Witch Hazel for Acne: Should You Use It?

Isabel Ho

5 years ago

You might have seen witch hazel pop up here and there while searching for the perfect treatment to clear up your skin. It’s been the shining ingredient when it comes to certain drugstore and classic acne-prone toners. It’s even found in scalp treatments. But why is it there, and should we use witch hazel for acne? Better question, is it safe to use on the face? Let’s break it down!

What is Witch Hazel?

This botanical extract comes from a flowering plant – Hammamelis virginiana – located in North America and parts of Asia. The leaves and bark are then processed to make the clear liquid you know it to be.

It’s actually an age-old remedy that’s been used to soothe and treat a number of conditions, from insect bites to hemmorhoids. Now it’s commonly applied to de-puff the eyes, cleanse, remove makeup, and, of course, fight against acne. It’s also said to help remove excess sebum. How, you ask? Well, many of these benefits are due to the tannins within witch hazel known for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to Incorporate Witch Hazel Into Your Routine?

Witch hazel is usually found in the form of toners. All you have to do is gently apply with a seeped cotton pad after cleansing, and the benefits will come. But like many of your acne-fighting ingredients, witch hazel is definitely not a one-product-only type of agent. You can be sure to find it in cleansers, moisturizers, spot treatments, and masks. Basically, every single step of your skincare routine.

Who Can Use It?

Bad news – witch hazel is NOT for everyone! It can be quite drying and irritating to some, especially to those with sensitive, sensitized, and dry skin types. For that reason, we suggest you use it only if you have really oily and/or acne-prone skin.

As always, if you’re new to any ingredient, it’s always best to patch test before using. That way, you can tell if the rest of your skin reacts well to it or not.

Is It Safe?

The answer is yes and no. Witch hazel might help a lot now, but it’s only a short-term solution. In the long-run, this ingredient might cause reactions you might not expect or worsen certain skin conditions. Make sure to do your research so you know what you and your skin are getting into!