INGREDIENT · BOTANICAL
Witch hazel in skincare: redness, UV tests and children
Witch hazel is the old-fashioned astringent in the cupboard. It has more human data than many trendier botanicals, mostly from sunburn tests, and none of it is dramatic.
You may see it written as
- Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
What the sunburn tests found
Hamamelis virginiana has long been used in traditional treatment of skin diseases, though few controlled clinical studies define its anti-inflammatory action. A 1998 study tested an aftersun lotion with 10% hamamelis distillate in 30 healthy volunteers, using UVB-induced redness as the model. Redness was suppressed by roughly 20% at 7 hours to 27% at 48 hours in the hamamelis fields, against 11% to 15% for the other lotions, a significant difference.1 Both studies were run at a commercial dermatology research institute.1,2
A larger 2002 study put three 10% hamamelis lotions from different suppliers up against vehicles, an antihistamine and hydrocortisone in 40 volunteers. The hydrocortisone products were the most effective. All three hamamelis lotions showed an anti-inflammatory effect, but so did the vehicles, and only one hamamelis lotion beat the vehicles significantly, at one UV dose. The antihistamine did no better than the hamamelis lotions or the vehicles.2
So witch hazel does something, and some of it is the lotion base. It is a mild effect compared with a steroid, which is the honest way to hold it.
Witch hazel for children
An observational study of 309 children aged 27 days to 11 years compared a hamamelis ointment (231 children) with a dexpanthenol ointment (78) for minor skin injuries, nappy rash and localised skin inflammation. Both led to statistically significant decreases in symptom scores, with similar results, and tolerability was rated excellent or good in over 98% of hamamelis cases by physicians and parents.3
It was an observational study, with children allocated 3 to 1 between the two ointments, so it shows tolerability better than it shows efficacy.3 The comparison with panthenol is a useful reference point.
Using witch hazel with other products
We did not find a source on witch hazel clashing with other ingredients.
Witch hazel in pregnancy and breastfeeding
We found no pregnancy- or lactation-specific evidence for this ingredient.
Evidence on cosmetic products in pregnancy is limited overall, so ask your doctor or midwife about the specific product you use.4
What you will see on the label
The names to look for are Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract. In Snifff, it reads as Risk-free. For the rest of the formula, see what the score means and how to read the list.
As Snifff shows itHamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
Pregnancy and nursing
We found no pregnancy- or lactation-specific evidence for this ingredient.
Wording as it appears in the extension, which can change between releases.
A FEW MORE ANSWERS
Common questions about witch hazel
Does witch hazel reduce redness?
In UV-erythema tests, 10% hamamelis lotions suppressed redness by about 20% to 27%, more than comparison lotions in one study,1 though in another the effect was not clearly beyond the vehicles'.2
Is witch hazel as good as hydrocortisone?
No. In a 40-volunteer UV test, hydrocortisone products were the most effective at suppressing redness.2
Is witch hazel safe for children?
In an observational study of 309 children, hamamelis ointment was well tolerated, rated excellent or good in over 98% of cases.3 Check with a paediatrician first.
Is witch hazel safe in pregnancy?
Snifff found no pregnancy-specific evidence for Witch hazel. Ask your doctor or midwife about the product you use.
WHERE THIS COMES FROM
Sources
- Anti-inflammatory effect of hamamelis lotion in a UVB erythema testHughes-Formella BJ, et al. · Dermatology · 1998
- Anti-inflammatory efficacy of topical preparations with 10% hamamelis distillate in a UV erythema testHughes-Formella BJ, et al. · Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology · 2002
- Hamamelis in children with skin disorders and skin injuries: results of an observational studyWolff HH, Kieser M · European Journal of Pediatrics · 2007
- Cosmetic dermatology in pregnancy and lactation: a risk-benefit framework for clinical practiceKovacs T, et al. · International Journal of Dermatology · 2026
This page explains an ingredient. It is not medical advice, and it is not an assessment of any product. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a skin condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist.