What is Organic Witch Hazel?

Organic Witch Hazel is a natural hydrosol from the witch hazel plant (Hamamelis virginiana), a shrub that naturally occurs in North America. The bark, branches and leaves are converted through steam distillation into a fragrant watery distillate. This is not an oil but a hydrosol with the water-soluble plant components dissolved in it, including tannins that provide the typical light astringent effect.

This version is organically certified and preserved with potassium sorbate and citric acid, two mild preservatives also used in organic food products. A great choice for those who prefer to avoid phenoxyethanol.

What is the difference with our other Witch Hazel?

We have three Witch Hazel variants in our range, all made from the same plant with the same caring properties. The difference is purely in the preservation.

This organic version is preserved with potassium sorbate and citric acid. Two mild preservatives widely used in natural and organic cosmetics. A great choice if you want to avoid phenoxyethanol or alcohol.

The Witch Hazel (Alcohol-Free) is preserved with phenoxyethanol. A preservative that many customers have been satisfied with for years, but which we want to phase out over time.

The Alcohol-Based Witch Hazel is preserved with alcohol and has a somewhat sharper, oil-reducing skin feel. Better for oily or impure skin.

How is Witch Hazel made?

The bark, branches and leaves of the witch hazel plant are dried and distilled with water. During steam distillation, the water-soluble extract is released and collected as a hydrosol. The plant naturally contains tannins, gallic acid and small amounts of volatile compounds that end up in the hydrosol.

Witch hazel has been used for centuries by the indigenous people of North America, who used the plant for various skin applications.

Benefits of Witch Hazel

Tightens and degreases the skin
Witch Hazel has an astringent effect, which causes pores to tighten when used on the face and appear smaller. The drying effect also helps degrease the skin and balance sebum production. Don't use it too often, as this can dry out the skin, causing extra sebum production.

Anti-aging
Witch Hazel contains many antioxidants that can help slow down the skin's natural aging process. The astringent effect also makes your skin look firmer.

Organic and without phenoxyethanol
This variant is organically certified and contains no phenoxyethanol. The preservation is with potassium sorbate and citric acid, both also used in organic food products.

Suitable for sensitive skin
The gentle, alcohol-free formula makes this Witch Hazel a great choice for those with sensitive, dry or mature skin.

Versatile for DIY
A popular base for homemade toners, facial sprays and after-sun products.

How do you use Witch Hazel?

As a facial toner
By using Witch Hazel as a toner, you degrease the skin and achieve a beautiful, matte finish. The tightening effect also gives a youthful appearance. Spray the Witch Hazel onto a cotton pad or reusable make-up pad and dab on your face. Note: do not use daily, as the effect is too drying for that. For a daily toner, choose something like Rose Water instead.

As a facial spray
The bottle is equipped with a spray nozzle, so you can spray the Witch Hazel directly on your face for a refreshing moment during the day or before applying make-up.

On the body
Witch Hazel is nice to apply to the legs or arms where you want a refreshing, astringent effect. Some people mix a small amount into their body lotion for a fresher skin feel.

Around the eyes
Due to the alcohol-free formula, this Witch Hazel can also be used around the eyes. Apply some to a cotton pad and place it on your eyes for a few minutes for a cooling moment.

In an aftershave or after-wax
The mild astringent effect makes Witch Hazel a great choice for softening the skin after shaving or waxing.

What makes it so special?

The indigenous peoples of North America didn't just use the Hamamelis shrub to make Witch Hazel water. They made bows for archery from the branches, they steamed the twigs on hot stones as a benefit for the muscles, and they used them as a dowsing rod to locate underground water. And if that's not enough magic around one shrub: modern witches see Witch Hazel as a means to keep negativity at a distance and soothe a broken heart.

Tips for using Witch Hazel

• Store Witch Hazel in a cool, dark place for best shelf life.
• Always close the bottle or spray nozzle tightly after use.
• If in doubt or with sensitive skin, test first on a small area of skin and wait 24 hours.
• Due to the astringent effect, Witch Hazel can be somewhat drying with daily use. Alternate with a gentler toner such as Rose Water if you notice this.

Important notes

Witch Hazel is a mild, watery product and is generally well tolerated by most skin types. If in doubt or with sensitive skin, first test on a small area and wait 24 hours. Not intended for ingestion. Keep out of reach of children.