Local skincare brands worth your money: In the vast world of skincare, it’s easy to be captivated by the allure of international brands with their sleek packaging and global reputation. But there is an often-overlooked treasure trove of skincare formulated by local skincare enthusiasts, consultants and even chemists, that provide a more affordable — and sometimes, more natural and eco-friendly — alternative to big skincare chains.

Since we’re smack in the middle of the summer — and suffering through one of the most intense heat waves in the history of our planet — we’ve recommended some of our favorite boutique local skincare brands, and handpicked our favorite summer-friendly products. All of these brands have been tried and tested by at least one of us at the Enterprise HQ, and almost all have stellar customer reviews online.

NATURAL PRODUCTS-

Cruelty-free brandBlack Lotus provides skincare products that are both effective and ethically conscious. They have an extensive range of products, from shower gels to essential oils and body butters. Their summertime range includes a natural deodorant and a peppermint and lemon-oil-infused soap, formulated with peppermint and lemon oil to provide a cooling sensation and help cleanse, exfoliate and soften the skin.

You can find their products at Point 90 Mall in New Cairo, Arkan Plaza in Sheikh Zayed, and at any Diwan Bookstores branch across Cairo. Their products are also available at several spots in Zamalek and Maadi, including Osana Wellness Center, Bio Shop and Nun Center.

PRICE TAG- Most of their products range from EGP 50-250, but some of their pricier offerings (usually ones using expensive oils and herbs) can reach between EGP 1k and EGP 1.4k.

Inspired by ancient pharaonic remedies, Hathor draws inspiration from our rich Egyptian heritage to create skincare products that use natural ingredients — like food-grade certified cold-pressed oils — in their formulations. Standout offerings include their sun protection potion, which has SPF 50, and the sun healing potion, which is enriched with soothing aloe vera to nourish and repair skin after sun exposure.

PRICE TAG- Their products come at a higher price point, with some reaching EGP 1500.

If you’re more of a soap bar person, check out Bars: This small business specializes in handmade soap bars and beauty products using “high-quality organic ingredients,” according to their social media pages. If you’re looking for a collagen boost, their collagen C facial bar promises to keep your skin glowing and youthful. Their lotion bars are exquisite, but the tropical-scented coconut vanilla is an Enterprise favorite, especially for the summer.

DISCLAIMER- You might want to earmark this suggestion, as the Bars team is currently on vacation until the end of August, according to an announcement on Instagram.

PRICE TAG- Each of their bars costs between EGP 90-100.

If you’ve looked into natural skincare in Egypt, you already know about Norshek. For almost six years, the brand has dedicated itself to making a positive social and environmental impact. They’re all about eco-friendliness, ethically-sourced products that make a difference, and inclusivity. That means that you’ll find what you’re looking for regardless of your skin type or unique skin needs. Their summer-exclusive Sol-lotion is a much-needed combo of after-sun care and insect repellant.

PRICE TAG- You can find products for under EGP 50 and as high as EGP 350.

If your preferred hair removal method is shaving, make sure to check out cruelty-free brand Glazed. They’ve got a concise lineup of just four products, all tailored for prepping and taking care of your skin before and after shaving. Their products help you avoid razor bumps and ingrown hairs while shaving.

First in their lineup is Smooth Operator, a pre-shave scrub formulated with coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and vitamin E, pampering you before you pick up the razor. Their moisturizing shaving cream, The Shave of Your Dreams, is the real hero here, making sure your shave is completely irritation-free and infused with rose water and shea butter. They recommend topping it all off with their Glazed Donut oil, which will replenish your skin and keep all that moisture locked in, and their Wealthy Gel, a powerhouse product that will soothe and brighten the skin.

PRICE TAG- Each of these products will cost you under EGP 300, or you can go all-in and grab the whole collection for EGP 850.

Got milk?: The skincare edition.moj is a pioneering family business that swears by the power of milk, and infuses all their bars with either goat, camel, coconut, or almond milk to create the soap bars’ base. But the real star for this brand? Donkey milk. The brand has a range of donkey milk-based bars — with turmeric, coffee, and tobacco absolute blends. This vitamin- and mineral-rich milk is a well-kept secret for great skin, as it contains antioxidants, which provide anti-aging benefits, and is able to attract and retain water, making it a great moisturizer, according to Healthline.

moj sources all their animal-based milks from a small local farm in Egypt, ensuring that they don’t contain any hormones, antibiotics, and chemicals. This makes their soaps friendly to all skin-types, though they will note if there are exceptions. The brand has honed their cold-process recipe using food-grade virgin oils and butters.

Prefer vegan products? They have several vegan options, including the smokey mango butter bar, which is an ultra-moisturizing, “triple-butter” blend with cocoa, shea and mango butter.

PRICE TAG- moj’s products in the range of EGP 200 to EGP 250.

Founded in 2019, Meraki is a family business creating skincare options that are kind to children, the planet and your wallet. The brand offers a dedicated line for babies and children, providing gentle and safe skincare solutions. It also offers products specifically catered to men, including a moisturizing and nourishing beard oil. It also develops products tailored to help treat specific skin conditions, includingsoothing balms for those with eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

PRICE TAG- You can find products ranging from EGP 40 all the way up to EGP 535.

MORE COMPLEX SKINCARE-

Cruelty-free brandClementineuses the founder’s expertise as a certified skincare consultant to develop their formulations. Among their standout products is the moon milk, a daily SPF moisturizer infused with aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, almond oil, rose oil and other botanical extracts, according to its website. Another favorite is the sleep mask, an overnight treatment that uses niacinamide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to revitalize and restore the skin.

PRICE TAG- Their most affordable product is EGP 125, and their most expensive is EGP 390.

Laqué is a skincare-makeup hybrid brand that promises a rich and pampering experience at a gentle price point. Verdure, their luxurious bath product line, provides a lavish bathing experience that nurtures the skin, while another great product to have on the go is their blueprint hand cream, which combines anti-inflammatory properties with deep moisturization and nourishment. Laqué also offers an SPF lip balm and a vitamin E-infused lip lacquer.

PRICE TAG- Their most expensive product costs EGP 425, but their line averages around EGP 182.

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