Witch Hazel

The distilled water of a North American shrub, a toner staple for its fresh feel — it can help calm the look of redness, though the effect is modest and depends on the formula around it.

On a label you may see
Hamamelis virginiana water, Hamamelis virginiana leaf water, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract, Hamamelis virginiana bark/leaf extract, Witch hazel water and Witch hazel extract

Last reviewed September 10, 2026 · 59 sources, 29 of them regulators or official bodies · how we check this

Best time
Morning or evening
How often
Daily
Strength
Gentle
Sun sensitivity
None

Where to apply

All over the face

Never in your eyes or on your lips.

What does Witch Hazel do?#

A toner ingredient from witch hazel — Hamamelis virginiana, a North American shrub. The version in most toners is a distilled water of its twigs and leaves; it leaves skin feeling fresh and can help calm the look of redness.

Benefits

  • Leaves skin feeling fresh and clean — the classic toner finish
  • Can help calm the look of redness, though the effect is modest and depends on the formula it sits in
  • Fine to use every day, morning or evening, with no easing-in period
  • The independent safety review rates it safe as used in cosmetics, provided the product is formulated not to irritate or sensitise skin

How it works

Most witch hazel in skincare is a distilled water: the twigs and leaves are steam-distilled, the water carries over a small amount of the plant's aromatic oils, and alcohol is usually added — the tannins the plant is known for stay behind in the still. Extracts of the leaf or bark are a different material that keeps them. In controlled studies on volunteers, lotions made with the distilled water reduced the look of redness slightly more than the same lotion without it in some tests and made no difference in another, and how much it does depends heavily on the lotion it is in.

What to expect

Most people have no break-in phase. A brief sting or warm feeling when it goes on is common with witch hazel toners.

How to use Witch Hazel#

  • Best time

    Morning or evening — nothing in the record restricts it to one end of the day, and it does not make skin more sensitive to daylight.

  • Where it goes

    Most often in a toner, after cleansing and before a serum or moisturiser. It also turns up in creams and lotions, where it goes wherever that product goes.

  • Where to apply

    All over the face. Keep it out of the eyes themselves — if it gets in, rinse with water.

  • How to apply

    However the product is designed to be used. Daily is fine, and there is no easing-in period.

  • Alongside others

    With a retinol or retinal product, use them at different times of day — a witch hazel toner can add to the dryness and sting those products bring. Nothing else in the catalog is flagged against it.

  • What to expect

    Most people have no break-in phase. A brief sting or warm feeling as it goes on is common with witch hazel toners.

  • What to look for

    Witch hazel water and witch hazel extract are different materials. The water is steam-distilled from the twigs and leaves: a little of the plant's aromatic oil comes over, the tannins stay behind in the still, and alcohol is usually added. Leaf and bark extracts keep the tannins. If your skin is dry or stings easily, check the label for alcohol and look for a lower-alcohol formula. Witch hazel flower water is a fragrance ingredient.

  • If it doesn't suit

    If the sting lingers, or your skin turns red or itchy, rinse it off and stop using it — allergic reactions to witch hazel are rare but documented, and one that happens is a reason to avoid it from then on. If your skin is prone to redness, go carefully from the start: in surveys of people with easily flushed skin, witch hazel was one of the ingredients most often named as a trigger, alongside alcohol and fragrance.

Discontinue use if unexpected discomfort occurs.

The form you will see it in

Witch hazel toner

Where it goes
After cleansing

Using Witch Hazel with other ingredients

What not to use with Witch Hazel

Nothing flagged. None of the ingredients this wiki covers needs to be kept apart from Witch Hazel — check the label of anything not covered here.

Who should avoid Witch Hazel?#

Six situations change whether Witch Hazel suits your skin right now. Each one is either a reason to skip it, a reason to go slowly, or nothing to watch for.

