Organic Radiance: My 7 Favourite Natural Products

Nadiya Najib

14 hours ago

💛 Introduction

Many of us don’t realize this, but we only get one skin in this lifetime — no replacements, no do‑overs. That’s why a simple, consistent routine matters more than expensive treatments or complicated products. Heres the first part of this series on why I prefer natural skin and hair care.

For years, I’ve followed a ritual that works beautifully for my busy life: Before a shower, I apply one of my favourite herbal products, tidy my room for 10–15 minutes, and then wash it off. It’s simple, affordable, and incredibly effective.

After working in the medical sector, I saw firsthand how commercialized the skincare industry is. Natural remedies like aloe vera, turmeric, sandalwood, rosewater rarely get mentioned — not because they don’t work, but because they don’t make anyone money.

This series is my way of bringing us back to basics. Today’s post covers my top seven natural products:

Rosewater
Sandalwood Powder
Ubtan
Aloe Vera
Petroleum Jelly
Besan / Gram Flour
Multani Mitti

Let’s dive in.

🌹Rosewater

Rosewater is one of the gentlest, most versatile skincare staples. It:

Reduces redness and inflammation
Cleanses clogged pores
Acts as a natural astringent
Refreshes tired eyes
Helps you sleep better thanks to its calming aroma

I use it:

As a toner
Mixed with ubtan or sandalwood for masks
To remove makeup
To soothe skin after bleach
As a light hair conditioner
As an eye refresher (spray on closed eyes)

It’s truly a must‑have for every woman.

🌼 Sandalwood Powder

My absolute favourite. Sandalwood powder has a cooling, healing, antibacterial effect that works beautifully for:

Pimples
Rashes
Itchy skin
Dullness

Mix it with rosewater for a quick mask, or add:

Turmeric for extra antibacterial power
Lemon juice for marks
Milk for glow

It’s gentle enough to apply overnight — though maybe not ideal if you share a pillow!

✨ Ubtan

Ubtan is a timeless South Asian beauty ritual — and for good reason. It exfoliates, brightens, and nourishes the skin without chemicals.

Benefits include:

Natural glow
Reduced pigmentation
Fewer acne marks
Anti‑aging support
Gentle reduction in facial hair over time

I prefer Norangi Ubtan, mixed with rosewater into a slightly watery paste. Keep it airtight to avoid moisture and fungus.

🌱 Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a miracle plant for both skin and hair. I always keep the real plant for its best form:

For skin:

Hydrates deeply
Soothes irritation
Locks in moisture

For hair:

Reduces dandruff
Calms itchy scalp
Adds shine
Strengthens roots
Balances pH
Helps with hair growth

The best form is fresh gel straight from the leaf.

🧴 Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline): Not Natural — But Still Safe & Effective

Petroleum jelly is not a natural ingredient. It is derived from petroleum — but the version used in skincare (like Vaseline) is highly refined, purified, and approved by dermatologists worldwide. The concerns you may read online usually refer to unrefined petroleum, not the cosmetic‑grade version.

✔️ Why I Still Use It

I’ve tried switching to natural alternatives like coconut oil, but nothing relieves my dryness the way petroleum jelly does. That’s because it is an occlusive — it seals moisture into the skin better than almost anything else.

If your skin barrier is compromised or extremely dry, petroleum jelly can be a lifesaver.

✔️ Is It Harmful?

No — not when it’s cosmetic‑grade and used correctly. Dermatologists consider it safe for:

Hands and feet
Lips
Cracked heels
Dry patches
Winter “slugging” over moisturizer

✔️ When to Avoid It

Because it seals the skin, avoid using it on:

Acne‑prone areas
Sweaty or unclean skin
Areas where you’re using active acne treatments

✔️ Natural Alternatives (But Not Equivalents)

Coconut oil, shea butter, and almond oil are beautiful moisturizers — but they are not occlusives. They hydrate, but they don’t seal moisture in the way petroleum jelly does.

So while petroleum jelly isn’t natural, it is:

Safe
Effective
Affordable
A barrier‑repair hero when nothing else works

The most popular ingredient in all lotions, creams is petroleum jelly or Vaseline. My grandmother (nani) and my mother have always only used Vaseline and Johnsons baby lotion. If you have a tendency for oily facial skin like mine, then you may only use it on your hands, feet before going to bed.

🥥 Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of those classic “all‑rounder” products that almost every home has—and for good reason. While it doesn’t seal moisture the way petroleum jelly does, it’s a beautiful nourishing oil for both skin and hair.

For skin, coconut oil can:

Moisturize after a shower when applied on slightly damp skin
Soothe tired muscles and give a relaxing massage effect
Work as a gentle makeup remover
Help as an eye de‑puffer when used very lightly
Double as a shaving cream or lip balm in a pinch

For hair, it can:

Reduce frizz and flyaways
Add shine and softness
Help with split ends when used on the lengths
Support hair growth when massaged into the scalp regularly

In winter, coconut oil often turns solid. I like to gently warm it, pour it into a small jar, and use it in its balm form for both skin and scalp. Many people also find that with consistent use, it can help:

Lighten the look of age spots
Soften the appearance of stretch marks
Improve overall skin texture

Coconut oil is not a miracle cure for everything, but as a natural, multi‑purpose moisturizer, it’s a beautiful addition to a simple, intentional routine.