Types of Witch Hazel: Grades, Purity, and What You Need to Know

Witch hazel is one of the most versatile botanicals in personal care, pharmaceutical, and even industrial formulations. But if you’ve ever searched for it in bulk, you’ve likely noticed: not all witch hazel is the same.

From different percentages of alcohol to distinct grades and extraction methods, knowing what to choose, and why, can make or break your product formulation or process. This guide breaks down the most common types of witch hazel, how they differ, and how to choose the best one for your needs.

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In this article, we’ll explain:

1. Why Witch Hazel Comes in Different Types

2. How Grades, Certifications, and Formulations Impact Use

3. Key Factors That Determine Which Type to Choose

4. Common Grades & Purities of Witch Hazel

5. Certifications & Standards for Witch Hazel

6. Liquid vs. Powder vs. Crystals: Witch Hazel in Its Different Forms

7. Applications Based on Type of Witch Hazel

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Witch Hazel

Why Witch Hazel Comes in Different Types

Witch hazel may seem like a straightforward product, but the reality is more complex. Depending on how it's processed and what it's blended with, witch hazel can vary significantly in purity, potency, and intended use. Whether you're formulating skincare, working in a lab, or shopping for large-scale production, understanding the distinctions is key to choosing the right product.

Witch hazel products vary based on several core factors:

Distillation method: Most commercial witch hazel is distilled either with alcohol or steam. Alcohol distillation helps preserve the extract, while steam distillation is typically used in alcohol-free formulations.
Solvent used: Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol are the most common solvents, but alcohol-free versions are available for sensitive or natural formulations.
Concentration: A standard witch hazel percentage is 14% alcohol, but higher or lower concentrations may be used depending on application.
Source of extract: Some products use certified organic Hamamelis virginiana, while others use conventional plant sources.
Preservatives and additives: Certain types are fragrance-free and pure, while others may include stabilizers, essential oils, or glycerin for added skin benefits.

These differences directly impact witch hazel purity, strength, shelf stability, and safety, especially for applications like skincare, pharmaceuticals, and food-adjacent products. Choosing the correct type depends on both what you’re making and who will be using it.

Next, let’s break down how these variations translate into specific witch hazel grades, certifications and formulations.

How Grades, Certifications, and Formulations Impact Use

Not all witch hazel is created equal, especially when regulatory standards and end-use applications are involved. From skincare to pharmaceutical products, the grade and certification of witch hazel determines how and where it can be safely used.

Here’s how the most common witch hazel grades break down:

USP/NF Grade: This pharmaceutical-grade witch hazel meets the rigorous standards of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and National Formulary (NF). It’s required for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and guarantees a high level of purity and consistency.
Cosmetic Grade: Designed for personal care formulations, cosmetic-grade witch hazel is used in toners, cleansers, and lotions. It may contain alcohol (often 14%) or be completely alcohol-free, depending on the target use and skin sensitivity.
Organic Certified: Extracted from organically grown Hamamelis virginiana, organic witch hazel appeals to brands and consumers focused on natural and clean-label products. This grade is often used in green beauty, wellness formulations, and products labeled USDA Organic.
Food Grade (rare): Although not common, food-grade witch hazel may be used in specific herbal supplements or flavor applications. In these cases, all ingredients and solvents must be food-safe and compliant with FDA regulations.

Certifications like USDA Organic, Kosher, and Halal serve as proof points for purity, ethical sourcing, and regulatory compliance. These designations not only influence consumer trust but are often essential for product labeling and distribution across global markets.

Understanding these distinctions makes it easier to choose the right type of witch hazel for your product or process. Next, let’s take a closer look at the factors that determine which type of witch hazel to use.

Key Factors That Determine Which Type to Choose

With so many formulations available, selecting the right type of witch hazel starts with knowing exactly how you plan to use it. Whether you’re developing a new skincare line, producing OTC treatments, or creating a clean-label product, your specific needs will guide the grade, certification, and solvent profile you should look for.

