Hamamelis virginiana witch hazel water
AKA “bark and leaves of Hamamelis virginiana”
Mineral
Ingredient Facts
Hamamelis virginiana witch hazel water
AKA: Bark and leaves of Hamamelis virginiana
Mineral · Soothing · EWG: 5
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Soothing
Astringent
Skin Conditioner
Mineral
Clean
⚠ Allergen Alert (Tree Nut): Derived from a common allergen source. May cause reactions in sensitive individuals.
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.
Soothing
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation. Your skin's chill pill — great for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.
Minimizes pores
Controls excess oil
Traditional Use
Used by Native Americans for centuries as an astringent remedy for skin irritation, inflammation, and wound healing. European colonists adopted witch hazel for these properties, and it became a standard ingredient in 19th-century American pharmacopeias and skincare.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Oiliness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Verified Feb 2026
Data: Kew POWO · CosIng · EWG · CIR