The actives and the oils

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a North American shrub. The extract comes from its leaves, bark or twigs and is rich in tannins.

On a list as: Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
What it does: Astringent botanical
Where it comes from: Plant: leaves and bark of the witch hazel shrub
Vegan?: Yes

Why it’s in a formula

Tannins are astringent: they leave skin feeling tighter and less shiny, which is why witch hazel is a classic in toners and cleansers for oily skin.

Witch hazel sold on its own is often made with alcohol, which can dry skin. In a formula, any added alcohol has to appear on the list.

Where you’ll find it at Divina

Read from each piece’s published ingredient list. One piece.

Le Purifiant

Foaming Cleanser — 200ml

$72

Listed as Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract

Vegan, going by its list

Questions

Is witch hazel good for oily skin?

It is a traditional choice: its tannins leave skin feeling tighter and less shiny. Used too often, any astringent can leave skin dry.

Is witch hazel drying?

It can be, in high amounts or in versions made with alcohol. In a cleanser it is rinsed off, which makes it gentler.

How we know: every ingredient list on this site is the manufacturer’s own, read piece by piece and shade by shade, and the pieces above are worked out from those lists each time the site is built. Ingredient names and functions follow the EU’s CosIng database. This page describes cosmetic ingredients; it isn’t medical advice.

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