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Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) bark/leaf/twig extract
AKA “Witch Hazel Extract”
Extract
Ingredient Facts
Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) bark/leaf/twig extract
AKA: Witch Hazel Extract
Extract · Antioxidant · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Antioxidant
Soothing
Astringent
Skin Conditioner
Extract
Clean
Science: Origin: Botanic/Natural | Process: Solvent Extraction ⚠ Allergen Alert (Tree Nut): Derived from a common allergen source. May cause reactions in sensitive individuals. Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
Family
Hamamelidaceae (Witch hazel family)
Plant Part
Leaf
Lifeform
Shrub
Climate
Temperate
CAS #
84696-19-5
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Astringent
Tightens and contracts skin tissue, temporarily shrinking pores and reducing oiliness. That "clean, tight" feeling after toner.
Soothing
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation. Your skin's chill pill — great for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.
Antioxidant
Fights free radicals — the unstable molecules from UV, pollution, and stress that break down collagen and cause premature aging.
Minimizes pores
Controls excess oil
Traditional Use
Native American traditional medicine used this plant for its astringent properties to treat bruises, inflammation, and skin conditions. Became standardized in Western cosmetics and pharmaceuticals in the 19th century.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Oiliness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Final Report: Safety Assessment of <I>Hamamelis virginiana</I> (Witch Hazel)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf Extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Twig Extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Flower Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Hamamelis Virginiana Witch Hazel Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Unveiling the Ability of Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.) Bark Extract to Impair Keratinocyte Inflammatory Cascade Typical of Atopic Eczema.
Piazza S, Martinelli G, Magnavacca A, Fumagalli M, Pozzoli C et al.
International journal of molecular sciences, 2022
Highly galloylated tannin fractions from witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) bark: electron transfer capacity, in vitro antioxidant activity, and effec
Touriño S, Lizárraga D, Carreras A, Lorenzo S, Ugartondo V et al.
Chemical research in toxicology, 2008
Verified Feb 2026
Data: Kew POWO · CosIng · EWG · CIR