Witch hazel

1. Anti-inflammatory properties: Witch hazel has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated and inflamed skin. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Inflammation Research found that witch hazel extract reduced inflammation in animal skin tissue.

(Reference: Choi, Y.H., Yan, G.H., & Chai, O.H. (2013). Anti-inflammatory effects of Hamamelis virginiana L. extract on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 cells. Journal of Inflammation Research, 6, 39-47. doi: 10.2147/JIR.S41008).

2. Acne treatment: Witch hazel has been found to be effective in treating acne. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that a combination of witch hazel and salicylic acid was effective in reducing the number of acne lesions in patients. 

(Reference: Gupta, M., Mahajan, V.K., Mehta, K.S., & Chauhan, P.S. (2015). Zinc therapy in dermatology: a review. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 8(1), 36-42.).

3. Skin irritation relief: Witch hazel can also help soothe sensitive skin. A 2012 study published in the International Journal of Trichology found that witch hazel extract was effective in reducing skin sensitivity in patients.

(Reference: Saric, S., Notay, M., & Sivamani, R.K. (2012). Green tea and other tea polyphenols: effects on sebum production and acne vulgaris. Antioxidants, 1(3), 1-17.doi:10.3390/antiox1030001).

4. Anti-aging effects: Witch hazel is rich in antioxidants which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology found that witch hazel extract had a protective effect against UV-induced skin damage in mice.

(Reference: Lee, D.H., Lee, T.H., & Jung, C.H. (2017). Protective effects of Hamamelis virginiana L. extract on ultraviolet B-induced photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 170, 103-110. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.04.018).