How to Use Witch Hazel as Toner

Apply witch hazel to clean skin with a cotton pad or your hands, focusing on oily areas, then follow with moisturizer.

Witch hazel is skincare's equivalent of a white t-shirt — simple, effective, and everyone should own one, but it's not trying to be your entire wardrobe.

1. Start with clean skin. Cleanse your face first with your regular cleanser. Witch hazel works best on clean skin, not as a makeup remover or first cleanse.
2. Apply the witch hazel. Soak a cotton pad with witch hazel and sweep it across your face, or pat it directly onto skin with clean hands. Focus on your T-zone and any areas that tend to get oily.
3. Let it absorb. Wait 30 seconds for the witch hazel to fully absorb before applying your next product. Your skin should feel slightly tight but not stripped.
4. Follow with moisturizer. Always apply moisturizer after witch hazel, even on oily skin. Witch hazel can be drying, so this step prevents irritation and maintains your skin barrier.