Witch hazel and rubbing alcohol are fundamentally different substances, although both are clear liquids often found in the same section of a medicine cabinet. Witch hazel is a natural plant extract, while rubbing alcohol is a synthetic chemical compound created for sterilization. Their distinct chemical compositions and intended effects on the skin dictate when and how each product should be used.
What Witch Hazel Really Is
Witch hazel is a distillate derived from the leaves, bark, and twigs of the Hamamelis virginiana shrub, a plant native to North America. This botanical extract is prized for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which stem from natural compounds called tannins. Tannins help tighten skin proteins, creating a protective covering and accounting for its soothing effect on minor irritations.
Commercial preparations of witch hazel water commonly include alcohol, typically ethyl or grain alcohol, as a solvent and preservative. This added alcohol content is usually around 14% by volume in a standard formulation. This concentration is significantly lower than rubbing alcohol, and its role is secondary to the plant’s active components.
The Chemical Makeup of Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a non-potable, synthetic liquid primarily composed of isopropyl alcohol, also known as isopropanol. Standard rubbing alcohol is typically sold in concentrations of 70% or 91% alcohol mixed with water. The 70% concentration is often considered the most effective for disinfection because the water content slows evaporation, allowing for better penetration into the cells of microbes.
Rubbing alcohol functions as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial by aggressively denaturing proteins in bacteria, viruses, and fungi, effectively killing them. Due to this powerful chemical action, it is classified as a highly effective disinfectant and antiseptic. The compound is toxic if ingested and often contains bitter additives to prevent accidental consumption.
Comparing Uses and Skin Safety
Witch hazel is generally used as a gentle astringent, facial toner, or a calming treatment for minor skin issues such as bug bites, hemorrhoids, or mild inflammation. Its natural tannins work to reduce swelling and provide a mild antibacterial effect. This occurs without severely stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Rubbing alcohol is primarily used for disinfecting surfaces and sterilizing equipment due to its high concentration and aggressive germ-killing properties. While it can be used for skin antisepsis before injections, it is generally discouraged for routine wound cleaning. The high alcohol content is overly harsh, causing excessive dryness and irritation by dissolving the skin’s natural oils. Using it on open wounds can damage healthy tissue and potentially delay healing.