It's always good to have a bottle of witch hazel on hand. It's simple, effective, and perfect for bath and body projects. Learn how to use it below!
Find witch hazel here and shop all our liquid additives for bath and body projects here.
Witch hazel is a shrub or small tree that grows in America, particularly in the Northeast and Southeast. The twigs are gathered and distilled into an extract, which is then mixed with alcohol or water. It has a unique and slightly sour odor.
Ours is a simple mix of 86% witch hazel extract and 14% alcohol, so it's gentle and not too drying on the skin. There are no added solvents.
You don't need to add any preservatives - it's ready to use right out of the bottle. Store it in a cool and dry place and it will last up to 2 years.
Witch hazel in skincare
Witch hazel is a great addition to your skincare routine. It cleanses, tones, and removes excess oil. That's why it's particularly effective for those with normal and oily skin. Witch hazel can also feel soothing for those with sensitive skin.
As with all skincare products, make sure to test it on a small area to see how you react. It may not be suitable for everyone. Talk to your dermatologist for more information.
Witch hazel is a great option for handmade toners. You can use it as is, or mix it with other water-based ingredients like aloe liquid, rose water, etc. Start with 25% of the total weight, give it a try, and add more if you like.
To use, apply your favorite cleanser as normal. Then, pour the toner on a cotton pad and swipe gently over the skin. You can also spritz it on. Finish with your moisturizer.
This process removes any excess dirt, oil, and makeup, and helps your moisturizer do its job.
Witch hazel in bath bombs
Witch hazel is a must-have for bath bombs. It wets the baking soda and citric acid enough to hold a shape, then evaporates in the finished product. You can use other methods, but we definitely prefer witch hazel. Water causes the bath bombs to fizz, alcohol can dry them out and cause cracking, and too much oil can make them feel greasy.
To use witch hazel, first put it in a spray bottle. Combine all your other bath bomb ingredients. Use one hand to spritz the witch hazel and your other to mix. It can cause fizzing if it sits in one spot too long, which is why we recommend this method.
Give the mixture a squeeze. You want it to feel like wet sand and hold its shape. If it's not there, keep spritzing and mixing. Then you can pack your bath bombs into molds.
Find skincare projects made with witch hazel here and bath bombs here.
