I love warmer weather, but I don’t always love how it affects my skin. I have combination to oily skin, which is just amplified in the summertime.

I’m always looking for new products to calm down my skin and minimize oil production. I really love using jojoba oil, but I wanted to add another item to my skincare routine to keep curbing excess oil.

And despite its spooky-sounding name, witch hazel is a simple addition to any skincare routine.

Witch hazel comes from the leaf, bark and twigs of the North American shrub Hamamelis virginiana. It contains chemicals called tannins, which help promote skin health, especially when applied topically.

Its most popular use is as a toner due to its various skin-related benefits. It protects against free radical damage, soothes skin and helps combat excess oil production.

Witch hazel is safe for all skin types, but it’s especially popular for combination to oily skin. It can be drying depending on your skin type, so make sure to use a moisturizer afterwards.

While it’s safe for most people to use, test a small area of your skin first before applying it all over your face or body.

Many beauty products, like toners, contain witch hazel, but why not just go right to the source?

Here are top 6 common beauty uses for witch hazel:

Top 6 Uses for Witch Hazel

1. Toner (naturallivingideas.com)

It supports skin health and helps restore pH balance to skin. It also helps to remove excess oil from the skin, which can reduce the appearance of pores.

2. Skin soother (naturallivingideas.com)

Since witch hazel supports skin health, it can also help protect against sun damage. For even more soothing properties, combine witch hazel with aloe vera before applying topically.

3. Post-shaving refresher (naturallivingideas.com)

Witch hazel can be used on your face or body after shaving to calm down your skin. For a refreshing boost, add witch hazel to a spray bottle and put it in the fridge before using.

4. Makeup remover (wellnessmama.com)

Apply witch hazel to a cotton ball and swipe around your face. It works great at removing makeup, grime and buildup without over-drying your skin. Avoid eye area.

5. Hair treatment (wellnessmama.com)

Witch hazel can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment to add shine and diminish the appearance of frizz. Add some to a spray bottle, spray all over dry hair and then hop in the shower.

6. Hand sanitizer (helloglow.com)

Witch hazel works well as an ingredient for hand sanitizer. Combine it with aloe vera and essential oils like lavender or tea tree.

Swanson carries a variety of witch hazel products, including facial toners, cleansing pads, after shaves, herbal supplements, extracts and more.

Have you tried witch hazel for beauty uses before, or would you consider using it in the place of other skincare products?