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Is Thayer's Witch Hazel Better than Target/Wal-Mart Brand?

Is Thayer's witch hazel better than the cheap Target or Wal-Mart brand bottles of it that you would find at those stores or is there no difference at all between them?
 
I don't know because I haven't used Thayers. But I do have the Wal Mart stuff and find it to be a very good product. I also added some Eucalyptus EO to it for a better scent and some cooling.
 
There are two differences:

1) Thayer's makes witchhazel preparations that contain no alcohol. Cheap brands all have about 14% alcohol.

2) Thayer's comes in unscented and in a wide variety of pleasant scents. Cheap brands smell like witchhazel.


HOWEVER, in terms of what they do, they're pretty much the same. I've been using the cheap stuff and buying the Thayer's for my wife.
 
+1 to Kingfisher. I use Dickensen's because it has 14% alcohol and I have oily skin so it helps to dry it out. If you have sensitive or dry skin, you may want to buy the Thayer's without alcohol. Just make sure you order the correct one because Thayers also makes witch hazel with 10% alcohol.
 
Thanks for the responses thus far. Where can I find a list of the different Thayer's scents? And can you find Thayer's in certain stores or only specific shops?
 
While some may differ and the term "better" is completely subjective, Thayer's is top-rate. I use the original and medicated, both are very effective.
 
This has been touched on in another thread recently, but bear in mind that the alcohol content of a normal witch hazel extract (naturally 14%) can help to disinfect any nicks or cuts that you get in your shave. An immediate after shave splash is obviously the best way to address something like this.

- Chris
 
When you buy the store brands as compared to Dickenson the store brands though pretty much the same stuff is watered down with less witch hazel in it. The Thayers is a different animal. Try it and see for yourself.
 
I use Thayers directly after a shave because it has no alcohol, and have an alum block anyway to do it's thing.

I use the normal Dicksons brand in the afternoon or at night when my skins stronger, as it's cheaper and does the job too.

I'd say they're both pretty good really, if you don't mind the smell you could just get by with Dicksons brand. I use the Thayers in my QED green mask as it smells nice and adds liquid to the mix, using Dicksons smelled bad bad bad heheh
 
I don't see how one could suffer the stench of witch hazel after what was likely one of their favorite scented (or unscented, for that matter) shave soaps/creams... after a good solid Proraso shave, I prefer the scent to linger in my nostrils a bit longer. :)
I tried some of the smelly stuff once... once.
I go with Thayers unscented. Goes on like water. Never hurt anybody.
Thayers is your friend.
 
The Thayer's also has aloe vera extract in it. It is a very soothing preparation for your skin. Some GNC stores carry it. A health food store in my area carries it for $7.00. The thayers web site has a list of distributors.
 
I just picked up my first bottle of Thayer's (Lavender) about a month ago. I had been avoiding it because it seemed so expensive compared to the $1.50 a bottle generic WH ... after a few uses, I see now that it's worth it!

On an impulse about two weeks ago, I tried applying Thayer's after I washed my face, but BEFORE I lathered up. It made for an incredibly smooth, close shave. Just let it dry before you go on to the next step, and re-wet your beard before lathering. I re-applied another coat of Thayer's after a warm-water rinse and a cold-water splash, let it dry, then put on ASB.

I like the smell. I like the way it makes my skin feel. I like the fact that it is alcohol-free (although alchohol doesn't really bother me in other products.)

My shave den will never be without Thayer's again.
 
You guys are lucky having access to that stuff, boots own brand for me which works but would love to try this thayers stuff.
 
You guys are lucky having access to that stuff, boots own brand for me which works but would love to try this thayers stuff.

Based on the Boots comment, I'm guessing your location is UK/Ireland like myself. www.iherb.com will ship Thayers internationally for only a couple of quid. (They also stock Kiss My Face shaving cream if you fancy trying that as well).
 
I used to use Thayers all the time, I recently switched to TRD WH and I love it. It took about a month to adjust to the smell though.
 
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