Egyptian natural oils in Sharm El Sheikh

Apteka Sharm sells Lotus natural oils, an Egyptian brand, and Emami 7 Oils in One for hair. Below you can see what each oil is traditionally used for and how to read the label. We also explain safe use and how to fly home with oils.

Lotus Natural Oils is a brand of TNG, a cosmetics maker founded in Egypt. The Lotus boxes on our shelves say “100% Natural” on the front. Our pharmacists speak English, Russian, Ukrainian and Italian, and can help you choose.

The oils we carry

Four of these oils have their own guide: black seed oil, argan oil, aloe vera oil and coconut oil.

Oil	Plant	Traditional and cosmetic use
Black seed	Nigella sativa	Used for centuries in traditional remedies in the Middle East and Asia. Also an ingredient in some hair oils.
Argan	Argania spinosa	A traditional food and cosmetic oil from Morocco. Popular in hair care.
Aloe vera	Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)	Aloe has been used on skin since ancient times, including in Egypt. The oil carries aloe in a plant oil.
Coconut	Cocos nucifera	A body moisturiser, lip balm and pre-wash hair treatment.
Jasmine	Jasminum	Chosen for its scent. Egypt’s Nile Delta grows jasmine for the world’s perfume industry.
Marjoram	Origanum majorana	A Mediterranean herb, also grown in Egypt, with a long history in folk medicine.
Pumpkin seed	Cucurbita pepo	A nutty food oil in Austria. Early research is looking at its use on skin.
Emami 7 Oils in One	Blend	A non-sticky hair oil from India with argan, walnut, almond, coconut, amla, olive and jojoba oils.

Traditional use is not proof that an oil works. Research on most plant oils is limited, so treat them as cosmetics, not as medicines.

How to choose: read the label

A clear label tells you what is in the bottle. Look for:

• The plant’s Latin name, such as Nigella sativa for black seed oil.
• The ingredients list. One ingredient means a single oil. Several ingredients mean a blend, sometimes with added fragrance.
• “100% pure” if you want a single oil. The word “natural” alone does not mean an oil suits every skin.
• The extraction method, such as cold-pressed (pressed without heat), if the label gives it.
• The volume, batch number and expiry date.
• Directions and warnings, such as “for external use only”.
• Food use. Only swallow an oil if its label says it is for food use.

If your skin is sensitive, choose oils without added fragrance. Fragrance is a common cause of skin allergy.

How to use oils safely

• Patch test first. Allergy doctors suggest testing a new product on the inside of your elbow for 7 to 10 days. Then try it on your face. An allergic rash can take several days to appear.
• Keep oils away from your eyes. If oil gets in an eye, rinse it with clean water.
• Children. Ask a pharmacist before using any oil on a baby or child. Keep bottles out of reach.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Check with your doctor before you use a new oil.
• By mouth. Only take an oil by mouth if the label says it is for food use, and ask a doctor first. Herbal products taken by mouth can interact with medicines.
• Fresh sunburn. Do not put oil on hot, freshly burnt skin. Oil can trap heat in the skin at this stage.
• Sun protection. Oils are not sunscreen. Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

If a rash or itching starts, wash the oil off and stop using it.

Oils as gifts

Boxed oils are easy to pack and make practical gifts from Egypt. Choose a few different oils so friends and family can try them. Send us your list on WhatsApp and we will prepare your order.

Flying home with oils

Oils count as liquids at airport security. At most airports, each liquid container in hand luggage must hold 100 ml or less. This applies even if the bottle is only part full.

Some airports now allow larger containers, but rules differ. Check the rules for every airport on your route, including your flight home from Sharm. From airports in the European Union, liquid containers over 100 ml must go in checked baggage.

Several Lotus oils we stock come in 125 ml bottles. Pack these in your checked suitcase. Close each cap tightly, seal the bottle in a plastic bag and wrap it in clothes.

Order with free hotel delivery

Send us the names of the oils you want on WhatsApp. We offer free hotel delivery on orders from $30, so you can pack your oils at the hotel.

Need help in Sharm?

WhatsApp us or call +20 120 344 2201 to check which oils are in stock. We reply in English, Russian, Ukrainian or Italian. Free hotel delivery on orders from $30.