12 Benefits and Uses of Witch Hazel

Common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a shrub that produces ribbon-like yellow flowers in the fall. The distillate created from its bark and twigs produces everything from time-honored tonics to modern compounds that some, like the Journal of Natural Products, have said might inhibit colon cancer. Witch hazel first gained a national reputation as a cure-all after the Civil War, when it was named “Golden Treasure” by the company that would later produce Pond’s Cold Cream. As classified by the Food and Drug Administration today, “Witch Hazel USP” (which conforms to a standard set by the U.S. Pharmacopeia, a regulatory nonprofit) is an ingredient “generally recognized as safe and effective” in a wide array of over-the-counter health and first aid products. Hamamelis virginiana can be a very handy plant.

While witch hazel can be very handy, be aware of certain precautions you need to take in using any plant-based remedy for what ails you. “Products derived from plants, flowers and trees are not risk-free,” notes Dr. Jennifer Krejci, an assistant professor of dermatology at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. “Poison ivy is a plant, but you wouldn’t rub it on your face or scalp. A similar allergy can occur with ingredients like witch hazel.” And if you feel that a product is causing a rash, you should consult a dermatologist. So, does witch hazel deserve “Golden Treasure” status on your shelf? Consider auditioning it for one of these uses.

“Witch hazel can be a soothing toner for oily skin,” says Dr. Lindsey Bordone, a dermatologist in the department of dermatology of Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. “It can also help dry oily skin during the day. Bioré makes a salicylic acid toner with witch hazel which is great for oily skin. Thayers Witch Hazel Toner is another popular product that many of my patients prefer,” says Dr. Bordone.

“Witch hazel could be an effective ingredient in a deodorant because of its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties,” Dr. Krejci says. Note the distinction between deodorants and antiperspirants here: “Deodorant reduces the unpleasant odor of sweat while antiperspirant reduces the actual sweat that comes from your sweat glands,” she explains. Witch hazel is a scent-neutralizing ingredient in Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes, a vegan product that also contains coconut and pineapple.

“There is scientific evidence that the active ingredient in witch hazel has anti-fungal/yeast, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and even anti-tumor properties,” Dr. Krejci notes. “Its effect on yeast and inflammation explains how it could help scalp conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.” Start slowly by looking for a shampoo that contains witch hazel — and ease it into your routine once or twice a week.

Witch hazel “has antiviral properties which may help against HSV (cold sores) and HPV (warts),” says Dr. Carolyn Jacob, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. It owes those properties to tannins, astringent compounds found in high concentrations in its bark. While most studies to date have focused on those antiviral properties in test tubes rather than on human subjects, we do know that applying witch hazel can help dry out a fever blister, which could in turn reduce healing time.

“If parents are searching for ‘natural’ solutions for their children or want to avoid steroids, witch hazel could help — but I would caution that it can also cause allergic rashes,” Dr. Krejci says. Don’t be shy about asking your pediatrician for specific product recommendations to address complaints like inflammation and irritation.

“Witch hazel has been found to help in minor skin injuries, rosacea, diaper rashes and eczema in children,” Dr. Krejci says. A 2007 study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics found that “Hamamelis ointment is an effective and safe treatment for certain skin disorders in children up to the age of 11 years.” Grab Green Baby Witch Hazel Wipes are formulated to soothe diaper rash and other skin irritations.

When an encounter with the great outdoors turns ugly, Hamamelis can be of help. “There is some evidence that witch hazel can be effective in [treating] things like bug bites or sunburn because of its anti-inflammatory properties,” Dr. Krejci says. “A 10% formula of Hamamelis was found to be a little less potent than hydrocortisone 1%.” Try adding a few drops of witch hazel to aloe vera gel for cooling, hydrating relief.

Dr. Jacobs notes that witch hazel “can be used in lotion forms as a moisturizer and anti-inflammatory for acne patients — especially if they have irritation from retinoids — as well as rosacea patients with sensitive skin.” Note that the precise causes of rosacea aren’t well understood, and one treatment to address it does not fit all; while witch hazel soothes symptoms for some, it can be aggravating for others, and it’s important to introduce new treatments slowly.

"The important thing to combat dryness in an acne regimen is to not overdo it or add drying ingredients on top of each other," Dr. Krejci explains. "Instead, pair a gentle cleanser with a medication that is drying, or add a moisturizer after an astringent to avoid over drying. Witch hazel can help fight bacteria and inflammation that cause acne so it can be part of your routine. There’s not one perfect product for everyone but look for one that is alcohol-free to avoid excessive dryness."

While formal studies on its efficacy are limited, there's overwhelming anecdotal evidence that witch hazel may provide relief for the pain, itching and bleeding associated with hemorrhoids. Accordingly, "witch hazel is a common ingredient in hemorrhoid pads," Dr. Krejci says. Applied as a compress up to six times daily, the natural astringent in products like Tucks pads are a modern incarnation of a remedy the Iroquois used hundreds of years ago.

Hemorrhoids aren’t the only below-the-belt disturbance that a bit of witch hazel can remedy: those same Tucks pads “are sometimes given to women postpartum to help soothe sensitive skin,” Dr. Krejci says. “These can be safe and very soothing to these sensitive areas as long as you’re not allergic.”