Witch Hazel Scent and Preservation with Herbal Powder
Question
I ordered the most expensive Witch Hazel (Distillate - Alcohol Free) product, but it has a strong scent. How can I reduce the smell? Also, if I mix it with herbal powder, do I need to add extra preservative, considering I already have a natural preserve?
Answer
Reducing the Scent of Witch Hazel Distillate
The Witch Hazel (Distillate - Alcohol Free, Paraben Free) product naturally has a distinct scent from the distillation process. If you find the scent too strong, you can try adding a small amount of fragrance oil or essential oil to your formulation to help mask or complement the natural aroma. Ensure that the fragrance or essential oil you choose is suitable for cosmetic use and follow recommended usage rates.
Preservation When Mixing with Herbal Powder
Witch Hazel (Distillate - Alcohol Free, Paraben Free) contains Benzoic Acid as a preservative. However, when you mix it with herbal powder, you introduce new potential sources of microbial contamination. Herbal powders can carry bacteria, fungi, and mold spores. Therefore, relying solely on the preservative already present in the Witch Hazel may not be sufficient to protect the final mixture.
Even though you have a natural preservative, it is highly recommended to add an additional broad-spectrum preservative to your mixture of Witch Hazel and herbal powder. The type and concentration of the additional preservative will depend on the specific "natural preserve" you have and the overall composition of your final product. Always ensure your preservative system is effective against a wide range of microorganisms and is used at the appropriate concentration for safety and stability.