Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsDosagePrecautions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Dosage
Precautions
Witch hazel is a centuries-old natural remedy made from a plant calledHamamelis virginiana. Native American tribes applied it to the body to soothe skin problems or drank it as a tea to reduce inflammation and fever.
Inside the leaves, bark, and twigs are medicinal chemicals called tannins.Rubbing these chemicals on the skin can reduce swelling, bruising, and skin irritation as well as suppress bacterial pathogenesis (the ability of bacteria to develop and produce disease).
Witch hazel is one of the few plants the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved as an ingredient for over-the-counter medicines.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
shironosov / Getty Images
Scientific research on the benefits of witch hazel is limited. Here’s a look at what key studies have determined.
Sunburn
A small comparative study of plant extracts showed that witch hazel helps treatsunburn. However, its benefits were less significant than those of 1%hydrocortisone, atopical steroid. The study concluded that witch hazel effectively eases sunburn inflammation because it contains antioxidantpolyphenols.
More clinical trials are necessary to see if these results are replicated in a larger population.
Skin Conditions in Children
In one study, researchers tested witch hazel on minor childhood skin problems likediaper rash, itching, redness, and swelling. One group was treated with dexpanthenol, an ingredient in many moisturizers, while another was treated with witch hazel ointment.
Doctors and parents rated how well each product worked. The study found that children tolerated both treatments well and that both were very effective: 99% of the doctors and 97% of the parents rated witch hazel “excellent” or “good.”
Additionally, a 2023 survey of 217 pediatricians found that the most preferred topical treatments for children with diaper rash were zinc oxide, panthenol/dexpanthenol, and witch hazel extract.
Sensitive Scalp
A study of 1,373 people showed that a combination of witch hazel-based shampoo and toner called Erol Energy was well tolerated. It produced improvement in the scalp irritation associated with conditions like red scalp and scalp burnout.
Red scalp is a persistent redness of the scalp that exposure to sunlight may aggravate. Scalp burnout is a condition of scalp sensitivity coinciding with emotional exhaustion.
Researchers noted that the shampoo also soothed irritated scalps in people who applied topical Rogaine (minoxidil) forhair loss.
Additional Uses
In addition to the skin benefits listed above, some use witch hazel to treat:
Though anecdotal evidence abounds, there is limited data supporting witch hazel for these conditions. More robust research is necessary to prove its effectiveness.
Some beauty experts suggest using witch hazel as an inexpensive way to reduceunder-eye puffiness. Many cosmetic companies use witch hazel to make beauty aids like facial toners and wipes, acne treatments, shampoos, and aftershave.
The FDA has only approved witch hazel for topical use (application to skin).However, some claim that drinking teas made with the bark and leaves can curediarrhea,dysentery, symptoms such ascoughingorvomiting blood, and evencancer.No studies verify these claims or confirm that witch hazel is safe to ingest.
The FDA has only approved witch hazel for topical use (application to skin).However, some claim that drinking teas made with the bark and leaves can curediarrhea,dysentery, symptoms such ascoughingorvomiting blood, and evencancer.
No studies verify these claims or confirm that witch hazel is safe to ingest.
Healthcare providers generally consider skin application of witch hazel safe, because studies show that allergic reactions are rare.
In a study of topical witch hazel for minor skin irritations in children, for instance, only two children out of 231 experienced side effects.These side effects were skinrednessand a burning sensation.
Side effects from a witch hazel cream delivered into the vagina to decrease dryness were mild, including diarrhea and an increasedurge to urinate.
It’s safest to only apply witch hazel on the skin.
Witch hazel has been studied in clinical trials at the following doses:
The FDA has approved all strengths of witch hazel products used as skin protectants, and concentrations of 10–50% in products used as rectal astringents (to treat hemorrhoids and other irritations). Products may be applied externally as often as needed for up to seven days.
Some products may contain alcohol, which can dry and irritate skin. Even alcohol-free witch hazel products can be irritating if used too much. It’s a good idea to watch how your skin reacts; while some people can apply witch hazel several times per day, others can use it only occasionally.
There have been no reports of witch hazel toxicity in humans. Studies in rat models also showed no toxic effects when the animals were given 100 milligrams per kilogram per day (mg/kg/d) of witch hazel for 90 days.
Witch hazel is likely safe when administered topically. However, take extra precautions when applying products containing it if you are:
Summary
People have applied witch hazel for centuries to soothe minor skin problems like bug bites, diaper rash, and hemorrhoids. The remedy comes from a North American shrub. The plant contains chemicals that ease redness, itching, and inflammation.
