Witch Hazel is generally recommended for all skin types but those that suffer from oily, combination, and acne-prone skin can all benefit greatly from introducing an alcohol free witch hazel toner to their routine.
The Bottom Line. Overall, witch hazel is safe for your skin. It all depends on your skin type, the amount you use and what you're actually using the ingredient for. But witch hazel should always be used in moderation.
Go alcohol-free: Witch hazel is typically extracted with alcohol to create an astringent toner; however, “if the alcohol content is too high for your skin, it will dry out or cause disruption to the skin's barrier function,” says Dr. Longwill.
Along with its anti-inflammatory properties, you can use Witch Hazel as a mild disinfectant for cuts or scrapes thanks to the natural grain alcohol that appears in most brands you can buy over the counter! The presence of this natural alcohol is one reason Witch Hazel is a more gentle astringent than rubbing alcohol.
Though witch hazel may improve oily skin initially, Dr. Chwalek cautions that the ingredient could damage the barrier function of skin over time if used in excess. Also, she explains that one of the antioxidant components of witch hazel includes naturally occurring polyphenols, or tannins, which can over-dry the skin.
Distilled Witch Hazel (Alcohol-Free)
This is the alcohol-free product, we also sell a version with alcohol which is better for blending oils or for use in cosmetics. Witch Hazel has so many uses, it's perfect for any first aid kit or cosmetics cupboard: Reduces swelling. Reduces red inflammation of the skin.
Dermatologists give the toner their seal of approval
"Witch hazel is a botanical ingredient used in skin care for its astringent effects on the skin," he said. "It can effectively remove oil from the skin to improve shine and minimize the appearance of pores, and may help soothe inflammation."
According to Dr. Maryam Zamani, “In the long run, they can enlarge pores and increase greasiness, so avoid products containing any type of alcohol if you have an oily skin type or acne-prone skin… Ethanol in toners can also be quite drying for sensitive skin types, so watch out for that, too.
Witch hazel can remove oil from the skin, but that's due to the denatured alcohol (ethanol) it contains. Recall that most of the witch hazel preparations contain between 14% and 15% alcohol, an amount that can significantly irritate skin.
Witch hazel can be used on its own or found within skin care products such as toners. While it can't cure acne on its own, it can dry up oil and shrink blemishes in addition to relieving symptoms such as inflammation, redness and irritation. Witch hazel is easy to incorporate into your skin care routine.
Alcohol Free Witch Hazel Distillates (or Witch Hazel extracts) are clear, colorless botanical extracts prepared from the recently cut and partially dried, dormant twigs of the Hamamelis virginiana Linn plant. These distillates offer a variety of benefits for skin and personal care applications.
The high concentration of tannins in the product makes it a great natural astringent, removing excess oil and shrinking pores. From bruises to pigmentation to redness, witch hazel works from the inside out to heal underlying damage and broken skin, and fade dark spots.
Witch Hazel is defined as the following: “Witch Hazel Extract (Witch Hazel) is a clear, colorless distillate prepared from recently cut and partially dried dormant twigs of Hamamelis virginiana Linné,” containing natural oils and 14% Alcohol.
An alcohol-free toner is much more gentle, and will allow the surface of your skin to heal. A toner that's alcohol-free will also allow you to balance the pH levels of your skin with more ease. You can achieve a normalized skin pH level using a toner. Have balanced pH levels decreases the likelihood of skin irritation.
Toners for sensitive skin should always be alcohol-free. Dermatologists agree certain ingredients are irritating to sensitive skin and may cause problems. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is one such ingredient added to cleansers and bar soaps.
Alcohol-free toners are considered to be gentler on the skin than their alcohol-containing counterparts, which helps reduce the risk of redness and inflammation. This is particularly beneficial for people with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Thayers Witch Hazel Toner features a formula that includes certified organic aloe vera, glycerin, and is alcohol-free. This means that it's gentle and hydrating for dry skin, which gives you the ability to enjoy all the benefits of this type of product without worrying about excess dryness.
Studies show that allergic reactions to witch hazel are rare. 1 Healthcare providers consider witch hazel safe when applied to the skin, but not when swallowed. Ingesting witch hazel can cause problems like nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.
Witch hazel contains several antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, including gallic acid and tannins. When applied topically to the skin, witch hazel can reduce redness, soothe the skin, and treat sunburns. Witch hazel soothes irritation and itchiness.
While a witch hazel hydrosol will still have some of the soothing and toning qualities, an extract that has been double-distilled will provide a more complete spectrum of beneficial compounds. This is why we favor our witch hazel extract for a wide variety of topical uses.
Witch hazel, derived from flowering plants in the Hamamelidaceae family, is a great natural alternative to rubbing alcohol. It is an effective astringent, can prevent dehydration, and even reduce the swelling and irritation of inflamed skin.
Yes, witch hazel is good and can provide excellent benefits to any skin type when used correctly as part of a daily routine. Witch Hazel is the hero ingredient in facial toners because it does an excellent job at removing excess sebum without being harsh enough to strip the skin of its natural oils.
Evens Skin Tone & Helps Heal Bruises
Including witch hazel in your cleanser can help keep your skin clear and smooth without drying it out. It can also help even out your skin tone. “Witch hazel is known to treat blemishes on the face and the entire body,” says Matles.
Shari Sperling says witch hazel can actually help with a number of skin ailments. Among the long list of benefits? Relieving inflammation and redness, calming eczema, acne and psoriasis, assisting in shrinking pores, and even reducing puffiness and brightening skin.