The magic of witch hazel
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) blossoms in very late autumn and winter. Extracts of its leaves and bark are rich in tannins* and other skin-stabilising components. Witch hazel has astringent, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties for skin care.
The power of the sun appears to be concentrated in the witch hazel shrub, which absorbs the sun throughout the spring and summer and does not release any of the collected energy until late autumn, when unusually, it simultaneously produces both flowers and matured fruit from the previous year.
You will find our witch hazel leaf/bark extract in the following products: Clarifying Steam Bath, Clarifying Toner, Cleansing Cream, Facial Toner, Melissa Day Cream, Night Serum, Quince Day Cream, Renewing Night Conditioner, Revitalising Day Cream (see below), Sensitive Care Conditioner, Translucent Bronzing Tint, Sage Mint Deodorant and many Make-up products.
*Tannins
Tannins are polyphenolic compounds widely found in the plant kingdom. The word tannery comes from the tannin in the bark that was used to preserve leather back in the day. It’s believed that tannins provide plants with a defence against predators, bacteria and fungi, and UV. We love botanical ingredients high in tannin for skin care as they are potent antioxidants.
Witch hazel is rich in tannins.
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
The origins of 'witch' are from the old English word wyche, meaning 'pliable' or 'bendable' and relates to the plant's very flexible branches, and nothing to do with witchcraft. The flexible forked twigs of witch hazel are preferred as divining rods. Regardless, modern witches do consider witch hazel a magical plant, to ward off evil and to help heal a broken heart.
'Hazel' because the plant's leaves resemble those of a hazelnut tree.
'Hamamelis', means ‘together with fruit’, referring to the simultaneous occurrence of flowers with the maturing fruit from the previous year.
'Virginiana' because it’s native to eastern North America, from Nova Scotia to Florida. The state of Virginia is around the half way point in this area.
The first people to use witch hazel for its healing properties were the Native Americans. A decoction was used to treat swellings and inflammations. Native Americans also used witch hazel branches to make bows and as divining rods to locate water and mineral deposits. European settlers saw the effects they achieved with this plant, which was how it found its way to Europe in the 18th century.
Processing witch hazel, the magic of our time honoured methods.
The witch hazel extracts in Dr. Hauschka Skin Care products are prepared using our own unique rhythmic processes to preserve the vitality of this hero botanical ingredient.
Every ingredient in Dr. Hauschka skin care formulations is there for the benefit of your skin, not for the formula itself. There are no fillers and no synthetic chemical ingredients, this is why our products are so concentrated and that’s why they also represent value for money.
Let's take a closer look at the full ingredients list for Revitalising Day Lotion, which includes witch hazel.
Revitalising Day Lotion
50ml and trial size 5ml
Anthyllis Vulneraria Extract
Another one of our hero ingredients, extensively studied by Elisabeth Sigmund, co-founder of Dr. Hauschka Skin Care. Anthyllis, also known as Woundwort, helps to guide all skin conditions to a state of strength and balance.
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Obtained from the seeds of apricot fruit by cold pressing and filtration. Lightweight, nurturing, and easily absorbed by the skin, apricot kernel oil is high in vitamins A and E and essential fatty acids. Especially soothing for sensitive or dry skin, it helps to replenish the skin and maintain a healthy moisture balance. Similar to sweet almond oil in characteristics and scent, it is excellent for making oil extractions of plants. It cares for the skin and makes it soft and supple.
Alcohol
Herbs and flowers are the core of Dr. Hauschka preparations and many plants are extracted in a mixture of food-grade alcohol (ethanol) and water, because it extracts the widest variety of plant constituents. It also helps eliminate the need for synthetic preservatives. In the preparation of aqueous-alcoholic essences it enhances the dissolving power of the water. It tones and firms the skin. Alcohol also serves as a natural emulsifier, preservative and carrier, helping botanical ingredients penetrate the skin. Our alcohol is made by fermenting organic grains with yeast followed by distillation, the same process used for making alcoholic beverages and is gluten-free. It's not drying to the skin when part of a carefully formulated Dr. Hauschka composition. Petroleum-derived isopropyl alcohol is never used in our products.
Hamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf Extract
Witch hazel leaves and bark are rich in tannins which have toning and fortifying effects on the skin.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Sweet almond oil is cold pressed from the edible nut kernels (fruit) of the almond tree, sweet almond oil is an excellent skin-softening (emollient) oil historically used for centuries in skin care. It is mild, lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin as well as rich in unsaturated fats and essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid. It has a calming and soothing effect especially for dry, itchy skin and supports the skin’s barrier function.
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
This is the first-press olive oil. The gentle process of cold pressing preserves the character of the oil. With its excellent fatty acid composition it cares for the skin and makes it smooth.
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
We obtain an oily extract from wild carrot roots which is rich in provitamin A (carotenoids). This cares for your skin and makes it soft and supple. It also gives many of our products a natural yellow colour.
Arachis Hypogaea Oil
The peanut is one of the few plants which can actually produce a warmth and light giving oil underground. The oil helps keep your skin soft and supple. In the purified arachis oil we use in our products no allergenic protein components are detectable.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Our organic sunflower oil is an excellent source of essential linoleic acid and Vitamin E. Its polyunsaturated fatty acid content is far higher than olive oil.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
St. John's wort is soothing and calming to the skin. It is often used in cosmetics for skin that is extremely sensitive or irritated. In topical use, the oil does not make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a building block of fats and oils. Only plant glycerin, from organic coconut-oil, is used for our products. It helps preserve the skin’s moisture.
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Calendula, also known as marigold, is high in carotenes, flavonoids, mucilage, saponins, tannins and essential oils. The sun-like calendula has soothing, astringent, and regenerating properties.
Lecithin
Lecithins from soy beans (GM free) bind the oil and water components in creams as a natural emulsifier. They have a smoothing and moisturising action on the skin.
Triticum Vulgare Bran Extract
Wheat bran extract contains a high concentration of the most valuable elements of the wheat grain.
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Jojoba oil is a very stable wax derived from the fruit of jojoba. The wax which is liquid at room temperature contains beta carotene and tocopherols. Jojoba oil is highly valued for its moisturising and emollient (skin softening) effects. It protects the skin from dryness with a 'breathable', non-sticky, non-greasy film. It also smoothes and fortifies the epidermis.
Parfum*
We only use natural and organic essential oils as perfume. We have our very own in-house perfumer, Jörg Zimmermann, who is one of only a handful of Perfumers in the world who work exclusively with natural essential oils. Some chemical constituents of essential oils in a formula are shown separately in the ingredients list due to regulations, however, in our case they are components of whole essential oils, not the same name isolated man-made synthetic chemicals. We do not use cheap synthetic chemical perfumes.
Limonene*, Linalool*, Farnesol*, Benzyl Benzoate*, Geraniol*, Citronellol*, Citral*, Eugenol*, Benzyl Salicylate* - *from natural essential oils
Algin
A gel forming substance obtained from seaweed. Thickens and stabilises creams and keeps the skin supple.
Xanthan Gum
Produced from sugar syrup by a natural yeast-like microorganism, Xanthomonas campestris. A complex cardohydrate (polysaccharide) which is used as a thickening agent. It covers the skin as a soft, moist gel which feels pleasant on the skin.
Witch hazel in Dr. Hauschka/WALA biodynamic medicinal plant gardens
Dr. Hauschka Quality
Truly 100% natural and/or organic skin care and make-up, NATRUE certified. What does NATRUE Certification mean for you?
Free from synthetic chemical fragrances, colours and preservatives
Free from mineral oils, silicone and PEG
Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin
No animal testing
Wherever possible, all raw materials come from controlled organic or biodynamic cultivation, and are recovered under fair conditions
Since 1967 Dr. Hauschka has been devoted to creating skin care formulations from Nature. Our efficacy is based on our unique skin care philosophy, rhythmic process and the highest quality natural ingredients with a preference for biodynamic, organic or responsibly wild harvested sources. The result, healthy and radiant skin! NATRUE certified natural and organic skin care and make-up. Free from synthetic chemical fragrances, colours or preservatives, mineral oils, parabens, silicones and PEG.