Rooted in Heritage. Powered by Nature.
The Dirty Lamb Story
From NICU nurse to clean beauty trailblazer, Ahlam “Lam” Khan has built Dirty Lamb into a cult-favorite skincare brand known for gender-inclusive formulas, sustainably sourced ingredients, and fresh, small-batch production. Inspired by her Palestinian-American heritage and a passion for natural rituals, Lam set out to transform skincare into something more sensorial, intentional, and empowering. We sat down with her to talk about feminism, sustainability, entrepreneurship—and, of course, her bestselling Apricot Cleansing Oil.
Q1. You left a demanding career as a NICU nurse to start Dirty Lamb in 2016. What gave you the courage to take that leap, and how has that moment shaped the way you lead your brand today?
It was during a women’s conference in Chicago called Fear Paradox that everything changed for me. I was surrounded by these bold, brilliant women. Many of whom had overcome incredible obstacles to build something of their own. One speaker’s words echoed in my mind: “If not today, then when?” That mantra lit a fire in me.
At the time, I had just received a big purchase order from TJX. It was the first major confirmation that someone else believed in what I was creating on a large scale. That moment gave me the confidence to believe in myself too. I knew that if I didn’t take the leap then, I would regret it.
Q2. Dirty Lamb’s formulas are deeply inspired by your Palestinian-American roots, incorporating ingredients like Turkish coffee, cinnamon, and turmeric. How do your cultural traditions influence the way you approach skincare?
My connection to skincare started long before I realized it. It began in the kitchen with my Tata (grandmother). She lived with us growing up, and I would watch in awe as she cooked elaborate meals entirely from scratch, often for a dozen people, all without a second thought. There was a quiet power in how she moved, measuring nothing, but creating everything with heart, instinct, and tradition.
That same philosophy is at the core of Dirty Lamb. I blend heritage with intention, not just to create products but to create meaningful rituals. My dad would tell me stories about how, back in Palestine, they would use Turkish coffee grounds to pack wounds because of its natural ability to promote healing and prevent scarring. That stayed with me. It wasn’t just about skincare…it was about resourcefulness, reverence for the earth, and the belief that nature already gives us what we need.
Today, ingredients like Turkish coffee, cinnamon, and turmeric aren’t trends to me, they’re sacred reminders of where I come from. Every formula I create is infused with that sense of heritage, healing, and intention. It’s my way of honoring my roots while helping not just myself but others to feel confident in their own skin.
Q3. Dirty Lamb is known for being 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic, with a focus on transparency and small-batch freshness. Why was sustainability such a cornerstone from the start?
Sustainability has always been at the heart of Dirty Lamb, not just as a business choice, but as a deeply personal value. I started this brand with the intention to create something that’s not only good for your skin, but also kind to the planet, animals, and future generations.
As a Palestinian-American woman who grew up watching my Tata and Mom make everything from scratch, wasting nothing and using everything with purpose, I saw firsthand how powerful it is to live intentionally. That same mindset carried into my skincare formulations. Every ingredient I choose is clean, every bottle is hand filled with care, and every product is made in small batches to ensure freshness, quality, and minimal waste.
From day one, I wanted to build a brand that people could rely on: transparent in its process, trustworthy in its mission, and powered by nature. Our flock deserves to know what they’re putting on their skin and to feel empowered by that knowledge.
I truly believe skincare can be both luxurious and responsible. Dirty Lamb was built to nourish not only the skin, but the world we live in.
Q4. If you had to bust one myth about clean beauty that drives you a little crazy, what would it be?
The myth that really drives me crazy is the idea that oil is bad for your skin, especially for people with oily or acne-prone skin. I’ve seen firsthand how oils can transform even the most reactive skin types when formulated properly. I used to struggle with extremely oily skin, especially in my T-zone. It wasn’t until I formulated our Mint Coffee Scrub that I finally saw a real shift. My skin balanced out, and my sebum production regulated naturally.
Q5. The Apricot Cleansing Oil has become one of Dirty Lamb’s hero products. What inspired its creation—and why did you choose apricot as the star ingredient?
If I’m being honest, I created this product for me. At the time, every oil cleanser I tried was either not 100% natural or left my skin irritated and breaking out. It got so frustrating that I resorted to using just water to cleanse my face. I knew my skin and others like mine - deserved something better. So I decided to create it myself.
Apricot came to me not just as a skincare ingredient, but as a piece of home. My family would eat them fresh or qamr al-deen (apricot leather), and I always associated them with warmth, softness, and natural beauty. As an oil, apricot kernel oil is lightweight, gentle, and packed with skin-loving vitamins like A and E. It cleanses without stripping, nourishes without clogging, and leaves the skin feeling like it’s been kissed by the sun.
Q6. Oil cleansing is still new to many people. What’s the biggest misconception about using oils to cleanse your skin?
Our skin naturally produces oil (or sebum) to protect and moisturize itself. When we over-strip it with harsh cleansers, it goes into overdrive to compensate which leads to even more oil, congestion, and inflammation.
Oil cleansing works by using clean, nourishing oils to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without disrupting your skin’s natural barrier. It’s gentle, effective, and leaves your skin hydrated & soft - not stripped.
Q7. What’s one little “behind-the-scenes secret” about the Apricot Cleansing Oil that customers might not know but would love to hear?
I had three other cleansers I was working on before our Apricot Cleansing Oil. However, I wasn’t happy with the results. Then one night, while I was in the shower a juicy apricot popped in my head and I was like I need to dive into this oil. It’s in those quiet, fluid moments that my creativity flows and where my formulations are born.
Q8. As Dirty Lamb continues to grow and expand, how do you stay true to your values while scaling your business?
As we scale, I stay deeply connected to our mission by continuing to handcraft formulas in small batches, using vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic ingredients I personally believe in. I also am solely involved in the creative and product development process because each product still begins with a personal need, a cultural memory, or a story I want to tell.
Q9. If you could only use one Dirty Lamb product for the rest of your life, which would it be—and why?
Without a doubt, it would be our Dirty Lamb Whipped Milk, specifically the Mint seasonal scent. It’s my holy grail hydrator for both face and body. I formulated it to be lightweight yet deeply nourishing, and I truly haven’t found anything else that gives my skin this level of glow.
The cooling mint is incredibly refreshing but what really makes it a forever favorite is the way it helps with aging skin. Thanks to organic unrefined shea butter, it smooths out fine lines and softens dry patches without feeling greasy. Over time, it helps plump and hydrate in the most natural way.
Q10. You’re stranded on a desert island. You can only bring three pantry ingredients to DIY skincare. What are you packing?
Organic coconut oil, avocado, and turkish coffee.
Q11. So many of our readers are women considering their own big leaps—whether starting a business, changing careers, or simply redefining themselves. What advice would you give to anyone standing at the edge of a bold decision?
Let your creativity and your big ideas lead the way. If you’re hesitating, ask yourself: What’s the cost of not trying? The unknown will always feel intimidating, but that’s where the growth and the magic lives. Take the leap. Even a small step in the direction of your truth is powerful.
