Witch Hazel

Botanical Name: Hamamelis virginiana

Botanical Description: Witch hazel is a flowering shrub or small tree belonging to the Hamamelidaceae family, native to North America.

Cosmetic Benefits: Witch hazel extract is commonly used in skincare products as a natural astringent and toner. It helps tighten and tone the skin, reduce the appearance of pores, and control excess oil production. Witch hazel extract also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritation, reduce redness, and promote skin healing, making it beneficial for acne-prone or sensitive skin types.

Scientific Overview: Witch hazel extract is derived from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel plant. It contains tannins, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds with astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Cultivation and Harvest: Witch hazel plants are cultivated in gardens or harvested from the wild for their medicinal uses. The leaves, bark, and twigs of the witch hazel plant are typically harvested in the spring or fall and then processed for various applications, including skincare.

Plant Morphology: Witch hazel plants have broad, oval-shaped leaves and produce clusters of small, yellow flowers with ribbon-like petals. The flowers bloom in late fall or early winter and have a delicate fragrance.