PURIPHARM CO. LTD.
NanoActive™ Xantho
The Multi-Pathway Hop Bioactive for Skin & Scalp Longevity
INCI NAME — HUMULUS LUPULUS EXTRACT
Powered by PURISOME® Liposome Delivery Technology
XANTHOHUMOL · C21H22O5 · A PRENYLATED CHALCONE FROM HUMULUS LUPULUS
02 · POSITIONING
More Than a Botanical Antioxidant
From Hops to High-Performance Beauty Science
Xanthohumol is a prenylated chalcone naturally present in hops (Humulus lupulus L.) that connects several major biological pathways underlying visible skin aging, uneven tone, redness, blemish-prone skin and scalp stress.
NanoActive™ Xantho brings this multi-pathway biology into modern cosmetic formulation through advanced liposome delivery.
01｜Oxidative Defense:multi-ROS and singlet-oxygen quenching capacity
02｜Inflammation Control:modulation of NF-κB-driven inflammatory signaling
03｜Tone Optimization:keratinocyte–melanocyte stress communication
04｜Matrix Preservation:MMP and elastase inhibition, structural protein support
05｜Blemish Ecosystem Support:microbial, oxidative and inflammatory balance
06｜Scalp Homeostasis:a healthier foundation for scalp and hair
03 · PRODUCT PROFILE
NanoActive™ Xantho at a Glance
A Clean Technical Profile — Confirmed Information Only
Item：Product
Confirmed information：NanoActive™ Xantho
Item：INCI name
Confirmed information：HUMULUS LUPULUS EXTRACT
Item：Botanical source
Confirmed information：Humulus lupulus L.
Item：Signature bioactive
Confirmed information：Xanthohumol
Item：Bioactive family
Confirmed information：Prenylated chalcones
Item：Technology platform
Confirmed information：NanoActive™ · PURISOME® Liposome Delivery
Item：Application fields
Confirmed information：Skin Care + Scalp & Hair Care
Core Cosmetic Positioning
Antioxidant · Soothing · Tone-Evening · Anti-Aging · Blemish Care · Scalp Care
One botanical molecule. Multiple interconnected pathways of skin and scalp aging.
04 · THE MOLECULE
Xanthohumol: A Distinctive Prenylated Chalcone
Botanical Origin. Molecular Precision.
Xanthohumol combines the radical-scavenging chemistry of a polyphenol with a prenylated molecular architecture that supports interactions with lipid-rich biological environments.
Prenyl side chain: affinity for lipid-rich biological environments. Polyphenolic chalcone core: radical-scavenging chemistry.
Humulus lupulus L.: the cone of the hop plant, a natural reservoir of prenylated chalcones.
Reported Biological Activities
Reported biological activity：Antioxidant
Description：Multi-ROS defense
Reported biological activity：Antimicrobial
Description：Broad Gram-positive activity
Reported biological activity：Anti-inflammatory
Description：NF-κB pathway modulation
Reported biological activity：Pigmentation-modulating
Description：Multi-level tone pathways
Reported biological activity：ECM-protective
Description：MMP and elastase inhibition
Kołodziejczak A, et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25:11938. · Oledzka E. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25:3398.
05 · DELIVERY SCIENCE
Why Advanced Delivery Matters
Great biology meets a formulation challenge: NanoActive™ technology translates a lipophilic botanical active into a formulation-friendly format.
PURISOME® liposome concept—xanthohumol positioned within the phospholipid bilayer
Native xanthohumol：Highly lipophilic chalcone
NanoActive™ Xantho：Liposome-based incorporation strategy
Native xanthohumol：Poor aqueous solubility
NanoActive™ Xantho：Improved dispersion concept
Native xanthohumol：Challenging dispersion in water-rich cosmetic systems
NanoActive™ Xantho：Protection within a lipid-compatible microenvironment
Native xanthohumol：Delivery depends strongly on formulation environment
NanoActive™ Xantho：Designed for modern skin and scalp formulations
Native xanthohumol：—
NanoActive™ Xantho：A rational route to unlock a hydrophobic botanical active
Published research has investigated xanthohumol delivery using nanoliposomes, nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, microemulsions and other nanocarrier systems. Liposome-based delivery is a rational formulation strategy for sophisticated skin and scalp care systems.
Oledzka E. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25:3398. · Khatib N, et al. J Food Process Preserv. 2019;43:e14075. · Harish V, et al. Pharmaceutics. 2022;14:2403.
