Ingredient · Organic & wild-harvested

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a shrub whose leaves and bark have a mild astringent effect. It refreshes the skin, helps pores look tighter and calms the look of redness. At Abloom you find it in the Soothing Lotion and the Hydrating Toner.

Barbara BaarsSkin coach and ingredient expert at Abloom Skincare · 30+ years of experienceMore about Barbara Baars

Found in these Abloom products What is it?

The source

What is it?

Witch hazel is a North American shrub that flowers in autumn, with thin, yellow, thread like petals. Its leaves and bark contain tannins, plant compounds that give the skin a slightly tightening, refreshing feel.

In skincare you find witch hazel in two forms. Witch hazel water is distilled from the plant and is the milder form; it is the third ingredient in our Soothing Lotion. Witch hazel leaf extract is a little more concentrated and is in our Hydrating Toner, together with aloe vera, glycerin and ectoin, which keep the skin hydrated.

Witch hazel has a mixed reputation, because many classic witch hazel toners are strong and can dry out the skin. We use it in a soothing, hydrating base. The Soothing Lotion also contains organic alcohol; read why in Alcohol in skincare: good or bad?. Not sure you need a toner at all? Read What does a toner do, or see what helps with enlarged pores.

How it works

What does it do for your skin?

Refreshes and tightens

The natural tannins in witch hazel give a light tightening feel and help pores look smaller.

Calms the look of redness

Witch hazel helps soothe skin that feels warm or irritated, for example after cleansing or shaving.

Balances oily skin

It leaves the skin feeling clean and fresh without a heavy layer, which suits oily and combination skin.

For whom

For which skin?

Oily skin care Combined skin care

In the collection

Found in these Abloom products

★★★★★4.8 (78)

Organic Soothing Lotion

A light calming lotion for skin that easily becomes red, irritated or out of balance.

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★★★★★4.8 (72)

Organic Hydrating Toner

A hydrating toner that quickly freshens dry skin and takes away the tight feeling after cleansing.

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Application

How to use

Use the Hydrating Toner morning and evening after cleansing, on a cotton pad or pressed in with your hands. Apply the Soothing Lotion after cleansing and before your cream, whenever your skin needs some extra calm.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Does witch hazel dry out your skin?+

That depends on the product. Strong witch hazel toners can dry out the skin. In our toner and lotion, witch hazel is combined with aloe vera and glycerin, which keep the skin hydrated. If your skin feels tight, use it once a day.

Is witch hazel good for oily skin and large pores?+

Yes. Witch hazel has a light astringent effect that helps pores look smaller and leaves the skin feeling fresh, which many people with oily or combination skin like.

Is witch hazel suitable for sensitive skin?+

In a mild formula, often yes. Witch hazel water is the gentler form. If your skin is very sensitive or reactive, test a new product on a small area first.

What is the difference between witch hazel water and witch hazel extract?+

Witch hazel water is distilled from the plant and is light and mild. Witch hazel extract is more concentrated and contains more of the plant's tannins. Our Soothing Lotion contains witch hazel water, our Hydrating Toner contains leaf extract.

Is hamamelis the same as witch hazel?+

Yes. Hamamelis is the botanical name and witch hazel the English name for the same plant.

Can I use witch hazel every day?+

Yes, in a mild, hydrating formula such as our toner. Watch how your skin responds and use it less often if it starts to feel tight.

Witch Hazel Found in these Abloom products