Prone to Redness
Skip it
Maternity & Nursing
Go slowly
Fragile or Sensitive
Go slowly
Recent Facial or Laser
Go slowly
Dry or Itchy Patches
No caution
Recent Shave or Wax
No caution

Maternity & NursingIf you are pregnant or nursing, you may prefer to check with your healthcare provider before use.

Fragile or SensitiveUse it less often — or stop — if it feels uncomfortable, and keep it off skin that’s broken, cut or sunburned.

Recent Facial or LaserWait until your skin feels settled before reintroducing — typically 7 to 14 days after a facial or laser appointment.

Cosmetic strength limits for Witch Hazel where you live#

RegionMost a cosmetic may contain

No cosmetic regulator in the 20 markets above sets a maximum strength for witch hazel. That is the state of the rules, not a signal to use more: how much goes into a product is the formulator's decision.

Open a market to see the rulebook its figure comes from. Those notes describe each market's own rules as we read them, current to August 24, 2026; the linked documents are the authority, and nothing here is legal advice.

Sample products with Witch Hazel#

A few well-known products, not a full list — product names are each brand's own. We don't sell them — the shop prices them in US dollars and ships from Hong Kong, so delivery and duties come on top. It may not ship everywhere.

We may earn a small commission when you buy through these links.

Common questions about Witch Hazel#

What is Witch Hazel?

The distilled water of a North American shrub, a toner staple for its fresh feel — it can help calm the look of redness, though the effect is modest and depends on the formula around it.

What else is Witch Hazel called?

On a label you may see Hamamelis virginiana water, Hamamelis virginiana leaf water, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract, Hamamelis virginiana bark/leaf extract, Witch hazel water and Witch hazel extract.

When should you apply Witch Hazel?

Morning or evening. Morning or evening — nothing in the record restricts it to one end of the day, and it does not make skin more sensitive to daylight.

How often can you use Witch Hazel?

Daily.

Where do you apply Witch Hazel?

All over the face. Keep it away from your eyes and lips.

Can you use Witch Hazel around the eyes?

Yes. Witch Hazel goes all over the face, the skin around the eyes included — keep it out of your eyes and off your lips.

Does Witch Hazel make skin more sensitive to the sun?

No. Witch Hazel is not flagged as increasing sun sensitivity.

What should you not use with Witch Hazel?

Nothing flagged. None of the ingredients this wiki covers needs to be kept apart from Witch Hazel — check the label of anything not covered here.

Who should avoid Witch Hazel?

Skip it if any of these apply: Prone to Redness. Go slowly with Maternity & Nursing, Fragile or Sensitive and Recent Facial or Laser.

Is there a cosmetic limit for Witch Hazel?

No. No cosmetic regulator in the United States, Canada, the European Union or Great Britain sets a maximum strength for it. That is a limit on the rules, not a signal to use more.

How we check this#

Everything on this page traces to the sources listed below — regulators' own publications and published studies. Where the evidence does not answer a question, it is left unanswered.

Some sources below are medical studies. This ingredient has been studied in conditions a doctor treats, and the record cited here includes findings that did not favour it. We use those studies for their safety and handling detail only. A cosmetic product is not a medicine and is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any condition.

Some sources below are the official product information for prescription medicines, cited for how they interact with this ingredient. We use them for their safety and handling detail only. A cosmetic product is not one of those medicines and is not intended to treat any condition.

Our review is AI-assisted and is not a named expert's opinion. Last reviewed September 10, 2026.

Think something here is out of date or wrong? Email us at wiki@skinintelligence.ai with your reasoning and where you read it. We read what people send, and we update the page when the sources support it.