Witch hazel is one of the few plants that meet the FDA’s standards for safety and effectiveness. The FDA has only approved it for topical use on the skin. Swallowing witch hazel can cause nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.
Contact your healthcare provider or ask a pharmacist about applying witch hazel for specific symptoms.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Penn State Extension.Witch Hazels: A Promise That Spring is on the Way.Gangemi S, Minciullo PL, Miroddi M, et al.Contact dermatitis as an adverse reaction to some topically used European herbal medicinal products - part 2:Echinacea purpurea-Lavandula angustifolia.Contact Dermatitis. 2015;72(4):193-205. doi:10.1111/cod.12328Piazza S, Martinelli G, Magnavacca A, et al.Unveiling the ability of witch hazel (Hamamelis virginianaL.) bark extract to impair keratinocyte inflammatory cascade typical of atopic eczema.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(16):9279. Published 2022 Aug 17. doi:10.3390/ijms23169279U.S. Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service.Witch hazel, not just for grandma anymore!Food and Drug Administration.CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. Volume 5. Skin protection drug products for over-the-counter human use.Hughes-Formella BJ, Filbry A, Gassmueller J, et al.Anti-inflammatory efficacy of topical preparations with 10% hamamelis distillate in a UV erythema test.Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol. 2002;15(2):125-132. doi:10.1159/000049400Wolff HH, Kieser M.Hamamelis in children with skin disorders and skin injuries: results of an observational study.Eur J Pediatr. 2007;166(9):943-8. doi:10.1007/s00431-006-0363-1Yildiz I, Kizilca O, Haksayar A, Hizli Demirkale Z.Pediatricians' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Therapeutic Approaches Regarding Diaper Dermatitis: A Common Condition with Many Different Practices.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023;16:901-910. Published 2023 Apr 5. doi:10.2147/CCID.S405414Trüeb RM.North American Virginian Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Based Scalp Care and Protection for Sensitive Scalp, Red Scalp, and Scalp Burn-Out.Int J Trichology. 2014;6(3):100-103. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.139079Theisen LL, Erdelmeier CA, Spoden GA, et al.Tannins fromHamamelis virginianabark extract: characterization and improvement of the antiviral efficacy against influenza A virus and human papillomavirus.PLoS One. 2014;9(1):e88062. Published 2014 Jan 31. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0088062Penn Medicine - Lancaster General Health.7 Items to Help You Recover from a Vaginal Delivery.Henneicke-von Zepelin HH, Williams R, Havemeister W, et al.Clinical trial shows lasting function of a new moisturizing cream against vaginal dryness. Klinische Studie zeigt anhaltende Wirkung einer neuen Feuchtigkeitscreme gegen Scheidentrockenheit.Wien Med Wochenschr. 2017;167(7-8):189-195. doi:10.1007/s10354-016-0536-0Cosmetic Ingredient Review.Safety assessment ofHamamelis virginiana(witch hazel)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. Washington, DC: Cosmetic Ingredient Review.National Center for Biotechnology Information.Tannic acid. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 16129778.Reuter J, Wölfle U, Korting HC, Schempp C.Which plant for which skin disease? Part 2: Dermatophytes, chronic venous insufficiency, photoprotection, actinic keratoses, vitiligo, hair loss, cosmetic indications.J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2010;8(11):866-73. doi:10.1111/j.1610-0387.2010.07472.x.Hayes E, McCuiston LE, Kee J.Pharmacology: A Patient-Centered Nursing Process Approach. New York, NY: Elsevier Health Sciences.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Penn State Extension.Witch Hazels: A Promise That Spring is on the Way.Gangemi S, Minciullo PL, Miroddi M, et al.Contact dermatitis as an adverse reaction to some topically used European herbal medicinal products - part 2:Echinacea purpurea-Lavandula angustifolia.Contact Dermatitis. 2015;72(4):193-205. doi:10.1111/cod.12328Piazza S, Martinelli G, Magnavacca A, et al.Unveiling the ability of witch hazel (Hamamelis virginianaL.) bark extract to impair keratinocyte inflammatory cascade typical of atopic eczema.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(16):9279. Published 2022 Aug 17. doi:10.3390/ijms23169279U.S. Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service.Witch hazel, not just for grandma anymore!Food and Drug Administration.CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. Volume 5. Skin protection drug products for over-the-counter human use.Hughes-Formella BJ, Filbry A, Gassmueller J, et al.Anti-inflammatory efficacy of topical preparations with 10% hamamelis distillate in a UV erythema test.Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol. 2002;15(2):125-132. doi:10.1159/000049400Wolff HH, Kieser M.Hamamelis in children with skin disorders and skin injuries: results of an observational study.Eur J Pediatr. 2007;166(9):943-8. doi:10.1007/s00431-006-0363-1Yildiz I, Kizilca O, Haksayar A, Hizli Demirkale Z.Pediatricians' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Therapeutic Approaches Regarding Diaper Dermatitis: A Common Condition with Many Different Practices.