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Is witch hazel safe for skin? Whether you are just surfing the internet or walking down the drugstore, you must have come across the popular Dr Thayer’s Alcohol-free Witch Hazel Facial Toner. If you have not, then read on. You are in for an exciting read about witch hazel.
There is a lot of speculation about the safety of witch hazel for the skin. Some suggest not to use it for skin, like the popular Paula’s Choice article. Others suggest it’s very good and has lots of skin benefits if used in moderation.
In this post, I will write about witch hazel is, its benefits and its safety. You be the verdict if witch hazel is safe after the end of the post.
Now let’s get to what Witch Hazel really is.
Table of Contents
What Is Witch Hazel?
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L) is native to North America. When it was discovered back then, it was used to treat almost everything from insect bites, healing wounds, painful tumours and ulcers.
Today, the bark and leaves are known for their astringent properties. As an astringent, it contracts skin cells together, causing vasoconstriction of the blood cells. Thus decreasing flushing and inflammation.
Also, witch hazel is very soothing by providing relief for sensitive skin. But is witch hazel safe for all skin types? Read on to find out.
Benefits Of Witch Hazel
1. Relieves Inflammation
Witch hazel is naturally a soothing ingredient when used in low concentrations. Due to the presence of tannins, it is effective in remedying skin irritation like those seen in diaper rash, eczema or blotchy skin. This is why many lotions or ointments include witch hazel as the key ingredient.
If you are treating skin irritation, it is best to dab witch hazel extract on a clean cotton pad and pat gently on the skin. If you are using a cream, apply the cream to your hand and apply it gently.
2. Tightens Pores
Since witch hazel is an astringent, it temporarily causes your skin to contract to give you that tight feeling. This eventually makes your pores appear smaller temporarily.
When using witch hazel to tighten pores, the first step is to cleanse your face first, then apply the witch hazel toner.
3. It Is An Antioxidant
The presence of tannins and polyphenols is responsible for its strong antioxidant effect. This eventually helps mitigate UV stressors and free radicals. Its effects on oxidation thereby reduce the signs of premature aging.
4. Reduce Excess Oil and Fights Acne
Because witch hazel is a natural astringent, it can get into your pores and sop up the oil deeply reducing the chance of acne. In addition, the presence of tannins in witch hazel help reduce the chance of bacteria growth on the skin.
To get the best out of witch hazel for acne, apply witch hazel after washing your skin by using a cotton pad to apply on your face.
Witch hazel can be very drying so it’s best to apply moisturizers afterwards.
5. Helps With Razor Bumps
Razor bumps are associated with skin irritation after shaving. This happens when there is too much friction between your skin and the razor, leaving behind ingrown hair and painful bumps.
Thanks to the tannins in witch hazel, it helps soothe inflammation and minimize the risk of developing razor bumps. Always apply witch hazel to your skin immediately after shaving to calm any irritation.
Is Witch Hazel Safe For Skin
This is the real question that we have all been pondering. Although witch hazel got so many benefits, its safety is questioned.
Witch hazel is great at soothing inflammation in sensitive skin but when used too much, it can cause dryness and irritation. If you have conditions like rosacea, eczema and you notice dryness and irritation, you should stop immediately as it can damage your skin barrier
If your skin barrier is damaged in the process, you can read this post “Ways to repair a damaged skin barrier function“. I have highlighted tips to heal a damaged skin barrier. In addition, you can use moisturizers like Cerave or Eucerin. These moisturizers are simple to restore lost hydration.
To test if witch hazel is right for you, apply a tiny pinch on your arm. Leave for hours and see if your skin reacts before applying to your face.
Best Witch Hazel In Skincare
If you are looking for a simple toner that is well priced and gets the job done, it’s this toner. It is not drying and can be used under your makeup.
Who knew Rihanna is into witch hazel in her skincare line? It is two in one; a toner and a serum. It hydrates and evens out skin tone thanks to the presence of Niacinamide, cherry and cactus flowers.
