Witch Hazel Extract
Witch Hazel Extract
Witch Hazel Extract (Hamamelis Virginiana, 14% Alcohol)
Our Witch Hazel is a clear liquid distilled from the twigs of the witch hazel tree (Hamamelis virginiana), a shrub native to North America. It contains about 14% alcohol, which is added during production and helps to keep the extract stable.
Our witch hazel is from the USA. It is vegan, palm free and not tested on animals. Witch hazel has a long history of use as a skin toner, and it is still found in many cleansers, toners and aftershaves. Makers use it neat as a toner or blend it with hydrosols, glycerine and other ingredients for facial mists, aftershaves and deodorant sprays. It is also handy as a light spritz for binding bath bombs.
|
Distilled from the twigs Origin: USA |
Toners and mists Use neat or blended |
Vegan and palm free Not tested on animals |
50 ml to 2 L Six pack sizes |
Safety information: for external (cosmetic) use only. Contains alcohol, so keep it away from flames and heat, keep it out of reach of children and keep it away from the eyes. Do not swallow. Patch test before first use. See Safety below and the Safety Data Sheet in the Product Documents section at the end of this page.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Witch Hazel Extract |
| INCI | Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water (and) Alcohol |
| CAS numbers | 84696-19-5 (witch hazel extract), 64-17-5 (ethanol) |
| Source | Steam distilled from the twigs of Hamamelis virginiana |
| Origin | USA |
| Vegan / palm free | Vegan and palm free |
| Animal testing | Not tested on animals |
| Alcohol content | About 14% |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless to very pale liquid |
| Odour | Mild, characteristic |
| Solubility | Water soluble; mixes with hydrosols, glycerine and water |
| Typical use level | Up to 100% as a toner. In blends, commonly 10–50% |
| pH | Mildly acidic (typical) |
| Suitable for | Toners, facial mists, aftershaves, body sprays, hair rinses, deodorant sprays and bath bomb binding |
| Not suitable for | Internal use. Not for use near the eyes or on broken skin |
| Pack Sizes | 50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml, 500 ml, 1 L, 2 L |
| Storage | Sealed, cool, away from heat, flames and direct sunlight |
| Use | Raw material for makers. Formulation, safety assessment and labelling of finished products are the maker’s responsibility |
Uses
| Use | How it is used |
|---|---|
| Facial toner | Apply to clean skin with a cotton pad. Use neat, or mix with a hydrosol for a gentler toner |
| Facial mist | Blend with a hydrosol in a spray bottle for a refreshing mist |
| Aftershave | Mix with a little glycerine and essential oil for a simple aftershave splash |
| Cleansing wipes and pads | Soak cotton pads in a witch hazel blend to wipe over the skin |
| Hair and scalp rinses | Used by makers in hair rinses and scalp mists |
| Deodorant sprays | Used as the liquid base in simple spray deodorants |
| Bath bomb binder | A light spritz helps bath bomb mixes hold together without setting off the fizz too early |
| DIY product base | The water-and-alcohol base for tinctures, sprays and lotions |
How to Make a Simple Witch Hazel Toner
- Gather. 1/2 cup (about 120 ml) witch hazel, 1/2 cup rose hydrosol or another hydrosol, 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerine, and a clean spray bottle.
- Mix. Pour the witch hazel and hydrosol into a clean jug and stir in the glycerine.
- Preserve. Because the hydrosol dilutes the alcohol, add a suitable preservative such as Geogard 221 or phenoxyethanol at the recommended rate.
- Bottle. Pour into a clean, dry spray bottle and label with the date.
- Use. Spritz onto a cotton pad, wipe over clean skin and follow with a moisturiser. Avoid the eyes.
Tip: Store your finished toner in a cool place out of direct sunlight, and make small batches.
Usage Starting Points ▼
These are common starting points, not fixed rules. Results vary with your recipe, so always test a small batch first.
| Use | Starting amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toner | Up to 100% (or 1:1 with hydrosol) | Apply with a cotton pad or spritz. |
| Facial mist | 25–50% in a hydrosol blend | Add a preservative if you dilute below about 14% alcohol. |
| Aftershave | 60–80% with glycerine and a little essential oil | Patch test first. |
| Bath bomb binder | A fine spritz only | Spray a little at a time to avoid early fizzing. |
Diluting witch hazel with water or hydrosol lowers the alcohol content, so blends that contain water should be preserved.
