The Best Witch Hazel Toners
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that comes from plants, so it serves as a fantastic toner. Whether you describe your skin as normal, combination, oily, or acne-prone, you can probably benefit from the wonders of witch hazel. It’s typically used to help unclog pores, manage oily skin, and even restore the skin’s pH balance after using other cleansers. This liquid gold can even be used on insect bites and hemorrhoids. To help you find the right witch hazel toner for your needs, we rounded up a list of our favorites.
What to Look For
When it comes to witch hazel, everyone has their favorite for different reasons. Ask yourself three questions before choosing one for yourself: Am I allergic to any of the ingredients contained in this formulation? Does this witch hazel suit my skin type? And is it worth its price? We love the classic witch hazel toner offered by Dickinson’s, and we’re not alone in that. Its superior ingredients and reliable formulation has been around forever, and it has earned a loyal following as a result of all that. But we also love Thayers’ formula, which is better suited to those with sensitive skin. Keep on reading to learn more about these and our other favorites.
Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner
Tried and true
There’s no way to have a well-informed conversation about witch hazel without mentioning Dickinson’s. The brand has been around for years, and you’ve probably seen its witch hazel in somebody’s bathroom before. What makes it so reliable? For starters, it contains 100% natural distilled witch hazel, so no need to worry about dyes, sulfates, or parabens. Pair a splash of Dickinson’s with a cotton pad and you can remove excess oil from your face without drying out.
Pros:
- Trusted brand
- Doesn’t dry skin out
- Derived from natural sources
Cons:
- Some folks don’t like the scent
Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera
Oh so gentle
Some witch hazel products can dry even the oiliest of skin, but this formula from Thayers isn’t like the rest. The product’s name alone should tell you you’re dealing with something formulated with sensitive skin in mind. Between the alcohol-free formula, the rose petal water, and organic aloe vera, this particular variety of witch hazel clarifies the skin without stripping it of moisture. That means your skin will remain balanced and moisturized. You can forget about irritated dry skin with a bottle of Thayers in your bathroom. Also, your pores will likely feel tightened, keeping oily skin under control.
Pros:
- Great for sensitive skin
- A single bottle can last a long time
Cons:
- Steer clear if you’re allergic or sensitive to rose water
Bioré Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Toner with Salicylic Acid
Calm the storm
If you’ve ever struggled with acne or the occasional blemish, then salicylic acid is most likely no stranger to your beauty routine. Like most witch hazel products, this one helps to clarify skin and unclog pores, but the formula specifically benefits inflamed skin. The salicylic acid works overtime to remove any debris from and unclog pores which can lead to future breakouts. Also, the bottle top makes dispensing the right amount of product on a cotton pad super easy.
Pros:
- Fairly affordable price, so you can try it out to see if it helps
- Can be used up to three times a week without excessive drying
Cons:
- Not a good choice for dry skin
Quinn’s Cucumber and Mint Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera
Greener pastures
Quinn’s is another renowned name in the witch hazel game. If you want an option chock-full of all sorts of natural organic astringents, go with Quinn’s. The balanced formula contains aloe vera, which is naturally anti-inflammatory. Indeed, there are numerous options out there sporting aloe vera in the list of ingredients, but we find that Quinn’s formula strikes the perfect balance for gentle, irritation-free cleansing. It’s also another good choice for those with dry skin and acne problems. Best of all, Quinn’s is naturally infused with cucumber and mint for an inviting, subtle fragrance.
Pros:
- Great value for the price; one bottle should last a long time
- Anti-inflammatory and gentle on sensitive skin
Cons:
- Not the strongest option, so you might have to dab a little extra on your face when using it as a toner
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use witch hazel?
Witch hazel is great as a toner for your skin and helps clear pores and combat oiliness. All you have to do is saturate a cotton pad with witch hazel and wipe it across your skin. Also, because it’s an astringent, some people use witch hazel to soothe the irritation caused by bug bites and even hemorrhoids.
Is witch hazel safe for all skin types?
Witch hazel is safe to use for most skin types, but if you have sensitive skin, do a patch test to see how your skin reacts. There are even varieties of witch hazel on the market that are specially formulated for sensitive skin.
Can you drink witch hazel?
Though witch hazel can help with inflammation, it’s best to just use it as a topical treatment. Consuming witch hazel isn’t advised.
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