Can I use witch hazel instead of a cleanser?
No. Witch hazel removes some surface grease and almost none of your makeup or sunscreen. It is an astringent toner for skin that is already clean.
Micellar water is a cleanser. It lifts makeup, oil and grime off the surface and carries them away on a cotton pad. Witch hazel is an astringent toner. It degreases skin that is already clean and leaves it feeling tight, and most drugstore bottles contain alcohol. They are not alternatives to each other. Witch hazel does not clean your face, and micellar water does not tone it.
| The difference | Micellar water | Witch Hazel |
|---|---|---|
| What is actually in the bottle | Water with tiny cleansing clusters | A plant extract, usually with alcohol |
| What it does on your skin | Pulls oil and makeup off | Degreases and tightens |
| How your skin feels after | Soft, and slightly damp | Tight and dry |
| Who it suits | Most skin, including sensitive and dry | Oily skin, occasionally |
| Cost | Cheap, and it lasts | Cheap |
Side by side
Micellar water
Water with tiny cleansing clusters
Mild cleansing agents float in water and group into microscopic balls called micelles. The outside of each ball likes water. The inside likes oil.
Witch Hazel
A plant extract, usually with alcohol
An extract from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel shrub. It is rich in tannins, which make skin feel tighter. Most drugstore versions are distilled with alcohol.
Micellar water
Pulls oil and makeup off
The oil-loving centre of each micelle grabs makeup, sunscreen and the day's grime. Wiping with a pad lifts all of it away.
Witch Hazel
Degreases and tightens
Tannins briefly shrink the look of pores and the alcohol strips surface oil. Skin feels squeaky and matte for a while.
Micellar water
It will not tone or treat
It is a cleansing step. It does not shrink pores, reduce oil production or clear acne.
Witch Hazel
It will not clean your face
Wiping witch hazel over unwashed skin removes some grease and almost none of the makeup or sunscreen. It is not a cleanser.
Micellar water
First, before anything else
Use it to take the day off, morning or night. Everything else goes on after.
Witch Hazel
After cleansing, if at all
It is an optional step on already-clean skin, before serum and moisturizer.
Micellar water
Soft, and slightly damp
No tightness. Some formulas leave a faint film, which is the leftover cleansing agents.
Witch Hazel
Tight and dry
That tight feeling is often read as clean. It usually means the skin barrier has just been stripped.
Micellar water
Usually none
Most micellar waters are alcohol-free and made for sensitive skin and the eye area.
Witch Hazel
Usually yes
Standard drugstore witch hazel is around 14% alcohol. Alcohol-free versions exist and are worth looking for.
Micellar water
Most skin, including sensitive and dry
Also handy when you cannot get to a sink.
Witch Hazel
Oily skin, occasionally
Some people with very oily or acne-prone skin like it a few times a week. Dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin usually does badly with it.
Micellar water
Rubbing, and leftover residue
Dragging a cotton pad across the eyes irritates them over time. Some formulas need rinsing or they leave a sticky film.
Witch Hazel
Tightness, flaking and stinging
Daily use of the alcohol version is the common cause. Stripped skin can produce more oil in response, which is the opposite of what people are after.
Micellar water
Cheap, and it lasts
A large bottle costs a few dollars and does dozens of washes.
Witch Hazel
Cheap
One of the least expensive products in any pharmacy.
Witch Hazel
Using witch hazel instead of a cleanser leaves makeup on. Sunscreen and long-wear foundation are built to resist water, and witch hazel is mostly water and alcohol. It cannot break them down.
Witch Hazel
Alcohol is why witch hazel feels so satisfying. It evaporates fast, takes surface oil with it, and leaves skin matte within seconds.
Alcohol is also why witch hazel irritates. Used daily, it dries the outer layer, and dry skin gets flaky, itchy and easily stung by everything applied after it. People with rosacea, eczema or a compromised barrier feel this quickly.
Look for an alcohol-free witch hazel if you want to use it at all. These keep the tannins and drop the sting. A few times a week on oily areas is plenty for anyone.
Micellar water
Common questions