Regulators and official bodies · 29

  1. S1EMA HMPC. Community herbal monograph on Hamamelis virginiana L., folium et cortex aut ramunculus destillatum. EMA/HMPC/114584/2008, final, 12 Nov 2009.
  2. S2EMA HMPC. Community herbal monograph on Hamamelis virginiana L., cortex. EMA/HMPC/114583/2008 Corr. 1, rev. 6 Jun 2011 / 25 Sep 2019.
  3. S3EMA HMPC. Community herbal monograph on Hamamelis virginiana L., folium. EMA/HMPC/114586/2008, final, 12 Nov 2009.
  4. S4EMA HMPC Assessment report on Hamamelis virginiana L. (cortex, folium, distillate), 2010 (incl. Gloor et al. 2001 irritation models).
  5. S5Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety Assessment of Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics. Draft Final Report for Panel Review, 9 Feb 2018 (writer Lillian C. Becker; Panel: Bergfeld, Belsito, Hill, Klaassen, Liebler, Marks, Shank, Slaga, Snyder). Capture is the draft final; the cover memo records the tentative conclusion of Dec 2017 and that "no new data have been submitted" for the March 2018 final.
  6. S6CosIng. HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA WATER (details/34184).
  7. S7CosIng. HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA BARK/LEAF EXTRACT (details/82796).
  8. S821 CFR § 346.18 Astringent active ingredients (eCFR, current).
  9. S9FDA. OTC Monograph M015: Anorectal Drug Products for OTC Human Use (deemed final order, corrected 23 Feb 2022).
  10. S10FDA. OTC Monograph M016: Skin Protectant Drug Products for OTC Human Use (24 Sep 2021), § M016.12(c), § M016.50.
  11. S11Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops (hamamelis water BPC 12.5% v/v, naphazoline 0.01%). Summary of Product Characteristics, PL 00062/0024, text revised 12 Mar 2026. emc.
  12. S12Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, consolidated text, Annexes II–VI (EUR-Lex).
  13. S13Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as retained in GB law — Annex II, Annex III (legislation.gov.uk); SI 2019/696 Schedule 34.
  14. S14Health Canada. Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist (captures 2026-04-16 / 2026-04-19).
  15. S1521 CFR Part 700 Subpart B; FDA Prohibited & Restricted Ingredients in Cosmetics.
  16. S16National Rosacea Society. Rosacea Skin Care & Cosmetics; Factors that may trigger rosacea flare-ups; Coping with common triggers; Rosacea Review Summer 1997 survey.
  17. S39Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Final Report of the Safety Assessment of Kojic Acid as Used in Cosmetics (Burnett CL, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD, Liebler DC, Marks JG Jr, Shank RC, Slaga TJ, Snyder PW, Andersen FA) — case reports of compounded creams containing 74% witch hazel. (pre-existing).
  18. S40Fachinformation (SmPC) Hametum® Wund- und Heilsalbe, 6.25 g distillate/100 g, Zul.-Nr. 6402945.00.02, Dr. Willmar Schwabe, Nov 2019 — new.
  19. S41Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, consolidated 18 May 2026 (CELEX 02009R1223-20260518).
  20. S42Health Canada, Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist.
  21. S43SmPC Differin Gel and Differin Cream (adapalene 0.1%).
  22. S44US PI DIFFERIN (adapalene) gel, incl. FDA-approved patient information.
  23. S45US PI RETIN-A (tretinoin); tretinoin gel/cream (generic); RENOVA (tretinoin 0.02%).
  24. S46SmPC Treclin 1%/0.025% gel (clindamycin/tretinoin).
  25. S47SmPC Aklief 50 µg/g cream; US PI AKLIEF (trifarotene).
  26. S48US PI TAZORAC (tazarotene) cream.
  27. S49SmPC Roaccutane 10 mg; SmPC Isotretinoin 10 mg; US label isotretinoin capsules.
  28. S50SmPCs Lymecycline 408 mg, Tetralysal 300 mg, Efracea 40 mg.
  29. S59CIR, Safety Assessment of Kojic Acid (case report of a 74% witch hazel / 3% kojic acid compounded cream).

