Botanica Gaia 100% Organic and Pure Witch Hazel Essential Oil | Hamamelis Virginiana

Witch Hazel Volatile Fraction

Water/steam distilled from the leaves and bark of United States Hamamelis virginiana, this brown aromatic material is described as fresh and herbaceous with a slight balsamic undertone.

Published analysis recommends the term “volatile fraction” rather than “essential oil” because witch hazel lacks the typical lipophilic accumulation structures of conventional essential-oil plants. Its composition and use must also be kept separate from witch hazel water and tannin-rich extracts.

At a Glance

• Aromatic profile: Fresh, herbaceous, lightly balsamic and woody
• Note: Top to middle
• Best suited to: Specialist perfumery and documented cosmetic formulation

Specifications of Witch Hazel Volatile Fraction

• Botanical name: Hamamelis virginiana
• Family: Hamamelidaceae
• Common name: Witch hazel
• Extraction method: Steam/water distilled
• Parts used: Leaves and bark
• Note: Top to middle
• Odor: Fresh, slightly balsamic with an herbaceous undertone
• Appearance: Brown

Aromatic Profile

A restrained botanical profile with fresh herbs, gentle balsam and a subtle woody-dark undertone.

Blending Direction

• Pairs with bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, neroli and petitgrain.
• Builds herbal-floral accords with chamomile, lavender, clary sage, geranium, helichrysum and rose.
• Adds botanical depth to cedarwood, fir, pine, spruce, frankincense, benzoin, hay, tonka and vanilla.

Composition & Formulation

A concentrated steam-distilled essential oil from leaves and bark of Hamamelis virginiana.

Technical Details

• INCI: Hamamelis virginiana leaf and bark Oil
• Extraction: Steam distilled
• Plant part: Leaves and Bark
• Appearance: Brown

Formulation Notes

• Use in diluted aromatic formulations
• Introduce gradually when building the finished aroma
• Store tightly closed and protected from heat, light and air

Applications

Natural Perfumery

• Perfume oils and fragrance compositions that feature this material’s distinctive aromatic profile
• Use as a top-to-middle note in perfume oils and solid fragrances
• Blends with Ambrette, Basil, Balsam of Peru, Benzoin, Bergamot and other Citrus oils, Carrot

Safety

• For external use only; do not ingest.
• Do not apply undiluted to the skin.
• Use at a level appropriate to the finished formulation and current supplier or industry guidance.
• Patch test the finished formulation before topical use.
• Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes and damaged skin.
• Store tightly closed away from heat, light and air.