Snake Oil, 60 ml

A snake oil sold under the El Nile Horas name. The front of the box calls it a natural premium 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 a cobra above the name. The front of the box lists no ingredients, so it does not say what the oil is made from: whether it contains any fat from snakes, or whether it is a plant oil sold under a snake name and picture.

What it is for: the front of the box lists no uses, and this shop makes no claim for snake oil beyond what any cosmetic oil does. These are the plain cosmetic uses of an oil like this one: it softens dry skin on the hands, elbows, knees and heels; it adds softness and shine to dry hair ends; and it softens dry cuticles and the skin around the nails. It is a cosmetic: it works on how skin and hair look and feel.

Use a little at a time. After a shower, warm two or three drops between your palms and smooth them into skin that is still slightly damp, on the hands, elbows, knees or heels, until the shine has gone. For dry ends, one or two drops on dry hair are enough. For the nails, rub one drop into the cuticles of each hand in the evening.

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. 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. The front of the box lists no ingredients, so if you have allergies, 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.

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. The box does not say whether it contains any animal product, so if your country asks travellers to declare animal products on arrival, declare it to be on the safe side.

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 avoid animal products: the box does not say whether it contains any. Skip it too if you dislike the feel of oil on your skin.