Floral Water, Witch Hazel, Organic, 5 l

Witch hazel, organic floral water is a hydrosol obtained by steam distillation of Virginia witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). In cosmetics it is added as a water-based active ingredient that replaces part or all of the water in the formulation. In skin care, witch hazel is traditionally associated with an astringent and refreshing effect, so you will find witch hazel water mainly in toners, facial mists and products for oily, problem and sensitive skin. According to the supplier’s specification, it contains a maximum of 4% ethanol.

Suitable uses

• Toner and facial mist – witch hazel water is also used on its own, undiluted, as a refreshing toner after cleansing the skin. The finished product must, however, be preserved.
• Oily and problem skin – in toners, cleansing gels and light emulsions, where it is traditionally used for a feeling of tighter, more matte skin.
• Sensitive skin – in compresses and sprays for sensitive skin.
• Scalp and hair – as the water phase of hair tonics and sprays for sensitive or oily scalp.
• Intimate hygiene and body – in both rinse-off and leave-on products.

Use in formulation

Witch hazel water is water-soluble and forms the water phase in a formula. Usage level ranges from 0 – 100 %: from a few percent as a supplementary active ingredient up to full replacement of water in toners and hydrosol sprays. The recommended formulation pH range is 3.0 – 8.0, covering both acidic and neutral recipes.

In emulsions, it is added to the water phase. In hot-process manufacturing, it can be heated together with the other water-phase ingredients. When used at a higher proportion, it is better to add a portion of the hydrosol after cooling to preserve as much of its natural scent as possible. In toners, gels, and sprays made by cold process, it is simply mixed with the other ingredients.

According to compatibility data, it is compatible with electrolytes, preservatives, fragrances, and oxidising and reducing agents. It is suitable for formulations with acidic and neutral pH.

Suitable for products such as

• facial toners and spray mists
• cleansing gels and micellar waters
• light creams and O/W emulsions for oily and combination skin
• eye gels and cooling compresses
• hair tonics and scalp sprays
• intimate hygiene products
• hydrogel and sheet masks

Good to know

The ingredient contains fragrance allergens listed in Annex III of the Cosmetics Regulation. These must be taken into account when labelling the finished product.

The hydrosol has the natural scent of the plant. In products with a high usage level, this scent is noticeable; in fragranced products, the selected fragrance will mask it. The ingredient is colourless, does not affect the colour of the finished product, and is readily biodegradable.

Difference compared to similar ingredients

Hydrosol versus essential oil: steam distillation produces both an oil fraction and a water fraction. The hydrosol is the water fraction, containing a small amount of water-soluble volatile compounds. It is therefore used in the tens-of-percent range, while essential oils are added in fractions of a percent.

Alcohol content: witch hazel waters are also sold as alcohol-based extracts. According to the supplier’s specification, this floral water contains a maximum of 4% ethanol.

Frequently asked questions