CAS number 84696-19-5
INCI name Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, also known as American Witch Hazel, is a natural anti-inflammatory and soothing agent commonly used in personal care products. With antibacterial properties, it helps combat fungi and harmful microbes while effectively loosening dead skin cells and removing trapped dirt. This amber-colored liquid is rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, hamamelitannin, and gallic acid, offering numerous benefits for skin and hair.
Purpose
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract is a powerful antimicrobial, antioxidant, and astringent that cleanses, tightens pores, and protects the skin. Witch Hazel Extract conditions both hair and skin, soothes irritation, and reduces inflammation, making it ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract is derive from the American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), a plant native to North America. The leaves are harveste, dry and crush before undergoing cold pressing to preserve their nutrients. The extract is then filter to remove impurities, resulting in a clear, nutrient-rich liquid.
| Feature | Description |
| Name | Witch Hazel Extract |
| Type | Botanical Extract |
| Source | Derived from the Witch Hazel plant (Hamamelis virginiana), primarily found in North America |
| PH | 3-5 |
| Function | Astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-soothing agent |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, alcohol, and glycerin; insoluble in oils |
| Color | Pale yellow to amber (in liquid form) or light brown (in powdered form) |
| Odor | Mild, woody, and slightly herbal scent |
| Concentration | 5% to 15% |
| Physical state | Liquid (in extract form); also available as a dried powder |
Rich in Bioactive Compounds
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract is pack with tannins, flavonoids, polyphenols, hamamelitannin, and gallic acid, which contribute to its strong astringent, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help tighten pores, regulate oil production, neutralize free radicals, and protect the skin from environmental stressors. Due to its high bioactive content, it is commonly use in skincare products to soothe irritation, reduce redness, and enhance skin clarity.
Cold-Pressed Extraction for Maximum Potency
The extract is obtain through a cold-pressing method to preserve its bioactive compounds without heat degradation. This technique ensures that the extract retains its full potency, making it highly effective in skincare and haircare formulations. Cold-pressing helps maintain the high levels of antioxidants and tannins, which are essential for promoting skin health and enhancing product efficacy.
Natural Astringent & Pore-Refining Agent
One of the most notable benefits of Witch Hazel is its natural astringent effect. It helps shrink pores, reduce excess sebum production, and refine skin texture, making it an ideal ingredient for toners, facial mists, and acne treatments. Its ability to control shine makes it beneficial for oily and combination skin types while also helping to smooth and firm the skin.
Powerful Antimicrobial & Antifungal Action
Witch Hazel possesses strong antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help combat acne-causing bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms. It inhibits bacterial growth, preventing infections and breakouts while also reducing scalp conditions such as dandruff and fungal infections. Its antiseptic nature makes it an excellent addition to acne treatments, antifungal creams, and scalp care products.
Anti-Inflammatory & Soothing Properties
Rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, Witch Hazel is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that helps calm skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and sunburns. It effectively reduces redness, swelling, and itching, making it a popular choice for after-sun treatments, post-shave applications, and products designed for sensitive or irritated skin.
Deep Cleansing & Detoxifying Effect
Witch Hazel acts as a natural detoxifier by removing dirt, debris, and dead skin cells that clog pores. It is a key ingredient in micellar waters, facial cleansers, and detox masks, offering a deep yet gentle cleanse. By purifying the skin, it helps maintain a clear complexion and prevents blemishes without stripping essential moisture.
Non-Greasy, Lightweight Hydration
Unlike heavy creams or oils, Witch Hazel provides lightweight hydration without leaving a greasy residue. It helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance, making it an excellent choice for hydrating yet non-comedogenic formulations. Its non-greasy nature ensures that it conditions the skin effectively while preventing clogged pores and excess oil buildup.
Scalp & Hair Health Booster
Witch Hazel is widely use in scalp treatments due to its ability to reduce dandruff, control oil production, and soothe irritation. It strengthens hair follicles, prevents excess sebum buildup, and promotes a healthy scalp environment. This makes it an essential ingredient in hair tonics, scalp treatments, and shampoos designed for oily or irritated scalps.
