Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) leaf water
AKA: American witch-hazel, Witch Hazel Leaf Water
Plant-Derived
Astringent
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Water is a cosmetic ingredient used as astringent, skin conditioning. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
Family
Hamamelidaceae
Plant Part
Leaf
Lifeform
Shrub
Climate
Temperate
CAS #
84696-19-5
Form
Liquid
Functions
Astringent
Tightens and contracts skin tissue, temporarily shrinking pores and reducing oiliness. That "clean, tight" feeling after toner.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Minimizes pores
Controls excess oil
Traditional Use
A hydrosol form used since the 19th century as a gentle astringent tonic for facial care, derived from traditional Indigenous applications.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
50%
0%70%
Reg. Limit
FDA OTC limit: 50% (Anorectal Astringent). Source: FDA OTC Monograph, 21 CFR 346.18.
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Oiliness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: Kew POWO · CosIng · EWG · CIR