Witch hazel is a plant that has been used for centuries by Native Americans as a remedy for a variety of skin ailments related to irritation and inflammation. Witch hazel extract is used in many cosmetic products such as toners and essences as an astringent and vasoconstrictor. Here are some details about witch hazel extract for skin:
Positive:
- Witch hazel contains many compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which may have far-reaching benefits for your health. It can help relieve inflammation and soothe sensitive skin.
- Witch hazel might help reduce swelling, help repair broken skin, and fight bacteria when applied directly to the skin.
- Witch hazel extracts have been found safe for use in cosmetic formulations by organizations like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel (CIR).
Negative:
- Some users claim excessive dryness and even worse breakouts when using witch hazel for acne.
- Fragrances and alcohol in some OTC formulas can aggravate your skin if you have inflammation, wounds, or have sensitive skin overall.
Ingredients or materials:
- Witch hazel leaf extract, bark extract, and witch hazel water are used as astringents to tighten the skin. They are also included in some medications to give those products the ability to slow down or stop bleeding. Those medications are used for treating insect bites, stings, teething, hemorrhoids, itching, irritations, and minor pain.
- Witch hazel used for cosmetics is made up of many different plant compounds including polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, gallic acid, and even essential oils.
Overall, witch hazel is proven as safe for the skin, but it may not work for everyone. If you have dry skin and want to use witch hazel, be sure to pair it with a moisturizing ingredient like glycerin or barrier repair ingredients like cholesterol, beta-sitosterol, ceramides, or free fatty acids. If you have an allergy to witch hazel, some great alternatives could be tea tree oil, peppermint oil, or even honey.
