Along with its anti-inflammatory properties, you can use Witch Hazel as a mild disinfectant for cuts or scrapes thanks to the natural grain alcohol that appears in most brands you can buy over the counter! The presence of this natural alcohol is one reason Witch Hazel is a more gentle astringent than rubbing alcohol.

Is witch hazel and alcohol the same?

A common misconception is also that the witch hazel plant naturally contains alcohol, and that's simply not the case. Its astringent properties come from tannins.

What percent alcohol is witch hazel?

Witch Hazel is defined as the following: “Witch Hazel Extract (Witch Hazel) is a clear, colorless distillate prepared from recently cut and partially dried dormant twigs of Hamamelis virginiana Linné,” containing natural oils and 14% Alcohol.

Which is better for acne witch hazel or alcohol?

Witch hazel, derived from flowering plants in the Hamamelidaceae family, is a great natural alternative to rubbing alcohol. It is an effective astringent, can prevent dehydration, and even reduce the swelling and irritation of inflamed skin.

Is witch hazel an antibacterial?

Witch hazel has been evaluated for uses including analgesic, antiseptic, antioxidant, and antitumor activity.

Witch Hazel: What is it, and is it better than alcohol and peroxide?

35 related questions found

Can you substitute witch hazel for rubbing alcohol?

As a natural remedy, witch hazel is ideal for sensitive skin, and pain intolerances as rubbing alcohol tends to burn. Without the strong fragrance, the natural benefits prove effective for swelling, soreness and eliminates the concern of reaction.

Can you use witch hazel instead of alcohol to make hand sanitizer?

In place of alcohol as a base, you can use Witch Hazel which is great for killing off germs. It's probably not quite as potent as say Vodka, but it does do some good! Also most people who want to use a homemade hand sanitizer for children prefer to use Witch Hazel rather than alcohol as a base.

Is witch hazel with alcohol good for skin?

The tannins in witch hazel are sensitizing. ... Although the distillation process destroys some of the tannins (which ironically is a good thing, given that the tannins are irritants), applying alcohol to your skin is always a bad thing because it generates free-radical damage and impairs the skin's surface.

Do dermatologists recommend witch hazel?

Dermatologists give the toner their seal of approval

"Witch hazel is a botanical ingredient used in skin care for its astringent effects on the skin," he said. "It can effectively remove oil from the skin to improve shine and minimize the appearance of pores, and may help soothe inflammation."

Why witch hazel is bad for you?

Witch hazel is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when small doses are taken by mouth. In some people, witch hazel might cause stomach upset when taken by mouth. Large doses might cause liver problems. Witch hazel contains a cancer-causing chemical (safrole), but in amounts that are too small to be of concern.

Does 100 witch hazel contain alcohol?

Witch hazel contains gallic accid, tannins, phenolics,sponins, choline but it does not have alcohol unless other distilliates add hydrolates whereby they calm the combination down so it is not so strong! 0 of 1 found this helpful.

Is alcohol free witch hazel better?

But to prevent your skin from drying out or becoming irritated, both dermatologists recommend using witch hazel that comes in an oily vehicle and is alcohol free. ... Witch hazel is better suited towards oily, acne-prone skin types," says Park.

Why is witch hazel called witch hazel?

Why Is it Called Witch Hazel? The plant's name does not refer to witchcraft, but comes from the Middle English word wych or wyche, meaning pliant or flexible, which is a reference to the plant's very flexible branches. The “hazel” in the name comes from the plant's similarity to the common hazelnut.

Does Thayers Witch hazel astringent contain alcohol?

Thayers Witch Hazel Astringent products are designed to help reduce oil in your trouble spots without drying out your skin. While they do contain alcohol, many of our formulas also include other ingredients like aloe vera, coconut water and cucumber to enhance skin moisture.

Is isopropyl same as rubbing alcohol?

The difference between rubbing alcohol and more pure forms of isopropyl alcohol is that rubbing alcohol contains denaturants which make the solution unpalatable for human consumption. ... In documents cited by the CDC, “rubbing alcohol” is defined as 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water.

What are the uses for witch hazel?

8 Benefits and Uses of Witch Hazel

• Relieves Inflammation. Inflammation is a normal immune response designed to protect your body against injury and infection. ...
• Reduces Skin Irritation. ...
• Helps Treat Hemorrhoids. ...
• Fights Acne. ...
• Alleviates Scalp Sensitivity. ...
• Soothes Sore Throat. ...
• Protects Against Skin Damage. ...
• Wards off Infection.

Which witch hazel is alcohol free?

Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner is formulated with certified organic Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera. Made with 98% Natural Origin Ingredients. Formulated with Thayers proprietary blend of certified organic Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera.

What will witch hazel do for my face?

Witch hazel has many benefits for skin, including relieving inflammation, tightening pores, and helping with razor bumps. It may also help reduce acne, since it can cleanse your skin of excess oil. However, witch hazel should not be used by people with dry or extremely sensitive skin since it can cause irritation.

Can you use witch hazel on your vag?

Fast forward to now, because this natural remedy will be a godsend for all your tearing, swelling, and postnatal vag needs in pad, tablet and foam form. Witch Hazel has been around for thousands of years as an astringent used for everything from skin care to dandruff shampoo.

Is alcohol in witch hazel bad?

Aside from the key substance (tannins), many witch hazel products contain alcohol ingredients (like ethanol) that over-dry the skin and sometimes do more harm than good. Some variations can have up to 15 percent alcohol, which might be irritating to certain skin types like people with dry, acne-prone or sensitive skin.

Is hydrogen peroxide a rubbing alcohol?

Unlike isopropanol, hydrogen peroxide is not a type of alcohol. You might recognize its chemical formula, H2O2, as being similar to that of water (H2O). The difference is that hydrogen peroxide has two oxygen atoms instead of one. That one extra oxygen atom makes it a strong oxidizer.

Which alcohol is bad for skin?

Alcohol denat (also known as denatured alcohol) is part of a group of alcohols that have low-molecular weights and can be drying and sensitising for skin. Alcohol denat in skincare is bad news for skin. It's harsh nature can strip your skin of moisture and dry out your skin over time, all in all it is best avoided.

Can witch hazel be used for cleaning?

Spritz undiluted witch hazel onto chrome fixtures, mirrors, or glass and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Because of its alcohol content, the witch hazel will dry quickly—no need to rinse—and you'll be left with a clean, streak-free shine.

Do it yourself hand sanitizer with witch hazel?

Homemade Hand Sanitizer Recipe

1. 1/3 cup pure witch hazel.
2. 2/3 cup 100% pure aloe vera gel.
3. 15 drops Thieves essential oil blend or (5 drops of Clove Essential Oil, 4 drops of Lemon Essential Oil, 3 drops of Cinnamon Essential Oil, 2 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil, 1 drop of Rosemary Essential Oil)

Is witch hazel the same as hydrogen peroxide?

The key difference between witch hazel and hydrogen peroxide is that the witch hazel is a medicinal plant which is safe to use whereas the hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound which is unsafe to use. ... Therefore, the extract from witch hazel is a better substitute since it is plant based; thus safe.