From skin to hair: Local brands bringing back the glow

One of the most interesting changes in beauty has been the shift from full faces of makeup with sharp contours and cut-creases to bare faces. People have been trading in foundations and hair straighteners for serums and hair packs, making face and hair care items easily some of the most popular items in each household. However, this love for natural beauty is not new.

Skin and hair care have been an integral part of South Asia for ages. Whether it's dandruff, hair loss, or acne, there seems to be a natural remedy for almost everything. 

In an interesting twist, Bangladeshi companies have harnessed the country's age-old love for natural remedies and transformed it into modern skincare. Through carefully crafted products—from serums to hair packs—there's something for every skin type. 

If you are looking to build your personal care routine, then look no further. From hair to skin, we have shortlisted some of the best products from local brands that combine modern skincare with natural ingredients.

Kismet Glow's Beard Oil 

How can we talk about hair care without mentioning beards? 

A little extra attention to your beard can make a difference, giving you a polished, well-groomed appearance. This is where Kismet Glow's Beard oil comes in—making it one of the few dedicated products for beard care in the local market. 

The oil is made of three simple ingredients: almond oil, rosemary oil, and tea tree extract.

Rosemary is a great ingredient to combat hair loss, while promoting hair growth in sparse patches along your beard. However, to see results, it needs to be diluted. 

This oil mixes rosemary's properties with the nourishing almond oil and the soothing tea tree extract. Additionally, tea tree extract helps soothe the skin, making it an effective remedy for dandruff—a common issue in beards as well. 

Though Kismet Glow is a Bangladeshi brand, all the ingredients are sourced from the UAE, where it is manufactured as well. The products are then packaged in Bangladesh.

Price: Tk1500 for 50 ml 

Where to buy: Kismet Glow

Skin Cafe's Natural Rose Water Face And Body Mist

Though rose water is a familiar ingredient in our kitchens, Skin Cafe has tapped into its skin benefits by providing 100% natural rose water in the form of skin care—more specifically, a mist for your face and body.

Rose water is one of the underrated stars of skincare with its natural anti-inflammatory and mild antibacterial properties. It helps soothe the skin from irritation caused by acne and prolonged sun exposure. 

According to Skin Cafe's website, it deeply cleanses the skin while also brightening the complexion and tightening pores, and is suitable for all skin types.

The rose water from Skin Cafe is locally sourced and is processed through steam distillation. 

The best part about the mist is that it is multifunctional. You can use it as a toner in your skincare routine, as well as a refreshing face mist on hot days. 

You can also add a few drops of it to your face masks to add onto their benefits.

Price: Tk320 for 120 ml

Where to buy: skincafe.co

Neem Oil From Neofarmers

When it comes to the skin, the answer always seems to be neem leaves. The medicinal plant has been used as a traditional remedy for ages, to improve the health of the body, skin, and hair.

Neem oil is rich in fatty acids, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This helps the skin combat acne and irritation, making it an essential in your skincare routine. 

It is as helpful for the scalp as it is for your face. Its antimicrobial properties also help fight dandruff caused by fungal skin conditions, providing much-needed relief to your scalp.

According to the website, the neem oil will not only help combat blackheads, but will also moisturise and nourish your skin and hair. 

Price: Tk320 for 75 ml

Where to find: neofarmers.com.bd

Aarong Earth's Aloe Vera Face Mask

The aloe vera face mask from Aarong combines the properties of multani clay and aloe vera so you can get the best of both ingredients.

The face mask is made with multani clay and purified kaolin clay—both of which are popularly used for skincare. 

Aloe vera is widely used as a natural remedy for burns, cuts, and acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritated skin and reduce acne, while its ability to support collagen production promotes the healing of minor wounds. Additionally, its antibacterial qualities help prevent infections during the healing process.

This product, in particular, claims to absorb excess oil and deeply cleanses the skin. The aloe vera extract helps in healing and moisturising the skin. 

Price: Tk250 for 200 ml

Where to buy: Aarong

Revive Daily Moisturiser Sunscreen 

Any skin expert will tell you that sunscreen is the foundation of skincare, offering essential protection against the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays.

In a country like Bangladesh, where UV levels are high most days, it is crucial that sun protection is part of your everyday routine, regardless of gender. 

A sunscreen with sufficient SPF not only prevents sunburns and skin cancer, but it also prevents wrinkles and discolouration.

But as the days get warmer, layers of products might feel heavy and sticky on the skin. 

Revival's sunscreen claims to have a lightweight formula. It also claims to provide a high level of protection against UV rays being SPF 50+ and with PA+++ - denoting its ability to protect against UVA rays through prolonged sun exposure.

Alongside sun protection, it also claims to nourish your skin throughout the day. The best part about it is that you do not have to break the bank for it while most imported sunscreens cost well over Tk1,000. 

Price: Tk700 for 50 ml

Where to buy: Shajgoj