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023;16:901-910. Published 2023 Apr 5. doi:10.2147/CCID.S405414Trüeb RM.North American Virginian Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Based Scalp Care and Protection for Sensitive Scalp, Red Scalp, and Scalp Burn-Out.Int J Trichology. 2014;6(3):100-103. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.139079Theisen LL, Erdelmeier CA, Spoden GA, et al.Tannins fromHamamelis virginianabark extract: characterization and improvement of the antiviral efficacy against influenza A virus and human papillomavirus.PLoS One. 2014;9(1):e88062. Published 2014 Jan 31. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0088062Penn Medicine - Lancaster General Health.7 Items to Help You Recover from a Vaginal Delivery.Henneicke-von Zepelin HH, Williams R, Havemeister W, et al.Clinical trial shows lasting function of a new moisturizing cream against vaginal dryness. Klinische Studie zeigt anhaltende Wirkung einer neuen Feuchtigkeitscreme gegen Scheidentrockenheit.Wien Med Wochenschr. 2017;167(7-8):189-195. doi:10.1007/s10354-016-0536-0Cosmetic Ingredient Review.Safety assessment ofHamamelis virginiana(witch hazel)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. Washington, DC: Cosmetic Ingredient Review.National Center for Biotechnology Information.Tannic acid. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 16129778.Reuter J, Wölfle U, Korting HC, Schempp C.Which plant for which skin disease? Part 2: Dermatophytes, chronic venous insufficiency, photoprotection, actinic keratoses, vitiligo, hair loss, cosmetic indications.J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2010;8(11):866-73. doi:10.1111/j.1610-0387.2010.07472.x.Hayes E, McCuiston LE, Kee J.Pharmacology: A Patient-Centered Nursing Process Approach. New York, NY: Elsevier Health Sciences.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Penn State Extension.Witch Hazels: A Promise That Spring is on the Way.Gangemi S, Minciullo PL, Miroddi M, et al.Contact dermatitis as an adverse reaction to some topically used European herbal medicinal products - part 2:Echinacea purpurea-Lavandula angustifolia.Contact Dermatitis. 2015;72(4):193-205. doi:10.1111/cod.12328Piazza S, Martinelli G, Magnavacca A, et al.Unveiling the ability of witch hazel (Hamamelis virginianaL.) bark extract to impair keratinocyte inflammatory cascade typical of atopic eczema.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(16):9279. Published 2022 Aug 17. doi:10.3390/ijms23169279U.S. Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service.Witch hazel, not just for grandma anymore!Food and Drug Administration.CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. Volume 5. Skin protection drug products for over-the-counter human use.Hughes-Formella BJ, Filbry A, Gassmueller J, et al.Anti-inflammatory efficacy of topical preparations with 10% hamamelis distillate in a UV erythema test.Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol. 2002;15(2):125-132. doi:10.1159/000049400Wolff HH, Kieser M.Hamamelis in children with skin disorders and skin injuries: results of an observational study.Eur J Pediatr. 2007;166(9):943-8. doi:10.1007/s00431-006-0363-1Yildiz I, Kizilca O, Haksayar A, Hizli Demirkale Z.Pediatricians' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Therapeutic Approaches Regarding Diaper Dermatitis: A Common Condition with Many Different Practices.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023;16:901-910. Published 2023 Apr 5. doi:10.2147/CCID.S405414Trüeb RM.North American Virginian Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Based Scalp Care and Protection for Sensitive Scalp, Red Scalp, and Scalp Burn-Out.Int J Trichology. 2014;6(3):100-103. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.139079Theisen LL, Erdelmeier CA, Spoden GA, et al.Tannins fromHamamelis virginianabark extract: characterization and improvement of the antiviral efficacy against influenza A virus and human papillomavirus.PLoS One. 2014;9(1):e88062. Published 2014 Jan 31. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0088062Penn Medicine - Lancaster General Health.7 Items to Help You Recover from a Vaginal Delivery.Henneicke-von Zepelin HH, Williams R, Havemeister W, et al.Clinical trial shows lasting function of a new moisturizing cream against vaginal dryness. Klinische Studie zeigt anhaltende Wirkung einer neuen Feuchtigkeitscreme gegen Scheidentrockenheit.Wien Med Wochenschr. 2017;167(7-8):189-195. doi:10.1007/s10354-016-0536-0Cosmetic Ingredient Review.Safety assessment ofHamamelis virginiana(witch hazel)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. Washington, DC: Cosmetic Ingredient Review.National Center for Biotechnology Information.Tannic acid. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 16129778.Reuter J, Wölfle U, Korting HC, Schempp C.Which plant for which skin disease? Part 2: Dermatophytes, chronic venous insufficiency, photoprotection, actinic keratoses, vitiligo, hair loss, cosmetic indications.J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2010;8(11):866-73. doi:10.1111/j.1610-0387.2010.07472.x.Hayes E, McCuiston LE, Kee J.Pharmacology: A Patient-Centered Nursing Process Approach. New York, NY: Elsevier Health Sciences.
