Iris Law said her "get unready" routine is wiping her face with witch hazel, then Caudalie mist and 001 Skincare London moisturizer. For acne or sensitive skin, oil level matters: oily, acne-prone skin may tolerate it, while dry or sensitive skin irritates more easily.
Witch hazel is a distilled extract of Hamamelis virginiana leaves and bark containing tannins, used as an astringent. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review report, it has reported antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and oil-removing properties Cosmetic Ingredient Review report. Law described herself in Dazed as "quite the germaphobe" when explaining the wipe-down habit Dazed interview.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- What Iris Law's step involves
- Why oily, acne-prone skin may tolerate it
- Why sensitive skin reacts differently
- How to try it with less irritation
What Iris Law's step involves
Law presents witch hazel as a first cleansing wipe, not a leave-on treatment. She follows it with a hydrating mist and moisturizer. That order matters because astringents remove oil and residue.
Vogue also listed Care Plus Witch Hazel among the products in her glowing-skin routine. The listing points to a simple drugstore-style toner step. It does not specify strength, amount, or daily frequency.
Why oily, acne-prone skin may tolerate it
Excess oil can leave pores looking clogged and enlarged. An astringent toner can briefly cut that slick feeling. Dermatologist Dr.
Hadley King says oily and acne-prone skin may benefit because witch hazel helps remove excess oil, unclog pores and temporarily shrink pore appearance PureWow interview with dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. The effect is surface-level and temporary. It does not replace cleanser, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or other acne treatments.
Why sensitive skin reacts differently
The same oil-removing action can strip skin that is already dry. Sting, tightness, redness, and flaking are warning signs.
Dermatologists warn that people with sensitive or dry skin should avoid witch hazel or use it sparingly because it can further dry, sting or irritate skin Medical News Today overview. Alcohol content, fragrance, frequency, and scrubbing raise risk. Sensitive skin around the eyes, nostrils, and lips is especially reactive.
How to try it with less irritation
Use it as a limited test, not a full-face habit at first. Dermatologist Dr.
Melanie Palm, via Essence, suggests acne-prone users without excess sensitivity may use witch-hazel ointment as a spot treatment once or twice daily after a jawline patch test. The American Academy of Dermatology advises testing a new product on several small skin areas first.
- Apply a small amount to the jawline and wait for irritation
- Start once daily or as a spot treatment only
- Wipe gently without rubbing or layering acids and scrubs
- Follow with moisturizer and stop if burning lasts
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