Common Name(s): Xanthohumol,xanthohumol,hop chalcone,prenylated polyphenol anti-aging
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides prenylated chalcone antioxidant activity, anti-glycation of skin proteins, mild phytoestrogenic er-beta activity, and anti-proliferative activity for anti-aging and barrier normalisation.
Why It's Used: Xanthohumol is selected for its uniquely prenylated chalcone scaffold — the c8-prenyl group provides enhanced membrane affinity and cellular uptake compared to non-prenylated flavonoids, while the chalcone open ring provides superior radical scavenging geometry and anti-glycation carbonyl trapping.
How It Works: Xanthohumol: chalcone enone → radical scavenging + michael acceptor for age carbonyl trapping; prenyl group → membrane partitioning + cellular uptake; er-beta agonism → mild phytoestrogenic anti-aging.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging,antioxidant,brightening
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Xanthohumol is the precursor to the phytoestrogen 8-prenylnaringenin (the most potent known phytoestrogen) — conversion occurs in the gut but also potentially at the skin surface.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,xanthohumol hop chalcone prenylated polyphenol review