A distillate of witch hazel flowers used as an astringent, conditioning and soothing ingredient.
What it is
Hamamelis virginiana flower water is an aqueous solution of the steam distillate obtained from the flowers of witch hazel, Hamamelis virginiana, of the witch hazel family (Hamamelidaceae). CosIng lists it as an astringent, hair-conditioning, skin-conditioning and soothing ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in toners, face mists, creams and other skin care products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
A flower water is not the same as a witch hazel extract or the water distilled from the bark and twigs, which have their own INCI names.
Functions
- Astringent
- Contracting and/or tightening the skin.
- Hair conditioning
- Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.
- Skin conditioning
- Maintaining the skin in good condition.
- Soothing
- Lightening discomfort of the skin or of the scalp.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.