Here are the most important factors to consider:

End Use: Is the witch hazel intended for cosmetic, pharmaceutical, industrial, or food-adjacent applications? Each use case comes with its own safety, purity, and compliance standards.
Alcohol Sensitivity: If your product is designed for sensitive skin or children (like baby wipes or toners), an alcohol-free formulation may be essential. Look for steam-distilled or glycerin-based alternatives.
Certifications Needed: Are you marketing to a natural, organic, halal, or kosher audience? Choosing witch hazel with third-party certifications ensures it meets those consumer and regulatory expectations.
Regulatory Compliance: If your product falls under FDA oversight, such as an OTC drug or medicated skincare item, you’ll likely need USP-grade witch hazel to meet labeling and manufacturing standards.
Sourcing Transparency: Today’s consumers are more label-savvy than ever. If you’re building a clean beauty or eco-conscious brand, it’s crucial to work with a supplier that offers detailed documentation on origin, processing, and additive-free formulations.

Carefully weighing these factors will help you choose the ideal witch hazel type for your formulation goals, and avoid surprises during product development or compliance reviews. Up next, let’s review the common grades and purities of witch hazel.

Common Grades & Purities of Witch Hazel

When evaluating types of witch hazel, purity level plays a central role, especially if you're creating a product that requires high regulatory compliance or exceptional quality control. Each grade is formulated to meet specific performance and safety needs, from pharmaceutical use to industrial applications.

Food Grade

Food-grade witch hazel is safe for ingestion and may be used in dietary supplements or food-related manufacturing. It must comply with FDA and USDA regulations for safety and ingredient sourcing. However, not all witch hazel products are food-grade, always verify with your supplier before use.

Pharmaceutical Grade

Also known as USP/NF grade, this form is held to stringent pharmacopeial specifications. It’s the go-to for topical medications, OTC skin treatments, and medical wipes. Purity and consistency are strictly monitored to support safe therapeutic applications.

ACS/Reagent Grade

With extremely high purity, ACS (American Chemical Society) or reagent-grade witch hazel is ideal for laboratory use, especially when analytical accuracy or trace contaminant control is required. This grade is often selected for research or sensitive product testing.

Industrial/Technical Grade

Designed for non-critical applications, this grade is commonly used in cleaning solutions, industrial manufacturing, or cosmetic prototypes that don’t require pharmaceutical or food-level purity. It’s a cost-effective option for high-volume production where regulatory restrictions are minimal.

Electronic Grade

While not typical for botanical extracts, electronic-grade witch hazel could apply in extremely niche contexts, such as specialty coatings or electronic cleaning applications where ultra-low impurity levels are essential. This grade would undergo advanced purification and testing not standard in most commercial witch hazel products.

As you evaluate your options, remember that witch hazel purity will affect performance, safety, and legal compliance, especially when it comes to formulation claims.

Certifications & Standards for Witch Hazel

Beyond grade and purity, certifications signal that a product meets specific ethical, religious, or environmental standards. These designations are essential for formulators who want to enter natural, organic, or global markets with confidence.

Kosher and Halal Certified

These certifications ensure that the witch hazel complies with Jewish (Kosher) and Islamic (Halal) dietary and handling laws. Products with these designations are acceptable for use in religious communities and add trust for globally distributed goods.

Organic Certified

Certified organic witch hazel is made from organically cultivated Hamamelis virginiana and processed under USDA or EU organic standards. It’s widely used in natural beauty, eco-conscious wellness, and clean-label supplements.

Non-GMO & Allergen-Free

These claims ensure that the product is free from genetically modified ingredients and common allergens like soy, gluten, or nuts. Ideal for sensitive-skin cosmetics, pharmaceutical formulations, and functional beverages.

REACH / RoHS Compliant

These European Union certifications confirm that the product meets chemical safety standards (REACH) and avoids the use of hazardous substances (RoHS). These designations are especially important for sustainable brands or manufacturers that export to the EU.

Together, grade, purity, and certification form the core of responsible witch hazel sourcing. In the next section, we’ll explore the most common liquid and powder forms of witch hazel and what they mean for formulation flexibility.

Liquid vs. Powder vs. Crystals: Witch Hazel in Its Different Forms

Witch hazel is most commonly found in liquid form, but advances in processing and formulation have introduced new formats, including powders and experimental derivatives. Understanding these physical forms is key to selecting the right ingredient for your product, especially when handling, shelf life, or application method matters.

