Best all-rounder

Saudi-American Miriam AlDainy took inspiration from her Saudi grandmother and aunties to create beauty brand Niema Beauty, after growing up watching them concoct healing treatments with local ingredients like roses, sugar, henna and plant-based oils. Bringing these traditional Middle Eastern treatments to the new generation, Niema Beauty (niema meaning ‘gift from god’ in Arabic) boasts products like face oils, hair masks and spritzes – all made using all-natural Middle Eastern ingredients. A hero product is the super versatile Moroccan Clay Mask for both hair and skin. Made using mineral-rich Moroccan clay mined from the Atlas Mountains, it reduces blackheads, softens skin and adds strength and shine to hair – one of the handiest multi-purpose travel beauty products.
AED165; niemabeauty.com

Best for anti-ageing

After growing tired of skincare packed with nasty chemicals and toxins, Dubai-based Yasmeena Khalil founded Yaskin Natural, a line designed to combat ageing with botanical ingredients. Her skincare line aims to plug the gap in the market for effective, natural and organic anti-ageing products, using sustainable and ethical ingredients which target fine line and wrinkles. The brand’s indulgent Intensive Night Cream combines tropical floral essences and natural seed oils with Yaskin’s unique BM3 PhytoativTM, which work together to reduce photo ageing and nourish skin.
AED250, yaskinnatural.com

Best for a summer at home

Emirati influencer and content creator Salama Mohamed took inspiration from the scorching Middle Eastern summer to craft her band-new beauty brand Peacefull, designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. Pumping skin with much-needed moisture, the range consists of a mask, toner and moisturiser, all made in the beauty capital South Korea using natural K Beauty-inspired ingredients. The anti-bacterial Mugwort Clay Mask is the perfect addition to your washbag, doubling as a cleanser and packed with vitamin C, vitamin E and friendly on eczema and psoriasis. Both packaging and formulas were subjected to testing in a 50-degree heat chamber for three months – pretty much summer in the Middle East.  
AED140; peacefull.com

Best for serious hydration

The brainchild of Moroccan beauty expert Hind Sebti, whind combines science-led formulas with soft, heritage-rich, cruelty-free ingredients. Recently launched in the Middle East, the brand is quickly becoming known for its two hero products – Marrakech Light Illuminating Magic Oil and Sahara Silk Vanishing Cream Exfoliator. The former offers a serious burst of hydration, formulated with the scorching Middle Eastern summer in mind and a blend of nine vitamin-rich oils, like jojoba, argan, olive, almond, apricot and desert date. This lightweight formula is perfect for the heat, quickly absorbing while leaving skin dewy, soft and noticeably plumper. A new duo set of the Illuminating Magic Oil has also been released in a duo, combined in a two-step programme with the Instant Glow Tinting Water for a holiday glow without the sun damage.
whind.com

Best for sightseers and on-the-go travellers

Founded by Reem al Khalifa, Green Bar has quickly become one of Bahrain’s best-kept beauty secrets. Conceptualised and manufactured within the Kingdom, Green Bar products span skincare and body products to fragrance and gift sets – all made with a focus on local ingredients. When travelling, make sure to pack its natural deodorant, a hand-bag-sized hero which aims to keep your lymph glands chemical and toxin-free. The stick is made with beeswax, coconut oil, olive oil, alum, sodium hydrogen and frankincense resin – making it not only one of the best travel beauty products, but good for your body, too.
AED110, greenbarinc.com