Witch Hazel For Skin: The Ingredient That Will Bewitch Your Skincare Routine

If you're looking for an ingredient to add some excitement to your skincare routine, look no further than witch hazel! This powerful extract has a bevy of benefits for the skin, including reducing inflammation, toning and tightening pores, and fighting acne. 

Read on to learn more about this "wonder" ingredient and how to incorporate it into your skincare routine.

What is witch hazel for skin care?

Witch hazel is an amazing little plant that is native to North America and has been used in general health for centuries. This plant is all the rage in the skincare world because it is a natural astringent and has anti-inflammatory properties that work wonders for most skin types, but it is especially beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin.

Pros & Cons of using witch hazel ingredients

Pros

• Witch hazel is a natural astringent. This means that it can help to tighten pores and tone skin.
• It is an anti-inflammatory so it reduces redness and swelling.
• It is an antimicrobial that can kill bacteria and fungi on the skin.

• Helps to shield the skin from the harm provoked by free radicals.

Cons

• Drying: Because witch hazel is a natural astringent, it can dry out your skin if used too frequently or in high concentrations. 

• Not suitable for all skin types: While witch hazel is generally safe for most skin types, those with very sensitive or dry skin should avoid using it.

Witch Hazel Ingredients Specifications

Clean

Witch hazel for skin is considered to be a clean and safe ingredient that has many benefits for acne-prone and oily skin. 

Vegan

Yes, witch hazel for skin is vegan-friendly! The main ingredient in witch hazel, hamamelis virginiana, is a plant extract. This means that it does not contain any animal products or by-products.

Pregnancy safe

Witch hazel is pregnancy-safe so it can be used topically without risks while expecting. Moreover, the properties of this ingredient can soothe the inflammation related to pregnancy. 

Nevertheless, it is always good to consult with your doctor before using witch hazel skincare products

Breastfeeding safe

Witch hazel is generally considered safe for use by breastfeeding mothers. However, it's always best to speak with your doctor before using any new products while breastfeeding.

Active ingredient

Since it has many benefits, witch hazel is considered an active ingredient in most skincare products. 

Comedogenic

It is non-comedogenic. In fact, it's often praised for its ability to help control oil and breakouts. 

EWG (Environment Working Group) Score 

The witch hazel plant itself has an EWG score of 0, which means it is considered safe for use in cosmetics and skincare products.

CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) Rating: A

The witch hazel CIR panel concluded that witch hazel is safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products, so its rating is A. 

PRECAUTIONS: Things to know before using this ingredient 

Witch hazel is one of the trendiest ingredients right now, but with this fame comes a lot of misinformation. Here’s what you need to know about witch hazel for skin: 

When to use witch hazel?

You can use witch hazel twice a day, however, it is important to remember that it is a drying ingredient. Therefore, you should always use moisturizer after applying it to the skin. 

What skin type is witch hazel good for?

Witch hazel is good for normal, oily, acne-prone skin. It can be irritating and drying on sensitive and dry skin. 

What you can’t mix with witch hazel?

• Alcohol: witch hazel is already quite drying, so adding alcohol to the mix will only amplify this effect. 
• Other drying ingredients: if you have oily skin, you may be tempted to add other drying ingredients to your witch hazel mixture, but this will only further irritate the skin. Stick to using witch hazel on its own or diluted with water for best results.

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FAQ’s

You have a lot of questions about how to use witch hazel for skin. We have the answers!

Is witch hazel good for oily skin?

There are many benefits of using witch hazel for acne and oily skin. Witch hazel is good for oily skin because it helps to control sebum production and prevents your skin from looking greasy and developing acne. 

Can I use witch hazel twice a day? 

Yes, but always accompanied by a moisturizer since it can dry out your skin. 

Does witch hazel help close pores?

Witch hazel also has astringent properties, which means it can help to shrink pores and tighten the skin. This makes it a great choice for people who are struggling with large pores

What are the side effects?

While witch hazel is generally safe for most people, there are a few potential side effects that you should be aware of. These include:

• Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to witch hazel and experience itching, swelling, or redness when they use it. 

• Dry skin: witch hazel can be drying to the skin if used too often and without a moisturizer

• Irritation: witch hazel may irritate sensitive skin. If you notice any irritation, stop using witch hazel and see a doctor.