Derived from the bark, leaves, and twigs of Hamamelis virginiana, the benefits of witch hazel for skin come from two main properties: it acts as an astringent to remove excess oil and temporarily tighten pores, and it contains tannins and gallic acid that reduce inflammation and soothe minor irritation.
It works best for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types, and is most commonly used as a toner between cleansing and moisturizing. People with dry or sensitive skin should choose an alcohol-free formula to avoid irritation. It is an FDA-approved over-the-counter ingredient, but it is not a treatment for diagnosed skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis.
