There’s a quiet strength in the way Saudi women are shaping industries today. It’s not loud or flashy. Instead, it’s steady, determined, and impossible to ignore. A decade ago, the idea of women leading businesses in fields like beauty, wellness, and manufacturing wasn’t as common as it is now. But times have changed. And not just in a way that opens doors, but in a way that allows women to build their own.

In Saudi one of those women is Muzon Ashgar. She created a beauty brand deeply rooted in Saudi heritage, powered by locally sourced ingredients, and crafted with a level of care you can feel on your skin. MZN Bodycare is as much about legacy, empowerment, and redefining luxury as it is about skincare. 

Meet Muzon Ashgar & MZN Bodycare

Muzon Ashgar’s story isn’t one of overnight success. It’s a journey. One that started with a love for handmade products, inspired by her mother, who was an art teacher. That passion turned into curiosity, then into experimentation, and finally, into MZN Bodycare, one of Saudi’s first handmade skincare brands.

She launched MZN in 2015, long before “clean beauty” became a buzzword. Back then, Saudi consumers leaned toward international brands, and the idea of locally made, all-natural skincare wasn’t mainstream. But Muzon saw the potential. She knew that the land itself held some of the most powerful, time-tested ingredients.

Today, MZN Bodycare is a thriving brand, stocked in premium retailers, spas, and pharmacies across Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It’s not just about products. It’s about bringing Saudi’s rich beauty heritage to the world.

Here’s what Muzon Ashgar had to say about her journey, the challenges of starting a business, and what the future holds for MZN Bodycare:

1. What was it like to start a beauty brand in Saudi Arabia before the industry became what it is today? Were there any major obstacles? And was there an impending fear that it might not work? 

Starting MZN Bodycare felt like stepping into uncharted territory. When I began, the beauty industry in Saudi Arabia was still in its early stages, with a strong reliance on international brands. Natural beauty, especially with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, wasn’t as mainstream as it is today. One of the biggest challenges was educating customers about the benefits of natural skincare and shifting the perception that effective products don’t have to be synthetic or imported.

Of course, there was fear—it’s part of any entrepreneurial journey. The doubt wasn’t just about whether the brand would succeed, but whether people were ready to embrace locally made, clean beauty products. But I believed in my vision, and seeing the increasing demand for conscious skincare reassured me that I was on the right path.

2. We understand that you use Saudi natural ingredients in MZN products. What’s your favorite ingredient to work with? And was this a conscious decision to put Saudi natural resources on the map, or did it happen organically?

One of my favorite ingredients is Moringa Peregrina oil from AlUla. It’s a powerful yet lightweight oil, deeply hydrating and rich in antioxidants, making it perfect for skincare. Moringa Peregrina has been used for centuries in this region, and I love how it embodies the strength and nourishment of our land.

While it started as a natural choice—I wanted to use ingredients that are pure, effective, and aligned with our environment—it became a conscious decision to highlight Saudi Arabia’s rich beauty heritage. I wanted to redefine what “luxury” means by showing that some of the most powerful skincare ingredients come from our own land.

3. What’s one beauty secret from Saudi heritage that you think more people should know about?

One beauty secret from Saudi heritage that deserves more recognition is the use of Sidr (jujube) leaves for cleansing and strengthening hair. For generations, Saudi women have used ground Sidr leaves mixed with water to create a natural shampoo that cleanses the scalp, strengthens hair follicles, and adds incredible shine. Sidr is known for its antibacterial properties and gentle cleansing ability, making it a fantastic alternative to synthetic shampoos.

Another timeless beauty ritual is incense-infused haircare using Bakhoor or Oud. Many Saudi women use lightly scented smoke to infuse their hair with fragrance, creating a natural and long-lasting scent that lingers beautifully. This tradition has been passed down for generations and remains a luxurious self-care practice today.

4. Running a business isn’t easy. In fact, it’s very draining at times. What keeps you going on tough days? Was there a moment where you thought of giving up? 

Entrepreneurship is definitely a test of resilience. What keeps me going is knowing that MZN Bodycare isn’t just a business—it’s a passion and a purpose. Seeing the impact our products have on people, receiving messages from customers about how our formulations have helped their skin, and knowing we are creating something meaningful makes the challenges worth it.

