10+ Uses and Benefits of Witch Hazel

Looking for a way to keep your skin looking healthy and clear all year long? Once a staple in your grandmother’s beauty arsenal, Thayers Witch Hazel products are just as effective now as they were decades ago. Best of all, they come in a variety of different options, including facial mists, towelettes, pads, and more to make it easy to keep your skin looking great.

So, what is witch hazel? Well, it’s technically a shrub that’s indigenous to the Northeastern United States. The leaves and twigs are harvested on family farms, just like ours in Connecticut, where they are then soaked and softened with aloe vera in a process similar to making tea. The resulting liquid is then added with other ingredients to create a blend that is soothing to the skin and highly beneficial for a clear complexion.

If you’re still not sure how this fits into your skincare routine, that’s totally okay. Here are a few answers to frequently asked questions about how to use witch hazel.

1. Is Witch Hazel Good or Bad for Skin?

Witch hazel is a natural, botanical ingredient that has been used for generations to help combat skin issues like irritation, redness and acne among other problems. However, it’s important to know that not all witch hazel is created the same. Witch hazel distilled with alcohol can be incredibly drying, which can create other issues when used frequently. That’s why it is so important to choose an alcohol-free witch hazel, such as Thayers, to keep that dryness from happening and ensure your skin stays supple and beautiful.

2. Should I Use Witch Hazel as a Toner?

Absolutely! Witch hazel makes a fantastic toner. In fact, it is one of the best ways to remove dirt, grime, and excess traces of makeup at the end of the day to keep your skin looking clear and beautiful. Plus, it acts as a great base for moisturizers and other serums. Thayers Witch Hazel toners work well for nearly all skin types but are generally recommended for those with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin.

3. What Does Witch Hazel Do to Your Face and Skin?

Witch hazel offers numerous benefits for your face and skin. First, it helps remove grime and excess traces of makeup that can hide even after you've washed your face with a cleanser. It can also help reduce inflammation and tighten pores for healthier-looking skin. Finally, it is antioxidant and helps control oil production, which can overall help keep skin looking its best. In short, witch hazel is an ideal toner to keep your skin looking healthy and glowing.

4. Do Dermatologists Recommend Witch Hazel?

This is one of those tricky questions that generally depends on who you talk to. However, it is safe to say that most dermatologists recommend witch hazel, but there are a few caveats to this answer. Those that understand the beneficial properties of adding this product to your skincare routine insist that the brand you choose must be alcohol-free. Choosing a type made with ethanol alcohol can be too harsh and dry out your skin, which is why some dermatologists are hesitant to suggest it.

5. How Often Should I Use Witch Hazel?

It’s up to you how often you should use witch hazel as a toner, but many of our customers have great success adding it to their daily skincare routine. Others find they only need it a couple of times per week. As we’ve mentioned, Thayers Witch Hazel products are alcohol-free, which means they won’t dry out your skin like a lot of other brands and formulas. So, if you try it out and like the effects, feel free to start using it every day.

6. Can You Apply Witch Hazel Directly to Skin?

Yes, witch hazel is definitely safe enough to apply directly to your skin. In fact, that’s the only way to use it! Our Thayers Witch Hazel Toner is formulated with certified organic aloe vera and glycerin to help keep your skin moisturized and feeling soft. And we also offer various scent options, including unscented, lavender, coconut water, and more.

7. When Should Witch Hazel Be Used in a Skincare Routine?

Generally, witch hazel is used as a toner. That means that you’ll want to apply it after using a cleanser to re-balance skin pH. After you’ve washed your face thoroughly, pat it dry with a soft cloth. Then apply your favorite formulation of Thayers Witch Hazel before adding a moisturizing cream or serum.

8. Does Witch Hazel Help with Acne?

Yes, witch hazel products help with acne. Using this type of toner can help reduce oil production and help constrict pores, in turn assisting in reducing the number of breakouts you experience. It also helps reduce skin inflammation in the case of existing breakouts.

9. Does Witch Hazel Have Alcohol In It?

Witch hazel is naturally alcohol free! This is good news for those who have sensitive or dry skin as products that contain high alcohol content can dry out or cause skin irritation. Though some brands do use alcohol during the witch hazel extraction process, Thayers does not and is able to provide alcohol free toners and other witch hazel products. So using a skincare product like Thayers Rose Petal Facial Toner as part of your beauty routine will keep your skin feeling refreshed, clogged pores to a minimum, and can help reduce the number of whiteheads and blackheads on your skin without drying it out.

10. Is Witch Hazel Good for Oily Skin? Dry Skin?

Generally, witch hazel is ideal for those with oily, normal, or combination skin. Most dermatologists try to steer patients away from witch hazel if they have especially dry skin, but this isn’t always necessary if the witch hazel is part of a hydrating formula. Thayers Witch Hazel Toner features a formula that includes certified organic aloe vera, glycerin, and is alcohol-free. This means that it’s gentle and hydrating for dry skin, which gives you the ability to enjoy all the benefits of this type of product without worrying about excess dryness.
Thayers Witch Hazel Products for Better Skin
Now that you know more about the associated benefits, you can see why adding Thayers Witch Hazel Toner to your daily routine can benefit you. Check out our full line of premium skincare products such as facial toners, astringents, facial wipes, and more to try it out for yourself.