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.
Quick facts about Witch Hazel
Safe
0 = won't clog pores · 5 = highly pore-clogging
Moderate Risk
0 = inert · 5 = often irritating
Antioxidants
Generally considered safe
Typically yes
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
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.
Written by ScanSkinAI Team · Last updated May 2026
This information is for educational purposes only. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.