The 7 best witch hazel products for every need, according to dermatologists
Witch hazel products are having a moment at beauty counters and drugstores everywhere. While the name implies something slightly sinister and, well, witchy, witch hazel is incredibly soothing for the skin. The active antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient in witch hazel is derived from the Hamamelis virginiana shrub and is an FDA-approved, scientifically-supported topical skincare powerhouse. That said, not all witch hazel products are created equal, and not all are appropriate for every condition or need.
If you’ve been trying to decide which item to grab to help tame your itchy or irritated skin, we’ve researched for you. First, we talked to dermatologists and aestheticians to learn more about the ingredient’s benefits and potential side effects. Then, we researched dozens of the most popular witch hazel products to develop our top picks. Here's what you need to know about this natural extract and which witch hazel products can give your irritated skin some well-deserved TLC.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman, MD, adds that witch hazel can be helpful for older people who want to reduce the look of varicose veins and bruises — two things that come up more frequently as we age. “Witch hazel can be beneficial for those dealing with varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Its astringent qualities help reduce swelling and provide relief from the associated discomfort,” she says. “Many of my patients also appreciate witch hazel for its ability to reduce the appearance of bruises, a frequent concern as skin becomes thinner and more susceptible to injury with age.”
What is witch hazel?
Witch hazel is a plant extract from a tree native to North America and Asia that helps reduce swelling, ease inflammatory responses, alleviate irritation and reduce swelling because of two main antioxidant compounds — tannins and flavonoids. This can help to prevent skin damage. Valerie Aparovich, a certified cosmetologist-aesthetician and practicing biochemist explains, “The plant’s bark and leaves, [which are] distilled into a liquid, have been used for centuries to treat skin concerns related to inflammation and irritation.”
Witch hazel also offers an astringent effect, which helps tighten the skin. “Due to its astringent properties, it can minimize the appearance of pores and reduce excess oil on the skin,” says Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in private practice in Miami, Florida.
What is witch hazel used for?
Witch hazel is typically found in topical skin care products. These products are used to:
Ease redness or inflammation of the skin
Treat varicose veins
Reduce bruises
Reduce skin and scalp irritation
Prevent and combat acne
Cleanse and tone the skin
Reduce the incidence of psoriasis or eczema-related flares
Treat hemorrhoids
Are there side effects to using witch hazel?
Generally speaking, witch hazel is considered a safe and effective ingredient for topical skin care. There are some people who may be allergic to it and would therefore not want to continue use. If you experience redness, itching or a rash after using the ingredient, Chacon recommends avoiding it in the future. As always, it's a good idea to speak with you own healthcare provider when adding any new treatments into your routines.
There is also the potential to oveuse the product, which may also lead to a sensitivity that is not necessarily an allergy. “Overuse can dry out the skin, as it does remove oils. Those with particularly dry or sensitive skin should use witch hazel sparingly,” says Chacon. A good indication if you are experiencing a sensitivity due to overuse would be increased dryness or tightness after using the product. You simply skp that step in your skin care routine for a while, or look for a version of the product with a lower ingredient concentration. “Taking a local patch test on a small area of your skin is crucial before fully introducing a new product to your skincare routine to ensure no side effects occur,” she says.
You can also consider adding moisturizer to your routine when using witch hazel, according to Kopelman. If that doesn’t improve tightness or dryness, follow Aparovich’s advice and strike it from your routine.
What are the different types of witch hazel products?
It comes in a variety of topical dermatological products, including everything from cleansers, toners, creams, masks and scrubs, to shampoos, after-sun lotions, pads, sprays, ointments and scalp treatments. Even oral witch hazel supplements are available, if you’re so inclined.
That said, not all products are intended for all concerns or conditions. “Witch hazel pads can be helpful during pregnancy for treating hemorrhoids. Witch hazel toners can benefit those dealing with acne, as they can help reduce inflammation and excess oil. Witch hazel wipes can be used for quick cleansing or refreshing the skin when on the go,” says Chacon. “The key is to choose a product that suits your specific needs and skin type.”
Also, be sure to check the ingredients before making a purchase. “When selecting a high-quality witch hazel product, it’s important to look for a product that is 100% pure witch hazel,” says Chacon. “Some products may contain alcohol, which can dry out the skin. Also, verify that the product is free from added fragrances or other potential irritants, especially if you have sensitive skin.”
Aparovich also points out that you can pick products that include ingredients known to complement witch hazel’s soothing properties. She suggests other plant-derived extracts such as Calendula Officinalis extract, Lamium Album extract, Echinacea Angustifolia extract, Aloe Barbadenis leaf extract and Camellia Sinensis leaf extract.
As for those oral witch hazel supplements? It may be best to avoid a purchase or to consult a doctor or healthcare provider before trying them. “Their efficacy and safety are not as well-studied as topical witch hazel products,” Chacon warns.
Witch Hazel FAQs
How do I know if witch hazel is right for me?
Witch hazel is a well-tolerated topical skin care ingredient, so it’s one that’s worth trying. With antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, witch hazel-containing products can help with a range of concerns and conditions, including red or inflamed skin, acne, sunburn, scalp irritation or even hemorrhoids. That said, some people are sensitive or allergic to witch hazel, so it’s a good idea to do a patch skin test on a small area before putting the product fully to use. If you’re not sure which product is right for you, talk to your dermatologist about recommendations.
Should I take witch hazel supplements?
Data is limited regarding ingesting witch hazel, but there’s some evidence to support its use as a gut-supportive supplement. Make sure you talk to your doctor about whether witch hazel supplements might be appropriate for your health concerns.
Most importantly, don’t consume witch hazel products intended for topical use. Not only are these products not FDA-approved for this purpose, but they may contain other ingredients that aren’t safe for consumption.
Does witch hazel really help with hemorrhoids?
Absolutely — that’s why the hospital-approved Tucks medicated pads made our list. “Tucks pads contain witch hazel-glycerin compresses that can be applied in pregnancy for symptomatic relief,” states The American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Is witch hazel safe for use on children?
While there’s certainly a market for witch hazel products for kids (witch hazel baby wipes for diaper rash, anyone?), there isn’t much safety data to support its use. Witch hazel is possibly safe for children when used topically, but it’s best to check with your child’s pediatrician. If a child ingests witch hazel, contact Poison Control immediately.
What about pets?
As with children, using witch hazel on your pets is considered generally safe when applied topically. Just make sure you’re using products that are intended to be used on pets, rather than people, like Burt’s Bees’ doggie ear cleaner. That said, there’s not much hard data to support its use.
Meet the experts
Valerie Aparovich, certified cosmetologist-aesthetician and practicing biochemist
Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist
Hannah Kopelman, MD, board-certified dermatologist