DATE SEEDS TO SKINCARE
By Alhanouf Mohammed Alrowaili
In the golden heart of Saudi Arabia, where ancient palm trees stand as enduring symbols of resilience and renewal, Abeer Abdullah Alzaid and Saud Algosaibi co-founded Layal, a brand redefining skincare, sustainability, and heritage, one date seed at a time. More than just a skincare label, Layal tells a story of returning to roots while boldly embracing the future. Combining ancestral wisdom with modern innovation, Abeer and Saud have transformed the humble date seed into the cornerstone of natural, high-performance beauty. Their vision is to reintroduce the palm tree, not only as a cultural icon but as a powerful symbol of natural wellness.
Though officially founded in 2021, Layal’s journey began years earlier. In 2018, the founders discovered the untapped potential of date seed oil, a resource long cherished in Saudi homes for healing scars and as a natural eyeliner, yet overlooked by modern skincare. Scientific testing confirmed what tradition had always known: the date seed is rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and amino acids that nurture skin regeneration and fight aging.
Abeer’s expertise in organic skincare formulation, paired with Saud’s research in essential oils and local agriculture, laid the foundation for a brand that honors both heritage and efficacy. Their mission was clear: to revive forgotten uses of the palm and transform agricultural waste into luxurious, valuable products.
Layal’s first offering, a 100% pure date seed oil serum, quickly won loyal fans. Its success blossomed into a full product line, including facial and body oils and scrubs, hair oils, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, multi-use essential oil balms for pain relief, date seed heating pads for muscle and joint therapy, and more.
Among Layal’s most cherished creations is Bukhoor Tabeena, a natural incense crafted from palm leaves, inspired by the lush oasis of Al-Ahsa. Infused with authentic Arabian aromas, it naturally repels insects while evoking the warm spirit of traditional Saudi homes. Bukhoor Tabeena is more than fragrance, it’s a sensory bridge to the past, capturing the very essence of palm farms and cultural heritage.
Every product honors traditional Saudi remedies while meeting modern quality standards. Local botanicals such as frankincense and seder (Ziziphus spina-christi), known for their healing and cleansing properties, are woven throughout the collection.
Layal’s commitment to sustainability runs deep. Nothing goes to waste, from converting palm pulp into compost to exploring palm fiber packaging, the brand reimagines the palm tree’s entire ecosystem as a model of circular production.
At Layal’s core lies profound respect for the environment and Saudi Arabia’s natural landscape. All primary ingredients, date seeds, oils, and botanicals, are sourced locally, supporting small-scale farms and reducing carbon footprints.
Their date seed oil extraction uses cutting-edge gas extraction technology from pharmacology, preserving nutrients by avoiding heat or solvents. Every small batch is lab-tested for purity and safety, complying with Saudi Food & Drug Authority standards.
Packaging reflects this eco-conscious ethos: glass bottles, biodegradable labels, recyclable boxes, and refillable systems are thoughtfully chosen to minimize waste. For Layal, sustainability is a foundation, not an afterthought.
For Abeer and Saud, the palm tree is more than a plant, it’s a living symbol of cultural continuity and ancestral memory. Abeer’s childhood memories of her grandmother’s seed-based heating pads and traditional scrubs breathe emotional and spiritual depth into the brand. This family business embodies a heartfelt blend of heritage and a passion for natural, sustainable quality.
Innovative products like the handmade date seed heating pad offer biodegradable, reusable alternatives to electric pads, while Safcha tea, with antioxidants akin to green tea, repurposes palm leaves once discarded.
Layal’s products are available through retail and concept stores in Riyadh and across Saudi Arabia, with international expansion plans targeting the GCC and global wellness markets.
Looking ahead, Layal aims to become a global symbol of Arabian botanical luxury without ever losing its roots in Saudi soil and traditions. Upcoming innovations include natural supplements, a natural ointment for burns, scars, and sun damage, tonics, and palm pollen-infused waters. No matter how far the brand travels, its soul remains intertwined with the date palms that have shaded the desert for centuries and the ancestral wisdom passed down through generations.
Abeer Al-Zaid, a proud descendant of Hail, carries Saudi heritage into everything she creates. Her natural products factory in the Eastern Province bridges tradition with innovation. Layal reflects Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural fabric, weaving together influences from the palm groves of Al-Ahsa to the deserts of Hail into one authentic identity.
Rooted in recycling, sustainability, and cultural preservation, Layal brings the Arabian Peninsula’s most beloved fruit, the date, back to life, crafting products that honor the past while inspiring the future.
