• Brazilian researchers found that extract from used brewing hops more than tripled a sunscreen’s measured SPF in lab tests, jumping from about 54 to 178 when mixed with water.
  • Discarded hop material from a technique called dry-hopping retains an estimated 85% of the plant’s beneficial compounds, and was the only source to contain a xanthohumol-related compound linked to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Hop extracts boosted UVB protection significantly but did not improve UVA protection, meaning they work as a helper ingredient rather than a replacement for standard UV filters.
  • All results came from lab testing on plastic plates, not human skin, and the researchers say further studies are needed before this approach could reach consumers.