Hamamelis virginiana, commonly known as witch hazel, is a plant native to North America, widely recognized for its soothing, astringent, and antioxidant properties. Extracts are obtained mainly from its leaves and bark, which are rich in tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds that provide a powerful anti-inflammatory and protective effect against oxidative damage.
Mechanism of action
Hamamelis extract acts through several complementary biological mechanisms:
- Astringent and toning action: tannins precipitate surface skin proteins, helping to reduce inflammation, redness, and excess sebum secretion, while reinforcing the skin’s barrier function.
- Anti-inflammatory activity: its flavonoids modulate the release of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and cytokines, effectively reducing irritation and edema after aesthetic treatments or external aggressions.
- Antioxidant protection: the combination of polyphenols and gallic acid neutralizes free radicals and prevents oxidative damage caused by UV radiation or pollution.
Applications in aesthetic medicine
In aesthetic medicine, Hamamelis virginiana is used for its ability to soothe, regenerate, and balance the skin, especially after procedures that may cause irritation, inflammation, or capillary fragility.
Its main applications include:
- Post-aesthetic treatments: following procedures such as laser, peeling, radiofrequency, or microneedling, Hamamelis reduces erythema, inflammation, and burning sensations, promoting a faster and more comfortable recovery.
- Capillary and vascular support: its venotonic and vasoprotective effects help improve microcirculation, strengthen capillaries, and reduce redness or couperose.
- Sebum regulation and pore refinement: thanks to its astringent properties, it regulates sebum production and improves texture and appearance in oily or combination skin, without disrupting its natural balance.
- Prevention of skin aging: its high antioxidant content protects cellular DNA and lipid membranes, helping to maintain elasticity and luminosity against environmental and oxidative stress.
In advanced skincare formulations, Hamamelis virginiana is included in products designed for sensitive, reactive, or inflammation-prone skin, as well as in purifying and balancing toners.
It is especially valued for its ability to:
- Soothe the skin after sun exposure or external aggressions.
- Reduce congestion and redness.
- Provide freshness and immediate comfort.
- Reinforce the skin’s protective barrier.
When combined with ingredients such as panthenol, hyaluronic acid, or allantoin, it enhances epidermal repair and improves skin tolerance to intensive treatments.
At Sisneo, we use Hamamelis virginiana as an ingredient in Poliplant® Anti-Fatigue, an active complex that is part of the Eye Care product for transdermal electroporation.
Commitment to quality
This text about Hamamelis virginiana has been written by professional copywriters. In addition, we have relied on experts in medicine, engineering and aesthetics as a source of information, as well as specific studies to maintain the quality of what we publish.
At Sisneo Bioscience we are committed to publish truthful and contrasted information. And to update or correct it as soon as new knowledge becomes available.
Among others, we have used the following sources:
-
- Wójciak M, Pacuła W, Sowa I, Feldo M, Graczyk F, Załuski D. Hamamelis virginiana L. in Skin Care: A Review of Its Pharmacological Properties and Cosmetological Applications. Molecules. 2025 Jun 26;30(13):2744. doi: 10.3390/molecules30132744. PMID: 40649262; PMCID: PMC12250947.
- Liu X, Hage TW, Chen LC, Wang EHC, Liao IC, Goldberg J, Gosto S, Cziryak P, Senna M, Chen Y, Zheng Q. Revealing the Therapeutic Potential: Investigating the Impact of a Novel Witch Hazel Formula on Anti-Inflammation and Antioxidation. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Feb;24(2):e16662. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16662. Epub 2024 Nov 22. PMID: 39575475; PMCID: PMC11845955.
- Wójciak M, Pacuła W, Tyszczuk-Rotko K, Ziemlewska A, Zagórska-Dziok M, Nizioł-Łukaszewska Z, Patryn R, Pacian A, Sowa I. Comparative Analysis of Polyphenol-Rich Extracts from Hamamelis virginiana Leaves and Bark: ROS Scavenging and Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Skin Cells. Molecules. 2025; 30(17):3572. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30173572