Middle Eastern beauty traditions are finally getting the recognition they deserve

"For families across the Middle East, it's more than soap - it's a medicine powerhouse. Used on skin, hair, and even clothes, it soothes dryness, calms eczema, and deeply cleanses without being too harsh on the skin. Its earthy, herbal scent and simple formula speak of tradition and simplicity; just a few natural ingredients, trusted for generations to nourish, protect, and heal. It's also an incredible skin softener."

"Miswak, or siwak, is a natural teeth-cleaning twig cut from the Salvadora persica tree that's become popular on TikTok for its teeth whitening effects. Used for over 7,000 years across the Middle East, it's praised for whitening teeth, strengthening gums, and freshening breath - all without toothpaste. Its bristles release natural antibacterial compounds, making it both ritualistic and functional. It remains a cultural staple - a zero-waste, travel-ready toothbrush that embodies simplicity and tradition while delivering real oral health benefits."

"Before crystal deodorants hit Western health stores, alum stone was a Middle Eastern bathroom essential. This translucent mineral block is moistened and rubbed underarms to neutralise odour naturally. Rich in potassium alum, it creates an invisible shield that inhibits bacterial growth, keeping skin fresh without synthetic fragrance or aluminium salts. For many, it's prized for its purity, affordability, and longevity - a single stone can last for months."

Aleppo soap originates in Syria and is made from olive oil and laurel oil via centuries-old methods. It soothes dryness, calms eczema, cleanses skin, hair, and clothes, and softens skin while offering an earthy, herbal scent and a simple natural formula. Miswak (siwak) is a Salvadora persica twig used as a teeth-cleaner for millennia, whitening teeth, strengthening gums, freshening breath, and releasing natural antibacterial compounds without toothpaste. Alum stone is a translucent potassium alum mineral moistened and rubbed on underarms to neutralise odour by inhibiting bacterial growth; it is affordable, long-lasting, and gentle. The kessa glove (Moroccan mitt) is a textured exfoliator used in hammam rituals.

Read at CN Traveller