Glycolic Acid + Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)
Use With Caution
These ingredients can be combined, but require careful timing, lower concentrations, or gradual introduction.
Witch hazel's astringent properties can compound the drying and barrier-stripping effects of glycolic acid, especially in alcohol-containing formulations.
What the Research Says
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a botanical astringent that has been used in skincare for centuries. Its active compounds - hamamelitannin and other polyphenolic tannins - constrict skin tissue, reduce pore appearance, and provide mild anti-inflammatory effects. Many people use witch hazel toners as part of their daily routine for oil control and pore refinement. However, witch hazel also has significant drying and astringent properties that become problematic when layered with glycolic acid.
The core issue is that most commercial witch hazel products are distilled with or preserved in denatured alcohol, often at concentrations of 14-15%. This alcohol content strips lipids from the stratum corneum and increases transepidermal water loss. When combined with glycolic acid - which already disrupts the skin barrier through chemical exfoliation - the result is a compounded assault on the skin's moisture barrier. Even alcohol-free witch hazel distillates retain strong astringent properties from their tannin content that can further tighten and dehydrate exfoliated skin.
The combination is not dangerous in the same way that mixing strong acids would be, but chronic use of both products can lead to a persistently compromised barrier: chronic dryness, tightness, increased sensitivity, and paradoxical oil overproduction as the skin attempts to compensate for lost moisture. If you value the pore-tightening effects of witch hazel, use it at a different time of day from glycolic acid and choose an alcohol-free formulation.
Timing & How to Use
Use witch hazel and glycolic acid at separate times of day - for example, witch hazel as a morning toner and glycolic acid in the evening. Never layer witch hazel immediately before or after glycolic acid application. Consider whether you truly need both, as glycolic acid alone provides superior exfoliation and pore refinement.
Practical Tips
- 1Choose alcohol-free witch hazel products if you insist on using both - check the ingredient list for alcohol denat. or SD alcohol
- 2Witch hazel is less effective than glycolic acid for most concerns (texture, pores, acne) - consider dropping it entirely
- 3If your skin feels tight or dry after using both, the witch hazel is the more expendable product
- 4Thayers alcohol-free witch hazel is among the gentler options, but even it can over-dry when combined with glycolic acid
References
- Theisen LL, et al. Tannins from Hamamelis virginiana bark extract: Characterization and improvement of the antiviral efficacy against influenza A virus and human papillomavirus. PLoS One. 2014;9(1):e88062.
- Chularojanamontri L, et al. Moisturizers for acne: What are their constituents? J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(5):36-44.
- Dawid-Pac R. Medicinal plants used in treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2013;30(3):170-177.
