What is Organic Witch Hazel?

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

The Alcohol-Based Witch Hazel is preserved with alcohol and has a slightly sharper, defatting feel on the skin. 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 substances that end up in the hydrosol.

The witch hazel plant 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 defatts the skin
Witch Hazel has an astringent effect, which causes the pores to tighten when used on the face and appear smaller. The drying effect also helps to defat the skin and balance sebum production. Don't use it too often, as this can dry out the skin, causing excess 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 phenoxyethanol-free
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 formulation makes this Witch Hazel a great choice for those with sensitive, dry or mature skin.

Versatile in 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 defat the skin and get a nice, matte appearance. The tightening effect also gives a youthful look. Spray the Witch Hazel onto a cotton pad or reusable makeup pad and dab on your face. Note: do not use daily, as the effect is too drying for that. For a daily toner, choose Rose Water instead.

As a facial spray
The bottle has a spray nozzle, so you can spray the Witch Hazel directly onto your face for a refreshing moment during the day or before applying makeup.

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

Around the eyes
Due to the alcohol-free formulation, this Witch Hazel can also be used around the eyes. Put some on 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 to soothe the skin after shaving or waxing.

What is so special about it?

The indigenous people of North America used the Hamamelis shrub not only to make Witch Hazel water. From the branches they made bows for archery, they steamed the twigs on hot stones, and they used them as divining rods to locate underground water. And if that is not enough magic around one shrub: modern witches see Witch Hazel as a means to keep negativity at bay and to 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 on a small area first and wait 24 hours.
• Due to the astringent effect, Witch Hazel can be a bit drying with daily use. Alternate with a milder toner like Rose Water when you notice this.

Points to note

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