Witch Hazel Is the OG Skincare Ingredient You Need for Treating Acne

Experts break down this miracle worker for fighting those pesky blemishes.

Along with the plethora of skincare products on the market these days, there's an endless flux of skincare ingredients going viral on a daily basis. The one that has currently caught everyone's attention is witch hazel for acne, and if you're acne-prone, you'll want to pay close attention to whether or not this should be in your routine.

Witch Hazel is nothing new. In fact, it is an OG skincare ingredient known for calming irritation, reducing acne, and more. But as we know, while social media is wonderful for connecting with people, we'd be remiss not to mention the amount of misinformation that comes along with these trends. To cut through the noise, we tapped two board-certified dermatologists to break down everything there is to know about witch hazel so you can make the best, most well-informed decisions next time you find yourself shopping the skincare aisle. From what it is to its potential side effects, their answers are below.

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Meet Our Expert

• Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.

• Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at the Shafer Clinic.
  

What is Witch Hazel?

"Witch Hazel, also known as hamamelis virginiana, is a type of flowering shrub that can be incorporated into a skincare routine given its multiple skin benefits — including that it can help balance oil production," explains Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.

In Witch Hazel-infused skincare products, twigs and bark are used, explains Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at the Shafer Clinic. "[They] contain therapeutic constituents that, when extracted and distilled, create the clear, fragrant, natural astringent that has been known for generations as a natural skin care solution."

The Benefits

Dr. Garshick adds that since witch hazel has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial benefits, it can help to reduce irritation and inflammation, balance the skin’s pH, control overall oil production, and improve the appearance of pores.

Specifically, Dr. Engelman says that witch hazel can be used to treat anything from mosquito bites and first aid to razor bumps and redness.

How Witch Hazel Treats Acne

One of the most popular uses of witch hazel is to treat acne and blemishes. According to Dr. Engelman, this ingredient is a natural astringent that holds anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which can help reduce inflammation and minimize the appearance of breakouts. As an added bonus, it is also known to absorb excess oil and acne-causing bacteria to prevent clogged pores and keep the skin clear.

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Potential Side Effects

Since witch hazel absorbs into the skin, it sometimes gets a bad rep for being excessively drying. But Dr. Engelman says that witch hazel is usually well-tolerated by the skin, but when formulated with other ingredients, it can irritate or over-dry the skin.

"It is important to look for formulations that are alcohol-free to minimize the potential for dryness or irritation," adds Dr. Garshick. "Furthermore, some witch hazel products may also incorporate other ingredients such as glycerin and aloe vera." Dr. Engelman also adds that if you're known to have any sensitivity, it's best to do a patch test just in case.

How to Use Witch Hazel

Typically, Witch Hazel is incorporated into a skincare routine as a toner. "Witch hazel preps, cleans, tones, and balances skin before applying additional products," Dr. Engelman explains. "You can add serums, moisturizer, and SPF over it as part of your morning routine or before bed to help cleanse and remove bacteria and oils from the skin before your nighttime regimen."

But while witch hazel is very popular in toners, it can be incorporated into other types of products, too. Dr. Garshick says it can be put into different product formulations, including cleansers, toners, facial mists, gels, creams or lotions, wipes, or pads, depending on the desired effect. "For people with combination/normal skin, it can be beneficial to apply toner to clean skin using a cotton round twice daily — morning and night," she adds.

What Ingredients to Use it With (And What Not To)

For those with sensitive skin, Dr. Engelman recommends avoiding Witch Hazel products that also contain harsh actives and chemical exfoliants, as that may lead to more dryness or irritation. But you're safe to use Witch Hazel with other acne-fighting ingredients, such as niacinamide, which helps minimize pores and even out skin tone. She adds tea tree oil, another popular acne-fighting ingredient, works well with witch hazel. "Together, they are antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial," she says.

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How to Find the Right Witch Hazel Product

Witch hazel is one of those ingredients that can benefit all skin types. But according to Dr. Engleman, you should always check to make sure the product's not diluted.

With that in mind, though, people with certain skin types should lean toward specific formulations. For example, Dr. Engelman says that people with dry or sensitive skin should opt for alcohol-free products, like Humphrey's Alcohol-Free Toners, to prevent over-drying the skin. Additionally, Dr. Garshick says to look for additional skincare ingredients in the formulas if you're looking for something in particular. For example, if you're looking to hydrate the skin, the Thayer's Alcohol-Free Facial Toner with Rose Petal also incorporates moisturizing glycerin and aloe vera.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use witch hazel as a toner?

"Yes," says Dr. Engelman. "Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and balancing properties make it a great ingredient for toning the skin." She cautions that using it as a toner alone will irritate some skin types — especially sensitive skin. She recommends seeking a toner that pairs witch hazel with nourishing ingredients to offset any potential negative side effects.

Will witch hazel dry out my skin?

Dr. Engelman says that when used in excess or used in its purest form, witch hazel can cause or exacerbate dryness. But you can still use it even if you have dry skin as long as you seek witch hazel products that also contain hydrating and soothing ingredients.

Is witch hazel safe for my skin type?

"In general, witch hazel is safe for most skin types," says Dr. Engelman. "However, those with extremely sensitive or dry skin, or certain skin conditions like rosacea, may want to avoid witch hazel as it can be too harsh for them." If you're unsure, she recommends doing a patch test or asking your dermatologist.

What are the benefits of adding witch hazel to my skincare routine?

"Witch hazel has a variety of benefits to skincare," says Dr. Engelman. "[These include balancing oil production, helping prevent acne, reducing inflammation and clearing the skin of excess debris / makeup. It can also help soothe sunburn and bug bites, and has a cooling effect on the skin."

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