What’s interesting about the halal beauty market, is that it is the new “organic” or equivalent of “ethical” cosmetics category. And many would argue that it’s superior to the other health categories because great care goes into producing halal beauty items which comply with the strict guidelines of halal and tayyab.
Halal cosmetics and halal beauty
Table of Contents
What is halal beauty?
Let’s understand what the forbidden ingredients are.
Halal beauty products are those that are made in compliance with Islamic principles of being humane, clean, and pure. Halal means that these products are free of any haram (forbidden) ingredients. Because of the demand, we see the halal beauty market grow rapidly in just the last few years.
There was already a significant global demand from the global Muslim market, and now we are seeing a rise in interest from the non-Muslim consumer market because of the promise of halal being good for you spiritually and physically.
And because all halal products align with the Islamic faith’s guidelines for goodness, the safety measure in use of these products are widely trusted. And that is comforting to all consumers.
The forbidden ingredients are items such as alcohol, pork products, gelatin, cochineal extract, and anything that has not been obtained in an ethical or humane manner or is not deemed good for you by the faith based guidelines. Halal products are not tested on animals.
Why Muslims prefer halal beauty?
To understand a Muslim, it’s important to understand their practices and values system.
Muslims believe that it is important that anything they consume or that can enter through their pores, must be of best quality and humanely sourced, which is why they trust the halal certified products. They go through stringent processes before getting approved, ideally.
However, it is very important to ensure you know the names of the reliable halal certification bodies so that you look for their mark before purchasing a product that claims to be halal. Not all certification bodies are the same. Because the halal beauty market is expected to exceed $107 billion by 2027, and according to Pew Research, Muslims make up 23% of the global population, it is expected that many will attempt to target this space.
Hence your own measures to check reliability of halal certification must be in place. This is in order to ensure you are approaching your halal consumer activities with trust and clarity.
Tayyab, is also a very important factor, and should not be overlooked. The word “tayyab” means “pure”, “clean”, and “wholesome”. A tayyab product would meet all the halal guidelines, plus additional criteria for ethical, sustainable, and pure factors. This would extend to the packaging as well as fair labour practices of the Company.
Ideally these products would offer a holistic approach to beauty care. A tayyab product is one where the entire lifecycle of the product has been thoroughly considered before being released into the market. In other words, it is full of good will, and that’s good for us spiritually as well.
Can everyone benefit from halal beauty?
The factors that are important to consider.
Firstly, the halal beauty industry has become significantly large. That’s good news for everyone. It means you will always find a diverse range of products that cater to all skin types, colours, and beauty needs. Because the primary market, which is the Muslim consumers, come from all backgrounds and races. The development of these products is with every type of person in mind.
What is wudhu?
Is my halal make up wudhu friendly?
Muslims wash themselves in a ritual ablution called wudhu before each of their prayers every single day. And since they pray 5 times a day, this necessitates that they stay in a state of purity for each prayer or do this wudhu routine of washing before attending the prayer.
Since wudhu requires washing the hands, arms, full face including inside the mouth and nostrils, the head, ears, back of neck and feet, one can imagine why a woman who is perfectly done up for her day with make up and the works, could be concerned about performing wudhu at intervals of her day before she prays. Understandably, she would be concerned about ruining her make up.
Enter the wudhu friendly make-up. This is halal make up made with water permeable ingredients which allows the skin to breathe so as to not create a barrier for the water to touch the skin. Some popular wudhu friendly make-up brands include Inglot, 786 Cosmetics, and Zahara. Scholars generally agree that if the water can touch the skin through the make up, then there is no problem with wearing make up while performing wudhu.
Is make-up discouraged in Islam?
It is the ingredients, as well as how we wear it, that is the consideration.
We’ve already covered the concept of halal and tayyab when it comes to ingredients and overall practices of both the company and the consumer. Now let’s talk about how you will use these cosmetics. The intention matters greatly in Islam.
So, if you are planning to look over done, attract the gaze of everyone at any cost; this means wearIng an inappropriate amount or style of make up that people have to look at you in an unusually excessive manner. This is frowned upon in Islam.
Generally speaking, we do not make any effort to draw undue attention on ourselves in Islam. This is a religion of modesty. It is also a region of incredible beauty. So to be your most beautiful is a good thing in Islam, as long as you are not abusing that beauty and cheapening yourself.
The best part about being a practicing Muslim is that we know we can turn to God to guide us, therefore we will know in our hearts when we are wearing something in a manner that will attract questionable attention on us. Attention like this can be dangerous and bring harm upon a person. Hence why we are discouraged from being such attention seekers.
Can Muslims use non halal cosmetics?
Many Muslims do use non halal and mainstream brands, especially when they feel there is no other choice.
In all circumstances, most Muslims will read labels to ensure that the haram ingredients are not in the mainstream product. Since most Companies are aware of the faith based criteria of Muslims, they are careful to avoid putting haram ingredients in so that they don’t lose this very valuable consumer group, the Muslim consumers.
What about halal nail polish?
Many argue that even the “halal nail polish” is questionable.
It is true that the use of nail polish is a controversial issue amongst Muslims. Some Muslim scholars will agree that it is permissible if proven to be water permeable. This means that the wudhu water can touch the nails without a problem. Others do not believe it is permissible because there is a chance that not all of the nail will be touched by the wudhu water.
Whatever side of the argument you are on, we are always taught in Islam to take the middle path. The path that will be safest and bring you ease.
Are halal skin care brands in demand?
When a Muslim consumer has found a skin care brand, and if it is also halal, and tayyab…well that’s the winning ticket!
Muslim consumers could very well be the most loyal consumers in the world. Because when their faith based guidelines along with personal preferences are met, they stick to it.
With skin care, we are seeing more full range lines coming out. This includes cleansers, moisturisers, serums, and face masks. All free from haram ingredients, and if the consumer agrees that they are formulated so they work with their type, then the brand is a keeper!
The skin care game is the most complicated, but once the brand nails it, it’s the makings of a beautiful relationship with their Muslim customers.
Are there make up brands to be aware of that aren’t halal?
Similarly, are there skin care brands to be aware of for not being halal?
Since there are brands out there that use animal ingredients derived from animals that were not slaughtered in a humane manner under the halal principles, and those that do use ingredients like alcohol, gelatin, pig based ingredients, etc. It is best to note which ones they are and to avoid them if you are pursuing a halal and tayyab noble life.
Since there are brands out there that use animal ingredients derived from animals that were not slaughtered in a humane manner under the halal principles, and those that do use ingredients like alcohol, gelatin, pig based ingredients, etc. It is best to note which ones they are and to avoid them if you are pursuing a halal and tayyab life.
Some of the well known beauty brands that use non halal methods or ingredients are
- Maybelline
- L’Oreal
- Revlon.
It is advisable that one do their own research to further understand this space of cosmetic brands that may not be suitable for the Muslim lifestyle.
Final thoughts about halal beauty and cosmetics
There’s definitely an awareness of the halal beauty market worldwide. Even mainstream beauty brands have started to cater to this niche market by launching their own halal lines. It’s good to see this level of accommodation which always compels a healthy level of creativity in the products in order to give the consumers more exciting options.
Because halal beauty is not a trend, it is a way of life, it is taken seriously by Muslims. There’s nothing better for a Muslim than to find a beauty product that aligns with their values whilst providing the best of everything possible in beauty care. It’s the best way to take care of yourself while also adhering to God’s word.
