That said, Dr. Queller notes that witch hazel should not be used in place of an acne treatment: “While it can reduce oil in the short term, it doesn’t address the underlying causes of acne or oil production the way medical-grade ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids can.”
If you have especially dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin, witch hazel may also lead to irritation. “Because it’s an astringent, it can strip the skin’s natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier, leading to redness or increased dryness,” Dr. Queller says. To avoid irritation in general, she recommends opting for a witch hazel toner that does not contain alcohol or fragrance.
How to apply witch hazel on your face
If you want to give witch hazel a try, Dr. Queller says to make sure you’re not aggressively wiping your skin. Instead, dispense a small amount onto a cotton pad and lightly sweep it over your face. “Focusing on oil-prone areas, like the T-zone,” she says.
If you’re noticing redness or your skin feels stripped after this application method, Dr. Queller says that you can also apply your witch hazel product to clean hands, and gently press it into the skin. This method tends to be gentler, especially on irritation-prone areas like the corners of your nose.
“An option which is especially good for those looking to control excess oil while calming the skin are the Thayers Pore Refining Pads, which combine salicylic acid, witch hazel, and hyaluronic acid to help balance the skin without overdrying,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD.
How to integrate witch hazel in your skin care routine
Most witch hazel products can be used after a cleanser and before applying serums and moisturizers, when you’d typically use a toner. When using in the morning, make sure to follow it with SPF. Dr. Keller notes that this step is non-essential, and that targeted actives might be a better choice for those with specific skin concerns.
“Whenever you introduce a new product, especially one that can be slightly drying, it’s important to start slowly,” Dr. Keller says. “I usually recommend using witch hazel once daily or even every other day at first to see how your skin responds.”
