The Best Iranian Beauty Secrets

When you think of beauty in Iran, hair salons, threading, and mani-pedis may come to mind. And while these are very common, there are actually quite a few natural products that Iranian women have been using for centuries to keep their skin radiant and their envy-inducing thick locks lustrous. So take a look at (and maybe a few tips from) some of the best Iranian beauty secrets. 

Kiseh + Sefidâb (کیسه + سفید آب)

This dynamic duo comes from the traditional Iranian bathhouse. Kiseh is a scrubbing mitt that’s typically blue with white stitching. It’s paired with sefidâb, an exfoliator made of various hardened minerals and sheep fat. You rub the sefidâb on the kiseh and then exfoliate your skin. And let me tell you, it’s extremely satisfying (and mildly horrifying) to see the dead skin sloughing off. Those sugar scrubs you see on the market are child’s play. Do they even do anything other than empty your wallet? But this stuff is the real deal. Kiseh gets your blood circulating, leaving your skin absolutely glowing. It’s followed up with a leef (pronounced just like the English “leaf”), a washcloth that’s lathered with soap to wash away any lingering bits of dead skin. (To get the most benefit, it’s important to do kiseh before you use any soap or shampoo. Otherwise, it won’t exfoliate quite as well.)

I highly recommend picking up a kiseh and some sefidâb while you’re in Iran. You can find them in any bazaar or even sold by street vendors. There are even little metal tins specifically to store sefidâb.

Natural soaps

Speaking of suds, some special soaps made with plant oils, such as coconut, are paired nicely with the leef. One famous and traditional natural soap comes from the city of Marâgheh in northwestern Iran. Made with natural fat and lye, the soap there has been handcrafted the same way for 2 centuries. It takes a full day to create before it’s left out to dry and cure, which takes anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks. This art of soap-making in Marâgheh has been inscribed as a national intangible cultural heritage. You can find these soaps in any herbal or natural store and in bazaars across Iran.

Rosewater (گلاب)

Rosewater, or golâb in Persian, is another one of the top Iranian beauty secrets. It’s not just a staple in Iranian desserts and tea, but like many other countries, this delicate classic also forms part of women’s beauty regimens. When I stocked up on 5 bottles of Kashan’s finest and purest rosewater, it wasn’t because I’m an awesome cook. Nope. It was sheer vanity. Dabbed onto a cotton pad (a little goes a long way), rosewater acts as an excellent facial tonic, especially for those with sensitive skin. In the summer, I carry around a small spray bottle to spritz and refresh my face throughout the day. Of course, ingesting it is also beneficial, so I pour a capful in my water bottle to add a bit of flavor.

Sang-e pâ (سنگ پا)

Sang-e pâ (literally “foot rock”), or pumice stone, is a volcanic rock that Iranians use to keep their feet soft and smooth. While not exclusive to Iran, it’s a regular in the Iranian shower, and you’ll see giant sacks of these black rocks in bazaars and traditional stores.

Sedr (سدر)

Perhaps one of the best Iranian beauty secrets for hair is sedr, which comes from the leaves of the lotus tree. You mix the powder with water and leave it on as a hair mask. It tackles dandruff and strengthens and conditions hair, giving it a glossy shine. Although sedr is now also manufactured in shampoo form, I have a feeling it’s not quite the same as using the crushed leaves. (Working a few drops of bitter almond oil on the ends of your hair also does wonders to prevent split ends.)

Sormeh (سرمه)

Sormeh is a natural eyeliner that many Middle Eastern women use, and Iranian women are no exception. It’s made from various nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and hazelnuts which are roasted until black and then ground into soot. 

Sormeh needs an applicator, which is traditionally made of wood or camel bone, but there are metal ones, too. I personally use a brass one because I can’t stand the thought of a wooden stick in my eye. It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of applying it, but you essentially saturate the wand with powder and swipe your waterline and/or eyelids from inside to out. The more you swipe, the more pigmented the look. (Incidentally, the applicators make for nice decorative souvenirs as well.)

Rhubarb powder

This secret weapon for white teeth was passed down to me from my grandmother and mom. Now that I think about it, it seems pretty appropriate considering my maternal family is from Neyshabur, the northeastern city most famous for poets Khayyam and Attar and, as it so happens, rhubarb (ریواس). Rhubarb powder is not only a natural whitener, but it’s also good for other dental problems and the gums. You just dip a wet toothbrush in some powder and brush your teeth normally. I still have a small container of rhubarb powder my grandmother gave me that I now keep as a memento.

Share it on Pinterest