What is Organic Witch Hazel?

Organic Witch Hazel is a natural hydrosol of the witch hazel (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 therefore not an oil but a hydrosol with the water-soluble components of the plant dissolved in it, including tannins that give the typical mild astringent effect.

This version is organically certified and preserved with potassium sorbate and citric acid, two mild preservatives that are 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 variants of Witch Hazel 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 that are 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, degreasing skin feel. Better for oily or impure skin.

How is Witch Hazel made?

The bark, branches and leaves of the witch hazel are dried and distilled with water. During steam distillation, the water-soluble extract is released, which is collected as a hydrosol. The plant naturally contains tannins, gallic acid and small amounts of volatile substances 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, causing the pores to contract and appear smaller when used on the face. The drying effect also helps to degrease the skin and balance sebum production. Don't use it too often, as this can dry out the skin, causing extra sebum to be produced.

Anti-aging
Witch Hazel contains many antioxidants that can help slow down the natural aging process of the skin. 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 composition makes this Witch Hazel a great choice for those with sensitive, dry or mature skin.

Versatile in DIY
A popular base for homemade toners, face sprays and after-sun.

How do you use Witch Hazel?

As a facial toner
By using Witch Hazel as a toner, you degrease the skin and get a beautiful, matte complexion. The tightening effect gives a youthful appearance. Spray the Witch Hazel on a cotton pad or reusable makeup pad and dab on your face. Note: don't use daily, the effect is too drying for that. For a daily toner, you're better off choosing Rose Water, for example.

As a face spray
The bottle comes with a spray nozzle, so you can spray the Witch Hazel directly on the face for a refreshing moment during the day or before applying makeup.

On the body
Witch Hazel is great to apply on 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 composition, this Witch Hazel can also be used around the eyes. Put some on a cotton pad and place this on the 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 to soothe the skin after shaving or waxing.

What is so special about it?

The indigenous people of North America didn't just use the Hamamelis shrub to make Witch Hazel water. From the branches they made bows for archery, they steamed the twigs on hot stones as a remedy for the muscles, and they used them as divining rods to detect underground water. And if that's not enough magic around one shrub: modern witches see Witch Hazel as a means to keep negativity at bay and soothe a broken heart.

Tips for using Witch Hazel

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

Considerations

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