How to Store Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a versatile botanical extract used in skincare, medical, and cosmetic products for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. But to preserve its effectiveness and stability, proper storage is essential. Whether it’s an alcohol-based or water-based formulation, storing witch hazel correctly helps maintain its chemical integrity, prevent evaporation or contamination, and ensure long-term performance.

This guide outlines everything you need to know about how to store witch hazel effectively, from temperature and container selection to chemical compatibility and regulatory labeling. Let’s begin by reviewing the recommended storage conditions that protect the integrity and safety of this popular extract.

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In this article, we’ll review:

1. Recommended Storage Conditions

2. Container & Packaging Requirements

3. Segregation & Compatibility

4. Safe Handling in Storage Areas

5. Regulatory Compliance & Labeling

Recommended Storage Conditions

The shelf life and effectiveness of witch hazel largely depend on its environmental storage conditions. Exposure to heat, moisture, or light can degrade its active compounds—especially in water-based formulations—and accelerate evaporation in alcohol-based solutions. Whether you’re storing a small bottle at home or large quantities in a facility, the following conditions help preserve quality and reduce risk.

Best Temperature Range for Storage

Witch hazel should be stored at room temperature, ideally between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Avoid the following:

Excessive heat, which can accelerate evaporation or chemical breakdown
Freezing temperatures, which may cause crystallization or separation in water-based solutions

For bulk storage, temperature-controlled environments are recommended to maintain long-term stability.

Humidity Control

High humidity can introduce moisture into containers, especially once opened. To protect the integrity of the extract:

Always keep containers tightly sealed when not in use
Avoid storing witch hazel in bathrooms or other humid environments
For sensitive or long-term storage, consider desiccants in packaging to reduce moisture exposure

Light Exposure Precautions

Light, especially UV radiation, can degrade the beneficial compounds in witch hazel. For optimal protection:

Store witch hazel in amber-colored or opaque containers
Keep bottles in dark cabinets or drawers away from windows or direct light sources
Avoid long-term exposure to fluorescent or overhead lighting in open shelving areas

Ventilation Requirements

Alcohol-based witch hazel solutions are flammable and may release vapors. To minimize fire risk and protect indoor air quality:

Store in a well-ventilated area, particularly when storing in large quantities
Avoid sealed storage environments without airflow
For industrial or lab use, consider using flammable liquid cabinets or ventilated chemical storage rooms

Container & Packaging Requirements

The type of container used to store witch hazel plays a critical role in maintaining its stability, potency, and safety over time. Packaging that protects against light, air, and chemical reactions can significantly extend shelf life, especially in commercial and laboratory settings where larger volumes or higher purity are common.

Below are the best practices for selecting, sealing, and labeling witch hazel containers.

Best Materials for Storage Containers

Choose materials that are non-reactive, opaque, and sealable. These options provide the best combination of chemical compatibility and environmental protection:

Amber glass bottles: Ideal for small to medium quantities; protect against UV degradation
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) plastic: Lightweight, chemical-resistant, and suitable for larger-scale storage
Stainless steel containers: Used in industrial environments for high-volume storage with excellent chemical resistance

Avoid clear plastic or low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containers, as they may degrade over time or allow excessive light and vapor permeability.

Proper Sealing Methods

A secure seal is essential to prevent evaporation, contamination, and alcohol loss. Use the following closure types:

Screw-top lids with liners to create an airtight seal
Pump dispensers or dropper caps for controlled dispensing (ensure they close tightly between uses)
Tamper-evident caps for added security in commercial packaging

Always close containers immediately after each use, and inspect seals regularly for wear or warping.

Labeling Requirements

For safety, compliance, and traceability, containers should be clearly labeled with:

Product name and concentration (e.g., Witch Hazel 14% alcohol solution)
GHS hazard information (if alcohol-based), including pictograms and precautionary statements
Expiration or retest date, especially for regulated use in manufacturing or labs
Batch or lot number, if applicable for traceability or quality assurance

Now that we’ve addressed packaging, let’s move on to chemical compatibility and how to safely segregate witch hazel from incompatible substances during storage.

Segregation & Compatibility

Witch hazel may be mild in nature, but when stored, especially in alcohol-based solutions, it must be handled like any other flammable or reactive chemical. Storing it alongside incompatible substances can pose fire, corrosion, or contamination risks. Following segregation best practices ensures both chemical safety and regulatory compliance.

Incompatible Chemicals

Keep witch hazel separate from chemicals that could cause unwanted reactions or degrade the solution over time. Avoid storing it near:

Strong acids (e.g., sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid)
Strong bases (e.g., sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide)
Oxidizing agents (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, bleach, nitric acid)

These substances can alter the pH, accelerate degradation, or trigger dangerous chemical interactions, especially if containers leak or are stored in close proximity.

Best Practices for Segregated Storage

To reduce risk of contamination or reactivity, follow these best practices:

Store witch hazel in a designated area alongside other non-reactive liquids
Use clearly labeled shelves or cabinets to distinguish compatible chemical groups
Avoid storing near chemical waste containers, incompatible solvents, or acids/bases used in lab processes

For facilities using flammable cabinets, separate flammables by compatibility groups according to OSHA and NFPA guidelines.