Penn State Extension.Witch Hazels: A Promise That Spring is on the Way.
Gangemi S, Minciullo PL, Miroddi M, et al.Contact dermatitis as an adverse reaction to some topically used European herbal medicinal products - part 2:Echinacea purpurea-Lavandula angustifolia.Contact Dermatitis. 2015;72(4):193-205. doi:10.1111/cod.12328
Piazza S, Martinelli G, Magnavacca A, et al.Unveiling the ability of witch hazel (Hamamelis virginianaL.) bark extract to impair keratinocyte inflammatory cascade typical of atopic eczema.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(16):9279. Published 2022 Aug 17. doi:10.3390/ijms23169279
U.S. Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service.Witch hazel, not just for grandma anymore!
Food and Drug Administration.CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. Volume 5. Skin protection drug products for over-the-counter human use.
Hughes-Formella BJ, Filbry A, Gassmueller J, et al.Anti-inflammatory efficacy of topical preparations with 10% hamamelis distillate in a UV erythema test.Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol. 2002;15(2):125-132. doi:10.1159/000049400
Wolff HH, Kieser M.Hamamelis in children with skin disorders and skin injuries: results of an observational study.Eur J Pediatr. 2007;166(9):943-8. doi:10.1007/s00431-006-0363-1
Yildiz I, Kizilca O, Haksayar A, Hizli Demirkale Z.Pediatricians' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Therapeutic Approaches Regarding Diaper Dermatitis: A Common Condition with Many Different Practices.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023;16:901-910. Published 2023 Apr 5. doi:10.2147/CCID.S405414
Trüeb RM.North American Virginian Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Based Scalp Care and Protection for Sensitive Scalp, Red Scalp, and Scalp Burn-Out.Int J Trichology. 2014;6(3):100-103. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.139079
Theisen LL, Erdelmeier CA, Spoden GA, et al.Tannins fromHamamelis virginianabark extract: characterization and improvement of the antiviral efficacy against influenza A virus and human papillomavirus.PLoS One. 2014;9(1):e88062. Published 2014 Jan 31. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0088062
Penn Medicine - Lancaster General Health.7 Items to Help You Recover from a Vaginal Delivery.
Henneicke-von Zepelin HH, Williams R, Havemeister W, et al.Clinical trial shows lasting function of a new moisturizing cream against vaginal dryness. Klinische Studie zeigt anhaltende Wirkung einer neuen Feuchtigkeitscreme gegen Scheidentrockenheit.Wien Med Wochenschr. 2017;167(7-8):189-195. doi:10.1007/s10354-016-0536-0
Cosmetic Ingredient Review.Safety assessment ofHamamelis virginiana(witch hazel)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. Washington, DC: Cosmetic Ingredient Review.
National Center for Biotechnology Information.Tannic acid. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 16129778.
Reuter J, Wölfle U, Korting HC, Schempp C.Which plant for which skin disease? Part 2: Dermatophytes, chronic venous insufficiency, photoprotection, actinic keratoses, vitiligo, hair loss, cosmetic indications.J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2010;8(11):866-73. doi:10.1111/j.1610-0387.2010.07472.x.
Hayes E, McCuiston LE, Kee J.Pharmacology: A Patient-Centered Nursing Process Approach. New York, NY: Elsevier Health Sciences.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
