How to Apply Witch Hazel to Your Face

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Co-authored by Lorraine Kline and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: April 23, 2024 References

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Using Witch Hazel

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Treating Skin Issues

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Using Witch Hazel Products

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Herb-Infused Witch Hazel

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Expert Interview

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Expert Q&A

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If you're looking for a natural way to care for your skin, use witch hazel in your skincare routine. Because witch hazel has astringent and antibacterial properties, it can soothe irritated or inflamed skin. Spritz witch hazel toner on your face or brush it directly onto blemishes. Mix witch hazel into aloe vera gel and spread it on sunburned skin. You can even make your own herb-infused witch hazel to use in a facial mask or as an aftershave.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Witch Hazel

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1
Wash your face thoroughly. Splash your face with warm water and gently rub on your favorite facial cleanser. Use cool water to rinse the cleanser off of your face. Pat your skin dry using a soft, clean cloth.
- Avoid scrubbing your skin or using a harsh cleanser because these can damage your skin.
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Do a spot test first to see how your skin reacts. If you think your skin is sensitive, dab a little witch hazel on 1 side of your jaw line. Wait 5 to 10 minutes to see if your skin reacts. Witch hazel usually works best for oily skin because witch hazel is an astringent.
- If your skin reacts, you may notice red, irritated skin or a rash develop. Avoid using witch hazel if you have a reaction to the spot test.
- Since research is needed to determine if witch hazel is safe to use while pregnant, you should avoid using it if you are pregnant.
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Buy high-quality witch hazel from a natural grocer or pharmacy. If you have sensitive skin, look for witch hazel with a low alcohol content to prevent it from drying out your skin. Dip a cotton ball or pad in the witch hazel until the cotton is soaked.^{[1]
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Brush the soaked cotton ball or pad over your clean face. Your skin should feel wet for a few seconds, but the witch hazel will dry quickly.^{[2]
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Because witch hazel can cleanse and calm irritated skin, brush it over oily or acne-prone areas. For example, swipe a soaked cotton pad over your T-zone (the center of your forehead and nose) if it's oily.
If you're just starting to use witch hazel on your face, brush it on your skin 1 time a day. This will give your skin a chance to get used to it and will prevent your skin from drying out too quickly. Once you've used it for several days, you can use the witch hazel up to 2 times a day.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Treating Skin Issues

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1
Use witch hazel after cleansing to tone your skin and shrink pores. Get out a clean 1-ounce (30-ml) spray bottle and pour 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of rosewater and 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of witch hazel into it. Add 9 drops of your favorite essential oil (such as tea tree, lavender, or geranium) and screw the lid on. Shake the bottle to combine the toner. Spray it on your skin or spray it onto a cotton pad that you can brush over your face.
- You can use a combination of different essential oils. For example, try 4 drops of geranium and 5 drops of tea tree oil.
- To remove makeup or dirt left after washing your face, apply a sparing amount of essential oil to a cotton ball and wipe it gently over your face and throat.
2
Reduce eye puffiness and undereye bags. Take 2 clean cotton rounds and dip them in witch hazel or your infused witch hazel. Close your eyes and lay them on the puffy skin under your eyes. Let the rounds sit on your skin for 3 to 5 minutes and remove them.
- The witch hazel should tighten your skin and reduce the puffiness.
3
Relieve the discomfort from a sunburn. Squirt a quarter-sized amount of aloe vera gel into the palm of your hand. Add a 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 ml) of witch hazel or infused witch hazel and stir it together using your fingertip. Spread the witch hazel aloe vera gel over the sunburned skin on your face and let it dry. Reapply the gel as often as you need to.^{[3]
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- Spread a thin layer so the gel can dry. You should feel a cooling sensation on your face once the witch hazel aloe vera gel begins to work.
- Witch hazel can dry out your skin, so avoid applying it alone to a sunburn.
4
Soothe irritated skin and fight acne. If your skin is breaking out in pimples and zits, dip a cotton ball in witch hazel. Place the cotton ball directly on the blemished area of your skin and hold it there for a few minutes. You can do this 1 to 2 times a day until your acne clears up.^{[4]
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- Research shows that because it's an astringent and has antibacterial properties, witch hazel can reduce inflammation from acne and eczema.
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Heal cuts and fade bruises. Dip a cotton ball or pad into witch hazel and press it onto any cuts or bruises on your face. Hold the cotton in place for 2 to 3 minutes. The witch hazel will improve drainage in your face, which will speed up healing.
- Apply the witch hazel to the bruises or cuts 2 to 3 times a day.
Wet a cotton ball with witch hazel, and wipe it gently over your face and throat. This is an effective way to remove stubborn traces of makeup without vigorous rubbing that might irritate your skin.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Witch Hazel Products

