Coconut Oil, 60 ml

A coconut oil sold under the El Nile Horas name. Coconut oil is pressed from the white flesh of the coconut. The front of the box calls it a natural oil, cold pressed, and gives the size, 60 ml. It comes in a black box lettered in gold, with the brand's triangle, a small plant sprig and the Eye of Horus at the top and a drawing of two coconuts, one split open, and a palm leaf above the name.

What it is for: the front of the box lists no uses, so these are the usual ways coconut oil is used. It is a body and massage oil for dry skin; it softens dry hands, elbows and heels; it is an oil to smooth through dry hair before washing; and it adds softness and shine to dry hair ends. It is a cosmetic: it works on how skin and hair look and feel.

Use a little at a time. After a shower or for a massage, warm a few drops between your palms and smooth them over dry skin on the arms, legs or shoulders until they sink in. For dry hands, elbows and heels, rub in one or two drops in the evening. Before washing, warm a few drops between your palms and smooth them through dry hair from the middle to the ends; cover your hair with an old towel, leave the oil for half an hour, then shampoo as usual. For dry ends, one or two drops on dry hair are enough.

The difference from an unlabelled bottle in a bazaar is what you can see for yourself: a brand name and a printed box with the name and size on the front. It reaches you unopened, at the price on this page, with nothing to haggle over.

It is for external use only: do not swallow it. This bottle is sold as a cosmetic, not as a cooking oil. Try a drop on the inner arm first and wait a day before using it more widely, and do not put it on broken or irritated skin. If you are allergic to coconut, do not use it. It is not a sunscreen and has no SPF: it does not protect the skin from the sun, so do not use it for sunbathing. Keep it out of the eyes and away from small children.

Close the cap after each use and keep the bottle out of direct sun and heat. It can thicken or set in the cold; warm the bottle in your hand for a minute to loosen it. Oil can mark fabric and towels and makes floors slippery, so wipe your hands before you touch clothes. At 60 ml it is under the 100 ml cabin limit and can fly in hand luggage inside the clear liquids bag; screw the cap down tight before you pack it, and in checked baggage seal it in a zip bag.

Who it suits: anyone with dry skin, dry hands and heels or dry hair ends who wants one simple oil for them, and anyone looking for a small, useful present from Egypt that packs easily. Skip it if you are allergic to coconut or dislike the feel of oil on your skin.