Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner
Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner
Product Description
Product overview
America's original witch hazel toner, trusted since 1866. A stripped-back, 3-ingredient formula made from 100% natural distilled witch hazel harvested from 33,000 acres of New England forest — cleanses pores, removes excess oil, and refreshes skin without over-drying, added fragrance, dyes, or parabens.
100% Natural Distilled Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is always the primary ingredient — never watered down. Harvested from 33,000 acres of certified organic New England forest and steam-distilled for maximum purity and potency.
Texture & feel
SENSORY100% Natural Distilled Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is always the primary ingredient — never watered down. Harvested from 33,000 acres of certified organic New England forest and steam-distilled for maximum purity and potency.
Natural Astringent Action
Tannins, catechins, and gallic acid in witch hazel act as natural astringents that visibly tighten and refine pores, absorb excess oil, and remove impurities left after cleansing.
Anti-Inflammatory & Antibacterial
Naturally occurring polyphenols deliver antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial benefits, helping to calm minor redness, reduce breakout-causing bacteria, and soothe irritated skin.
Multi-Purpose Daily Toner
Works as a post-cleanse toner, makeup residue remover, oil-blotting step, after-shave soother, and pre-mask skin prep — all in one affordable, clean formula with just 3 ingredients.
Exceptional Value
At under $10 for a 16 fl oz bottle, Dickinson's delivers more witch hazel per dollar than virtually any competitor — with a formula that's been refined over 150+ years of production.
Sustainably Sourced
Witch hazel plants are hand-harvested at peak bloom from Dickinson's own New England land. The environmentally friendly distillation process ensures zero artificial additives reach the bottle.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEThe formula contains 14% grain alcohol. Dickinson's markets this toner as suitable for expectant mothers, and topical witch hazel is not absorbed systemically in meaningful amounts. However, some OB-GYNs recommend limiting alcohol-containing skincare during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before use.
Contains zero fatty acids, fermented ingredients, esters, polysorbates, or oils of any kind. The 3-ingredient formula (witch hazel water, grain alcohol, witch hazel extract) is completely safe for fungal acne-prone skin.
No pore-clogging ingredients whatsoever. The formula is purely astringent and cleansing — it actively helps remove debris from pores rather than contributing to clogging.
Contains no added synthetic fragrances, essential oils, or perfumes. The mild herbal scent comes directly from the natural witch hazel distillate itself, making it suitable for most fragrance-sensitive skin.
No ingredient conflicts with retinoids or vitamin C serums. Apply this toner after cleansing, then layer your actives on top. The 14% alcohol content may slightly enhance penetration of subsequent actives.
The mild astringency of witch hazel combined with chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA) on the same application can increase sensitivity and potential for over-exfoliation. If using chemical exfoliants, use Dickinson's on alternate mornings or alternate evenings.
The 14% alcohol content and tannins in witch hazel may trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone or eczema-affected skin. Those with active, inflamed rosacea should patch test before regular use or consider an alcohol-free alternative.
Formulated without parabens, sulfates, dyes, phthalates, or gluten. Dermatologist-tested for safety and efficacy on sensitive skin types for daily use morning and night.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSHamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water ~85%Proven
The star of the formula and its primary ingredient — a steam distillate of witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) leaves, twigs, and bark. This watery distillate delivers the plant's core bioactive compounds including tannins (notably hamamelitannin), catechins, and gallic acid, which collectively provide astringent, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Indigenous peoples of North America used witch hazel medicinally for centuries before modern skincare discovered it.
- Astringency: Tannin compounds constrict skin proteins, temporarily tightening pore openings and creating a smooth, refined surface appearance.
- Anti-inflammatory: Catechin and gallic acid content has been shown in studies to reduce skin redness and soothe inflammation comparable to mild topical preparations.
- Antibacterial: The polyphenols in witch hazel distillate inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes) on the skin surface.
- Antioxidant: Gallic acid and flavonoids help neutralize free radicals, providing mild protection against oxidative skin stress.
- Vasoconstrictor: Witch hazel is a well-established vasoconstrictor, helping to reduce visible redness and depuff skin temporarily.
Grain Alcohol (Ethanol) 14%Proven
Natural grain-derived ethanol at 14% concentration serves multiple functions: as a solvent that preserves the witch hazel distillate, an antimicrobial preservative that extends shelf life without synthetic additives, and a penetration enhancer that helps active compounds absorb into skin. At 14%, it is below the threshold that causes significant barrier disruption in most skin types, though it can contribute to dryness with overuse on already-dry or compromised skin.
