Floral Water, Witch Hazel, Alcohol-Free, Organic, 100 ml

Floral water Witch Hazel alcohol-free, BIO is a hydrosol obtained by steam distillation of witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). It is added to cosmetics as a water-based active ingredient, replacing part or all of the water in a formula. Witch hazel has traditionally been associated with astringent and refreshing effects in skincare, which is why witch hazel water is found mainly in toners, facial mists, and formulations for oily, problem-prone, and sensitive skin. It contains no alcohol, making it suitable for use around the eyes and for intimate hygiene.

Suitable uses

• Toner and facial mist – witch hazel water can also be used neat, without dilution, as a refreshing toner after cleansing. The finished product must be preserved.
• Oily and problem-prone skin – in toners, cleansing gels, and light emulsions, where it is traditionally used for a tightening, mattifying skin feel.
• Sensitive skin and eye area – alcohol-free, so it is suitable for compresses, eye gels, and sprays for sensitive skin.
• Scalp and hair – as the water phase in hair tonics and sprays for sensitive or oily scalp.
• Intimate hygiene and body – in both rinse-off and leave-on formulations.

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-free versus alcoholic extract: witch hazel waters are also sold with alcohol content. This floral water contains no alcohol, making it suitable for sensitive skin, the eye area, and leave-on products.

Frequently asked questions