Jasmine Oil, 60 ml

A jasmine oil sold under the El Nile Horas name. 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 white jasmine flowers and green leaves above the name. Jasmine is a flower, not an oil seed: a cold-pressed jasmine oil is a base oil that carries the flower, and the front of the box does not say which base oil.

What it is for: the front of the box lists no uses, so these are the usual ways jasmine oil is used. It is a body and massage oil for dry skin; it softens dry hands, elbows and heels; it adds softness and shine to dry hair ends; and some people wear a drop on the wrists for the sweet, floral scent jasmine is known for. 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. For dry ends, one or two drops on dry hair are enough. For the scent, dab one drop on each wrist.

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. Try a drop on the inner arm first and wait a day before using it more widely, because jasmine can irritate sensitive skin. The front of the box does not name the base oil, so if you have a nut allergy, read the label on the bottle before you use it. It is not a sunscreen and has no SPF. Keep it out of the eyes and away from small children, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a doctor first.

Close the cap after each use and keep the bottle out of direct sun and heat. 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 who likes the scent of jasmine and wants one simple oil for dry skin, massage and dry hair ends, and anyone looking for a small, useful present from Egypt that packs easily. Skip it if jasmine irritates your skin or you dislike the feel of oil on your skin.