Witch Hazel Non Alcoholic Distillate

Witch Hazel (aka Witch Hazel Distillate) is a product of the steam distillation of Witch Hazel leaves and stems.  It has a delicate herbaceous fragrance with subtle floral and fruity notes. Witch Hazel contains between 5% to 12% tannins, flavonoids, and catechins, to act as anti-inflammatories, anti-oxidants, astringents. Hamamelitannin and hamamelose are strong anti-inflammatories and astringents, while proanthocynanins are potent anti-oxidants up to 20 times stronger than Vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E. Gallic acid, a flavonoid, is a good wound healer as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.

For all skin types, the proanthocyanins stabilize collagen and elastin and work as very good anti-oxidants, while the other constituents are anti-inflammatory. It can be used in lotions, gels, and other treatments for cellulite or varicose veins to act as a venous constrictor that reduces tissue swelling while offering a cooling sensation. It can act to reduce swelling in eye care products, such as gels.

For oily hair and skin types, it’s an excellent inclusion at up to 20% in cleansers, toners, gels, and moisturizers to act as an astringent and anti-inflammatory that reduces redness.

Traditional uses include treatment of burns, hemorrhoids, eye irritation, bruises, and redness as well as deodorants and after shave products.

Key Benefits

• Acts as a potent anti-oxidant
• Very effective anti-inflammatory and astringent
• Acts as a venous constrictor
• Stabilizes collagen and elastin
• Offers a cooling sensation
• Reduces swelling

INCI: Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Distillate