Hamamelis Virginiana Water is commonly known as witch hazel water or witch hazel distillate. It is a natural, aqueous distillate obtained from the twigs and leaves of the North American witch hazel shrub. It contains tannins (especially hamamelitannin), polyphenols, flavonoids, and volatile oils, providing astringent, toning, soothing, and antioxidant properties. This clear to slightly yellow liquid with a mild herbal scent is one of the most popular natural astringents in cosmetics. It is widely used in toners, facial mists, cleansers, after-shave lotions, acne treatments, scalp tonics, and soothing products for oily, combination, or irritated skin. It helps tighten pores, reduce redness, balance sebum, and calm inflammation.
Products with HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA WATER
With samples available
Witch Hazel (non Alcohol), Distillate
by O&3
- Sustainable option
Witch Hazel BPC/USP, Distillate 14%
by O&3
- Sustainable option
What is HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA WATER used for?
- Astringent / Pore tightening: Reduces the appearance of pores and controls excess oil. Frequently used in toners, facial mists, and mattifying products for oily or combination skin.
- Skin conditioning / Soothing: Calms irritation, redness, and inflammation. Ideal for sensitive skin formulas, after-shave balms, post-acne care, and after-sun products for comfort and recovery.
- Antioxidant & protective: Neutralizes free radicals and supports skin defense. Common in daily toners, protective mists, and anti-aging treatments for environmental protection.
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana Water is produced by steam distillation of the twigs and leaves of the witch hazel plant (Hamamelis virginiana). It is native to eastern North America. Fresh or dried plant material is steam-distilled with water to yield the distillate (hydrosol), which naturally contains water-soluble tannins and volatiles. The process is gentle and eco-friendly, preserving the plant's bioactive compounds. It is 100% plant-derived, alcohol-free in true distillate form (though some commercial versions may contain added ethanol), and widely used in natural and organic cosmetics.
What does HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA WATER do in a formulation?
ASTRINGENT|
HAIR CONDITIONING|
SKIN CONDITIONING|
SOOTHING|
ANTIOXIDANT|
SKIN PROTECTINGSafety Profile
Hamamelis Virginiana Water is considered safe for cosmetic use. It has a low hazard rating from EWG (typically 1) and minimal concerns for irritation or sensitization at typical concentrations (up to 100 % in distillates). It is well-tolerated across skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone, though some individuals may experience mild stinging on compromised skin due to natural tannins. Alcohol-free versions are gentler. Patch testing is recommended for very sensitive skin.
HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA WATER alternatives
HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA WATER technical profile
| Property | Values |
| Boiling Point | ~100°C |
| pH | 4.0 - 6.0 |
| Solubility | Miscible in water |
| Viscosity | Very low |