Is Witch Hazel Extract safe in cosmetics?
Witch Hazel Extract has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Good
Cosmetic Ingredient
Witch Hazel Extract
INCI: HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA EXTRACT
Witch Hazel Extract (CAS 84696-19-5) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Astringent, skin protectant, antioxidant; hamamelitannin and polyphenols. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 84696-19-5 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Astringent, skin protectant, antioxidant; hamamelitannin and polyphenols (gallic acid, catechins) precipitate surface proteins
Safety Rating
GOOD
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
FDA-recognized OTC active ingredient (GRASE) as astringent under Skin Protectant Final Monograph (21 CFR Part 347). Also permitted at 10-50% in anorectal OTC products (21 CFR 346.18). CIR deferred to FDA. USP-grade contains 14% ethanol.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Witch Hazel Extract.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Additional Ingredient Properties
1 property record from structured ingredient metadata.
anti_aging
{"anti_aging_claim": "antioxidant-protection, pore-minimizing", "mechanism_of_action": "Bioactive phytochemicals, antioxidant compounds", "target_skin_layer": "epidermis", "collagen_stimulation": "No", "elastin_protection": "No", "wrinkle_reduction_pct": "5-10", "clinical_study_duration_weeks": "8", "sample_size": "25", "double_blind": "Yes", "placebo_controlled": "Yes", "published_journal": "Phyt…
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Astringent
Humectant
Pharmaceutical
Softener and conditioner
Regulatory List Membership (2)
EU Regulated in Personal Care
EU Restricted for Children (Cosmetics)
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Witch Hazel Extract.
Regulatory Flags
otc-active-ingredient
fda-monograph-21-cfr-347
cir-deferred-to-fda
tannin-bearing
trace-safrole
alcohol-distillate-form
astringent
eu_children_restricted
Chemical Function
Astringent
Softener and conditioner
Regulatory Lists
children; Europe; Personal care
children; Europe; Personal care - dental care - toothpaste
Europe; Personal care
Europe; Personal care
Europe; Personal care
Europe; Personal care
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Witch Hazel Extract allowed in the EU?
Witch Hazel Extract EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Witch Hazel Extract do in cosmetics?
Witch Hazel Extract functions as: Astringent, skin protectant, antioxidant; hamamelitannin and polyphenols (gallic acid, catechins) precipitate surface proteins. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 84696-19-5.
Compliance Tools
Check Witch Hazel Extract compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
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