internally unless under advisement by a qualified medical professional.
Do not use essential oils undiluted on the skin. It is always best to try a small patch test first of the diluted essential oil.
People who are pregnant or have serious medical problems are advised to consult with a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using essential oils.
Use extreme caution when using essential oils with children. It is safest to consult with a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using essential oils with children.

General Disclaimer
The product information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only. The information provided is not considered to be complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate. The information contained in this website is not intended to be sufficient to provide diagnosis and/or treatment of medical conditions. It is recommended that treatment of serious health conditions be done with the help of a trained qualified medical practitioner.