06 · MECHANISM MAP
One Active, Multiple Beauty Pathways
A Systems Approach to Skin & Scalp Longevity
A systems approach to skin and scalp longevity
Pathway：ROS / singlet oxygen
Reported direction：Quenched ↓
Pathway：NF-κB inflammatory signaling
Reported direction：Modulated ↓
Pathway：GM-CSF / melanocyte activation
Reported direction：Suppressed ↓
Pathway：MMPs + elastase
Reported direction：Inhibited ↓
Pathway：Collagen · elastin · fibrillin
Reported direction：Supported ↑
Pathway：Acne-associated microbial pressure
Reported direction：Reduced ↓
Visible Outcomes
More resilient-looking skin · reduced appearance of redness · more even-looking tone · firmer, smoother appearance · blemish-prone skin support · healthier scalp environment.
07 · ANTIOXIDANT EVIDENCE
Antioxidant Performance Beyond Conventional Benchmarks
Exceptional Defense Against Multiple Reactive Oxygen Species
Total ORAC — Published Assay
Total ORAC: xanthohumol 4.20, green tea catechin reference 4.20, vitamin C 1.40, vitamin E 0.75
Xanthohumol delivered approximately 3× the total ORAC value of vitamin C and more than 5× that of vitamin E in this assay system.
Singlet Oxygen Absorbance Capacity — SOAC
SOAC sample：Xanthohumol
Vitamin E equivalents：14.1
SOAC sample：Green tea catechin reference
Vitamin E equivalents：1.8
SOAC sample：Vitamin E
Vitamin E equivalents：1.0
Why Singlet Oxygen Matters
Lipid oxidation · squalene peroxidation · photo-oxidative stress · inflammatory amplification · visible aging.
Yamaguchi N, Satoh-Yamaguchi K, Ono M. Phytomedicine. 2009;16:369–376. DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2008.12.021.
08 · INFLAMMATION CONTROL
Breaking the Oxidative–Inflammatory Loop
Calm the Signals That Accelerate Visible Aging
Xanthohumol—Interrupts the Cascade
Environmental / UV stress→ROS generation→TLR4 / MD2—NF-κB activation
→TNF-α · IL-1β · IL-6 · IL-12 · NO→Redness · irritation · ECM degradation · uneven appearance
Published Evidence
Suppression of NF-κB-related inflammatory signaling; reduced IL-12 production; reduced nitric oxide production; modulation of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 signaling; and reduced chronic inflammatory response in experimental skin models.
Designed to help move stressed skin from inflammatory reactivity toward visible equilibrium.
Cho Y-C, et al. Int Immunopharmacol. 2010;10:556–561. · Philips N, et al. Anti-Inflamm Anti-Allergy Agents Med Chem. 2010;9:142–149. · Kołodziejczak A, et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25:11938.
09 · TONE SCIENCE｜GM-CSF
Interrupting Keratinocyte-to-Melanocyte Stress Signaling
GM-CSF—A Distinctive Skin-Stress Target
UV and chemical stress activate epidermal keratinocytes→Stressed keratinocytes release GM-CSF→Melanocyte activation and stress-associated pigmentation signaling
Reduction of Stress-Induced GM-CSF Release—In Vitro
PMA-induced stress −48%; UVB-induced stress −21%
Stress model：PMA-induced stress
With xanthohumol：52% of control, a 48% reduction
Positive-control context：57% reduction
Stress model：UVB-induced stress
With xanthohumol：79% of control, a 21% reduction
Positive-control context：45% reduction
Targeting the communication between stressed keratinocytes and melanocytes.
Patent-reported keratinocyte data: WO2010044076.
10 · TONE SCIENCE｜EX VIVO
Ex Vivo Human Skin: Keeping the UV Stress Signal Near Baseline
A Compelling Keratinocyte–Melanocyte Story
Study element：Model
Detail：Human skin explants
Study element：Donor panel
Detail：n=6 donors
Study element：Skin phototype
Detail：Phototype III
Study element：Stress induction
Detail：UVA + UVB challenge
Active melanocytes: baseline 5.6, UVAB 10.5, UVAB + xanthohumol approximately basal
Endpoint：GM-CSF release
Baseline：5.35 pg/mL
UVAB：approximately 4× baseline
UVAB + xanthohumol：6.95 pg/mL
Endpoint：Active melanocytes
Baseline：5.6
UVAB：10.5
UVAB + xanthohumol：approximately basal
Xanthohumol helped disconnect UV stress from melanocyte activation.
