Rose Petal Alcohol Free Toner with Witch Hazel Aloe Vera
Rose Petal Alcohol Free Toner with Witch Hazel Aloe Vera
Product Description
Thayers Rose Petal Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner with Aloe Vera is a gentle, hydrating facial toner that pairs Thayers' signature non-distilled witch hazel with aloe vera, glycerin and rose flower water. Used after cleansing, it sweeps away leftover impurities, helps balance and visibly tighten the look of pores, and leaves skin feeling fresh, soothed and dewy β never stripped or tight, thanks to a 100% alcohol-free formula.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Rose Petal Comfort
Rose flower water and a soft natural rose scent calm and refresh the skin while toning.
Non-Distilled Witch Hazel
Made without distillation to preserve beneficial antioxidant tannins for a balanced, purified feel.
Hydrate, Don't Strip
Glycerin and aloe vera draw in moisture, so skin feels balanced rather than tight or dry.
Clinically Tested
Immediately hydrates skin by 50% and visibly smooths texture by 22% in a 73-subject panel.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical UV filters. Generally considered safe β confirm fragrance tolerance with your doctor.
No fatty acids, esters, ferments or polysorbates in this formula, so it won't feed malassezia yeast.
Lightweight, water-based and oil-free β brand-confirmed non-comedogenic and unlikely to clog pores.
Includes a natural rose fragrance. Very sensitive or reactive skin should patch test, as fragrance is a common irritant.
Compatible with vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol, AHAs and BHAs. Apply this first as a hydrating base.
No alcohol, parabens, propylene glycol, sulfates or phthalates. Vegan and cruelty-free.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) Key Active Proven
Thayers' signature non-distilled witch hazel is one of the highest-listed actives in this toner. It acts as a natural astringent that helps tighten the look of pores and control excess surface oil, while its tannins offer antioxidant and soothing benefits. Exact percentage is not disclosed by the brand.
- Source: Witch hazel tannins have documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in dermatological literature.
- Brand claim: Hand-harvested and made via water-only maceration (never alcohol) to preserve natural tannins.
π΅ Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera) High Proven
Certified-organic aloe vera juice is a leading ingredient that delivers immediate soothing and lightweight hydration, helping calm redness and counterbalance any tightening effect from the witch hazel.
- Source: Aloe vera is well studied for skin hydration, barrier support and calming irritated skin.
- Role here: Pairs with glycerin to keep the toner hydrating rather than purely astringent.
π§ Glycerin ~3-5% Proven
A classic humectant placed high on the INCI list. Glycerin pulls water into the upper layers of skin, which is why the brand can claim an immediate 50% boost in hydration after use.
- Source: Glycerin is one of the most evidence-backed humectants in skincare for hydration and barrier support.
πΉ Rosa Centifolia Flower Water (Rose Water) Soothing Promising
Rose flower water adds a gentle, calming touch and contributes to the toner's signature soft floral scent. It is valued for its mild soothing and refreshing properties.
- Source: Rose water is traditionally used to calm and refresh skin; evidence is promising but less robust than for aloe or glycerin.
11 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use morning and evening straight after cleansing. As a hydrating, water-based toner it goes on first, prepping skin so the serums and moisturizer that follow absorb better.
π How to Use
Cleanse First
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and lightly pat dry, leaving skin slightly damp.
Apply the Toner
Saturate a cotton pad and sweep across the face and neck, or press it on with clean hands. You can also decant into a spray bottle for a refreshing mist.
Let It Absorb
It absorbs instantly with no rinsing. Skin should feel fresh and hydrated, not tight.
Follow With Treatments
Layer your serums, then moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with SPF.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin and want oil control without dryness
- You want an affordable, gentle daily toner that won't strip skin
- You like a light, natural rose scent and a refreshing finish
- You prefer alcohol-free, paraben-free, vegan formulas
- You want a hydrating base step before serums
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have a known fragrance sensitivity or very reactive skin
- You want a completely fragrance-free toner
- You need exfoliating acids (this has no AHA/BHA)
- You have very dry skin and want a richer, fragrance-free hydrator
- You react to witch hazel tannins
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Witch hazel helps control surface oil and tighten the look of pores without the stripping feel of alcohol toners.
Balances oilier zones while aloe and glycerin keep drier areas comfortable and hydrated.
Non-comedogenic and astringent, which many find helpful β though a minority report breakouts or irritation from the fragrance.
Hydrating thanks to glycerin and aloe, but witch hazel can feel tight on very dry skin β follow with a richer moisturizer.
Alcohol- and paraben-free, but the added fragrance means reactive skin should patch test before regular use.
π Results Timeline
Fresh, Hydrated & Balanced
Skin feels instantly refreshed and clean, with a clinically measured 50% boost in immediate hydration and a soft rose finish.