Reduces Puffiness & Dark Circles
Thanks to its vasoconstrictive properties, Witch Hazel tightens blood vessels, reducing puffiness, eye bags, and dark circles. It is commonly use in under-eye creams, cooling gels, and eye treatments to refresh and revitalize tired eyes. Its ability to reduce swelling makes it a popular choice for morning skincare routines and post-sleep remedies.
Mild Yet Effective for Daily Use
Despite its strong toning and cleansing properties, Witch Hazel is gentle enough for daily use. It is well-suit for sensitive and acne-prone skin as it does not cause excessive dryness or irritation. Its mild nature makes it a staple ingredient in daily toners, facial mists, and lightweight skincare products that provide hydration without overwhelming the skin.
Naturally Derived with a Subtle Herbal Aroma
Witch Hazel has a mild, earthy, and woody scent, characteristic of its natural botanical origin. Free from synthetic fragrances, it is ideal for clean beauty and hypoallergenic skincare formulations. Its gentle aroma adds a natural touch to skincare products without overpowering the senses.
Available in Alcohol-Free & Alcohol-Based Forms
The extract is available in both alcohol-free and alcohol-based formulations to cater to different skin needs. The alcohol-free version is gentle, providing hydration and soothing benefits, making it suitable for dry and sensitive skin. The alcohol-based variant has stronger astringent properties, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin by tightening pores and controlling excess sebum.
Wound-Healing & Skin-Repairing Properties
With its natural antiseptic and healing properties, Witch Hazel accelerates wound healing and reduces the risk of infection. It is commonly use in first-aid ointments, aftershaves, and post-procedure skincare products to soothe irritation and promote faster skin recovery. Witch Hazel Extract forms a protective barrier that helps minor cuts, burns, and scrapes heal more efficiently.
Sunburn & Post-Sun Exposure Relief
Witch Hazel’s cooling and anti-inflammatory effects make it an excellent choice for after-sun care. It helps relieve sunburn discomfort, reduce redness, and prevent peeling, making it a key ingredient in after-sun gels and soothing sprays. Witch Hazel Extract ability to calm heat-affected skin makes it a popular choice for post-beach skincare products.
Eco-Friendly & Sustainably Sourced
Sourced from wild-growing Hamamelis virginiana plants in North America, Witch Hazel is cultivated using sustainable farming and extraction practices. It is biodegradable and free from synthetic additives, aligning with eco-conscious beauty trends. Ethical sourcing and production methods ensure that it remains an environmentally friendly ingredient, making it a preferred choice for clean and green beauty formulations.
Applications in Skin and Haircare
Skin Care Applications
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract is widely used in skincare formulations due to its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is a key ingredient in toners, cleansers, serums, and creams, helping to balance oil production, tighten pores, and soothe irritation. Its antimicrobial benefits make it ideal for acne treatments, as it reduces breakouts by eliminating bacteria and controlling excess sebum. Additionally, Witch Hazel Extract calming properties are beneficial for sensitive and inflamed skin, making it a common component in eczema, rosacea, and post-sun care products.
Witch Hazel is frequently used in facial mists and setting sprays, providing a refreshing, oil-controlling effect without over-drying the skin. It is also included in makeup removers and micellar waters, offering gentle yet effective cleansing. Many aftershave lotions contain Witch Hazel to reduce redness, razor bumps, and irritation after shaving. Due to its cooling and de-puffing properties, it is often found in under-eye creams and gels, helping to reduce dark circles and swelling.
Hair Care Applications
In haircare, Witch Hazel is used in scalp treatments, shampoos, conditioners, and hair tonics for its oil-controlling, soothing, and antimicrobial properties. It helps regulate excess sebum, making it an excellent choice for oily scalp formulations, while its anti-inflammatory nature soothes itchiness, dandruff, and scalp irritation. By tightening hair follicles, it also strengthens the roots, reducing hair fall and improving overall scalp health.
Witch Hazel is commonly found in dry shampoos and scalp refreshers, as it removes excess oil without requiring water. It is also used in leave-in treatments and hair mists to promote a clean, fresh scalp between washes. Due to its ability to reduce buildup and clarify the scalp, it enhances the effectiveness of hair growth treatments and anti-dandruff solutions.