Patent-reported ex vivo human skin data: WO2010044076.
11 · TONE SCIENCE｜MULTI-LEVEL
More Than Tyrosinase: Multi-Level Tone Optimization
Target Pigmentation Across the Epidermal Signaling Network
01｜Signal—GM-CSF stress-signal control:reduced keratinocyte-driven melanocyte activation following UV stress
02｜Synthesis—melanogenic enzyme modulation:published mushroom tyrosinase studies demonstrate potent inhibition of L-tyrosine and L-DOPA oxidation
03｜Transfer—reduced melanocyte dendricity:reported decrease in dendrite number and length, potentially reducing pigment transfer
04｜Clearance—melanosome clearance:published cell studies indicate enhanced melanosome degradation in keratinocytes
From pigment signaling to pigment transfer and clearance—a multi-level approach to visible tone uniformity.
Goenka S, Simon SR. Biochem Biophys Rep. 2021;26:100955. · Kołodziejczak A, et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25:11938. · WO2010044076.
12 · HUMAN EVIDENCE
Human Use Data: Visible Tone Evening in 8 Weeks
Patent-Reported Human Cosmetic Study
Study Design
25 female subjects; mean age 34.1 ± 6.1 years; phototypes III–IV; twice-daily application for 8 weeks; test cream containing 3% P1 xanthohumol preparation, equivalent to 22.5 ppm xanthohumol. Measurements included L*, ITA°, redness a* and pigmented-spot morphology.
Result：Objective brightness / ITA° criteria
Finding：68–72% of subjects demonstrated improvement after 8 weeks
Result：Pigmented spot area
Finding：−12.6% after 8 weeks
Result：Visible redness
Finding：Significantly reduced after 8 weeks
Visible tone uniformity backed by human cosmetic-use data.
Patent-reported human-use data: WO2010044076. Not proprietary NanoActive™ Xantho clinical testing.
13 · MATRIX LONGEVITY
Defending the Youthful Extracellular Matrix
Protect What Gives Skin Its Strength and Elasticity
Matrix Synthesis ⇌ Matrix Degradation
Slows degradation：Inhibits MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-8, MMP-9 and elastase
Supports structural renewal：Published fibroblast data report increased biosynthesis of collagen I, III and V, elastin, fibrillin-1 and fibrillin-2
Slows degradation：MMP-1 inhibition: 91% at 100 µg/mL MMP-8 inhibition: 99% at 100 µg/mL
Supports structural renewal：Structural proteins associated with skin strength and elasticity
Slows degradation：Reported IC50: MMP-1 20.5 µg/mL; MMP-8 16.8 µg/mL
Supports structural renewal：—
Dual-action matrix strategy—slow degradation while supporting structural renewal.
Yamaguchi N, et al. Phytomedicine. 2009;16:369–376. · Philips N, et al. J Cosmet Sci. 2010;61:125–132.
14 · BLEMISH CARE
A Multi-Target Active for Blemish-Prone Skin
Beyond Antibacterial: Rebalancing the Blemish Ecosystem
Target：Microbial pressure
Direction：Acne-associated bacteria ↓
Target：Oxidative stress
Direction：ROS and singlet oxygen ↓
Target：Inflammatory signaling
Direction：COX-2 / PGE2 / IL-1β / TNF-α-associated pathways ↓
Target：Matrix stress
Direction：MMP-driven collagen degradation ↓
Published MIC Values—µg/mL
MIC values: C. acnes 3 µg/mL; S. aureus 1; S. epidermidis 3; S. pyogenes 1
Organism：C. acnes
Published MIC, µg/mL：3
Organism：S. aureus
Published MIC, µg/mL：1
Organism：S. epidermidis
Published MIC, µg/mL：3
Organism：S. pyogenes
Published MIC, µg/mL：1
Cutibacterium acnes was reported as Propionibacterium acnes in the original study.
Antioxidant + antimicrobial + inflammation-modulating + matrix-protective activity in one botanical platform.
Yamaguchi N, et al. Phytomedicine. 2009;16:369–376.
