Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana)
Plant extract from the North American shrub Hamamelis virginiana, high in tannins. Used topically in ear cleaners, wipes, and skin products as an astringent — it tightens skin tissue and reduces surface inflammation. Some holistic veterinarians use it to soothe itching, clean after anal-gland expression, and ease flea-bite irritation. It is not known to interact with medications when used topically.
What it's doing there
Astringent / cleansing agent.
The concern
Alcohol-based formulations can dry or dehydrate skin, so it's a poor fit for already-dry conditions; products made with isopropyl alcohol are toxic if ingested. Vegetable-glycerin-based versions avoid that risk.
How sure are we
Moderate. There is reasonable information available, but less of it, or less agreement than we would like.
Note: Topical astringent generally safe for dogs; alcohol-based versions can dry skin and are toxic if ingested.
How this affects a score
This ingredient is functional and unremarkable. It neither raises nor lowers a product's score. See the full formula →
Products containing Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana)
1 in the catalogueRead this before you trust the number
This application is intended for educational purposes only. Scores are generated using publicly available product information and are not veterinary advice. We are not veterinarians. Always consult your veterinarian regarding medical decisions.
A high score does not mean a product is right for your pet, and a low score does not mean it is dangerous. An individual animal can react to an ingredient that scores well here, and a product with a mediocre score may be exactly what your vet recommends.
The score reads ingredients one at a time. It cannot account for how ingredients interact with each other, with other products you use, or with your pet's medications and conditions. Two ingredients that are each fine on their own may not be fine together. A score is a starting point for questions, not a substitute for professional judgment.