Using Witch Hazel in Cosmetic Formulations

Here are the answers to your questions about using Witch Hazel in your cosmetic formulations:

1. Can Witch Hazel Distillates Replace Water in Formulas?

Yes, Witch Hazel (Distillate - Alcohol Free, Paraben Free) and Witch Hazel (Alcohol Free, Paraben Free) Plus Allantoin can be used to replace water in cream formulas and other water-based cosmetic products. This is because these products are distillates, meaning they are essentially Witch Hazel components carried in a water base already. Using them can provide the pore-tightening benefits you are looking for.

2. Is Disodium EDTA Needed?

It is generally not necessary to add Disodium EDTA when using Witch Hazel distillates like Witch Hazel (Distillate - Alcohol Free, Paraben Free) or Witch Hazel (Alcohol Free, Paraben Free) Plus Allantoin to replace water. These distillates are already preserved (e.g., with Benzoic Acid). However, adding Disodium EDTA can still be done if you wish, for added stability in your overall formulation.

3. Difference Between Extract and Distillates, and Using the Extract

The key difference lies in concentration and composition:

• Witch Hazel Distillates (Witch Hazel (Distillate - Alcohol Free, Paraben Free), Witch Hazel (Alcohol Free, Paraben Free) Plus Allantoin): These are produced by distillation and contain Witch Hazel components in a water base. They offer pore-tightening effects but also provide other general skin benefits.
• Extract (like PoreNin™ (Natural Extracted Tannic Acid)): This is a more concentrated form, specifically extracted to contain high levels of active compounds like Tannic Acid (a type of tannin). This provides a much stronger pore-tightening effect compared to the distillates.

Yes, an extract like PoreNin™ (Natural Extracted Tannic Acid) can be used in facial cream formulas. It is typically a powder that dissolves in water and should be added to the water phase of your formulation. Use it at the recommended rate (e.g., 0.1-3.0%) and avoid exposing it to high heat during the mixing process for optimal efficacy.