Ingredient

Witch Hazel Extract (Hamamelis Virginiana)

Hamamelis virginiana

Toning and astringent, witch hazel extract helps cleanse and mattify the skin. The plant is also soothing, making this ingredient recommended for acne-prone skin.

Quite witchy indeed, that Hamamelis virginiana! The tree blossoms in autumn, bringing vivid yellow flowers to life while most of the plant world goes dormant. At the same time, pods from the previous year reach maturity and snap open to expel their seeds, sometimes 20 or 30 feet farther! 

Although these facts make the tree remarkable enough, its name probably has another origin. First, its leaves are very similar to those of hazelnut trees (although the two aren’t related at all), and second, its branches were used as a divinatory tool to find underground water sources, also known as water witching. 

What are the benefits of witch hazel extract?

Toning

Cleansing

Soothes

Witch hazel extract is astringent and encouragies skin that looks clearer and smoother. With hazel also helps maintain glowing and firm looking skin. The plant is also thought to soothe the skin and scalp.

Indigenous peoples of eastern North America traditionally used witch hazel for medicinal and nutritional purposes long before Europeans discovered the plant. The astringent and soothing properties of its leaves, bark, and branches were said to be used on the skin, among other usages.