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HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA FLOWER WATER.

Valuable CAS 84696-19-5 / ASTRINGENT, HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING, SOOTHING

Hamamelis Virginiana Flower Water, a precision botanical extract derived from the witch hazel plant, is recognized for its comprehensive benefits including potent antioxidant, soothing, and astringent properties. It is adept at refining skin texture, balancing sebum production, and offering defense against environmental stressors while visibly diminishing redness.

Summary

Antioxidant Soothing Astringent Skin-Conditioning Anti-inflammatory Oil-regulating Toning Antibacterial

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient's efficacy stems from its rich content of tannins and antioxidants. Tannins are primarily responsible for its astringent action, which involves sealing cell membranes, reducing capillary permeability, and precipitating proteins to create a protective dermal layer that promotes healing and narrows blood vessels. Concurrently, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds work by modulating cytokine expression and NF-κB signaling, effectively protecting the skin from environmental damage, reducing redness, and soothing irritation. Additionally, it aids in sebum regulation, deep cleansing of the skin, pore tightening, and maintaining a balanced skin pH.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 2–10%
Optimal

8%

Key findings

  1. 01 A 2% concentration effectively reduced Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production by 39%.
  2. 02 An 8% formulation demonstrated a 46% reduction in ROS and effectively mitigated UVA-induced protein carbonylation.
  3. 03 Lotions containing as little as 10% witch hazel extract were shown to significantly reduce skin inflammation and erythema.
  4. 04 Products featuring Hamamelis Virginiana Water at concentrations up to 25.80% were consistently found to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing in human repeated insult patch tests.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Hamamelis Virginiana Flower Water is a valued active ingredient with well-established benefits at various concentrations, making it unsuitable for 'dusting.' Its inclusion at efficacious percentages, typically between 2% and 10% for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, is essential for achieving desired product performance.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 3 – 5.5
0 7 14

Stability

The ingredient maintains stability under standard cool, dry storage conditions, away from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can degrade its quality, thus storage in opaque or amber containers is recommended.

Conflicts

  • Nonpolar solvents (e.g., mineral oils, hydrocarbons)
  • Oils and fats (unless appropriate emulsifiers are incorporated)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
43%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel has concluded Hamamelis Virginiana-derived ingredients are safe for cosmetic use at current concentrations, provided formulations are non-irritating and non-sensitizing. The FDA permits Witch Hazel Extract as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) astringent. While generally well-tolerated, very high concentrations may contribute to skin irritation or dryness. Formulators should cautiously combine multiple botanicals to avoid exceeding potentially hazardous cumulative levels, noting the European Medicines Agency (EMA) mentioned negative outcomes in genetic toxicology tests for Hamamelis water distillates.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Hamamelis Virginiana Flower Water is a valuable ingredient for its proven efficacy in soothing, refining, and protecting the skin across various formulations, proving particularly beneficial for oily and sensitive skin types.

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