Store-bought witch hazel is usually filled with isopropyl alcohol. The good news? You can make your own high-quality, pure extract at home that contains around 16% volatiles and will last much longer than the cheap kind from the store!
When using leaves, witch hazel extract is made as a gentle infusion (like making tea). For bark and twigs, they’re simmered for 20-30 minutes to make the extract.
To make a simple witch hazel extract, start with about a tablespoon of witch hazel bark in a cup of water.
Bring the bark and water mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer on low for about 20-30 minutes. The liquid will reduce by about half, and you’ll have roughly 1/2 cup of witch hazel extract after the plant material is filtered out.
If using leaves, use the same ratio, 1 tablespoon chopped leaves to a cup of water, but make an infusion by steeping the leaves for around 20 minutes.
Your witch hazel extract is now ready to use. It should be kept in the refrigerator and used within a week.
I like to dry my witch hazel leaves and bark so that I have the plant material available whenever I need to make an extract.