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Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) provides tannin-rich extracts, declared in cosmetics as astringent, anti-sebum and skin conditioning agents1. The data remain mostly lab data345, with two trials on redness after UV exposure67. A contact allergy to the tincture is reported in people already sensitized9.

Dried witch hazel leaves and bark in macro view on a sage green ceramic surface

Witch hazel at a glance

Entry from our cosmetic ingredient glossary. Regulatory data from the European Commission's CosIng database12 and Regulation (EC) 1223/200912. Copy the identifiers in one click for your files.

INCI name
HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA EXTRACTWhole plant extract1. Also exists as LEAF EXTRACT (leaves), with the same CAS and EC numbers2
Other names
Virginian witch hazel, witch hazel, witch hazel water (distillate)
CAS number
84696-19-5
EC number
283-637-9
Botanical origin
Hamamelis virginiana L., HamamelidaceaeWhole plant extract for the main entry1; leaf extract for the second2. Bark and leaves contain phenols, flavonoids, catechins and tannins3
Compounds of interest
Tannins, hamamelitanninTannins, abundant in the bark and leaves4, explain the traditional astringent effect5. Hamamelitannin is the main bark component studied5
CosIng functions
Astringent, anti-sebum, skin conditioningFunctions declared for the whole plant extract1. The leaf extract declares skin conditioning only2
Standardization
Varies by plant part and extractionLeaf and bark differ: the bark inhibits collagenase and elastase in the lab, the leaf contains more flavonoids4. The distillate (witch hazel water) is a different material from the extract
EU status
No restrictionNo annex listed in CosIng12; no mention of Hamamelis in Annexes II and III of the consolidated text of 1 May 202512
Allergen to declare
Not listedAbsent from the fragrance allergen list of Regulation (EU) 2023/154513
Safety
No CIR or SCCS assessment foundNo CIR or SCCS expert opinion on the extract was found. A witch hazel tincture sensitized people already allergic to Asteraceae9

What the research says

Each result shows the protocol and the level of evidence. The higher the level, the better the result carries over to a finished formula.

Clinical trialReview or consensusLaboratory

FaceAstringency and oily skin

Bark and leaves: antioxidants and matrix protection in skin cells

Laboratory
Leaf and bark extractsHuman fibroblasts and keratinocytesCollagenase, hyaluronidase, elastase

Both extracts strongly reduce reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Only the bark extract clearly inhibits collagenase and elastase. Tannins dominate in both parts, the leaf adds flavonoids4.

A bark extract and its lead molecule, to qualify after passing through the microbiota

Laboratory
Aqueous bark extract, hamamelitanninSkin microbiota ex vivoSkin cells and Staphylococcus aureus

The extract and hamamelitannin support keratinocyte migration in a lab test; the minimum inhibitory concentration against S. aureus is 0.5 mg/mL for the extract. But ellagic acid, the main metabolite formed by the skin microbiota, stimulates the release of inflammatory mediators by fibroblasts5.

A witch hazel formula tested ex vivo

Laboratory
Formula based on witch hazel extractsEx vivo skin modelsCytokines, barrier markers, oxidative stress

The formula reduces IL-6 and IL-8, improves barrier markers (loricrin, transglutaminase-1) and lowers the markers of UV-induced oxidative stress. Study by a manufacturer on a complete formula: it does not say what the extract does alone11.

A relatively weak antimicrobial activity

Clinical trial
90% witch hazel distillate and 5% urea15 healthy volunteers, occlusion and extended flora test

The product shows significant antimicrobial activity in the extended flora test. Compared with chlorhexidine, that of witch hazel and urea remains relatively weak8.

Many in vitro and in vivo studies, few clinical trials

Review
2025 reviewBark and leavesCosmetic and dermatological use

The review reports antimicrobial, antioxidant and UV and pollution protection activities, verified in vitro, in vivo and in limited clinical trials3.

After-sunRedness after UV

Lower redness after UVB with a 10% distillate lotion

Clinical trial
After-sun lotion with 10% witch hazel distillate30 volunteers, controlled trialRedness measured by chromametry after UVB

Redness decreases by about 20% at 7 h and 27% at 48 h with the witch hazel lotion, versus 11 to 15% with the other lotions: a significant difference6.

Three 10% lotions compared with references

Clinical trial
Lotions with 10% distillate from three suppliers40 volunteersUV erythema at 1.2, 1.4 and 1.7 MED, 48 h

One of the three lotions reduces redness clearly more than its vehicle at 1.4 MED; hydrocortisone remains the most effective. The authors retain the best distillate for after-sun use7.

Safety and allergyReviews and cases

A witch hazel tincture, an unexpected sensitizer in allergic people

Tolerance study
People allergic to Asteraceae (Compositae)Tests with cosmetic and herbal products

Witch hazel tincture, like avocado oil, was detected as an unexpected sensitizer, among plant allergens mostly from the Asteraceae. The authors advise against topical use of herbal products by people allergic to this family9.

A common plant ingredient in facial wipes

Label analysis
178 facial wipes485 ingredients listed

Hamamelis virginiana appears in 10.7% of the wipes examined, among the plant-derived ingredients that can be allergenic. The study measures how often it is used, not cases of allergy10.

This page summarizes published literature on a cosmetic ingredient. It does not describe the effect of a finished product, which depends on its formula, and it is not medical advice. Witch hazel is also a traditional remedy: only the cosmetic aspects are covered here. The data are mostly lab data, which is stated each time.

Which products use witch hazel?