Tips & Troubleshooting ▼
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Toner stings the skin | Alcohol or too strong for your skin | Dilute with hydrosol or choose an alcohol-free alternative. Patch test and avoid broken skin. |
| Skin feels dry | Used too often, or neat | Dilute with hydrosol and add a little glycerine. |
| Blend turns cloudy | Essential oil or other oils will not mix with water | Use polysorbate 20 or 80 to disperse oils, or leave them out. |
| Blend spoils | Not preserved after dilution | Add a preservative, make small batches and use clean bottles. |
Safety & Handling ▼
This product is for external use only. Do not swallow it, keep it out of reach of children and keep it away from the eyes. It contains alcohol, so keep it away from open flames and heat. Do a patch test before first use and stop using it if irritation occurs. Avoid use on broken or irritated skin.
Selling what you make? This is a raw material for makers. The formulation, preservation, safety assessment, labelling and any regulatory requirements for your finished cosmetics or soap (including the NZ cosmetic rules) are your responsibility, and health or treatment claims should not be made for your products. Contact us at info@purefx.co.nz if you need product information.
Frequently Asked Questions ▼
What is witch hazel?
A liquid distilled from the twigs of the witch hazel tree (Hamamelis virginiana), a shrub native to North America.
Does it contain alcohol?
Yes, about 14%.
Can I use it as a toner?
Yes. Many people use it neat on a cotton pad. Patch test first and avoid the eyes.
Do I need a preservative?
Not for the witch hazel on its own. If you dilute it with water or hydrosol, add a preservative.
Is it vegan?
Yes. Our witch hazel is vegan, palm free and not tested on animals.
Where is it from?
The USA.
Is it for internal use?
No. It is for external use only.
Sizes & Price
| Pack | Price | Price per 100 ml |
|---|---|---|
| 50 ml | $4.75 | $9.50 |
| 100 ml | $7.35 | $7.35 |
| 200 ml | $11.55 | $5.78 |
| 500 ml | $19.95 | $3.99 |
| 1 L | $35.00 | $3.50 |
| 2 L | $63.85 | $3.19 |
Pairs Well With
Blend with rose hydrosol or other hydrosols, add vegetable glycerine, allantoin and natural vitamin E, and scent with lavender or tea tree essential oil, dispersed with polysorbate 20. Preserve diluted blends with Geogard 221 or phenoxyethanol, and use it to bind baking soda and citric acid bath bombs. Browse all raw ingredients. |
 Product Documents
|
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Witch Hazel Extract (Hamamelis Virginiana, 14% Alcohol)
Our Witch Hazel is a clear liquid distilled from the twigs of the witch hazel tree (Hamamelis virginiana), a shrub native to North America. It contains about 14% alcohol, which is added during production and helps to keep the extract stable.
Our witch hazel is from the USA. It is vegan, palm free and not tested on animals. Witch hazel has a long history of use as a skin toner, and it is still found in many cleansers, toners and aftershaves. Makers use it neat as a toner or blend it with hydrosols, glycerine and other ingredients for facial mists, aftershaves and deodorant sprays. It is also handy as a light spritz for binding bath bombs.
|
Distilled from the twigs Origin: USA |
Toners and mists Use neat or blended |
Vegan and palm free Not tested on animals |
50 ml to 2 L Six pack sizes |
Safety information: for external (cosmetic) use only. Contains alcohol, so keep it away from flames and heat, keep it out of reach of children and keep it away from the eyes. Do not swallow. Patch test before first use. See Safety below and the Safety Data Sheet in the Product Documents section at the end of this page.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Witch Hazel Extract |
| INCI | Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water (and) Alcohol |
| CAS numbers | 84696-19-5 (witch hazel extract), 64-17-5 (ethanol) |
| Source | Steam distilled from the twigs of Hamamelis virginiana |
| Origin | USA |
| Vegan / palm free | Vegan and palm free |
| Animal testing | Not tested on animals |
| Alcohol content | About 14% |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless to very pale liquid |
| Odour | Mild, characteristic |
| Solubility | Water soluble; mixes with hydrosols, glycerine and water |
| Typical use level | Up to 100% as a toner. In blends, commonly 10–50% |
| pH | Mildly acidic (typical) |
| Suitable for | Toners, facial mists, aftershaves, body sprays, hair rinses, deodorant sprays and bath bomb binding |
| Not suitable for | Internal use. Not for use near the eyes or on broken skin |
| Pack Sizes | 50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml, 500 ml, 1 L, 2 L |
| Storage | Sealed, cool, away from heat, flames and direct sunlight |
| Use | Raw material for makers. Formulation, safety assessment and labelling of finished products are the maker’s responsibility |
Uses
| Use | How it is used |
|---|---|
| Facial toner | Apply to clean skin with a cotton pad. Use neat, or mix with a hydrosol for a gentler toner |
| Facial mist | Blend with a hydrosol in a spray bottle for a refreshing mist |
| Aftershave | Mix with a little glycerine and essential oil for a simple aftershave splash |
| Cleansing wipes and pads | Soak cotton pads in a witch hazel blend to wipe over the skin |
| Hair and scalp rinses | Used by makers in hair rinses and scalp mists |
| Deodorant sprays | Used as the liquid base in simple spray deodorants |
| Bath bomb binder | A light spritz helps bath bomb mixes hold together without setting off the fizz too early |
| DIY product base | The water-and-alcohol base for tinctures, sprays and lotions |
How to Make a Simple Witch Hazel Toner
- Gather. 1/2 cup (about 120 ml) witch hazel, 1/2 cup rose hydrosol or another hydrosol, 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerine, and a clean spray bottle.
