Witch Hazel Toners: Best Uses, Benefits, Safety

• Witch hazel is commonly used in toners, and can help treat oily and acne-prone skin. 
• Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can also help reduce inflammation and soothe dry, irritated and inflamed skin.
• There are several DIY recipes you can use to make your own witch hazel toner.

Witch hazel is a plant that has a long history of medicinal use. It is commonly used as an ingredient in facial toners due to its anti-inflammatory and skin-tightening properties. This ingredient is especially useful for managing oily and acne-prone skin.

What Is Witch Hazel?

Hamamelis virginiana, commonly known as witch hazel, is indigenous to the east coast of the United States. Native Americans have used the leaves and bark of the plant medicinally for hundreds of years.

As a skin care product, distilled witch hazel is used as a treatment for a wide range of skin concerns, and can be found in many over-the-counter (OTC) beauty products at your local pharmacy.

Witch hazel in toners

Witch hazel is particularly effective in a facial toner as it contains a relatively high concentration of tannins. Tannins are natural compounds that have an astringent effect, which means they can tighten the skin, making witch hazel beneficial for people with oily and acne-prone skin. 

This astringent effect, as well as witch hazel’s antibacterial properties, both help to reduce inflammation, even in people with dermatological conditions such as eczema. 

Benefits of Witch Hazel Toners

Witch hazel toners can benefit different skin types and concerns in a number of ways:

• Astringent properties tighten the skin and dry out acne blemishes.
• Removes makeup, oil and other impurities from the skin. 
• Alleviates inflammation caused by certain skin conditions.
• Soothes red, irritated skin. 

Witch Hazel Toner for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Acne occurs when hair follicles, and/or facial pores, become clogged with oil, dead skin cells and other debris. The naturally astringent properties of witch hazel helps to prevent acne by removing excess oil and tightening pores. This makes it more difficult for dirt and oil to accumulate in the pores, which reduces the risk of acne flare-ups. Overall, witch hazel toners are best suited to people with oily or acne-prone skin. 

Other skin types

Although witch hazel does clear pores of excess oils, it is a fairly gentle cleanser, and can therefore be used on all skin types. It can be especially beneficial for inflamed and dry or irritated skin.

Inflamed skin

Witch hazel contains gallic acid and hamamelitannin, two tannins that possess anti-inflammatory properties. Various studies have found that witch hazel will provide relief to skin with mild inflammation. As a result, witch hazel toners may be beneficial for patients with inflammatory-related skin issues such as psoriasis, acne and eczema. 

Dry and irritated skin

Topical applications of distilled witch hazel (5–30% strength), and herbal preparations of witch hazel (from its bark and leaves), have been found to relieve dry skin. Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory properties also help to relieve skin irritation due to rashes and sunburn. In one study, researchers found that a lotion containing 10% witch hazel extract was effective in reducing skin redness and irritation.

Safety and Side Effects of Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is generally considered to be very safe, however it may trigger an allergic reaction in a small percentage of users. Before applying on your face, apply a small amount to a discreet area of skin to identify any sensitivity. Additionally, proceed with caution when reapplying multiple times a day. If your skin becomes irritated, you may be overapplying. 

Witch hazel is often distilled in alcohol, which can potentially have an adverse effect on dry and sensitive skin. If this is a concern for you, look for an alcohol-free toner and always remember to check the ingredient list of your toner before applying it to your skin.

False Claims

Witch hazel prevents sun damage

Some people claim that witch hazel can be used as an effective form of sunscreen. While it may be useful in soothing sunburned skin, there is no evidence to suggest that it can prevent sun damage.

How To Use Witch Hazel Toners

1. Wash your face using warm water and a gentle cleanser.
2. Moisten a cotton pad or ball with toner; do not saturate.
3. Swipe the cotton ball across your face, starting from the center of the face and moving outward and upward
4. Follow with moisturizer and any other skin care products in your usual routine.

To incorporate a witch hazel toner into your skin care routine, start by using it once every two or three days. If you have especially oily skin, you may wish to gradually increase to daily use. 

DIY Witch Hazel Toner Recipes

There are many DIY recipes you can use to make your own toner. For the following recipes, simply combine the listed ingredients in a glass bottle, shake well and store in a cool, dry place. All of the following ingredients can be purchased online or at well-stocked health stores. 

DIY witch hazel toner for oily skin

This DIY toner is designed to clear excess oil and unclog blocked pores. The acidity of apple cider vinegar helps restore skin’s balance, while frankincense oil is a natural astringent. The tea tree oil helps manage inflammation. 

• 1/4 cup of distilled water
• 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup of witch hazel extract
• 8 drops of frankincense oil
• 5 drops of tea tree oil

DIY witch hazel toner for acne-prone skin

This toner features a range of ingredients that are beneficial for acne-prone skin. Vitamin E is known to reduce inflammation and redness, aloe vera gel can clear away acne-causing bacteria and ylang ylang oil is believed to regulate the skin’s natural oil production. 

• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 1/2 cup of witch hazel extract
• 4–6 drops of ylang ylang oil
• 1 tsp of Vitamin E oil
• 1.5 tsp of aloe vera gel

DIY witch hazel toner for mature skin

Carrot seed oil is the standout ingredient in this simple recipe. Carrot seed oil is an effective antibacterial and contains antioxidants that are believed to help rejuvenate aging skin. 

• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 1/2 cup of witch hazel extract
• 4–6 drops of carrot seed oil

Alternatives to Witch Hazel Toners

Witch hazel is just one of many active ingredients that can be used to make a toner, and there are many alternative formulations that you may wish to consider. 

If you have acne-prone skin you can turn to conventional ingredients such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid-based toners. These two ingredients have exfoliating properties that can aid in skin debris removal and promote the growth of new skin cells, which can help treat acne and improve skin tone.

If you have dry skin, you can look for glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which are also used in toners. These products have excellent hydrating properties and therefore may be more effective in treating dry skin needs.

Takeaway

Witch hazel is a plant that is commonly used in toners. It is most beneficial for people with oily skin due to its ability to absorb excess oil and tighten pores, and its astringent properties which dry blemishes.

Those with dry or sensitive skin can also benefit from witch hazel toner due to its anti-inflammatory properties that can effectively treat red, inflamed skin. Witch hazel can be used by all skin types to refresh skin and remove makeup and impurities. 

For those with dry skin, avoid or reduce usage of witch hazel if skin becomes irritated. You may also choose to try another toner with other active ingredients. While there are many OTC products, it is also possible to make your own DIY toner using readily available ingredients.