Spotlight: Clove, Cinnamon & Witch Hazel Magic
Why these traditional ingredients are making a strong return in modern skincare. We want better quality and real ingredients.
There’s a quiet shift happening in beauty and wellness. Instead of chasing the newest product launch or the most elaborate routine, more people are turning back to ingredients that have stood the test of time. Clove, cinnamon, and witch hazel aren’t new — they’re familiar. And that familiarity is exactly why they’re being rediscovered.
This return to simple, functional ingredients reflects a growing desire to understand what we’re putting on our bodies and why it works. It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing better.
The Benefits Behind the Blend
🌿 Clove
Clove has been used traditionally for generations thanks to its naturally cleansing and deodorizing properties. It’s often valued for:
Supporting skin prone to odor-causing bacteria
Helping create an environment less friendly to fungal growth
Providing a warming, circulation-supportive effect
Because of these qualities, clove is commonly used in foot care, oral care, and natural hygiene preparations.
🌿 Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a powerful botanical that should be used with intention and care. Traditionally, it has been appreciated for:
Its antibacterial and antifungal support
Stimulating circulation
Helping neutralize unwanted odors
When properly diluted, cinnamon can complement other herbs in skin preparations, especially for areas exposed to moisture.
⚠️ A little goes a long way — cinnamon should always be used sparingly and patch tested before regular use.
🌿 Witch Hazel
Witch hazel acts as the backbone of this blend. It’s known for being:
Gently astringent without over-drying
Calming and soothing to the skin
Helpful for balancing oil and moisture
As a base for tinctures and toners, witch hazel extracts plant compounds while remaining mild enough for regular use.
Why DIY Beauty Is Having a Moment
DIY beauty isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about autonomy.
When you make your own skincare, you’re not relying on marketing claims or complicated formulations. You’re learning how ingredients behave, how your skin responds, and what actually works for you. It encourages slower consumption, fewer products, and more confidence in your choices.
It also makes beauty feel personal again.
Traditional Use for Foot & Fungal Support
Clove and cinnamon have long been used in herbal traditions to support skin exposed to moisture, especially feet. When combined with witch hazel, they’re often used as a:
Refreshing foot toner
After-soak spray
Natural deodorizing rinse
This type of preparation is commonly used for maintenance and prevention, not as a replacement for medical treatment. Persistent or severe fungal conditions should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
How to Safely Make a Clove, Cinnamon & Witch Hazel Tincture
Simple DIY Recipe
You’ll need:
1 tablespoon whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick (or ½ teaspoon lightly crushed cinnamon)
1 cup alcohol-free witch hazel
A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Instructions:
Place the cloves and cinnamon into the jar
Pour witch hazel over the herbs until fully submerged
Seal and store in a cool, dark place
Gently shake once a day
Allow to steep for 2–4 weeks
Strain and transfer to a clean glass bottle
How to Use It
As a foot toner or spray, especially after showering
As an after-soak rinse for tired or overworked feet
As a natural deodorizing spray for shoes (spot test first)
As targeted skin support for areas prone to moisture
Start with once-daily use and always patch test before broader application.
Using What You Already Have
This is also a beautiful way to use leftover herbs and spices you already own — or to justify keeping fresh botanicals on hand regularly. When DIY blends replace store-bought sprays and cleaners, they become part of a weekly rhythm rather than another product to consume.
Fewer bottles. Fewer chemicals. More intention.
