Witch Hazel – An Age-Old Ingredient That Has Made A Comeback

A skincare ingredient that’s timeless, classic, and ranks as one of the oldest ingredients is Witch Hazel. It’s a natural toning ingredient that’s made a comeback into the clean beauty industry and has been creating quite the buzz. The old-school ingredient is lately used in a range of skincare formulations to control oil production, soothe inflammation, exfoliate dead skin cells, and reduce blemishes and fine lines.

Witch hazel is popularly used as a skin-soothing ingredient that tones and clarifies skin. It’s used majorly in toners that kill certain bacteria and help with skin refinement. Let’s delve into how the age-old ingredient helps improve skin longevity.

What Is Witch Hazel? 

It is extracted from the bark and leaves of a witch hazel shrub, Hamamelis Virginiana which consists of compounds that improve skin health. The liquid is extracted from the shrub and distilled from dried leaves, bark, and twigs. The plant-based ingredient is often mixed with other ingredients like aloe vera or rose water for formulating lotion, creams, and ointments.

Here are some of the components present in witch hazel:

• It consists of salicylic acid that helps in exfoliating and sloughing off dead skin cells. This improves the appearance of fine lines and blemishes.
• Witch hazel is rich in tannins, a polyphenol with antioxidant properties. It combats free radicals and prevents skin damage from collagen breakdown. Tannin also reduces irritation and boosts skin cell regeneration.
• It consists of flavonoids which are antioxidants that protect the skin from harmful UV rays and reduces early signs of aging.
• Witch hazel is known to have astringent properties which constrict the blood vessels or pores under the surface of the skin. Hence, it shrinks pores and gets rid of acne.

What Are The Benefits Of Witch Hazel In Skincare?

Treat acne-prone skin 

The witch hazel extracts are largely used in toners as astringents which can tighten the skin and shrink the pores. Tannins in witch hazel extracts reduce swelling, repair broken skin and fight bacteria. Not only acne but witch hazel is used across formulations for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as treatment of eczema and psoriasis. With its astringent property, it makes the skin appear firmer and makes pores seem smaller. 

Reduce blemishes 

Witch hazel is one such ingredient that helps in healing blemishes. The antibacterial properties of the ingredient soothe skin and help treatment of blemishes. It is often used with other ingredients like niacinamide works perfectly for shrinking pore size and brightens skin and hyperpigmentation. It is used with aloe vera that soothes inflamed skin.

Wards off early signs of aging

Witch hazel consists of polyphenols that help in fighting premature aging. With its antioxidant properties, it scavenges free radicals and protects the skin from UV rays. As it protects the skin from pollution, it helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. As it refines the appearance of pores and tightens skin, it improves skin tone.

Recommended Products Enriched With Witch Hazel 

Love Earth Rajni Gandha Toner with Witch Hazel

The toner mist is a luxurious combination of fresh Mulberry Extract, Witch Hazel, and Rajnigandha. The spray tightens pores, reduces wrinkles, and helps with even skin tone. The toner shield against pollution and scavenge free radicals and is perfect for reducing early signs of aging.

Fiducia Botanicals Lemongrass Gel Cleanser with Witch Hazel & PHA

The gentle cleanser gently removes dirt, grime, and pollutants without stripping the skin of moisture. It is enriched with witch hazel extract that refines skin texture, improves tone, and helps in achieving a radiant complexion. The cleanser is non-drying, has pH balanced formulation, and helps with reducing acne scars.

Neemli Naturals Witch Hazel and Vetiver Pore Refining Facial Toner

The toner is a natural herbal water blend enriched with witch hazel and vetiver that works with astringent and minimizes dark spots. Witch hazel helps in clarifying pores, fighting against pollutants, and reducing dark spots. It also consists of a humectant that hydrates skin. The toner restores nature's pH level and soothes acne-prone skin.  

FCL Face Toner with Witch Hazel & AHA

The face toner minimizes pores, sweeps away excess oil and impurities, controls oil, and removes dead skin cells. The toner is enriched with fruit AHA, witch hazel, and rose flower extracts that cleanse the skin and shrinks the appearance of skin pores. It balances the skin’s pH level, prevents acne, and is effective in reducing inflammation.

The Skin Story Gentle Cleansing Lotion with Moringa & Witch Hazel

Cleansing lotion helps gently remove makeup and impurities from the skin without drying skin. It is enriched with witch hazel and moringa oil that maintains skin moisture and enhances radiance. The lotion is lightweight, non-sticky, and suitable for all types of skin. Witch hazel soothes skin, Moringa oil deeply hydrates, Vitamin-E repairs damage, and shea butter moisturizes the skin.