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Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) extract
AKA “Witch Hazel Extract”
Extract
Ingredient Facts
Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) extract
AKA: Witch Hazel Extract
Extract · Astringent · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
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
Whole Plant
Lifeform
Shrub
Climate
Temperate
CAS #
84696-19-5
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Astringent
Tightens and contracts skin tissue, temporarily shrinking pores and reducing oiliness. That "clean, tight" feeling after toner.
Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Minimizes pores
Controls excess oil
Traditional Use
Witch hazel extract was first distilled commercially in the 1840s in the United States. It became a standard ingredient in astringent tonics, aftershaves, and skin remedies based on centuries of Indigenous use.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Oiliness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
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
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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
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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