Studies and references · 30

  1. S17Korting HC, Schäfer-Korting M, Hart H, Laux P, Schmid M. Anti-inflammatory activity of hamamelis distillate applied topically to the skin. Influence of vehicle and dose. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1993;44(4):315-8. PMID 8513841.
  2. S18Korting HC, Schäfer-Korting M, Klövekorn W, Klövekorn G, Martin C, Laux P. Comparative efficacy of hamamelis distillate and hydrocortisone cream in atopic eczema. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1995;48(6):461-5. PMID 8582464.
  3. S19Hughes-Formella BJ, Bohnsack K, Rippke F, Benner G, Rudolph M, Tausch I, Gassmueller J. Anti-inflammatory effect of hamamelis lotion in a UVB erythema test. Dermatology 1998;196(3):316-22. PMID 9621139.
  4. S20Hughes-Formella BJ, Filbry A, Gassmueller J, Rippke F. Anti-inflammatory efficacy of topical preparations with 10% hamamelis distillate in a UV erythema test. Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol 2002;15(2):125-32. PMID 11867970.
  5. S21Beikert FC, Schönfeld BS, Frank U, Augustin M. [Antiinflammatory potential of seven plant extracts in the ultraviolet erythema test. A randomized, placebo-controlled study]. Hautarzt 2013;64(1):40-6. PMID 23337964.
  6. S22Wolff HH, Kieser M. Hamamelis in children with skin disorders and skin injuries: results of an observational study. Eur J Pediatr 2007;166(9):943-8. PMID 17177071.
  7. S23Deters A, Dauer A, Schnetz E, Fartasch M, Hensel A. High molecular compounds (polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins) from Hamamelis virginiana bark: influence on human skin keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and influence on irritated skin. Phytochemistry 2001;58(6):949-58. PMID 11684194.
  8. S24Gloor M, Reichling J, Wasik B, Holzgang HE. Antiseptic effect of a topical dermatological formulation that contains Hamamelis distillate and urea. Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd 2002;9(3):153-9. PMID 12119511.
  9. S25Thring TS, Hili P, Naughton DP. Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells. J Inflamm (Lond) 2011;8:27. PMID 21995704.
  10. S26Piazza S, Martinelli G, Vrhovsek U, Masuero D, Fumagalli M, Magnavacca A, Pozzoli C, Canilli L, Terno M, Angarano M, Dell'Agli M, Sangiovanni E. Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Acne Effects of Hamamelis virginiana Bark in Human Keratinocytes. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022. PMID 35740016.
  11. S27Piazza S, Martinelli G, Magnavacca A, Fumagalli M, Pozzoli C, Terno M, Canilli L, Angarano M, Maranta N, Dell'Agli M, Sangiovanni E. Unveiling the Ability of Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.) Bark Extract to Impair Keratinocyte Inflammatory Cascade Typical of Atopic Eczema. Int J Mol Sci 2022. PMID 36012541.
  12. S28Granlund H. Contact allergy to witch hazel. Contact Dermatitis 1994;31(3):195. PMID 7821023.
  13. S29Bruynzeel DP, van Ketel WG, Young E, van Joost T, Smeenk G. Contact sensitization by alternative topical medicaments containing plant extracts. The Dutch Contact Dermatoses Group. Contact Dermatitis 1992;27(4):278-9. PMID 1451514.
  14. S30Paulsen E, Chistensen LP, Andersen KE [spelling as in the PubMed record]. Cosmetics and herbal remedies with Compositae plant extracts — are they tolerated by Compositae-allergic patients? Contact Dermatitis 2008;58(1):15-23. PMID 18154553.
  15. S31Wójciak M, Pacuła W, Sowa I, Feldo M, Graczyk F, Załuski D. Hamamelis virginiana L. in Skin Care: A Review of Its Pharmacological Properties and Cosmetological Applications. Molecules 2025. PMID 40649262 / PMC12250947.
  16. S32Wójciak M, Pacuła W, Tyszczuk-Rotko K, Ziemlewska A, Zagórska-Dziok M, Nizioł-Łukaszewska Z, Patryn R, Pacian A, Sowa I. Comparative Analysis of Polyphenol-Rich Extracts from Hamamelis virginiana Leaves and Bark: ROS Scavenging and Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Skin Cells. Molecules 2025. PMID 40942097.
