History Witch hazel is derived from the plant Hamamelis Virginiana. For hundreds of years this plant’s leaves, bark, and twigs have been squeezed, simmered, distilled, and decoct [to extract its essence by heating or boiling] to employ its properties in the service of human health, to treat a variety of ailments, whether real or imagined. Dickinson’s Made in the USA. Dickinson’s has been distilling pure Witch Hazel since 1866. Its most familiar use being as an astringent. But this is not mom’s witch hazel. Today, Dickinson’s brings us something new, an alcohol-free 4-in-1 Clearing Toner + Serum with Eucalyptus. We wanted to try it. What benefit we have using. Witch Hazel We use Dickinson’s Witch Hazel because it cleans, tones, and refreshes our skin; plus, it helps refine our pores, which means this removes that environmental dirt that soap just does not seem to get, along with excess oil, and dead skin cells. This cleans-up our pores. This has eliminated visible blackheads, whiteheads, and helped the dreaded acne, reducing those small redness irritations that we see starting. The new serum ingredients that we like. Niacinamide The theory behind the use of niacinamide is to help pores return to their normal size, which this seems to do. We see a return to normal of those pores that are visible, but were enlarged from being clogged from excess oil, make-up, etc... Salicylic Acid This aides in our ritual skin cleaning. The residue of excess facial oil can be clearly seen in that cotton ball we use, and we don’t seem to have the inflammatory responses that other cleaners seem to produce when we use this. Eucalyptus Eucalyptus has traditionally been seen as providing antibacterial, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory properties. We like that and we believe this has assisted in treating our small patches of dry itchy skin and any acne that seems to flare-up. We also have some relief when we have those minor knicks from shaving and effects of a bug bite. What this does not have. No alcohol. Free from gluten, dyes, sulfates, parabens and phthalates. Overall The proof is in the pudding. When we do not use this, we see the return of skin conditions we don’t like. Real Witch Hazel brings real results; our skin appears clearer, and we see a reduction in bumps and acne flare-ups, or we see a faster cool down when we have those flare-ups. The helpfulness can be seen in several days. Always ask your health care professional Skin has basic properties, with individual nuances. So, the positive effects this has on us may not be for all. So, it’s best to consult with someone who knows your skin on use of any product, especially if you have very dry or sensitive skin or skin prone to rosacea.