INCI Name

Description

What is it?

Leaves from France. Witch Hazel is a winter blooming tree indigenous to Canada and the eastern United States. It is a traditional remedy of North American Indians, who used it as a Decoction in poultices for bruising and inflammations and its use spread to Europe after Europeans settled in North America in the 18th century. 

Action/Benefits

• Witch Hazel is well used in the cosmetic and toiletry industry in Facial Toners, Shaving and After Shave Creams and Face Packs.
• The Hydrolate, Infusion or Tincture of fresh leaves and twigs of Hamamelis are all used because of the herb’s astringent and anti-inflammatory effects, and has also been recommended for certain skin conditions, such as boils, bed sores, insect bites, ulcers, itching eczema, bruises, etc.
• Its high tannin content has a strengthening astringent effect on veins and is therefore very useful for treating varicose veins and minor capillary problems. The external skin forms a protective covering after the tannins have tightened the proteins and underlying blood vessels, thus reducing inflammation.
• Unlike Arnica, Witch Hazel can be used on broken and damaged skin. It is mildly antiseptic and soothing.
• Witch Hazel is also said to stimulate the formation of new epithelial cells and is often used cold or with ice to reduce the pain of sprains and athletic injuries and to reduce swollen bruises. For this purpose, combine with up to 5% of Arnica Tincture.
• Make a strong Infusion of Witch Hazel leaves as an effective Hair Rinse to combat dandruff.
• Use Witch Hazel Infusion or in combination with 5% Chamomile Hydrolate or 1-2% Eyebright Tincture in an Eye Compress to reduce swollen and puffy eyes. Don’t use more than 10% of Witch Hazel Hydrolate diluted in water around the eyes.

Which products to use it in

See above section Action/Benefits.

Water or oil-soluble?

Water soluble.

Can I add it to ready-made products?

Not appropriate.

How to use in products

For an in depth article on how to use Herbs in your products please refer to the Skin Care Library at the bottom of this page.

Storage and Shelf Life

2-3 years. Store in the dark and keep dry.

Tips/Extra Information

It is the classic Facial Toner, but don’t use more than 10-30% in your Toner Recipes because it is so strong that it can sting your skin. Because of its skin-tightening and astringent properties, it is ideal for treating oily skin types, controlling minor pimple formation, and skin with large pores.

Related/Synergistic Products

1. To relieve the itchiness from eczema, use in products combined with Chickweed herb/oil.
2. For bruises, swollen skin and sprains on unbroken skin combine it with Arnica Tincture.
3. For skin tightening and astringent properties use for oily skin and pimples and combine it with Rosemary herbs and Epi-dermis Sebum Balancer.
4. Very good in all large pore type products together with Comfrey products, Wild Pansy herb, Squalane, Kiwi seed Oil, Camelina Oil and Epi-dermis Sebum Balancer.
   

 

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