  17. S33Skowrońska W, Pawłowska KA, Obrębski M, Piwowarski JP, Żyżyńska-Granica B, Granica S. Chemical composition, skin microbiota metabolism, antimicrobial potential and anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel bark (Hamamelis virginiana L.). J Ethnopharmacol 2025;353(Pt B):120433. PMID 40819781.
  18. S34Liu X, Hage TW, Chen LC, Wang EHC, Liao IC, Goldberg J, Gosto S, Cziryak P, Senna M, Chen Y, Zheng Q. Revealing the Therapeutic Potential: Investigating the Impact of a Novel Witch Hazel Formula on Anti-Inflammation and Antioxidation. J Cosmet Dermatol 2025. PMID 39575475. (ex vivo / in vitro; industry formula).
  19. S35Rasooly R, Howard AC, Balaban N, Hernlem B, Apostolidis E. The Effect of Tannin-Rich Witch Hazel on Growth of Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022. PMID 35326857.
  20. S36Patel MN, Patel NK, Merja AM, Patnaik S. Clinical Evaluation of the Efficacy, Safety, and In-Use Tolerability of a Diacnemide™-Containing Acne Kit (Facial Serum and Cleanser) Regimen… Cureus 2024. PMID 39445245. (open-label, single-arm, n = 32; product contains Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract) (pre-existing).
  21. S37Nong Y, Gahoonia N, Rizzo J, Burney W, Sivamani RK, Maloh J. Prospective Evaluation of a Topical Botanical Skin Care Regimen on Mild to Moderate Facial and Truncal Acne and Mood. J Clin Med 2023. PMID 36836020 / PMC9966061. (open-label, 20 enrolled) (pre-existing).
  22. S38Draelos ZD, Diaz I. The clinical benefit of a multimodal topical approach to treating skin dyspigmentation. J Cosmet Dermatol 2023. doi 10.1111/jocd.15786, PMID 37102219. (pre-existing).
  23. S51Levin J, Miller R. A guide to the ingredients and potential benefits of over-the-counter cleansers and moisturizers for rosacea patients. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2011;4(8):31–49. PMID 21909456 — new (full text).
  24. S52National Rosacea Society: "Survey Shows Skin-Care Products, Ingredients May Aggravate Rosacea" (Rosacea Review, 1997); "Rosacea Skin Care & Cosmetics"; "Factors That May Trigger Rosacea Flare-Ups" — patient-education pages, graded Tier 3.
  25. S53Trüeb RM. North American Virginian witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): based scalp care and protection for sensitive scalp, red scalp, and scalp burn-out. Int J Trichology 2014. PMID 25210333 — new.
  26. S54Patel MN, Patel N, Merja A, Patnaik S. An assessment of the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of a novel scalp treatment regimen combining a hydroxy acid-based scrub and copper tripeptide serum. Cureus 2024. PMID 39449909.
  27. S55Turcov D, Barna AS, Blaga AC, Ibanescu C, Danu M, Trifan A, Zbranca A, Suteu D. Dermatocosmetic emulsions based on resveratrol, ferulic acid and saffron extract. Pharmaceutics 2022. DOI 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112376, PMID 36365195.
  28. S56Wójciak M, Pacuła W, Sowa I, Feldo M, Graczyk F, Załuski D. Hamamelis virginiana L. in skin care: a review of its pharmacological properties and cosmetological applications. Molecules 2025. PMID 40649262.
  29. S57Goodman G, Yip L, McDonald C, Lin F, Liu W, Sullivan J. Recommendations on periprocedural skincare for energy-based dermatologic procedures. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum 2025. PMID 40575009.
  30. S58Nikolis A, Nestor MS, Czuwara J, et al. Concomitant use of dermo-cosmetic skin care in aesthetic procedures: systematic review with expert panel recommendations. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2026. PMID 41773167.

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