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Witch hazel

Witch hazel suppliers and sourcing guide

Witch hazel comes from the North American shrub Hamamelis virginiana. The most common form is witch hazel distillate (hamamelis water), made by steam-distilling the twigs and bark and adding alcohol to the distillate. Extracts of the leaf or bark made with water, glycerin or glycols contain tannins and are a different material. Brands buy the distillate for toners and OTC astringent products and extracts for cosmetics.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Hamamelis virginiana · hamamelis water · witch hazel distillate · witch hazel extract
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of witch hazel

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Distillate with alcohol (USP)

    Steam distillate with added ethanol, made to the USP Witch Hazel monograph for OTC astringent use.

  • Alcohol-free distillate

    Distillate preserved without ethanol for cosmetics; check the preservative system on the specification.

  • Leaf or bark extracts

    Water, glycerin or glycol extracts with tannins, sold by plant-to-extract ratio.

  • Organic

    Distillate or extract from certified organic plant material.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Identity
Odor and TLC or GC profile, or the USP identity tests for the distillate.
Alcohol content
Ethanol by GC or distillation for alcohol-containing distillate.
Specific gravity and pH
Quick checks of the liquid against the specification.
Residue on evaporation or tannin content
Solids for distillate; tannins by a stated method for extracts.
Microbiology
Total aerobic count, yeast and mold, especially for alcohol-free grades.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep witch hazel in closed containers at room temperature, away from heat and light. Alcohol-containing distillate is flammable and should be stored accordingly; alcohol-free grades rely on their preservative and should be used within the supplier shelf life.

Lots and expiry dates

Record whether each lot is distillate or extract, its alcohol or preservative content and its plant part, since these are not interchangeable in a formula or on a label. Use oldest lots first.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Witch hazel suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking witch hazel suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of witch hazel can brands buy?

Common forms include distillate with alcohol (USP), alcohol-free distillate, leaf or bark extracts and organic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for witch hazel include?

Expect identity, alcohol content, specific gravity and pH, residue on evaporation or tannin content and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should witch hazel be stored?

Keep witch hazel in closed containers at room temperature, away from heat and light. Alcohol-containing distillate is flammable and should be stored accordingly; alcohol-free grades rely on their preservative and should be used within the supplier shelf life.

What is the regulatory status of witch hazel?

21 CFR 347.12 lists witch hazel as an astringent active ingredient in the OTC skin protectant monograph. 21 CFR 346.18 lists witch hazel, 10 to 50 percent, as an astringent active ingredient for OTC anorectal products. Health Canada's oral witch hazel monograph lists the bark and leaf of Hamamelis virginiana as source material.

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