Thread: Which Witch is Which

I see a lot of posting on Witch Hazel in which Dickinson's is mentioned.

I never used Witch Hazel myself, but I remember when I was a kid my dad always did.

The CVS product specs for regular Witch Hazel read: USP. Gently tones skin. Astringent for face & body. Cleans & refreshes. CVS pharmacist recommended. Square bottle uses less plastic than a similarly sized round bottle. Recyclable (if available in your area).

I also looked up Dickinson's Witch Hazel All Natural Astringent: 100% All natural botanical. Deep cleaning. Our unique 100% natural formula gently removes excess oils, makeup and impurities from your skin without disturbing its natural moisture balance - leaving it soft, smooth, and refreshed! The Benefits of Witch Hazel: Gentle, non-drying; 100% All natural; Cools & refreshes; Dermatologist tested & recommended. No animal testing. Made in USA.

Is there any real difference between Dickinson's and just plain old Witch Hazel?

And, why use it?

Nope, no difference between store brand witch hazel and Dickinson's. The Thayer's stuff is a very different story, it is advertised as alcohol free which by definition makes it a Witch Hazel Like product (witch hazel is 14% alcohol). The Thayers stuff is good but considerably more expensive than either store brand or Dickinson's Witch Hazel.

Why use it? As your labels suggest, it's an astringent. Aside from the deep cleaning effect it is a time tested post-shave treatment that makes skin feel nice and tight. The de-oiling effect may also contribute to a better complexion. I found it particularly good for bags under the eyes. As far as how to use it, the first rule appears to be that there are none. I sometimes use it as strictly a cleaning agent (i.e. after my post shave face wash and before my aftershave) other times it IS my aftershave and I simply add a cologne or EdC on top of it after a brief dry down. I've even seen some use it as a pre-shave.

I can't agree here. I have found over and over again if you buy the Dickenson's and the Walgreen's or Wally World the off brands are simply watered down versions. I don't care what the ingredients say or how they do it but they simply don't have the same strength. It's really the same when you guy generic drugs often times they have a watered down component and cheap fillers and that is allowed by the FDA to a point.

I would just like to add that not all Thayer's products are sold as alcohol free. The ones I use contain some alcohol.

Michael

I've tried Dickensons and Thayers, the Thayers wins hands down IMO. Smells better and feels better.

Great question. I was bouncing this around myself. My confusion is using an astringent post shave... It would seem more desirable to use something to help moisturize your skin post shave. What am I missing?

bluedivergary-

Witch Hazel reduces inflammation, tightens and smooths the skin, and has antiseptic properties. After shaving these things are good. My favorite aftershaves all contain witch hazel.

If the witch hazel dries you out a bit, you can just follow with some balm or lotion. That's how I do it, except in the summer when I sometimes just finish with Thayer's or a AS.

Michael

That makes sense Michael. Thank you for clarifying. I'll start looking for some on line. Does anyone have a favorite online source?

I've alway tried to stick with the following : cleanse-exfoliate-tone-moisturize. I first wash with a good moisturizing soap to clean and soften the beard; then the shave soap and the shaving; alum and an astringent (aftershave); then a shave balm(moisturizer). Seems to work.

Originally Posted by Johnus

I've alway tried to stick with the following : ..... then the ...... alum and an astringent (aftershave)

So the items Johnus brings up were going to be where my next question went with this thread: What is the difference between Alumn and Astringents like the Witch?

I've been using an Alumn block - do I need to followup with the Witch?