Pumpkin Seed Oil, 60 ml

A natural pumpkin seed oil sold under the El Nile Horas name. Pumpkin seed oil is pressed from the seeds of the pumpkin and is often dark green, which can stain pale fabric; the front of the box does not say what colour this one is. The front of the box calls the oil natural and cold-pressed, gives its name in English and Arabic and the size, 60 ml. It comes in a black box printed in gold, with the brand's triangle and Eye of Horus at the top, a round cold-pressed seal and, below the name, an orange pumpkin among green leaves and vines.

What it is for: the front of the box lists no uses, so these are the usual ways pumpkin seed 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 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 pumpkin seeds, do not use it. It is not a sunscreen and has no SPF. 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. 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 pumpkin seeds or dislike the feel of oil on your skin.