Who said you cannot use witch hazel for dry skin? Belif witch hazel is specially made with hydrating yet soothing for dry and dehydrated skin. It is not your typical cleansing toner, it is hydrating toner.
So if you have dry skin and want to use a toner with witch hazel, choose this! It works like magic.
The classic witch hazel toner. I am sure you must have heard about this popular toner. It is simple yet effective, it leaves your skin soft and well hydrated.
If you are scared of using toners, start with this one.
This product is affordable, smells good and make your skin soft. Thanks to the presence of hyaluronic acid, it hydrates your skin.
Conclusion
Witch hazel is an amazing natural ingredient. If you have dry or sensitive skin, it is important to do a patch test before applying it to your skin. Witch hazel naturally soothes the skin when used in moderation which sensitive skin may still benefit from but it has to be used in moderation. Whether witch hazel is safe for the skin depends on how much you use it.
I was not aware of this substance and it’s many natural benefits. I always learn so many new things on your blog. You are doing an amazing job!
Thank you so much Eri, this means a lot 🥰
Witch hazel is amazing!! Thank you for all the information on it, great post!
Thank you for reading 🥰
Ooh this was a really interesting read! I hadn’t heard of witch hazel before but it sounds like a great product when used sparingly, I’ll have to give it a go. I do have sensitive skin though so I’ll be sure to do a patch test! Thank you so much for sharing x
This was so informative about witch hazel. It sounds like it is a great ingredient to look out for. Thank you for your sharing this post.
Lauren – bournemouthgirl
I once used a product made from Witch hazel. At first it was good when I first try it. But later it made my skin itchy. So I stopped using it. I don’t think witch hazel is good for me. Thank you for sharing.
Oh great… so glad you found that Witch Hazel isn’t for you. Different people react differently to certain skin ingredients
I’ve always been very wary of witch hazel. When I was younger, everyone recommended strong, oil-stripping products for my skin because I dealt with severe acne. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found that the best way to “fight” acne has actually been to increase oil production rather than stripping my skin of oils, because the more I dried things out, the more oil my skin produced to try and fight what I was doing – causing additional acne! Needless to say, when I do use witch hazel, it’s always in very small amounts and I pair it with products that are incredibly hydrating, along with facial oils!
Yes, stripping skin oil actually cause dryness and irritation. However, if used sparingly, it is beneficial for acne-prone skin alongside non-comedogenic moisturizers. I’m glad you found the best way to care for your skin
I haven’t used witch hazel for years although I used to when I was a teenager to help control oil production and spots. I think you’re absolutely right, it’s not for everyone, and the importance of patch testing can’t be overstated. Very helpful article, thank you.
Yes, witch hazel is really not for everyone. Thanks for reading and commenting
I tried witch hazel for my oily and acne-prone skin once, but it did not seem to work for me. It did not cause me to break out, nor did it irritate my skin, but it did not cause any improvements either. I do have a cleanser that has witch hazel in it, however, that has been working very well for me, so I loved reading about the different ways witch hazel can be used and how it is included in creams and skincare products. 🙂
Honestly, witch hazel is just not for everyone. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I’m glad the cleanser works for you
I didn’t know much about witch hazel before reading this post. Thanks so much for sharing all about it!
Super glad to share, thanks for reading
I have somewhat oily and acne prone skin, so witch hazel sounds like the perfect ingredient for me x
You have some great options here and I have yet to try witch hazel so I am definitely going to do so. I have very sensitive skin so I am always worried about introducing a new ingredient in my skincare routine.
Thanks Simona, if you have very sensitive skin, I suggest you start with something more mild like Niacinamide. Or patch test first before introducing Witch Hazel to your skin. Thank you so much for reading 🥰🥰
I used to use witch hazel but stopped to try tee tree products. After reading this post, I think I need to try it again. Thank you for sharing this post.