Ingredient decoder

Witch hazel leaf extract: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Tannin-rich astringent that tightens but can dry skin.

  • Skin conditioning

Witch hazel leaf extract in plain English

Witch hazel leaf extract is rich in tannins, which give it a tightening, astringent effect and some antioxidant activity. That tightening can feel good on oily skin, but tannins can also dry out or irritate sensitive or already-treated skin. There is no strong evidence it treats acne, so watch how your skin responds, especially alongside retinoids or acids.

Is witch hazel leaf extract bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Witch hazel leaf extract is not a proven pore-clogger, but it can bother some breakout-prone or sensitive skin. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract
  • Witch hazel extract
  • Hamamelis extract
  • Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract

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Frequently asked questions

Is witch hazel leaf extract comedogenic?

Witch hazel leaf extract has no published comedogenic rating in Fulton's 1989 table. It is not a proven pore-clogger, but it is worth watching on acne-prone skin.

What does witch hazel leaf extract do in skincare?

In short: tannin-rich astringent that tightens but can dry skin. In formulas it is used for skin conditioning.

What else is witch hazel leaf extract called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, witch hazel leaf extract can also appear as Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Witch hazel extract, Hamamelis extract or Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract.

Sources