Witch hazel deserves some attention for very good reason: it kind of does it all.
What is Witch Hazel?
It has powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make it a great remedy from bug bites to oily skin. High levels of healing active ingredients reduce inflammation, cellular damage and swelling, while also soothing wounds. The bark, twigs, and leaves of the plant are used to make a skin-healing astringent that’s capable of naturally reducing acne, blisters, insect bites, poison ivy, inflammation and much more.
The plant is used to extract active particles called polyphenols and tannins. Then, these particles are added to alcohol or water to make a concentrated product called witch hazel water, Hamamelis water, or distilled witch hazel extract. This extract can be used topically or taken like medicine.
RWM’s Tips
We recommend adding witch hazel to your natural skin care routine. To use: wet a cotton ball with witch hazel and run it over bug bites to soothe the itch; freshly shaved skin to prevent razor burn; sunburned skin to cool the redness; or a clean face to tone skin, tighten pores, and prevent blemishes. You can also mix some into your favorite natural shampoo to fight an itchy, flaky scalp.
We love Thayer’s because they are a cruelty-free company that has been around since 1847, so they really know what they’re doing. Natural beauty products like these are great for your skin because they are free of artificial fragrances, dyes, and parabens.