- Preservative function: Ethanol at 10–15% is a recognized broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative, eliminating the need for parabens or synthetic preservatives.
- Astringent effect: Ethanol provides additional astringency by temporarily dehydrating surface skin cells, contributing to the immediate pore-tightening effect.
- Solvent: Ethanol is what allows witch hazel's water-insoluble polyphenols and catechins to remain stable and evenly distributed throughout the formula.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract <1%Promising
A concentrated extract (distinct from the primary distillate) that provides a higher density of hamamelitannin and polyphenol compounds. Listed as the third and final ingredient — present in trace amounts to boost the formula's astringent and antioxidant activity. Together with the distillate, this ensures a full-spectrum witch hazel effect in the finished product.
- Booster effect: Concentrated extract adds tannin density not always present in the distillate alone, reinforcing pore-refining performance.
- Skin conditioning: Both INCI listings of Hamamelis Virginiana are classified as skin conditioning agents by cosmetic regulatory databases (CosIng/INCI).
3 ingredients — Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Grain Alcohol (14%), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply directly after cleansing on a clean, damp face, before any serums, essences, or moisturizer. Can also be used as a pre-mask skin prep to clear surface impurities. Use AM and PM daily for best results.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Wash face with your regular cleanser and pat dry. For best results, apply this toner while skin is still slightly damp — the moisture helps the witch hazel spread evenly without any tugging.
Saturate a Cotton Pad
Pour enough toner onto a cotton ball or cotton pad to fully saturate it. A coin-sized amount is typically sufficient. For a more economical application, use reusable cotton rounds.
Sweep Across Face & Neck
Gently sweep the saturated pad across the face and neck in upward, outward motions. Focus on the T-zone, nose, and areas prone to congestion. Avoid the immediate eye area.
Allow to Absorb Fully
Wait 15–30 seconds until the toner is fully absorbed and the skin no longer feels tacky. The slight cooling sensation is normal and confirms the astringent is working.
Continue Your Routine
Proceed with any serums, essences, or moisturizer as usual. For AM use, finish with SPF. Use morning and evening for optimal pore-refining and oil-control results.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin and want to control shine
- You're concerned about enlarged or congested pores
- You prefer a minimal, no-nonsense skincare ingredient list
- You want a fragrance-free, dye-free, paraben-free formula
- You're dealing with mild breakouts or acne-prone skin
- You want a multi-purpose product (toner, makeup remover, pore cleanser)
- You have a tight budget and want maximum value per ounce
- You're looking for fungal-acne-safe daily toner options
Consider alternatives if:
- Your skin is dry or dehydrated — the alcohol content may worsen dryness
- You have active rosacea or very reactive skin
- You want added hydration (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) in your toner
- You're pregnant and prefer to avoid any alcohol-containing products (consult your doctor)
- You have active eczema — tannins and alcohol can aggravate the condition
- You want exfoliating actives (AHAs/BHAs) in your toner step
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal for oily skin types. The astringent witch hazel controls sebum production, minimizes pore appearance, and leaves a clean matte finish without heavy moisturizing agents that add grease.
Works well on combination skin, especially for controlling the T-zone. Dry cheek areas may occasionally feel a little tight after use — follow with a hydrating serum or lightweight moisturizer.
Non-comedogenic (0/5), fungal-acne safe, and antibacterial. Witch hazel's natural antibacterial properties help reduce acne-causing bacteria while tightening pores. A classic choice for blemish-prone skin.
Fragrance-free and dye-free, making it well-tolerated by most sensitive skin types. However, the natural tannins and 14% alcohol can occasionally cause stinging on broken or highly reactive skin — patch test first.
Use with caution on dry skin. The 14% alcohol content can strip natural oils and worsen dryness with frequent use. If using on dry skin, limit to once daily and always follow with a rich moisturizer or hydrating serum immediately after.
An excellent everyday toner for normal skin. Keeps skin feeling clean and balanced without disrupting the natural moisture barrier when followed by a light moisturizer. Suitable for twice-daily use.
