Product Spotlight: Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner

Dec 29th, 2024

Rachel Grabenhofer, C&T

BlueSky Enterprises valued the market for pore cleansers at US $3.5 billion in 2022 and expects it will reach $5.8 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2024 to 2030. Per the source, there is rising demand for products that deeply cleanse pores, improve skin texture and provide multifunctional benefits, such as exfoliation, hydration and anti-aging properties — especially via natural, organic and gentle formulas. Spotlighted here is Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner, which provides a good example.

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A Closer Look at Pore Formation

As reported by Chajra, et al., facial pores are characterized by the enlarged openings of pilosebaceous follicles that promote visible topographical features at the skin surface. Biological mechanisms underlying pore formation include exogenous and endogenous factors such as ethnicity, sex, aging and chronic UV exposure. Skin disorders such as acne, or a genetic predisposition can also endorse their presence.

Among the most relevant explanations for pore formation are the loss of skin elasticity and excessive sebum secretion. MMPs are well-known to degrade type I collagen, essential for the skin’s structure, while ROS activities can degrade elastin in the ECM. The fragmentation of these ECM components results in the slackening of skin pore walls. This effect can be amplified by UV and correlated with skin collapse, which ultimately decreases the skin’s tensile strength around facial pores and favors their enlargement.

Furthermore, hormonal changes can stimulate excessive sebum production, clogging and enlarging pores. Again, this effect can be amplified by UV irradiation; indeed, oxidative stress related to UV exposure can act as a key factor in the early appearance of conspicuous skin facial pores.

Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner

Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner is 100% natural, and is said to visibly improve skin texture and to control excess oil. Dermatologist tested, it refreshes skin and refines pores, removing dirt and makeup residue reportedly without over-drying.

According to the company, its exclusive plant-to-bottle process uses sustainably harvested, certified organic witch hazel plants that are distilled for purity and performance, "capturing their power and signature botanical scent."

Touted as a clean formula, the product contains no dyes, sulfates, fragrance, parabens, phthalates or gluten, and is said to be gentle enough for daily use, even for sensitive skin.

User Feedback: Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner

Following are example user reviews (edited for style), selected for their anecdotal insights on product form and function. Note that as with many products, the feedback posted is mixed.

I had no idea how gentle witch hazel could be. This is a staple in my daily skin care routine.
Keeps my skin acne-free.
Always leaves my face oil-free and clean.
I love the smell, the way it makes my skin feel and the overall cleanliness it provides. After removing my makeup every night, I use this product. I’m always surprised that it gets the last bit of dirt and grime off of my face. Now that I’m almost 40, I can tell that the witch hazel, over time, has greatly improved my skin texture.
It really helps keep pores small and clean. It also helps so much with my kid's dandruff, keeps it away. You can use this witch hazel for so many things. It's very soft on skin.