The short answer is: Yes. Witch hazel does go bad, as is true with most all-natural products. Witch hazel from Public Goods is completely alcohol-free and doesn't include any artificial fragrances or ingredients. ... Some witch hazel products contain alcohol, which may prolong its shelf life.

How do you know if toner is expired?

A product that seems to have changed color from when you first bought it, has separated into a runny, lumpy mess or developed a strange odor, or feels different on the skin than it once did (especially grainy or streaky)—those are all clear signs it needs to be thrown it away.

Why witch hazel is bad?

Though witch hazel may improve oily skin initially, Dr. Chwalek cautions that the ingredient could damage the barrier function of skin over time if used in excess. Also, she explains that one of the antioxidant components of witch hazel includes naturally occurring polyphenols, or tannins, which can over-dry the skin.