Antioxidants

Witch Hazel: Comedogenic Rating & Safety Profile

Also known as: Hamamelis Virginiana

An astringent botanical extract. Useful for very oily or congested skin but can be over-drying due to high tannin content.

Comedogenic

0/5

Safe

0 = won't clog pores · 5 = highly pore-clogging

Irritancy

3/5

Moderate Risk

0 = inert · 5 = often irritating

Function

Antioxidants

Pregnancy

Generally considered safe

Vegan

Typically yes

Also Known As

Hamamelis Virginiana

Quick verdict

Witch Hazel is a antioxidant with a safe comedogenic profile (0/5) and moderate risk irritancy (3/5). An astringent botanical extract. Useful for very oily or congested skin but can be over-drying due to high tannin content.

What is Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel is a botanical extract distilled from the bark and leaves of the Hamamelis virginiana shrub native to North America. It contains tannins (which give it astringent, pore-tightening properties) and small amounts of essential oils. Witch hazel has a long folk-medicine history as an astringent and was once a staple of toner formulations — though modern dermatology takes a more nuanced view, recommending it only for genuinely oily and resilient skin.

Comedogenic Rating: What 0/5 Means for Your Skin

Witch hazel is rated 0/5 comedogenic. It is a water-based extract with no oily content.

Benefits for skin

Tightens pores temporarily
Reduces excess oil
Mild antibacterial action

Potential side effects & who should avoid it

Irritancy rating is 2–3/5. The high tannin content can be over-drying and worsen rosacea, eczema and barrier-damaged skin. Most commercial witch hazel toners also contain alcohol, which compounds the drying effect. Avoid alcohol-containing witch hazel products if your skin is sensitive, dry or compromised.

Best for

Oily
Combination

Avoid if

Dry skin
Sensitive skin
Eczema
Rosacea

How to use Witch Hazel safely

If you have genuinely oily, resilient skin and want to use witch hazel, choose alcohol-free formulations. Apply with a cotton pad after cleansing and follow with serum and moisturiser. Avoid daily use on the entire face — spot use on oily zones is more sensible.

Commonly found in

Witch hazel is in toners, astringents, after-shave products and some acne treatments.

Found Witch Hazel in your skincare?

Paste the full ingredient list into our INCI Analyser to see how this ingredient interacts with everything else in the formula.

Frequently asked questions

Is witch hazel comedogenic?

No — 0/5.

Is witch hazel safe for sensitive skin?

Generally no — the tannins and (usually) alcohol can worsen sensitivity, rosacea and eczema.

Can I use witch hazel every day?

Only if your skin is oily and resilient. Daily use on dry or sensitive skin damages the barrier.

Does witch hazel shrink pores?

It causes temporary tightening of skin around pores, but does not permanently change pore size.

Other antioxidants to know

Niacinamide

A multi-tasking form of Vitamin B3 that reduces sebum, fades pigmentation, strengthens the moisture barrier and calms redness.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin lipids from oxidative damage and stabilises formulations against rancidity.

Tea Tree Oil

A potent essential oil with antibacterial and antifungal properties — comparable to 5% benzoyl peroxide for spot treatment when used correctly.

Centella Asiatica

A botanical with proven anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and antioxidant properties. The hero of K-beauty 'Cica' creams.

Want the full picture on pore-clogging ingredients? Read our complete guide to comedogenic ingredients for the dermatology research behind the 0–5 scale and the full list of high-risk ingredients to avoid.

Sources

Written by ScanSkinAI Cosmetic Science Team · Last updated June 2026

This information is for educational purposes only. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.