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1
Apply an anti-inflammatory face mask with witch hazel. If the skin on your face is red or irritated, make a calming mask. Mix 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of witch hazel or infused witch hazel with 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of honey, if you have dry skin. If you have oily skin, mix the witch hazel with 1 egg white. Spread the witch hazel mask over your face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse the mask off with cool water and pat your face dry.^{[5]
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- Avoid scrubbing your skin when you remove the mask since this can damage your sensitive skin.
Buy facial lotion that contains witch hazel and use it after you've cleansed your face. The witch hazel lotion will lock in the moisture and will soothe irritated skin. Use the witch hazel lotion once a day.
Buy a skin cream that contains 10 to 20% witch hazel and phosphatidylcholine. Rub this over itchy, irritated skin on your face 2 to 3 times a day. Studies have shown that the combination of witch hazel and phosphatidylcholine is as effective as 1% hydrocortisone.^{[6]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Herb-Infused Witch Hazel

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Go to a natural grocers, pharmacy, or grocery store and look for witch hazel that contains at least 86% witch hazel extract. It shouldn't have an alcohol content above 14% or it may irritate or dry your skin.
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Choose dried herbs to infuse the witch hazel. Use your favorite dried herb or combine several to infuse in the witch hazel. Select herbs that will work well together. Consider using:
- Basil
- Calendula
- Chamomile
- Green sencha leaf tea
- Lavender flowers
- Lemon balm or peel
- Lemongrass
- Orange peel
- Peppermint
- Rose petals
- Rosemary
- Vanilla beans
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Place your herbs in a jar and pour the witch hazel over them. Decide how strong you want the infusion to be. For a mild infusion, place a few spoonfuls of dried herbs in the bottom of a mason jar. For a strong infusion, you could fill the jar almost to the top. Pour enough of the witch hazel over the herbs so they're covered by at least 2-inches (5-cm).
- The herbs need a little room to expand and swell as they infuse in the witch hazel.
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Set the jar in a cool, dark place. Screw the lid onto the jar and put it somewhere cool and dry. Keep the jar away from light. Store the jar in a place where the temperature will not change dramatically.
- Consider storing the jar in a cabinet or closet. Avoid storing it in a cabinet in the garage or attic, because the temperatures can shift too much.
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Shake the jar every day for 2 weeks. To ensure that the herbs swell and infuse the witch hazel, shake the jar at least once a day while the witch hazel infuses. Infuse the witch oil for at least 2 weeks before you use it.
- If the herbs swell so much that they're not covered by the witch hazel, pour more witch hazel into the jar.
Set a clean mason jar in the sink and set a fine mesh strainer over it. Open the jar with the herb infused witch hazel and slowly pour it through the strainer into the new jar. Label the jar with the date you strained it and the herbs you used.
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Use the herb infused witch hazel. Dip a cotton ball in the infused witch hazel and brush it over your face for a quick moisturizer. Or dab a little along your jawline as a simple aftershave. To use the infused witch hazel as a makeup remover, rub a little over your face. Rinse your face to completely remove the makeup and witch hazel.
- Store the infused witch hazel at room temperature for up to 6 months.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Can you use witch hazel as a toner for your skin?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Yes, it's best for normal to oily skin but is suitable for all skin types. It is especially good for acne-prone skin as it reduces bacteria.

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Question

How is witch hazel good for your face?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Witch hazel is an astringent; it reduces oil and inflammation. It also helps lock moisture in the skin, so it's good for all skin types. Witch hazel asl calms and soothes the skin and works as an antiseptic.

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Question

Can you use tea tree oil and witch hazel together?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Yes, tea tree oil and witch hazel are a well known and highly effective remedy for treating acne. Both of these ingredients are antibacterial.

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