Results timeline
1–3 MONTHSImmediate Refreshing & Cleansing Sensation
Skin feels instantly cleaner, tighter, and refreshed after the first application. The cooling astringent sensation confirms the formula is working to remove residual oil and impurities from pores. Cotton pad often visibly picks up leftover makeup and sebum even after cleansing.
93% noticed cleaner-feeling skin immediatelyVisibly Refined Pores & Reduced Shine
Consistent twice-daily use begins to show visible results: pores on the nose and T-zone appear smaller and tighter, midday shine is significantly reduced, and skin texture starts to feel smoother and more even. Many users report a noticeable reduction in blackhead-caused pore congestion.
81% reported visibly refined pores within 2 weeksBalanced Sebum Production & Clearer Skin
Oil production begins to regulate, with skin staying shine-free significantly longer throughout the day. Mild breakouts reduce in frequency as the antibacterial witch hazel keeps blemish-causing bacteria in check. Skin tone appears more even and balanced.
74% saw reduced breakout frequency at 4 weeksLong-Term Pore Management & Skin Clarity
Continued daily use establishes a stable oil-control and pore-maintenance routine. Skin stays cleaner between washes, complexion appears more refined and less congested, and the need for heavy-duty pore strips or deep-cleansing treatments is reduced. Best results are achieved with consistent twice-daily use.
88% would repurchase at the 3-month markRatings by platform
15K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Ultra-minimal 3-ingredient formula — no unnecessary additives
- Fragrance-free, dye-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free
- Non-comedogenic (0/5) and fully fungal-acne safe
- Visibly refines and tightens pores with regular use
- Effectively removes excess oil and post-cleanse residue
- Excellent value — large bottle at very affordable price
- Trusted formula backed by 150+ years of use
- Dermatologist tested and recommended
- Works well as a multi-purpose product (toner + makeup remover)
- Sustainably sourced organic witch hazel from New England
Criticized
- Contains 14% grain alcohol — can be drying on dry or dehydrated skin
- Adds no hydration (no glycerin, HA, or aloe vera)
- May cause stinging on sensitized or broken skin
- Not suitable for active rosacea or eczema without patch testing
- Can trigger flare-ups for those with extreme sensitivity to tannins
- Distinctive herbal scent not universally appealing
- Plain flip-cap bottle — easy to over-pour without a pump
- No added skin-nourishing or anti-aging actives in the formula
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
From the same heritage brand family, this astringent uses a virtually identical formula (100% natural distilled witch hazel with grain alcohol). The main difference is branding — Dickinson's Original targets facial use and skincare positioning, while T.N. Dickinson's is the classic multi-use astringent format. Nearly indistinguishable in performance.
Shares witch hazel as the core ingredient but adds aloe vera juice, glycerin, and other hydrating agents — making it more suitable for dry or combination skin. The witch hazel is NOT the primary ingredient (water and aloe come first), so pure witch hazel concentration is lower. Better hydration profile; less pure astringency than Dickinson's. Alcohol-free formula is gentler but less oil-controlling.
Pharmacy store-brand witch hazel contains the same basic ingredients (hamamelis virginiana distillate + ethanol) at a fraction of the price, making it a functional option for those purely seeking oil control. However, these products are typically not dermatologist tested, may have slightly lower quality distillation standards, and are not specifically formulated or marketed for facial skincare use. Fine for body use; acceptable for face on a tight budget.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
24 MONTHS24 months after opening. The 14% grain alcohol acts as a natural preservative, giving this product one of the longest PAOs of any toner in its category — no worry about early expiration even with daily use.
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid leaving near windows or in steamy bathrooms as heat and humidity can degrade polyphenol activity over time.
Sturdy flip-cap plastic bottle (16 fl oz / 473ml). A no-frills, functional design. Bottle opens widely — tipping over a cotton pad is easy and waste-free. Also available in 8 fl oz size for smaller storage needs.
The standard 16 fl oz bottle exceeds carry-on liquid limits (100ml). For travel, decant into a small travel bottle (under 100ml) or purchase the 8 fl oz (237ml) bottle — note the 8 oz also exceeds carry-on limits; use a travel decant container for flights.
Frequently asked questions
FAQDickinson's markets this toner as suitable for expectant mothers, and the brand explicitly states it is "dermatologist recommended for sensitive skin and expectant mothers." However, the formula contains 14% grain alcohol (ethanol). While topical alcohol at this concentration is not absorbed into the bloodstream in meaningful amounts, some OB-GYNs and dermatologists recommend caution with alcohol-containing skincare as a precaution during pregnancy. The witch hazel distillate itself contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone — the primary ingredients that are clearly contraindicated in pregnancy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before adding any new skincare product to your routine.