Liquid Witch Hazel

Liquid witch hazel is the most widely used commercial form. It is typically a distillate suspended in alcohol, with 14% ethanol being the most common concentration. This format offers ease of use and immediate solubility in both water- and alcohol-based formulations.

Handling: Store in sealed containers, away from heat and direct light to preserve potency and prevent alcohol evaporation.
Applications: Commonly used in astringents, toners, acne treatments, and soothing creams for irritated or inflamed skin.

Its balanced ratio of water and alcohol makes it highly effective for both therapeutic and cosmetic use, provided the formulation includes stabilizers or preservatives when necessary.

Powdered Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is also available in powdered form, either through freeze-drying or spray-drying. These processes retain many of the plant’s natural actives, while extending shelf life and increasing formulation flexibility.

Handling: Must be stored in airtight containers, as powdered extracts are highly sensitive to moisture and humidity.
Applications: Ideal for dry formulations, nutraceuticals, and DIY beauty products, or when you want to customize the reconstitution ratio for specific solubility needs.

Powdered witch hazel is especially useful when water-based preservatives are undesirable or where shipping weight and space are concerns.

Crystal Form

Witch hazel does not naturally occur as a crystal in commercial applications. In theory, isolated compounds like hamamelitannin could be crystallized for research or pharmaceutical exploration, but these are not standard ingredients in skincare or wellness formulations. If you come across a “crystalline witch hazel,” it’s likely mislabeled or designed for laboratory-scale work.

Hydrated vs. Anhydrous Forms of Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is typically found in a hydrated form, meaning it contains water either from steam distillation or as part of its ethanol-water solution.

Hydrated Extracts: These are more natural and recognizable, but require preservatives (or the presence of ethanol) to remain shelf-stable.
Common in: Cosmetic and OTC drug products where moisture is needed for skin compatibility.
Anhydrous Forms: Rare in the marketplace, these involve the removal of water to create a more concentrated form. While they offer extended shelf life and simplified transport, they may lose some natural efficacy or require rehydration before use.
Used in: Specialized formulations, lab testing, or for ingredient blends where water is contraindicated.

Salt Forms and Functional Derivatives

While witch hazel itself doesn’t exist in salt form, some of its active compounds, such as hamamelitannin, may be chemically modified or isolated for scientific purposes. However, these forms are generally reserved for academic or pharmaceutical research, not commercial use.

In the world of formulation, derivatives are far more common. These include:

Liposomal witch hazel: Encapsulated for better skin penetration and reduced irritation.
Witch hazel glycolates or esters: Blended to improve solubility or enhance sensory experience.
Functional hybrids: Combined with glycerin, aloe, or natural oils for added moisturization or soothing benefits.

These modified versions expand how witch hazel can be used across industries, especially in advanced cosmetic and wellness products.

Now that we’ve covered the physical forms, next we’ll look at how different applications of witch hazel.

Applications Based on Type of Witch Hazel

The best type of witch hazel for your needs depends heavily on how and where it will be used. Each grade and formulation offers distinct advantages across industries, from beverages and cosmetics to medical formulations and research.

Food & Beverage Applications

In food-related use, only food-grade witch hazel should be considered. These products are specifically formulated without additives like ethanol, ensuring safety when there's any chance of ingestion or incidental contact.

Use Cases: Flavor extraction, herbal elixirs, botanical beverages, and natural preservatives.
Why It Works: Witch hazel contains tannins and volatile compounds that offer astringency, mild bitterness, and preservative action, particularly useful in wellness and herbal drink formulations.
Recommended Type: USP or FCC-grade witch hazel for compliance with food safety standards.

Industrial Manufacturing

In industrial settings, technical-grade witch hazel offers a plant-based alternative to synthetic ingredients. It’s commonly used in personal care production and eco-conscious cleaning formulations where astringency, botanical origin, or consumer familiarity with ingredients adds marketing value.

Use Cases: Surface sprays, deodorant bases, plant-based cleansers, and sustainable packaging solutions.
Why It Works: Alcohol-based witch hazel acts as both a solvent and a mild antimicrobial, making it suitable for cleaning and formulation processes.
Recommended Type: Tech-grade or industrial-grade witch hazel, typically with 14% alcohol.

Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Use

Witch hazel has long been recognized for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. In the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector, it is used in both OTC and therapeutic products designed to relieve irritation and inflammation.

Use Cases: Hemorrhoid creams, medicated wipes, wound care products, facial toners.
Why It Works: Rich in tannins and polyphenols, witch hazel tightens skin, reduces inflammation, and helps soothe damaged or irritated tissue.
Recommended Type: USP-grade or British Pharmacopoeia (BPC) witch hazel, depending on regulatory requirements.

Scientific Research & Laboratory Work

Witch hazel is also a valuable research ingredient for institutions studying herbal pharmacology, dermatology, or sustainable chemistry. High-purity grades are favored for accuracy and reproducibility.

Use Cases: In vitro testing, ingredient efficacy trials, botanical compound extraction.
Why It Works: Standardized tannin profiles and low microbial counts make it a reliable base for research across clinical and cosmetic development.
Recommended Type: USP-grade or research-grade witch hazel, depending on experimental rigor.

Each industry demands different levels of witch hazel purity and formulation detail. Whether you need alcohol-free, certified organic, or pharmacopeial-grade solutions, understanding your use case is the first step in making the right purchase decision.

How to Choose the Right Type of Witch Hazel: Guidelines for Buyers and Users

With so many types of witch hazel on the market, choosing the right one means more than just grabbing a bottle off the shelf. Whether you’re sourcing for a small batch of handmade skincare or scaling up pharmaceutical production, selecting the appropriate grade, purity, and formulation is essential for both performance and regulatory compliance. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Purity & Formulation

Alcohol-based witch hazel (usually containing 14% ethanol) is widely used for its astringent and antiseptic qualities. It's ideal for first-aid products, oily skin formulas, and anti-itch solutions.
Alcohol-free witch hazel is the gentler option, better suited for sensitive skin, baby products, or formulations where alcohol may cause irritation.
Keep an eye out for added ingredients such as fragrance, preservatives, or glycerin, especially if you're working within strict formulation or labeling guidelines.

Extraction Source & Method

The best witch hazel comes from steam-distilled Hamamelis virginiana bark and twigs, preserving its natural tannins and actives.
Match your source to your need: look for USP-grade for pharmaceuticals, cosmetic-grade for skincare, or organic-certified for clean-label product lines.

Regulatory & Labeling Needs

For OTC drugs or topical treatments, make sure your witch hazel meets USP monograph standards.
If your brand emphasizes clean beauty or sustainability, choose certified organic, non-GMO, cruelty-free, or vegan options.
Always request documentation, including a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to confirm quality, traceability, and safety.

Industry-Specific Recommendations

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Opt for alcohol-free witch hazel in products like facial toners, serums, and aftershaves.
Choose versions without synthetic fragrance and ensure they meet cosmetic-grade standards.

Pharmaceutical & OTC

Use USP-grade witch hazel with ethanol content that complies with FDA monograph requirements for products like hemorrhoid creams, medicated wipes, and first-aid applications.

Household & Industrial Cleaning

Go with bulk, alcohol-based witch hazel when formulating natural surface sprays or deodorizing agents.
Purity requirements may be less stringent, but a reliable CoA and SDS are still a must.

Natural & Organic Product Lines

Look for certified organic, alcohol-free witch hazel with minimal additives.
These types align with clean-label claims and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Witch Hazel

Assuming all witch hazel is the same: Some versions are heavily diluted, contain synthetic additives, or don’t meet pharmaceutical or food safety standards.

Overlooking alcohol content: This is especially critical in skincare or baby care. Alcohol can impact skin feel, pH, and stability.

Ignoring regulatory grade: For medical or therapeutic uses, failing to source USP-compliant witch hazel can risk noncompliance and product recalls.

Skipping documentation: Always verify with your supplier. Request a CoA, SDS, allergen statement, and origin traceability, especially if you're producing for commercial distribution.

Conclusion

Choosing the right witch hazel grade and formulation sets the foundation for a successful product, whether it's soothing, cleansing, or formulated for sensitive skin. At Lab Alley, we carry a full range of witch hazel grades and purities with documentation ready to meet your compliance and quality needs.

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.