Flammable & Reactive Chemical Precautions

Alcohol-based witch hazel should always be treated as a flammable liquid in storage:

Keep away from open flames, sparks, or heat-producing equipment
If storing in bulk (typically over 5 gallons), place in a flammable storage cabinet rated for chemical liquids
Use spark-proof tools and equipment in areas where witch hazel is handled in volume

Up next, we’ll review safe handling practices to ensure that storage areas remain secure and that personnel are protected during everyday use.

Safe Handling in Storage Areas

Proper storage of witch hazel isn’t just about the container or environment—it also involves how the product is handled during routine use. Whether you're transferring witch hazel between containers, retrieving it for production, or managing a spill, safe handling practices help prevent contamination, injuries, and regulatory issues.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When handling large quantities of witch hazel, particularly in laboratories or manufacturing settings, PPE is strongly recommended to prevent exposure to skin, eyes, or vapors. Basic PPE includes:

Chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile or neoprene)
Safety goggles or face shields to guard against splashes
Protective clothing or lab coats, especially when transferring between vessels

While small-volume use may not require full protection, these precautions are essential during bulk storage or distribution.

Safe Transport & Transfer Methods

Transferring witch hazel between containers, especially in large volumes, requires care to minimize spills, evaporation, and exposure:

Use funnels or pump systems designed for chemical transfer
Avoid pouring by hand from large containers, which increases risk of spills
Perform all transfers in well-ventilated areas, preferably near fume hoods or localized exhaust systems
Label any secondary containers clearly before moving to storage areas

Avoid using reactive metal tools or open transfer systems, especially when handling alcohol-based formulations.

Emergency Response for Spills or Leaks

Even small spills can pose risks, particularly due to alcohol’s flammability and rapid evaporation. In case of a leak:

Ventilate the area immediately to reduce vapor buildup
Use absorbent pads, spill kits, or inert materials like sand to contain the liquid
Avoid rinsing the spill into drains unless permitted by your facility’s chemical waste protocol
Dispose of cleanup materials in designated chemical waste bins per local regulations

Important: Train all personnel who handle witch hazel in your facility’s spill response plan and provide access to safety data sheets (SDS).

Now that we’ve addressed safety in daily use, we’ll finish by reviewing the regulatory compliance and labeling standards associated with witch hazel storage.

Regulatory Compliance & Labeling

Proper witch hazel storage involves meeting regulatory standards for workplace safety, environmental protection, and chemical classification. Whether used in laboratories, healthcare facilities, or manufacturing plants, storage procedures must align with labeling and transport laws outlined by OSHA, GHS, DOT, and other regulatory agencies.

OSHA & GHS Storage Guidelines

If your witch hazel contains ethanol or isopropanol, it must be treated as a flammable liquid under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Globally Harmonized System (GHS) requirements:

Label containers with GHS-compliant information, including:
Product name
Hazard pictograms (e.g., flame symbol for flammability)
Signal word (e.g., “Warning”)
Precautionary statements (e.g., “Keep away from heat”)
Maintain an up-to-date Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for reference on-site
Include storage hazard classification on container labels and chemical inventory

DOT Regulations for Transportable Quantities

For witch hazel being transported in bulk quantities (typically more than 1 liter of alcohol-based solution), it may fall under U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for hazardous materials:

Must be packaged in approved flammable liquid containers
Labels must indicate:
UN identification number (e.g., UN1170 for ethanol)
Proper shipping name (e.g., “Flammable Liquid, n.o.s.”)
Hazard class (3 for flammable liquids)
Drivers or handlers must follow hazmat transport rules, including documentation and emergency contact info

Household quantities or shipments under exemption limits may not require full DOT labeling, but always check with your local or institutional shipping coordinator for clarification.

Industry or Region-Specific Storage Laws

Depending on where your facility is located and what type of work is being done, additional regulatory bodies may apply:

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for large-scale storage and waste discharge
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) for operations in the EU
NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) for fire safety ratings and flammable storage cabinets

Conclusion

Whether you're handling a single bottle in a home cabinet or managing bulk quantities in a commercial facility, proper storage is essential to preserving the safety, stability, and effectiveness of witch hazel. Factors such as temperature, humidity, light exposure, and container type all play a role in maintaining product quality. For alcohol-based formulations, additional precautions are required to reduce fire risk and ensure compliance with labeling and flammable storage regulations.
Whether you're stabilizing pH for skincare production or ensuring compliance with wastewater regulations, understanding how to neutralize witch hazel empowers safer and more sustainable operations. With the right tools, procedures, and guidance, you can handle witch hazel confidently at any scale.

By following best practices for storage, segregation, handling, and regulatory labeling, users can extend shelf life, prevent contamination, and support a safer working environment. Witch hazel may be a natural extract, but its handling should reflect professional standards, especially in labs, manufacturing, or regulated industries.

For more detailed guidance, explore our Resource Library for more information.

Our Customer Care team is also available for more information and documentation, including chemical Safety Data Sheets.

Where to Buy Witch Hazel

As your trusted partner in chemical supply, Lab Alley is always striving to meet the growing demands of our customers. We want you to be able to access all of your chemical needs in one place, along with streamlined online ordering and fast shipping.

Due to popular demand from our valued clientele, Lab Alley's Witch Hazel is available in a range of purities and packaging options to suit various commercial, laboratory, and personal needs.