Yes — this product is fully fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis) safe. The entire formula contains only 3 ingredients: Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Grain Alcohol (14%), and Hamamelis Virginiana Extract. There are absolutely no fatty acids, fermented ingredients, esters, polysorbates, coconut derivatives, oils, or emollients of any kind — the ingredient categories that can feed malassezia yeast on the skin. In fact, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of witch hazel may actively help reduce the yeast load on the skin surface, making this an excellent toner choice for fungal-acne-prone skin.
Yes, with some considerations. This toner is compatible with retinol and vitamin C — apply it first after cleansing, allow it to absorb for 30 seconds, then layer your actives on top. For AHA/BHA products: using both witch hazel and chemical exfoliants in the same routine can increase skin sensitivity, dryness, and risk of over-exfoliation due to the alcohol content and astringency. If you use AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid) or BHAs (salicylic acid), it is best to use Dickinson's on the mornings your exfoliants are applied at night, or vice versa. Avoid layering all together in one routine application, especially on dry or sensitized skin.
This toner performs best on oily, acne-prone, combination, and normal skin types. The astringent witch hazel and 14% grain alcohol are highly effective at controlling excess sebum, removing post-cleanse residue, and minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores — benefits most appreciated by oilier skin types. It also works well for combination skin, though the dry-zone areas may occasionally feel tight and should be followed with a hydrating moisturizer. It is rated moderate for dry skin due to potential drying from the alcohol. Those with dry, sensitive, eczema-prone, or active rosacea skin should patch test before committing to regular use.
Results vary by concern. Many users notice cleaner-feeling skin and reduced shine within the very first use. Visible pore refinement and reduced congestion typically become apparent within 1–2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Oil production regulation and sustained improvements in skin clarity generally become noticeable around the 3–4 week mark. For long-term pore maintenance and breakout reduction, consistent use for 1–3 months is recommended. The product does not contain any actives that structurally alter pores (pores cannot truly "shrink"), but the consistent removal of oil and debris creates a cleaner, more refined appearance that is cumulative over time.
Apply Dickinson's Pore Perfecting Toner as Step 2 in your routine — directly after cleansing and before any serums, essences, ampoules, or moisturizers. Moisten a cotton pad with toner, sweep across the face and neck, and allow 15–30 seconds for absorption before continuing your routine. In the AM routine, finish with SPF after moisturizer. In the PM routine, this toner can be followed by any treatment serums or actives. It can also be used as a pre-mask prep step or as a light makeup remover for residual traces after your main cleanser.
No — Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner has a comedogenic rating of 0/5, the lowest possible. The formula contains zero oils, waxes, fatty acid esters, or any other ingredients associated with pore clogging. In fact, it has the opposite effect: the astringent witch hazel and grain alcohol actively work to remove the excess sebum and impurities that contribute to clogged pores and blackhead formation. This makes it one of the most pore-friendly toners available, suitable for even the most congestion-prone skin.
Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 24 months — two full years. The 14% grain alcohol in the formula acts as a natural, broad-spectrum preservative that keeps the product stable for significantly longer than most water-based skincare. The large 16 fl oz bottle used twice daily (morning and evening) on a cotton pad typically lasts 3–4 months, meaning the bottle will be finished well before any stability concerns arise. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve the full potency of the witch hazel polyphenols.
Verdict: Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner is the gold standard for no-frills, natural pore care. Its stripped-back 3-ingredient formula — built on over 150 years of trusted witch hazel sourcing from New England — delivers genuine astringent and antibacterial benefits without a single unnecessary additive. It is exceptionally affordable, non-comedogenic, fully fungal-acne safe, and free from fragrance, dyes, parabens, and sulfates. The formula earns its four-star rating as the best pure witch hazel toner available for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. The one caveat holding it back from five stars is the 14% grain alcohol, which can feel drying for dry-skin users and requires caution for those with rosacea or eczema.Best for: oily to combination skin seeking pure, potent pore refinement at unbeatable value.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Alcohol
Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
|
|
|
| 0 |
Hamamelis Virginiana Extract
Antiseborrhoeic, Astringent, Skin Conditioning
|
|