Frequently asked questions
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What skin types are Malabskin products suitable for?
Our products are made with gentle, natural ingredients like qasil powder and shea butter, making them suitable for all skin types, including dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin. Because they are free from harsh chemicals, most customers find them soothing and balancing.
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Are your products safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin?
Yes. Malabskin products are formulated with ingredients traditionally used to calm the skin and reduce inflammation. But if you have extremely sensitive skin, we always recommend doing a patch test first.
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Where do your ingredients come from?
We source our key ingredients directly from African regions. Where natural plants, butters and oils have been used for generations. Our Qasil comes from the dried and ground leaves of the gob tree, traditionally used by Somali women, and our shea butter is sourced from trusted women-led cooperatives in West Africa.
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What are the benefits of qasil powder, shea butter, and your other natural ingredients?
Each ingredient is chosen for its proven skincare benefits:
- Qasil powder: Balances oil, reduces breakouts, brightens skin, gently exfoliates, and evens out texture.
- Shea butter: Deeply moisturizes, softens skin, protects the barrier, and helps fade scars and dark marks.
- Botanical oils & fragrances (where included): Add nourishment, leave skin soft, and provide a pleasant scent without harsh chemicals.
Our formulations highlight the traditional beauty practices of East and West Africa, backed by modern skincare understanding.
- Qasil powder: Balances oil, reduces breakouts, brightens skin, gently exfoliates, and evens out texture.
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Are the products 100% natural or organic?
Most Malabskin products are made with natural ingredients, but not all ingredients are certified organic. We prioritize purity and tradition, using high-quality raw materials wherever possible.
Some of our body butters contain fragrance for a pleasant smell, which we always keep skin-friendly and safe. -
Do your products contain preservatives, fragrances, or chemicals?
Some of our products do contain fragrance, mainly our body butters, using skin-safe scents for a luxurious experience.
We avoid harsh chemicals like:- parabens
- sulfates
- mineral oils
- synthetic dyes
Products containing honey are not vegan, and we always list every ingredient clearly so you can choose what works best for your skin.
- parabens
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Are Malabskin products vegan and cruelty-free?
Our products are cruelty-free and never tested on animals.
However, not all products are vegan because some formulas contain honey.
All vegan and non-vegan items are clearly labeled so customers can make informed choices. -
What is Qasil powder?
Qasil powder is a natural cleansing powder made from the dried leaves of the Somali gob tree. For centuries, Somali women have used it as a traditional skincare remedy because of its powerful purifying and brightening effects. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and skin-friendly compounds, qasil works as a gentle exfoliant and cleanser that helps remove impurities, balance oil production, and calm inflammation.
Its high content of saponins (natural cleansing agents) allows it to foam lightly when mixed with water, deeply cleaning the skin without stripping its moisture. Qasil also contains vitamins C and E, which support skin repair, even out skin tone, and help improve radiance. Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is especially beneficial for acne-prone or congested skin.
Overall, qasil powder helps clarify the skin, reduce breakouts, refine texture, and leave the complexion smooth, bright, and naturally glowing, making it one of the most effective and gentle botanical cleansers in natural skincare.
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What is Huruud?
Huruud is a traditional Somali skincare powder best known for its brightening, soothing, and tone-evening effects. Commonly made from finely ground turmeric and other gentle botanical ingredients, Huruud has been used for generations to enhance the skin’s natural glow. It is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds such as curcumin, which help calm irritation, reduce redness, and support a more even complexion.
Because of its natural skin-brightening properties, Huruud helps fade dark marks, soften hyperpigmentation, and improve overall radiance. It also contains vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin while supporting a healthy skin barrier. When mixed with water, honey, or milk, Huruud creates a smooth paste that gently exfoliates dead skin cells and leaves the skin feeling refreshed, soft, and luminous.
Overall, Huruud is a gentle yet effective brightening treatment that helps even out skin tone, soothe the skin, and enhance natural glow, making it a beloved part of traditional East African beauty rituals.
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What is Shea butter?
Shea butter is a natural, nutrient-rich butter made from the nuts of the West African shea tree. It has a creamy texture that melts into the skin and is known for its deep moisturizing and protective properties. Rich in essential fatty acids like oleic, stearic, and linoleic acid, shea butter helps strengthen the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and soothe irritation. It also contains skin-beneficial vitamins such as Vitamin A for repair, Vitamin E for antioxidant protection, and Vitamin F to support barrier health. Along with healing compounds like cinnamic acid esters and triterpenes, shea butter calms inflammation and supports skin healing. Altogether, it nourishes dry skin, improves softness, enhances elasticity, and leaves the skin smooth, protected, and naturally glowing.
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How should I use the body butter?
The best way to use body butter is to apply it after your daily shower or bath. Once you've enjoyed your daily shower or bath, pat your body dry with a towel. As a top tip, leave a little moisturise on your skin and do not rub or dry your skin completely.
