The main phytochemicals in witch-hazel leaves are polyphenols, including 3–10% tannins, flavonoids, and up to 0.5% essential oil, while the bark has a higher tannin content.
What are the active ingredients in witch hazel?
Tannins and volatile oils are the primary active ingredients of witch hazel that contribute to its astringent benefits. The tannin content of witch hazel leaves is 8%, and in witch hazel bark ranges from 1–3%, as the medicine derived from the bark will yield a higher tannin concentration than that from leaves.
Does witch hazel contain alcohol?
Witch hazel can remove oil from the skin, but that’s due to the denatured alcohol (ethanol) it contains. Recall that most of the witch hazel preparations contain between 14% and 15% alcohol, an amount that can significantly irritate skin.
What does witch hazel do for your skin?
Witch hazel has many benefits for skin, including relieving inflammation, tightening pores, and helping with razor bumps. It may also help reduce acne, since it can cleanse your skin of excess oil. However, witch hazel should not be used by people with dry or extremely sensitive skin since it can cause irritation.
Is witch hazel an antibacterial?
The antibacterial activity observed in WH is thus due to other molecules present, such as the phenolic compounds reported in witch hazel (gallic acid and catechins), which are known to have antibacterial activities [21,22,32].
Why you shouldn’t use witch hazel?
Witch hazel is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when small doses are taken by mouth. In some people, witch hazel might cause stomach upset when taken by mouth. Large doses might cause liver problems. Witch hazel contains a cancer-causing chemical (safrole), but in amounts that are too small to be of concern.
Is witch hazel the same as alcohol?
A common misconception is also that the witch hazel plant naturally contains alcohol, and that’s simply not the case. Its astringent properties come from tannins.
Is hydrogen peroxide the same as witch hazel?
The key difference between witch hazel and hydrogen peroxide is that the witch hazel is a medicinal plant which is safe to use whereas the hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound which is unsafe to use.
What’s the difference between witch hazel and distilled witch hazel?
Depending on the part of the witch hazel plant used to make it, witch hazel naturally contains between 8% and 12% tannins. In addition to the tannins, almost all types of witch hazel are distilled using denatured alcohol (ethanol), with the extract containing about 14% to 15% alcohol.
Can you use witch hazel and vitamin C together?
Witch hazel is also good for dry skin when paired with other nourishing ingredients, such as aloe vera and jojoba oil. As you can tell, the dynamic duo of Vitamin C and witch hazel are a winning combination when it comes to perfecting your daily skincare routine.
Is witch hazel Good for older skin?
Witch hazel contains polyphenol, which acts as a protector from UV damage. It also helps retain the skin’s natural collagen, making it great for elasticity and anti-aging.
Does witch hazel help with dark spots?
Witch hazel, when used regularly can diminish dark spots and blemishes, thereby improving and correcting skin tone. You can add a few drops of witch hazel to your cleanser and use the mixture to wash your face. It will also prevent excess oil production and keep acne at bay.
Can I put witch hazel all over my face?
Overall, witch hazel is proven as safe for the skin. The caveat is that witch hazel, like anything else applied to your skin, may not work for everyone. If you’re trying out witch hazel for the first time, it’s a good idea to test it out in a small area of skin away from your face, such as the inside of your arm.
What can I use to substitute witch hazel?
The best substitute for witch hazel is slippery elm. It is a natural, medicinal plant just like witch hazel. Slippery elm also has anti inflammatory properties and can be used topically or ingested. Rubbing alcohol is a good substitute for witch hazel if you are looking to serialize or clean a wound.
Can you make your own witch hazel?
In saucepan, combine 4 oz witch hazel with 24 oz distilled water. Place on stove over low heat and cover. Cook on low so that the mixture stays warm, but never reaches a simmer. Cook for 1 hour, stirring a few times when you think of it.
Can I substitute witch hazel for hydrogen peroxide?
If you don’t have any hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol on hand, you can use witch hazel to clean out cuts and scrapes.
Why is it called witch hazel?
The name witch hazel is a derivation from old English “wice” or “wiche” which means pliant or bendable. Early English settlers found that the branches of the witch hazel could be used to douse or divine for underground water much as the hazel bush (Corylus) was used back in England.
Can you drink witch hazel?
1 Healthcare providers consider witch hazel safe when applied to the skin, but not when swallowed. Ingesting witch hazel can cause problems like nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.