Witch Hazel: the gentle toner nature made
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Witch hazel is one of those old-fashioned ingredients that never really went away — because it works, and it's gentle about it.
What it is
It's a distilled water made from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel shrub, Hamamelis virginiana. Mine is a water rather than a high-alcohol version, so it's kinder to skin and less drying.
What it does for your skin
It's mildly astringent, so it refreshes and tightens the look of pores, and it has a naturally soothing, calming quality that suits oily, combination and blemish-prone skin. It's a lovely, uncomplicated way to tone.
How to use it
- Straight, as a simple toner on a cotton pad
- As part of the water phase in toners, mists and lotions
- To soothe skin after cleansing or shaving
One important note: witch hazel water contains water, so as soon as you bottle it up for keeping — or blend it into anything — it needs a proper preservative to stay safe. On the skin, fresh from the bottle, it's lovely as it is.
Steph x