Witch Hazel Bark Extract (Natural Propanediol) - Essentially Natural
Witch Hazel Bark Extract (Natural Propanediol) - Essentially Natural
Restock in progress Stock may still be with our manufacturing team or arriving shortly. Orders usually ship within 1-3 working days.
Couldn't load pickup availability
For a refreshing facial toner, a light cleansing gel or an everyday lotion, witch hazel is a popular place to start. This prepared liquid extract uses the bark of Hamamelis virginiana, a botanical traditionally chosen for toning and clarifying skincare. It’s a practical choice for combination and oily-skin formulations, with no steeping or filtering to tackle.
Made specially for Essentially Natural, the extract uses Zemea® Propanediol, glycerine and purified water. Zemea® is a 100% plant-derived propanediol produced by fermenting corn-derived glucose. As well as being a useful botanical solvent, it attracts and holds moisture, and can help formulas feel smoother and less sticky when used alongside glycerine. That makes the base an appealing part of a toner or lightweight moisturiser.
♡ Why we love it: A familiar botanical for refreshing skincare, paired with a base that helps attract moisture. It makes those toner, cleansing gel and light lotion ideas a little easier to take from the notebook into a trial batch.
Key properties
- Botanical Name: Hamamelis virginiana
- Plant Part: Bark
- Ingredients: Witch hazel bark extract, plant-derived propanediol, glycerine and purified water
- Extraction Ratio: 1:10
- Extraction Solvent Blend: 60% Zemea® Propanediol, 20% glycerine, 20% reverse-osmosis water
- Form: Liquid botanical extract
- Appearance: Clear, light yellow to reddish-amber liquid
- Aroma: Faint woody, tea-like herbal aroma
- Solubility: Water-compatible
- Propanediol Source: Plant-derived through fermentation of corn-derived glucose
- Preservatives Added: None
- Suitable For: Cosmetic formulation
- Storage: Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
What it's used for
- Formulating refreshing facial toners for combination and oily skin
- Adding botanical character to facial cleansing gels and washes
- Incorporating witch hazel into lightweight facial lotions
- Creating botanical gel masks and water-based skincare products
- Developing custom toning and clarifying skincare formulations
Who it's for
- DIY skincare makers creating facial toners and cleansing products
- Cosmetic formulators working with botanical extracts
- Those exploring witch hazel bark in combination or oily skin formulations
- Makers who prefer a prepared liquid extract over working directly with dried bark
- Anyone looking for a finished, ready-to-apply witch hazel toner
- Oil-only formulations without a compatible water phase
- Those specifically looking for witch hazel floral water or hydrosol
This Product Is For:
This Product Is Not For:
How to use
- As a Facial Toner Ingredient: Incorporate into the water phase of a suitable toner formulation at an appropriately tested level.
- As a Cleansing Ingredient: Add to water-based cleansing gels or facial washes according to your formulation requirements.
- As a Lotion Ingredient: Blend into suitable emulsified skincare formulations, checking compatibility with the complete formula.
- Processing Tip: Prepare a small trial batch to assess colour, aroma, texture and compatibility before scaling up.
- Preservation Tip: Use an appropriate preservative system in finished water-containing products and verify preservation and stability.
Safety instructions
- For external use only. Do not ingest.
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
- Patch test the finished formulation before wider use.
- Use clean, dry utensils to minimise contamination.
- Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
- Store away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
FAQs
Q: Why do we specify Zemea® Propanediol?
A: The source matters. Propanediol can be made from plant-derived or petrochemical feedstocks; the ingredient name alone doesn’t tell you which. Zemea® is a named, documented plant-derived grade made by fermenting corn-derived glucose. It also brings useful humectant and solvent properties. Its contribution to hydration and skin feel will depend on your complete formula and the amount of extract used.
Q: Is this the same as witch hazel floral water?
A: No. Witch Hazel Bark Extract is prepared from the bark using propanediol, glycerine and water. Witch hazel floral water is a different preparation, so the two should not automatically be substituted at the same usage level.
Q: Does this extract contain ethanol?
A: Ethanol is not included in the stated extraction solvent blend. The extract is prepared using plant-derived propanediol, glycerine and water.
Q: Will the extract affect the colour of my finished toner?
A: It can. The extract naturally ranges from light yellow to reddish-amber, so its effect on the finished product will depend on the amount used and the other ingredients in the formulation.
