Witch hazel is a popular topical treatment for insect bites, sores, and rashes. It can also be used to reduce the appearance of redness in the skin.
Witch hazel is often sold as an astringent or toner but it can be hard to find especially if you are looking for organic brands.
However, there are cases when you do not have access to Witch Hazel and looking for alternatives.
What are some substitutes for witch hazel?
Some substitutes include rubbing alcohol, apple cider vinegar, green tea extract (decaf), lavender oil, peppermint essential oils, coconut oil, rosewater, aloe vera, and lemon juice.
Table of Contents
Substitutes for witch hazel
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular substitutes for witch hazel and it is also one of my favorites. The apple cider vinegar leaves your skin feeling fresh, clean, and toned as well!
To use this substitute you can just put a teaspoon in a small bowl or cup with hot water. Splash your face (avoiding eyes) with the mixture and then rinse with cool water.
You can also use this as a toner by adding one teaspoon to four ounces of distilled or filtered water in the same way, leaving it on your skin for about ten minutes before rinsing off.
Put the apple cider vinegar in a small bowl and soak cotton balls or swabs for about ten minutes. Then use them to apply it to your skin!
You can also mix one part of water with two parts of brown sugar, add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and then put that on the affected area. Leave it there for a few minutes and then rinse it off!
You can also mix apple cider vinegar with water in equal parts to make a toner. Apply this mixture on your skin at night before you go to bed, or any time throughout the day if desired.
Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is another great alternative to witch hazel and it can be found at most drugstores.
You can use this on your skin in the same way as you would with apple cider vinegar, but there are a few things you should keep in mind when using rubbing alcohol.
First of all, if you are using it to clean your skin, make sure you clean out the cotton swabs or balls before applying them.
Secondly, if you are going to use this as a toner then avoid rubbing alcohol that is labeled “extra strength” because those have an increased amount of grain alcohol in them and can dry out your skin!
Finally, be sure to use alcohol-free rubbing alcohol on your face if you have sensitive skin.
Lavender oil
Lavender is a great substitute for witch hazel because it has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help soothe irritated or oily skin!
To apply this, mix one part of water with two parts of lavender oil and pour it into a spray bottle.
You can then use this as an astringent by spraying your face with the mixture all over, or you can take cotton balls soaked in the solution to apply directly to affected areas.
Peppermint essential oil
This is another great substitute for witch hazel that will leave your skin feeling fresh and clean. The peppermint essential oils are considered to have healing properties and can also help decrease redness in the skin.
To use this substitute, mix one teaspoon with four ounces of distilled or filtered water for a toner. You can then apply it as an astringent by spraying your face all over and letting it dry before washing it off.
You can also put this on cotton balls to apply it directly onto the skin and leave it in place for about 15 minutes before washing off.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a great substitute because of its antibacterial properties, but you should make sure that your coconut oil does not contain any additives or fragrances!
To use this as a substitute, mix one tablespoon of coconut oil with four ounces of distilled or filtered water for a toner.
You can then apply it to your skin by using cotton balls soaked in the solution and let them sit on your face for about 15 minutes before washing off!
You can also put some coconut oil on your skin at night and let it absorb while you sleep, or any time during the day if desired.
Rosewater
Rosewater is another great natural alternative to witch hazel and it can be found at most grocery stores.
You may need a cotton ball or swab in order to apply the rose water, but you’ll want to avoid using this if your irritated skin is on your face because of how delicate that area is!
To use as an astringent, mix one teaspoon with four ounces of distilled or filtered water for a toner. You can then apply it as an astringent by spraying your face all over and letting it dry before washing it off.
You can also put this on cotton balls to apply directly onto the skin and leave it in place for about 15 minutes before washing it off.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is another alternative to witch hazel and the best part about using this substitute is that you can use it on any area of your skin!
To use aloe as an astringent, mix one teaspoon with four ounces of distilled or filtered water for a toner.
You can then apply it as an astringent by spraying your face all over and letting it dry before washing it off.
Lemon juice
Lemon is another great substitute that will have antibacterial properties while also leaving your skin feeling refreshed.
Apply this by mixing one teaspoon of lemon juice with four ounces of distilled or filtered water for a toner.
You can then apply it by spraying your face all over and letting it dry before washing off the mixture!
You can also put this on cotton balls to apply directly onto the skin and leave in place for about 15 minutes before washing off.
Video – Ways to use witch hazel in skincare
Final words
Now that you know some great substitutes for witch hazel, I hope your skin will be feeling fresh and clean!
Witch hazel has many benefits such as being an astringent to tighten pores or soothe inflamed skin.
Remember to use these alternatives with caution if you have sensitive skin!
All of the natural products that I listed have antibacterial properties and will leave your skin feeling refreshed.