It’s time to shine the spotlight and highlight some of the Arab world’s most sought-after home-grown ingredients – after all, some of the best lotions and potions contain elements sourced right here from the MENA region. From the skin-smoothing argan oil and redness-reducing aloe of North Africa to the henna plant of Egypt and Frankincense from Oman, these timeless ingredients never fail.
Orange Blossom
Dark spots and scars begone. Orange flower blossoms are carefully steamed to release the scent-sational neroli oil. Spritz Aroma Tierra Neroli Hydro Mist onto oily skin to reap its antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits. In addition to purifying skin, it also reduces the appearance of pores and gives skin a light drink of hydration. Shop here, Dhs55.
Camel Milk
Want softer skin? Consider cleansing with camel milk. Enriched with exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids that aid skin in boosting its own natural moisturising properties, camel milk also promotes collagen growth, fights acne, and diminishes fine lines. We love The Camel Soap Factory’s Natural Camel Milk Face Cleansing Soap which is also fortified with frankincense and neroli oil. Shop here, Dhs42.
Honey
If anyone understands the benefits of honey, it’s Huda Kattan. She’s gone as far as to infuse many of her skincare formulas with this hydrating humectant. Wishful’s Honey Whip Peptide Moisturizer is a skin-plumping face cream that has us all buzzing with excitement. Loaded with honey, it smooths, softens, and calms the skin thanks to its natural antioxidant properties. Find the best honey in the region from Binsina Manuka Honey. Shop here, Dhs549.
Aloe
Remember back in the day (before you read Cosmo ME and learned that SPF is ~lyfe~), you’d put aloe vera on your sunburns? That’s because the hydrating aloe plant is as rich in calming, soothing, and cooling properties as Instagram is with thirst traps. Nowadays, we know you know that prevention is best and what better way to get the best of both worlds than by applying the aloe-infused Ixora Ultimate Protection Sunscreen SPF 40 to your skin every two hours. You’ll be thanking us for your fresh face in no time, bb. Shop here, Dhs55.
Frankincense
Back in the day (we’re talking thousands of years ago), the latest iPhone, Hindash palette, or pair of Amina Muaddi shoes were *definitely not* on a Cosmo ME girl’s birthday wish list. Instead, it was most likely frankincense. The essential oil extracted from this aromatic resin is found in beauty products like Holly Holistic Frankincense and Cedar Meditation Bath Salts and Neal’s Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Eye Cream. The ingredient is known for its anti-inflammatory and oil-controlling properties as well as its ability to boost skin elasticity. Shop here, Dhs330.
Coffee
We all love to sip on a cappuccino from % Arabica while shopping around The Dubai Mall, but coffee does a lot more than just put a lil’ spring in our step. It works wonders for our skin, too. If you find yourself constantly combating dark circles, consider adding an eye cream containing vasodilating Coffea Arabica Seed Oil to your skincare routine. Not only will you be applying a lot less concealer, but you’ll notice your fine lines and wrinkles fade away as well.
Henna
It’s nearly impossible to go anywhere in Dubai and *not* see the reddish-orange hue of henna artfully adorning hands and arms. But did you know that henna has properties that condition both the hair and skin, too? Originally used as a cooling paste, products like Izil Beauty Henna Powder can be applied as a hair and body mask to help calm skin and reduce inflammation. It also strengthens hair, reduces the appearance of scars, and minimises the appearance of wrinkles. Shop here, Dhs42.
Prickly Pear
Let’s face it (literally), the Middle Eastern climate is incredibly drying to our skin. We need to continually hydrate it by drinking H2O *and* applying ingredients that’ll resuscitate it from its lacklustre state. The Aroma Tierra Prickly Pear Seed Oil comes straight from Morocco and is our dull skin’s bff thanks to its ultra-hydrating and revitalising properties. It also helps to fade acne scars, diminish dark circles, and smooth out crow’s feet. What more can a Cosmo ME reader ask for? Shop here, Dhs245.
Rosehip Seed Oil
If we had to choose between receiving a bouquet of roses or having Rosehip Seed Oil in our skincare routine, we’d choose both (*wink wink*). Honestly, can you blame us? Aside from tantalising our senses, the oil pressed from the seeds of roses plant nourish our skin too. Rũt Essentials Rosehip Carrier Oil is a dreamy anti-aging oil packed with vitamin A and fatty acids to rewind time, soften skin, and blur fine lines and wrinkles. Shop here, Dhs92.