There were moments of doubt, especially in the early days when things moved slowly, and I felt overwhelmed wearing so many hats. But I’ve always reminded myself that every obstacle is temporary, and if I quit, I’d never know how far MZN could go.

5. Being a parent and an entrepreneur are both full-time jobs. How do you manage both without losing focus? And what makes it worthwhile for you?

It’s a constant balancing act, and there’s no perfect formula. I’ve learned to set boundaries, delegate when possible, and most importantly, be fully present in whatever I’m doing—whether that’s work or time with my kids.

What makes it all worthwhile is knowing that I’m building something my children can look up to. I want them to see that passion and hard work can create something meaningful and that they should never be afraid to chase their dreams.

6. Have your kids ever inspired you in your business, or do they have their own little take on MZN Bodycare?

Absolutely! My kids are naturally curious about what I do, and they’ve definitely left their mark on MZN Bodycare in their own special ways. They love watching me mix ingredients, and sometimes they even come up with their own creative product ideas—like fun scents or packaging designs.

One of my favorite moments was when my son Mohammed’s kindergarten teacher asked him, “What does your dad do?” and he confidently replied, “Dad works for Mama. She makes soap and has a soap factory.” It was such a pure and funny response, but in a way, he wasn’t wrong! That moment really made me realize how much they see and absorb from my journey as an entrepreneur.

Their perspective reminds me why I started this in the first place—to create something meaningful, not just for myself, but for my family and future generations.

7. If your kids ever wanted to follow in your footsteps, what’s the first piece of advice you’d give them?

I’d tell them: “Build something you truly believe in, and never be afraid to start small.”

Success isn’t about having everything figured out from the beginning—it’s about taking that first step, learning from mistakes, and staying persistent. I’d also remind them that passion alone isn’t enough; they need to be patient, adaptable, and willing to put in the hard work.

And most importantly, I’d say, “Lead with integrity and kindness. Business is about people, not just products.” When you create something with genuine purpose and stay true to your values, success will follow.

8. You run an all-female manufacturing facility, which is amazing. What made you decide to take that path?

It was important for me to create a space where women could thrive, not just in business, but in technical and production roles that are often male-dominated. I wanted to prove that women are more than capable of leading in every aspect of the beauty industry, from formulation to manufacturing.

Beyond that, I’ve seen firsthand how financial independence empowers women and transforms families. If MZN Bodycare can be part of that change, then we’re not just making skincare—we’re making a difference.

9. The business landscape in Saudi Arabia has changed so much in recent years, especially after the announcement of Vision 2030. What’s one opportunity you have today that wasn’t possible when you started?

Vision 2030 has opened doors that weren’t available before, especially for female entrepreneurs. The support for local businesses, the ease of starting and expanding a company, and the focus on innovation have all been game changers.

When I started, there were fewer resources and platforms for emerging brands. Today, there’s a strong ecosystem that encourages local brands to grow, export, and compete globally.

10. What’s next for you and MZN? Any exciting projects coming up? And what are some goals that you aim to achieve with it?

We have some exciting things coming up! One of our big focuses is expanding our product line while staying true to our ethos of clean, effective beauty. We’re also looking at growing our presence in international markets, bringing Saudi’s natural beauty secrets to a wider audience.

Another goal is sustainability—we want to continue refining our processes to ensure we’re as eco-conscious as possible, from packaging to sourcing.

11. If you could describe the future of women entrepreneurs in Saudi in one sentence, what would it be?

The future of women entrepreneurs in Saudi is unstoppable—driven by ambition, creativity, and a vision that is shaping not just local industries, but inspiring the world.

Not Just a Brand—A Movement

Building something from the ground up isn’t easy. Doing it in an industry that barely existed locally? Even harder. But Muzon did it anyway. Because when you believe in something enough, you find a way.

Her story isn’t just about skincare. It’s about what’s possible when you take a chance, trust your instincts, and build something with purpose. And as Saudi Arabia continues to evolve, it is women like Muzon Ashgar who are leading the way with grace and resilience.