- Mix. Pour the witch hazel and hydrosol into a clean jug and stir in the glycerine.
- Preserve. Because the hydrosol dilutes the alcohol, add a suitable preservative such as Geogard 221 or phenoxyethanol at the recommended rate.
- Bottle. Pour into a clean, dry spray bottle and label with the date.
- Use. Spritz onto a cotton pad, wipe over clean skin and follow with a moisturiser. Avoid the eyes.
Tip: Store your finished toner in a cool place out of direct sunlight, and make small batches.
Usage Starting Points ▼
These are common starting points, not fixed rules. Results vary with your recipe, so always test a small batch first.
| Use | Starting amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toner | Up to 100% (or 1:1 with hydrosol) | Apply with a cotton pad or spritz. |
| Facial mist | 25–50% in a hydrosol blend | Add a preservative if you dilute below about 14% alcohol. |
| Aftershave | 60–80% with glycerine and a little essential oil | Patch test first. |
| Bath bomb binder | A fine spritz only | Spray a little at a time to avoid early fizzing. |
Diluting witch hazel with water or hydrosol lowers the alcohol content, so blends that contain water should be preserved.
Tips & Troubleshooting ▼
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Toner stings the skin | Alcohol or too strong for your skin | Dilute with hydrosol or choose an alcohol-free alternative. Patch test and avoid broken skin. |
| Skin feels dry | Used too often, or neat | Dilute with hydrosol and add a little glycerine. |
| Blend turns cloudy | Essential oil or other oils will not mix with water | Use polysorbate 20 or 80 to disperse oils, or leave them out. |
| Blend spoils | Not preserved after dilution | Add a preservative, make small batches and use clean bottles. |
Safety & Handling ▼
This product is for external use only. Do not swallow it, keep it out of reach of children and keep it away from the eyes. It contains alcohol, so keep it away from open flames and heat. Do a patch test before first use and stop using it if irritation occurs. Avoid use on broken or irritated skin.
Selling what you make? This is a raw material for makers. The formulation, preservation, safety assessment, labelling and any regulatory requirements for your finished cosmetics or soap (including the NZ cosmetic rules) are your responsibility, and health or treatment claims should not be made for your products. Contact us at info@purefx.co.nz if you need product information.
Frequently Asked Questions ▼
What is witch hazel?
A liquid distilled from the twigs of the witch hazel tree (Hamamelis virginiana), a shrub native to North America.
Does it contain alcohol?
Yes, about 14%.
Can I use it as a toner?
Yes. Many people use it neat on a cotton pad. Patch test first and avoid the eyes.
Do I need a preservative?
Not for the witch hazel on its own. If you dilute it with water or hydrosol, add a preservative.
Is it vegan?
Yes. Our witch hazel is vegan, palm free and not tested on animals.
Where is it from?
The USA.
Is it for internal use?
No. It is for external use only.
Sizes & Price
| Pack | Price | Price per 100 ml |
|---|---|---|
| 50 ml | $4.75 | $9.50 |
| 100 ml | $7.35 | $7.35 |
| 200 ml | $11.55 | $5.78 |
| 500 ml | $19.95 | $3.99 |
| 1 L | $35.00 | $3.50 |
| 2 L | $63.85 | $3.19 |
Pairs Well With
Blend with rose hydrosol or other hydrosols, add vegetable glycerine, allantoin and natural vitamin E, and scent with lavender or tea tree essential oil, dispersed with polysorbate 20. Preserve diluted blends with Geogard 221 or phenoxyethanol, and use it to bind baking soda and citric acid bath bombs. Browse all raw ingredients. |
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Product Documents
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