Most users notice immediatelySmoother, Less Shiny
With twice-daily use, skin texture starts to feel smoother and oilier areas look more balanced through the day.
~22% smoother texture (clinical)Refined Pores & Even Tone
Pores appear visibly tighter and skin tone looks more even and clarified as the routine becomes consistent.
~7% reduced pore appearance (clinical)Consistently Calm Complexion
Long-term users report a reliably balanced, comfortable complexion that stays hydrated without feeling greasy.
High repeat-purchase rateβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Excellent value β cult favorite at a drugstore price
- Gentle, alcohol-free and non-drying
- Lovely natural rose scent that fades quickly
- Great for oily and combination skin
- Clinically tested hydration and texture results
- Vegan, cruelty-free and paraben-free
β Criticized
- Contains added fragrance β not ideal for very sensitive skin
- Reformulated over the years; older fans miss the original
- Basic plastic bottle with no pump or mister
- Can feel tight on very dry skin without follow-up cream
- No exfoliating acids if you want active toning
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Very similar witch-hazel-and-rosewater concept in a bigger 16 oz bottle, plus added hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. Uses distilled (rather than non-distilled) witch hazel, so fewer tannins.
Witch hazel and rose pairing aimed at calming. Comparable price, more botanical-heavy formula; texture and scent profile differ slightly from Thayers.
Minimalist 3-ingredient rosewater-and-glycerin mist. Purely hydrating and refreshing with no witch hazel, so it lacks the pore-tightening, oil-balancing astringency.
π Comparison with Competitors
Thayers Rose Petal Toner (This Product)
$10.99Dickinson's Enhanced Witch Hazel + Rosewater
$8.99Burt's Bees Calming Toner (Witch Hazel & Rose)
$10.99Heritage Store Rosewater & Glycerin Mist
$11.99π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed.
Recyclable plastic bottle with a flip / splash cap.
The 12 oz bottle is over 100 ml (checked luggage only); 3 oz travel sizes are carry-on friendly.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is generally considered pregnancy- and breastfeeding-friendly. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters β the ingredients usually flagged during pregnancy. The main thing to note is the added fragrance, so if you're fragrance-sensitive during pregnancy you may prefer a fragrance-free option. As always, check with your doctor about your specific routine.
Yes. This formula contains no fatty acids, esters, ferments or polysorbates β the ingredient groups that typically feed malassezia yeast. Water, glycerin, witch hazel, aloe and the preservative system are all considered fungal-acne safe, making it a sensible toner choice for those managing malassezia folliculitis.
Yes. As a simple, hydrating toner it layers well with most actives. Use it first, right after cleansing, then apply your vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol or exfoliating acid. Because it's soothing and alcohol-free, many people use it to add a buffer of hydration before stronger treatments. Introduce new actives gradually and always patch test.
It shines on oily and combination skin, where the witch hazel helps control surface oil and tighten the look of pores without stripping. Normal skin does well too. Dry and very sensitive skin can use it but should follow with a richer moisturizer and patch test first, since witch hazel can feel slightly tightening and the formula contains fragrance.
Hydration and a fresh, balanced feel are immediate β the brand's clinical testing showed a 50% jump in hydration after a single use. Smoother texture tends to show within 1β2 weeks of twice-daily use, and a more refined, even-looking complexion typically develops over about 4 weeks of consistent use.
Right after cleansing and before your serums and moisturizer, morning and night. Apply it with a cotton pad or press it in with clean hands, let it absorb (no rinsing), then continue with the rest of your routine. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen.
No. It's water-based, oil-free and brand-confirmed non-comedogenic, earning a low comedogenic rating of about 1 out of 5. It's very unlikely to clog pores. A small number of acne-prone users have reported breakouts, which is most often linked to the fragrance rather than pore-clogging ingredients, so patch test if you're highly reactive.
It has a Period After Opening (PAO) of about 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and keep the cap closed between uses. If the color, scent or texture changes noticeably before then, it's best to replace it.
Verdict: Thayers Rose Petal Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner with Aloe Vera remains a deserved cult classic β a gentle, alcohol-free, vegan toner that balances oil, tightens the look of pores and hydrates, all at an unbeatable drugstore price. It's an easy recommendation for oily and combination skin and a great everyday base step. The only real caveats are the added rose fragrance, which can bother very sensitive skin, and the basic plastic bottle. If you want a fragrance-free or acid-exfoliating toner, look elsewhere β but for soothing, hydrating, budget-friendly toning, it's hard to beat.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Hamamelis Virginiana Extract
Antiseborrhoeic, Astringent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 0 |
Rosa Centifolia Flower Water
|
|