Witch hazel extract

Witch hazel extract (CAS 68916-39-2), also supplied as witch hazel oil under the botanical name Hamamelis virginiana, is a plant-derived extract used across personal care and pharmaceutical manufacturing. It functions primarily as an astringent, humectant, and antioxidant stabilizer in finished formulations.

In skincare, it is incorporated into toners, cleansers, and aftershave products where its astringent action helps tighten pores and control surface oiliness without stripping moisture. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it in topical preparations such as hemorrhoid creams and medicated wipes.

It is also utilized in anti-itch formulations where controlled skin conditioning is required. Hair care formulators add it to scalp treatments and leave-in conditioners to support moisture retention and oxidative stability of the finished product.

The extract also appears in eye care and sensitive-skin products where a mild, plant-sourced humectant is preferred over synthetic alternatives. Witch hazel extract is available in both alcoholic and alcohol-free liquid forms for various uses.

Alcohol content typically ranges from 14% to 86% depending on the intended application. Standard supply grades include cosmetic-grade and pharmaceutical-grade specifications, with alcohol-free variants increasingly specified for sensitive-skin and pediatric formulations.

Bulk supply is offered in drums and IBCs, with documentation packages commonly including CoA, MSDS, and botanical origin certification. This ensures full traceability and compliance with global manufacturing requirements for industrial chemical sourcing.