Ingredient Glossary

What Goes In, and Why

Every ingredient in the Mubadira collection is here because it earned its place. We do not pad formulations with filler ingredients, and we do not use anything purely for marketing appeal. If it is in the jar, it is doing something for your skin.

We keep our formulations short. This is where you can see why.

Virgin Coconut Oil

Sri Lanka

The foundation of every Mubadira formulation. Our virgin coconut oil is cold-pressed within hours of harvest, preserving the full spectrum of lauric acid, vitamin E, and polyphenols that refined coconut oil loses in processing. It penetrates deeply without clogging pores, creating a moisture barrier that lasts through the night.

Deep hydration without greasy residue
Natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
Strengthens the skin barrier against environmental damage

Found in: Velvet Creme, Silk Touch, Royal Balm

Premium Khorasan saffron threads on dark marble

Saffron Extract

Iran, Khorasan

The most expensive spice in the world is also one of the most effective brightening agents in skincare. Our saffron is sourced from the Khorasan region of Iran, where the climate produces the highest concentration of crocin and safranal. These compounds visibly even skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots over consistent use.

Brightens and evens skin tone naturally
Rich in antioxidants that combat premature ageing
Soothes inflammation and redness

Found in: Velvet Creme

Rose Water

Morocco, Damascena

Distilled from Rosa damascena petals in Morocco, our rose water brings a gentle astringency that tones the skin without stripping its natural oils. The scent is an essential part of the Silk Touch experience -- it signals the transition from day to evening, from doing to being.

Balances skin pH and tightens pores
Natural calming and soothing properties
Subtle fragrance that enhances the ritual experience

Found in: Silk Touch

Argan Oil

Morocco, Atlas Mountains

Pressed from the kernels of the argan tree by women-led cooperatives in the Atlas Mountains. Argan oil is exceptionally rich in oleic acid and linoleic acid, which work together to nourish dry skin without triggering excess oil production. It absorbs faster than most plant oils, making it ideal for a hand cream that needs to feel invisible.

Rapid absorption with lasting moisture
Repairs cracked and damaged skin on hands
Non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types

Found in: Silk Touch

Hyaluronic Acid

Biofermented

Our hyaluronic acid is produced through biofermentation, not extracted from animal sources. It holds up to one thousand times its weight in water, drawing moisture from the environment into the skin. We use a multi-weight formulation that penetrates at different depths for both immediate and long-lasting hydration.

Holds up to 1000x its weight in water
Multi-depth hydration for immediate and lasting effects
Plumps fine lines and improves skin elasticity

Found in: Velvet Creme

Oud Essence

Southeast Asia

Oud is one of the most prized fragrance ingredients in the Middle East, and we use it in its subtlest form. Our oud essence is steam-distilled to remove the heavier base notes, leaving a warm, woody whisper that complements the coconut butter in Royal Balm. It is there when you notice it, and absent when you do not.

Warm, woody scent that grounds the evening ritual
Natural conditioning properties for dry, cracked lips
Culturally resonant fragrance note

Found in: Royal Balm

24K Gold

Swiss Formulation

Gold has been used in skincare for centuries across Middle Eastern and South Asian traditions. Our 24K gold is micronised in Switzerland to a particle size that the skin can actually interact with. At this scale, gold helps improve microcirculation and gives the skin a subtle luminosity that is visible but never theatrical.

Improves microcirculation for a natural glow
Anti-inflammatory properties reduce puffiness
Creates a subtle luminosity without shimmer or glitter

Found in: Velvet Creme

Shea Butter

Ghana, cooperatives

Our shea butter is sourced from women-led cooperatives in Ghana, where it is hand-pressed using traditional methods that preserve its full vitamin A and E content. Shea butter creates a protective seal over the skin, locking in moisture from the lighter ingredients applied in earlier steps. It is the reason Royal Balm and Silk Touch feel rich without feeling heavy.

Creates a protective moisture seal on the skin
Rich in vitamins A and E for skin repair
Softens and conditions rough, dry skin

Found in: Silk Touch, Royal Balm

From Ingredient to Formulation

See What These Ingredients Become

Eight ingredients. Three formulations. Every one chosen for a reason.

Explore the Collection Read Our Philosophy