The amount of chemicals that we put on our skin is scary, some research claims more than 500 chemicals found in beauty and cosmetic products are absorbed by our skin. But there are natural, effective, and less costly alternatives. We’ve rounded up just a few of the local offerings for you, would make for great Christmas gifts!
Areej
Areej is an Egyptian aromatherapy products maker. It uses naturally-derived and certified organic plant ingredients to create its range of oils.
Forever Young Moisturizing Serum: This stuff is like satin on your skin, and it actually works! Made of 100% natural moisture-retaining oils, Forever Young nourishes dry areas and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without clogging pores. It’s made for all skin types.
How to use it: Apply twice daily after cleansing with fingertips or cotton swab, and gently massage into delicate area around eyes, face and neck until absorbed.
Energy Capture: Energy Capture is 100% natural body aroma, wear it instead of perfume and eliminate chemicals on your skin. Made of natural herbs and flowers, this range balances natural oils in the body.
Scents available:
– Geranium: relief of anxiety, the enhancement of circulation, and rejuvenation of skin.
– Jasmine: relief of muscle aches and pains, and as an aphrodisiac.
– Lavender: stress relief and relaxation.
– Marjoram: calming the mind and relieving headaches. Can also be used for massages.
– Neroli: for chronic anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
– Rose: soothing various skin conditions, relieving muscle spasms, and headaches.
How to use it: Use as an all-over body moisturizer or as an aromatherapy boost throughout the day by applying to pulse points. Massage few drops onto damp skin after the shower or bath to help seal in moisture. Add two tablespoons to bath water for more hydrated, softer skin. Also, can be used for body massage.
Visit on Facebook: AreejAromatherapy
Black Lotus
Black Lotus is a 100% natural skin care brand that is locally made. From soaps to oils, hair products, scrubs, mosquito repellants, deodorants, bath salts and much, much more. Their stuff smells good and feels great!
Ylang Ylang and Bergamot Natural Deodorant: A jar of this stuff can last you about 8 months! Made of 100% natural oils, it smells fantastic, doesn’t irritate or discolor the skin, and works quite powerfully. You know the oil is natural because it behaves like natural oils should: not oily, liquid in summer, more paste-like in colder temperatures.
How to use it: After a shower, apply using finger tips, or buy a pack of wooden tongue depressors (used by doctors to check your throat – also known as popsicle sticks) and use it to apply the deodorant.
Anti-Ants Spray: Ok, so this is not exactly a beauty product, but it can certainly promote peace-of–mind. Made with clove and peppermint essential oils, as well as alcohol. It won’t stain, and it’s long-lasting.
How to use it: Spray this in the spots where you normally see ants in the home, or where you would like to safeguard against ants. Guaranteed, you won’t be seeing ants there for a while! Another great tip to keep ants away from your sweets like honey and chocolate spread is to place them in the same cupboard as your herbs and spices. The strong scent of herbs and spices acts as a natural repellant to all forms of crawlies.
Visit on Facebook: blacklotusegypt
Bubblzz
Using kitchen chemistry, this happy brand uses wholesome, natural ingredients like organic oils, essential oils and chemical-free aromatic fragrances.
Bubblzz Herbal Moisture Lock Shampoo: This sulphate-free and paraban-free shampoo is infused with organic coconut oil and jojoba oil. It is also fortified with panthenol and vitamin E. A unique blend of wheat protein, lavender, rosemary and geranium essential oils restore moisture to damaged and color-treated hair.
How to use it: Use as you would your regular shampoo. Daily shampooing in general is not recommended as your hair can benefit from the scalp’s naturally produced oils.
Sugar n Cream Shea Butter Body Scrub: This scrumptious scrub is enriched with Shea butter and coconut oil to lock in moisture and nourish your skin. The sugar exfoliates and removes the layer of dead skin. Comes in a range of scents like Bubblegum, Cherry, Watermelon and Cupcake.
How to use it: In the shower, apply to your wet skin then rinse off with water.
Visit on Facebook: Bubblzzeg
Kham
Kham produces a range of 100% natural food and beauty products.
Lice Prevention Treatment Spray: School season means lice season, and you don’t want your kids missing any school days because of a lice infestation. This preventative treatment is made with tea tree and lavender oils, both natural lice repellants. It is also safe to use on your children’s scalp.
How to use it: For prevention spray this daily before your little one’s head to school, especially behind the ears, and at the back of the neck. As a treatment, spray on hair and scalp at night and comb through thoroughly. Cover hair overnight, and in the morning comb with a fine-tooth comb to get rid of dead lice. Repeat again as needed.
Eyelash Growth Serum: This serum is made of a mixture of natural oils and vitamins including castor oil and jojoba oil. The blend is harmless and moisturizes the sensitive skin around the eyes.
How to use it: Apply to the lash-line and eyebrows, on a clean face, using a cotton bud or a Q-tip.
Visit on Facebook: kham.healthshop
Rayhanna Naturals
Founded by a Botanical Pharmacist, this brand offers herbal-based toxic-free holistic skin products.
Edible Lip Balms: With chapped-lip season in swing, these natural (and delicious) lip balms will come in handy. Made of natural butters, beeswax and natural oils as well as real fruit extracts and an imported lip balm formula. With flavors like strawberry, watermelon, mango, vanilla, chocolate, banana and berries, these balms are nourishing and moisturizing to your lips.
How to use it: Apply on dehydrated lips, or as a daily lip moisturizer.
Lotion Bars: A blend of mango butter, Shea butter, cacao butter, sesame oil, jojoba oil, and beeswax, these lotion bars melt into your skin with a single swipe, and no greasy feeling. It comes in Geranium or Citronella mix.
How to use it: Swipe along skin after a hot shower, or for daily use. Use on legs, arms, and body. The size is handy and can fit in your purse.
Visit on Facebook: Rayhanna Naturals
Secrets of Nature
Founded by a certified aromatherapist, Secrets of Nature is a natural cosmetics brand that uses fresh and organic herbs, essential oils, and seeds to make its wide range of products.
Sweet Treat Argan & Shea Hot Oil Mask: This sweet smelling hair treatment deeply conditioning for dry and damaged hair. Perfect for the winter season and the sea-water and chlorine filled summer season.
How to use it: Apply to lightly damp hair, comb through, place hair into a bun and cover with a hot towel. Leave on for 20-30 minutes, rinse out. Repeat once per week, or use as daily conditioner, but leave in for 5-10 minutes.
Visit on Facebook: SecretsOfNature.eg
Classics We Love
Nefertari Rose Water: Used as a facial toner, smoothes skin, restores PH balance, and smells great! Highly recommended!
Imtenan Castor Oil: Used on eyebrows and eyelashes to promote hair growth, nourishes and moisturizes skin.