15 · SCALP & HAIR CARE
Scalp-First Hair Care
Healthy-Looking Hair Starts with Scalp Homeostasis
Scalp and follicular microenvironment—oxidative, sebum and microbial stress signals
01｜Oxidative-Stress Defense:helps counter environmental and photo-oxidative stress affecting the scalp
02｜Scalp Comfort:supports modulation of inflammatory signaling associated with visible redness and discomfort
03｜Sebum Environment Support:hop and xanthohumol literature supports sebum-conscious cosmetic concepts
04｜Microbial-Balance-Oriented Care:broad activity against relevant Gram-positive microorganisms supports scalp-purifying concepts
05｜Follicular Environment Protection:helps maintain a healthier biochemical environment around the scalp and follicular opening
A scalp-first active for stronger skin foundations and healthier-looking hair.
WO2010044076 describes topical xanthohumol applications for improving the overall condition of skin and scalp.
16 · APPLICATIONS
Formulation & Application Opportunities
From High-Performance Facial Care to Advanced Scalp Systems
Skin Care：Antioxidant serums; tone-evening essences; anti-aging concentrates
Scalp & Hair Care：Scalp serums; scalp tonics; scalp essences
Skin Care：Blemish-prone skin serums; post-stress soothing products; redness-care formulations
Scalp & Hair Care：Sebum-conscious scalp care; sensitive-scalp formulas; anti-pollution scalp care
Skin Care：Urban defense / anti-pollution care; after-sun skin care
Scalp & Hair Care：Premium shampoos; conditioners; leave-on scalp treatments
Skin Care：Eye and facial care; premium night-repair products
Scalp & Hair Care：Hair-density appearance support concepts*
*Based on scalp health.
Suitable for development across sophisticated leave-on and rinse-off skin and scalp formats.
17 · THE NANOACTIVE™ XANTHO ADVANTAGE
One Active. Six Strategic Beauty Territories.
01｜Antioxidant Shield:multi-ROS and singlet-oxygen defense
02｜Redness & Comfort:multi-pathway inflammatory-signaling modulation
03｜Even-Tone Science:GM-CSF, melanocyte activation, pigment transport and melanosome pathways
04｜Matrix Longevity:MMP / elastase inhibition plus structural-protein support
05｜Blemish Ecosystem:antimicrobial, antioxidant, inflammatory and matrix approach
06｜Scalp Homeostasis:oxidative, inflammatory, sebum and microbial-environment support
Multi-Pathway Botanical Intelligence, Delivered by Liposome Science.
NanoActive™ Xantho transforms the biological versatility of hop-derived xanthohumol into a modern active platform for next-generation skin and scalp care.
18 · EVIDENCE BASE
Selected Scientific References
Human & Ex Vivo Evidence · Primary Mechanistic Data · High-Quality Reviews
01｜Yamaguchi N, Satoh-Yamaguchi K, Ono M. In vitro evaluation of antibacterial, anticollagenase, and antioxidant activities of hop components addressing acne vulgaris.Phytomedicine.2009;16:369–376. DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2008.12.021.
02｜Philips N, Samuel M, Arena R, et al. Direct inhibition of elastase and matrix metalloproteinases and stimulation of biosynthesis of fibrillar collagens, elastin, and fibrillins by xanthohumol.J Cosmet Sci.2010;61:125–132.
03｜Cho YC, You SK, Kim HJ, et al. Xanthohumol inhibits IL-12 production and reduces chronic allergic contact dermatitis.Int Immunopharmacol.2010;10:556–561.
04｜Goenka S, Simon SR. Depigmenting effect of xanthohumol from hop extract in MNT-1 human melanoma cells and normal human melanocytes.Biochem Biophys Rep.2021;26:100955.
05｜Kołodziejczak A, Dziedzic M, Algiert-Zielińska B, et al. A Novel Look at Mechanisms and Applications of Xanthohumol in Dermatology and Cosmetology.Int J Mol Sci.2024;25:11938. DOI: 10.3390/ijms252211938.
06｜Oledzka E. Xanthohumol—A Miracle Molecule with Biological Activities: A Review of Biodegradable Polymeric Carriers and Naturally Derived Compounds for Its Delivery.Int J Mol Sci.2024;25:3398. DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063398.
07｜Gerhäuser C. Broad spectrum antiinfective potential of xanthohumol from hop in comparison with activities of other hop constituents and metabolites.Mol Nutr Food Res.2005;49:827–831.
08｜WO2010044076. Cosmetic and topical uses of xanthohumol, including skin brightening, reduction of skin redness and GM-CSF-related mechanisms.
Evidence hierarchy: human / ex vivo cosmetic evidence → primary peer-reviewed mechanistic data → high-quality scientific reviews.