Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) leaf water
AKA “Witch Hazel
Mineral
Ingredient Facts
Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) leaf water
Mineral · Astringent · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Astringent
Skin Conditioner
Mineral
Clean
Science: Origin: Botanic/Natural ⚠ Allergen Alert (Tree Nut): Derived from a common allergen source. May cause reactions in sensitive individuals. Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
Family
Hamamelidaceae
Plant Part
Leaf
Lifeform
Shrub
Climate
Temperate
CAS #
84696-19-5
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Astringent
Tightens and contracts skin tissue, temporarily shrinking pores and reducing oiliness. That "clean, tight" feeling after toner.
Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Minimizes pores
Controls excess oil
Traditional Use
A hydrosol form used since the 19th century as a gentle astringent tonic for facial care, derived from traditional Indigenous applications.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Oiliness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
50%
0%70%
Reg. Limit
FDA OTC limit: 50% (Anorectal Astringent). Source: FDA OTC Monograph, 21 CFR 346.18.
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Final Report: Safety Assessment of <I>Hamamelis virginiana</I> (Witch Hazel)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf Extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Twig Extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Flower Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Hamamelis Virginiana Witch Hazel Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Unveiling the Ability of Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.) Bark Extract to Impair Keratinocyte Inflammatory Cascade Typical of Atopic Eczema.
Piazza S, Martinelli G, Magnavacca A, Fumagalli M, Pozzoli C et al.
International journal of molecular sciences, 2022
Highly galloylated tannin fractions from witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) bark: electron transfer capacity, in vitro antioxidant activity, and effec
Touriño S, Lizárraga D, Carreras A, Lorenzo S, Ugartondo V et al.
Chemical research in toxicology, 2008
Verified Feb 2026
Data: Kew POWO · CosIng · EWG · CIR