Is Witch Hazel Toner Good for Dry Skin?

Are you also looking for ways to keep your skin healthy and free from dryness? Look no further, as “witch hazel” is your answer. 

A witch hazel toner hydrates and moisturizes dry skin. It also soothes the skin, removes dead skin cells, tightens the skin temporarily, and balances the skin’s pH. 

A common misconception is that the skin does not need a toner. However, every skin type needs a toner to maintain proper skin moisturization and hydration. 

Do note that witch hazel is only a short-term remedy; using it long term may cause problems, irrespective of your skin concern or type.

Continue reading to know more. 

How Can Witch Hazel Be a Good Toner for Dry Skin?

Witch hazel is an excellent toner for dry skin. Its leaves, bark, and flowers possess flavonoids, essential oils, and tannins.

The bark and leaves of witch hazel contain 10% tannins, which contribute to its astringent properties (1) that are effective for dry skin. Witch hazel soothes and moisturizes sensitive, dry, and irritated skin. 

However, excessive usage of witch hazel can lead to skin dryness. Fortunately, some witch hazel toners also contain moisturizing ingredients, such as honey and glycerin, making them beneficial for dry skin. 

1. Witch hazel’s astringent property heals dry, cracked, or blistered skin

Witch hazel is an astringent and potent antioxidant, making it a natural remedy for skin suffering from eczema, psoriasis, blisters, and cracks. (2) 

As a natural astringent, it removes excess oil (3) from pores without causing skin dryness. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and is a main ingredient of many toners.

Note: Astringent is a substance that makes tissues shrink or contract and dries up secretions. (4) 

2. Witch hazel alleviates skin dryness

Gallic acid is the main constituent of witch hazel. (2) According to one research, gallic acid reduces skin dryness. (5) It also protects skin cells from oxidative stress. (6)

Note: Oxidative stress decreases moisture. The presence of gallic acid in witch hazel makes it suitable for dry skin. 

3. Witch hazel provides skin moisture 

Proanthocyanins are some of the constituents of witch hazel (2) and they provide adequate skin moisture. Condensed and hydrolyzable tannins are the rich polyphenols of H. virginiana bark and leaves. (7)

What Is Witch Hazel and Can It Be Used as a Toner?

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a North American flowering shrub (2) whose extract is used in traditional medicine. (8) Witch hazel hinders toxin production and biofilm formation. (9) 

With high tannin concentration, witch hazel is an excellent herb with great herbal astringent properties. Its bark and leaves can be used to protect the skin and prevent blemishes. (10)

Witch hazel is an herb and a primary ingredient in many toners (11). It has botanical anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that help eliminate excess skin oil. (3) 

Witch hazel tightens the skin and protects it from atmospheric toxins or pollutants. Additionally, witch hazel’s hamamelitannin compound hydrates dry skin. 

Choosing the Best Witch Hazel Product for Your Skin

Remember the following pointers when picking a witch hazel product for your skin.

1. Alcohol-free witch hazel products

Alcohol damages the skin’s natural protective layer and strips off its natural oils needed to keep it healthy. It is harsh on the skin and leads to dryness. It also causes irritation and disrupts the skin’s natural regeneration.

Alcohols such as ethanol (12) cause contact dermatitis (13) or skin irritation. However, fatty alcohols benefit dry skin as they are nonirritating and nondrying.

It is best to choose alcohol-free products. 

2. Witch hazel and aloe vera products

Both witch hazel and aloe vera have botanical anti-inflammatory properties. (14) Aloe vera hydrates dry skin, (15) and the bark and leaves of witch hazel contain gallic acid and tannins that hydrate the skin. (2) 

Therefore, both witch hazel and aloe vera are excellent ingredients for dry skin. 

3. Dermatologically tested witch hazel products

Dermatologically tested means doctors who are experts in skin health have approved a product to be safe for topical use. Dermatologists suggest you choose a product based on your needs.

Tips When Choosing a Toner for Dry Skin

Remember the following things when choosing the right toner for your dry skin:

• Go for an alcohol-free toner that is specifically formulated for dry skin, as alcohol can irritate and dry your skin. Alcohol-containing hand rubs or sanitizers are less irritating on the skin. (16)
• Choose artificial fragrance-free toners to stay away from inflammation and irritation.
• Look for toners that contain natural ingredients and herbal skin toners with astringent and soothing effects on the skin and face to reduce irritation. (17) The main ingredients of many herbal toners are pomegranate and sugar cane juice, and they improve the skin without causing side effects. (18) 
• Go for sulfate-free, phthalate-free, and paraben-free toners. Parabens pose a low risk of skin sensitization. (19) Sulfates (sodium lauryl sulfate) penetrate the skin, causing cutaneous irritation. (20) Phthalates are endocrine disruptors and are harmful to human health. (21)
• Pick a moisturizing and hydrating toner. 

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Final Word

Witch hazel is a plant with powerful medicinal properties that can treat several skin conditions, such as pruritus, psoriasis, and eczema. The bark and leaves of witch hazel hold essential elements helpful in treating dry skin.

Witch hazel contains the skin-beneficial compounds tannins and gallic acid, and toners containing witch hazel hydrate the skin.