Travel Essentials: Soaps that do the work of an entire beauty cabinet

Keep your washbag slim with these high-quality soaps and serums that can multitask.

Dr Bronner's Magic Soaps 18-in-1 Hemp Peppermint Pure-Castile Soap.

When you're travelling light, you don't want to be weighed down with a washbag awash with superfluous bottles and tubes and ... chemicals. What you do want are top-notch items that each serve several purposes and, of course, are super-pure for your skin.

Dr Bronner's Peppermint Pure-Castile Soap

Organic, versatile and best-selling, this American-made liquid soap - made from organic coconut, olive, hemp and essential oils - removes make-up, works in the shower on hair and body, washes clothes and in a pinch can even be used as a toothpaste. It's a camper's staple, from a company set up 60 years ago. A 100ml bottle costs US$6.39 (Dh23) plus p&p (Call 001 760 743 2211 or email [e-mail].

Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt

Coconut oil mixed with sweet frangipani scents this rich and fragrant multitasker, which can be used in the bath to soften and scent the water, as a mask for dry or sun-damaged hair and to moisturise nails and cuticles. Costs Dh179 for 100ml at Debenhams, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai. Visit www.elemis.com or call 04 324 5414 for other local stockists.

Virgin Cold Pressed Rose Hip Oil

Organically produced in Chile, with frankincense and neroli in the mix, this high-potency skin-saver from an outstanding source of natural beauty and health products soothes sunburn, hydrates skin and, used long-term, reduces scarring. The tiny bottle lasts for months - and packs a big punch. A 30ml bottle costs £22.50 (Dh135) plus £30 (Dh179) p&p, online but the Organic Pharmacy will soon have an outlet in the UAE (www.theorganicpharmacy.com; 00 44 207 223 8373).

More of the most durable and practical gear to take on your next holiday at Travel Essentials.