What is Witch Hazel (Alcohol-Free)?

Witch Hazel is a natural hydrosol that has been used for generations as a mild toner and skin care product. It is extracted from the bark, branches and leaves of the witch hazel shrub (Hamamelis virginiana), a bush that naturally occurs in North America and remarkably blooms in winter with yellow flowers. Our Witch Hazel comes from the United States.

This alcohol-free version consists of 99 percent pure witch hazel water and contains 1 percent phenoxyethanol as a preservative to prevent spoilage. Without this preservative, the Witch Hazel would spoil within a few weeks.

About the preservative: our transparency

We are open about the composition of this product. Many customers have been very satisfied with this Witch Hazel for years and use it daily without problems. At the same time, we know that phenoxyethanol is a preservative that not everyone finds pleasant. It is therefore an ingredient that we want to phase out from our range in the future.

For customers who prefer to avoid phenoxyethanol, we offer the Organic Witch Hazel. This is preserved with potassium sorbate and citric acid, two mild preservatives that are also used in organic foods. Both products do the same work on the skin, the difference is purely in the preservation.

What is the difference between Witch Hazel alcohol-free and alcohol-based?

Both products are made from the same plant and have the same caring properties, but differ in preservation.

The Alcohol-Based Witch Hazel is preserved with alcohol. This gives a somewhat sharper skin feeling and is nicer for those who want a light degreasing effect, for example with oily or impure skin.

This alcohol-free version is preserved with a small percentage of phenoxyethanol and is milder for the skin. A nicer choice for sensitive, dry or mature skin, and for use around the eyes.

How is Witch Hazel made?

The bark, branches and leaves of the witch hazel are dried and steam distilled with water. During steam distillation, the water-soluble extract is released, which is collected as a hydrosol. It is therefore not an oil but a watery distillate with the active components of the plant dissolved in it.

Witch Hazel hydrosol naturally contains tannins, gallic acid and small amounts of volatile substances. These tannins give the typical mild astringent effect that Witch Hazel is known for.

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.

For smooth, vital skin
Witch Hazel contains many antioxidants that can help slow down the natural aging process of the skin. The astringent effect also makes your skin appear firmer.

Mild for sensitive skin
Because this version contains no alcohol, it is milder for dry, sensitive or mature skin than the alcohol variant. Also suitable for use around the eyes.

Versatile in DIY
Witch Hazel is a popular base for homemade toners, face sprays and after-sun.

How to use Witch Hazel?

As face 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. Put a little Witch Hazel on a cotton pad or reusable makeup pad and dab on your face, before applying your facial care. Note: do not use daily, the effect is too drying for that. For a daily toner you better choose for example Rose Water.

As face spray
Put Witch Hazel in a spray bottle and spray on the face for a refreshing moment during the day, or before applying makeup.

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

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 nice choice to soothe the skin after shaving or waxing.

What is so special about it?

The original inhabitants of North America used the Hamamelis shrub not only to make Witch Hazel water. They made bows for archery from the branches, they steamed the twigs on hot stones as a blessing for the muscles, and they used them as a divining 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 bay and soothe a broken heart.

Tips when using Witch Hazel

• Store Witch Hazel in a cool, dark place for the best shelf life.
• Always close the bottle properly after use.
• When in doubt or with sensitive skin, first test on a small piece of skin and wait 24 hours.
• Want a spray bottle? Pour the Witch Hazel into your own spray bottle. A handy option for use as a face spray.
• 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.

Points of attention

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 ingestion. Keep out of reach of children.