Our white label catalog includes 3 formulas with witch hazel, always as a supporting ingredient. Every category can be customized (formula, fragrance, packaging).

2Face

Supporting active in a mattifying green tea fluid and a saffron face scrub.

1Body

Supporting active in a shea deodorant cream.

Witch hazel, green tea, niacinamide or centella asiatica?

Four ingredients often chosen for oily or sensitive skin. They do not exclude each other.

Witch hazelGreen teaNiacinamideCentella asiatica
Main roleAstringent, anti-sebum1Antioxidant, astringent, tonicBarrier, skin tone, shineSoothing, hydration, comfort
Formulation watch pointA tincture sensitized people allergic to Asteraceae9Catechin content to specifyStable, easy to formulateTriterpene content varies by extract
EU regulationNo restriction112No restrictionNo restrictionNo restriction

Frequently asked questions about witch hazel

What is witch hazel in cosmetics?
It is an extract of Hamamelis virginiana, a tannin-rich shrub. It is declared as HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA EXTRACT (whole plant) or LEAF EXTRACT (leaves)12. Witch hazel water is a distillate, a material distinct from the extract.
What are the benefits of witch hazel for skin?
CosIng recognizes astringent and anti-sebum functions1. In the lab, its extracts protect skin cells against oxidative stress4, and two trials measured lower redness after UV exposure with a 10% distillate lotion67. No trial covers the extract alone in a care product for oily skin.
Is witch hazel an astringent?
Yes: it is its CosIng function1, linked to its richness in tannins45. No study retained measures the astringent effect of the extract on human skin: it rests on the tannin composition.
What percentage of witch hazel should you use?
The trials on redness after UV use a 10% distillate67; a product with 90% distillate and 5% urea was also tested for its antimicrobial activity8. No extract concentration is validated for oily skin care: the dose is set with the formulator.
What can you pair witch hazel with?
In our formulas, it appears with green tea in a mattifying fluid and a face scrub, and with lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids in a deodorant cream. The stability of the final formula is checked with lab tests.
Is witch hazel safe?
No European restriction is listed in CosIng12, but we found no CIR or SCCS assessment of the extract. A witch hazel tincture sensitized people already allergic to Asteraceae9. A tolerance test on the final formula remains the rule.
Can you manufacture a witch hazel fluid or scrub for my brand?
Yes. Our ISO 22716 certified lab offers 3 witch hazel formulas (mattifying fluid, face scrub, deodorant cream) that you can customize, or a custom formula. Samples are free.

Sources

Peer-reviewed studies and official regulatory sources, checked on November 3, 2026.

  1. European Commission. CosIng, entry HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA EXTRACT (CAS 84696-19-5, EC 283-637-9). ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing
  2. European Commission. CosIng, entry HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA LEAF EXTRACT (CAS 84696-19-5, EC 283-637-9). ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing
  3. Wójciak M, Pacuła W, Sowa I, Feldo M, Graczyk F, Załuski D. Hamamelis virginiana L. in Skin Care: A Review of Its Pharmacological Properties and Cosmetological Applications. Molecules. 2025;30(13):2744. doi:10.3390/molecules30132744
  4. Wójciak M, Pacuła W, Tyszczuk-Rotko K, et al. Comparative Analysis of Polyphenol-Rich Extracts from Hamamelis virginiana Leaves and Bark: ROS Scavenging and Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Skin Cells. Molecules. 2025;30(17):3572. doi:10.3390/molecules30173572
  5. Skowrońska W, Pawłowska KA, Obrębski M, Piwowarski JP, Żyżyńska-Granica B, Granica S. Chemical composition, skin microbiota metabolism, antimicrobial potential and anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel bark (Hamamelis virginiana L.). J Ethnopharmacol. 2025;353(Pt B):120433. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2025.120433
  6. Hughes-Formella BJ, Bohnsack K, Rippke F, et al. Anti-inflammatory effect of hamamelis lotion in a UVB erythema test. Dermatology. 1998;196(3):316-322. doi:10.1159/000017904
  7. Hughes-Formella BJ, Filbry A, Gassmueller J, Rippke F. Anti-inflammatory efficacy of topical preparations with 10% hamamelis distillate in a UV erythema test. Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol. 2002;15(2):125-132. doi:10.1159/000049400
  8. Gloor M, Reichling J, Wasik B, Holzgang HE. Antiseptic effect of a topical dermatological formulation that contains Hamamelis distillate and urea. Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd. 2002;9(3):153-159. doi:10.1159/000064265
  9. Paulsen E, Christensen LP, Andersen KE. Cosmetics and herbal remedies with Compositae plant extracts - are they tolerated by Compositae-allergic patients? Contact Dermatitis. 2008;58(1):15-23. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.2007.01250.x
  10. Aschenbeck KA, Warshaw EM. Allergenic Ingredients in Facial Wet Wipes. Dermatitis. 2017;28(6):353-359. doi:10.1097/der.0000000000000268
  11. Liu X, Hage TW, Chen LC, et al. Revealing the Therapeutic Potential: Investigating the Impact of a Novel Witch Hazel Formula on Anti-Inflammation and Antioxidation. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(2):e16662. doi:10.1111/jocd.16662L'Oréal
  12. European Parliament and Council. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, Annexes II and III, consolidated text of 1 May 2025. eur-lex.europa.eu
  13. European Commission. Règlement (UE) 2023/1545 amending Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 as regards the labeling of fragrance allergens. eur-lex.europa.eu
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