Potent and pure

Most people are unaware that certain high levels of synthetic chemicals and additives are toxic and could cause long term damage to skin. The average woman uses a dozen personal-care products every day, totalling over 160 chemical ingredients.

“Statistical reports claim women ingest up to 2.7kg of make-up chemicals a year and 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed, including synthetic chemicals. If so, why not use it to our advantage and feed skin with healing and beneficial organic oils?” said Dr Mah Hussain-Gambles, founder and creator of world’s first halal and organic skincare Saaf, which means pure in Persian.

Mah was in town to launch the British skincare brand in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Mah, 40, is a pharmacologist with 15 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry. The Leeds-based doctor began creating her own skincare range after being disillusioned with beauty marketing claims.

She explored benefits of organic products and formulated concoctions for her husband’s sensitive skin. When her solutions began showing fruitful results, neighbours and friends began knocking on her door. One thing led to another, eventually leading to the company’s creation in 2004.

Mah said Saaf’s selling point was that it combined safe science and nature. And to ensure high quality standards, she goes by a personal philosophy – if she is willing to drink (neat) 100ml of the ingredients, only then does it go into the formulation.

“In order to know if an ingredient is safe, I conduct rigorous research in different medical databases. If I am convinced the ingredients are non-toxic and safe, I will use them to formulate my products.

“I started looking at old remedies including those found in ancient Egyptian tombs, Indian and Chinese medicines, and those used by Prophet Muhammad and discovered they had amazing healing properties. For example, black seed oil has a calming effect on skin while rosehip seed oil, used by Aztecs in Chile, helps in skin rejuvenation,” said Mah.

Saaf contains raw materials sourced from certified organic suppliers worldwide, without GMO (genetically modified organisms), artificial fragrance or colour, alcohol, irritants and unnecessary synthetic additives. Some products are vegan certified.

Products are organically grown and cold processed so oils are extracted by a physical process rather than chemical or heat treatment. The soil has to be free from pesticides for three years before the raw material is certified organic, according to British based organic committee, Soil Association.

Mah explained the idea to create halal products was mooted after her husband’s insight on alcohol-based skincare products.

“My husband, Malcolm Amir, noticed that many of my previous skincare products contained alcohol. He found it an irony that as Muslims, we don’t drink alcohol but products containing alcohol are used on our skin.

“A lot of what you put on your skin gets absorbed directly into the blood stream and that is something we should be aware about,” said Mah, mother to a pair of twins.

Body and face products available here include hydrating face and lip balm; face cleanser, face serum, shower gel and foot balm. All products are packaged in glass and the cartons are recyclable. The only drawback is there aren’t specific products catering to women with different skin types.

Mah explained: “Saaf skincare range is formulated with a potent blend of botanicals to help even out irregular skin tone, moisturise and protect skin against environment damage. People with different skin conditions can use our products. For example, a woman with oily skin can use the face serum, despite it being oil based. The products should be used sparingly.

“Other products designed for oily skin tend to contain oil stripping ingredients. With continuous usage, your glands will produce oil, leaving skin confused. Our bodies are amazing machines designed to heal themselves if given time and right ingredients.”

Mah said the products are 100% oil based and highly concentrated. A pump-full of serum is sufficient for the face, neck, chest and the back of the hands.

Products range between RM80 and RM300. Available at TNS Skinlab outlets nationwide. For details, browse apothecaryncompany.com or saafpureskincare.com.