5 Witch Hazel Benefits for Your Skin: Does It Work?

Witch hazel is an ancient plant that has been used for centuries and is still used in many skin care products today. Witch hazel has many skin benefits. It can help treat a variety of minor skin issues. 

But what’s in witch hazel that makes it useful? 

Keep reading to learn about the skin benefits of witch hazel and how to make it part of your skin care regimen.

What is witch hazel?

Hamamelis virginiana — more commonly known as witch hazel — is a small shrub with bright yellow flowers. Extract from the twigs, leaves, and bark of the witch hazel tree is a clear and colorless liquid. 

But what’s in witch hazel extract? It contains tannins, flavonoids, and oils that give witch hazel its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

Witch hazel skin benefits

Witch hazel extract can be used alone as an astringent. Or it can be added to other ingredients to make a variety of lotions, ointments, and toners. 

Let’s take a closer look at how witch hazel can improve the health of your skin. 

1. Soothes inflamed skin 

Research shows that witch hazel has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These properties allow witch hazel to help relieve itching and burning from hemorrhoids, and can reduce inflammation and pain after vaginal childbirth.

But research is mixed on how well it treats some other skin conditions. One study on human skin cells found that witch hazel could help soothe skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (eczema) and acne. But another review concluded there wasn’t enough evidence to support these claims. Some experts suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of witch hazel can be used to ease pain from a sunburn. But research for this claim is limited.

2. Reduces oil 

Witch hazel’s astringent properties decrease oil production and temporarily shrink pores. This can reduce excess sebum (oil) production for those with oil-prone skin. And it may help remove leftover makeup and dirt after washing your face. 

This is why witch hazel-based toners are often recommended as an “in-between step” — one you can apply after cleansing skin but before applying moisturizer. 

3. Calms your scalp

Witch hazel may be helpful in soothing dandruff related to a sensitive scalp. Maria Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical reviewer at GoodRx said that “witch hazel shows promise in reducing flaking and itching associated with dandruff.

A recent study found that a scalp treatment that used witch hazel as one of its active ingredients reduced flaking and improved scalp health in adults with seborrheic dermatitis. But because the scalp treatment contained several other ingredients, it’s difficult to know if the benefits were from the witch hazel.

Interestingly, one small study found that adding witch hazel to a scalp treatment improved hair regrowth in those with androgenetic alopecia (also known as male pattern baldness). 

4. Supports healing

Witch hazel may also help skin heal from minor injuries. One study showed that witch hazel was effective at killing bad bacteria and supporting the growth of good bacteria. These properties, along with its anti-inflammatory benefits, are why it’s often used on minor cuts, scrapes, and bug bites.  But more research needs to be done to understand exactly how witch hazel affects bacteria on the skin. 

5. Improves skin barrier health

The skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin. A healthy skin barrier keeps moisture in and bacteria and other pollutants out. “Witch hazel can improve skin barrier function,” Robinson said. Research shows that witch hazel may help keep skin hydrated. Another study suggested that witch hazel protects the skin barrier from dust and pollutants.

How do you use witch hazel?

If you’re wondering how to incorporate witch hazel into your skin routine, it depends on which product you’re using. 

Here are some general guidelines to follow if you’re using witch hazel for:

• Facial toner: Use on clean skin. Blot skin with a witch hazel-soaked cotton ball. This will help “remove excess oil and soothe any inflammation,” Robinson said. 

• Astringent for relief of minor skin irritation: For insect bites or minor scratches, apply witch hazel with a cotton ball, or dab or blot directly to the affected area as often as needed.

• Relief of postpartum swelling: Wipe and cleanse the area. Apply witch hazel foam to a pad or liner to help ease discomfort after a vaginal delivery. You can reapply witch hazel foam to a fresh pad after each trip to the bathroom.

• Hemorrhoids: Wipe the area clean. Use a medicated pad that contains witch hazel directly on your hemorrhoids and surrounding tissues. You can use it up to 6 times a day or after bowel movements. 

• Flaking scalp: Massage shampoo containing witch hazel into your hair and scalp. Let the product sit for a few minutes before rinsing. 

When using a skin care product made with witch hazel, follow the product’s instructions for best results. And if you’re using witch hazel for a specific skin condition, check with your primary care provider or dermatologist for specific instructions on how often you should be using it.

Can witch hazel cause side effects?

Witch hazel is usually gentle and well tolerated. But it can cause side effects like:

• Skin irritation and dryness

• Stinging sensation

• Rash

• Worsening of your skin condition

Who should avoid witch hazel?

Most people should be able to use skin care products with witch hazel, but those with acne-prone or oily skin may benefit the most, Robinson said.

Because it has astringent properties, it can be drying. Folks with dry skin or sensitive skin conditions like rosacea may want to avoid skin care products with witch hazel.

“If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for alcohol-free products to help minimize skin irritation,” Robinson suggested. And always be sure to check the label on the products you’re using to avoid potentially harmful ingredients.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Ashley Rawlins, PT, DPT

With over a decade of experience as a physical therapist, Ashley has established herself as a specialist in pelvic health. Her diverse career spans clinical practice, academia, and health content creation.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

Reviewed by:

Christine Giordano, MD

Christine Giordano, MD, is board-certified in general internal medicine. She received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed residency at Thomas Jefferson University.

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