Muslims all over the world are extremely conscious of eating halal food and especially avoiding any thing that has pork or pork fat in it. Even something that is cooked in the same oil which was used to cook pork is strictly avoided by Muslims. But the concept of halal makeup is very new. It is only recently coming to the notice of many Muslims that there are pork and animal residue, as well as alcohol in many cosmetics.
What Does "Halal" Mean?
Halal means "permissible" or "allowed" in Arabic. The things whether food or actions which are strictly prohibited in Islam are not halal. However, those which fall in the category of being allowed are called halal.
Halal, more popularly, is used in connection with food. Followers of Islam are prohibited from eating pork. Therefore, pork is not halal. For Muslims, alcohol is not halal either. Animals that are not sacrificed in the Islamically prescribed manner are also not halal.
What Do Halal Cosmetics Mean?
For cosmetics, body care items, toiletries and perfumes to be halal, they have to meet the following criteria:
- Alcohol-free
- Animal-cruelty free
- Pork, pork residue or pork fat free
There is, however, a difference in school of thought as to which type of alcohol is permitted in manufactured items and which is not. To be on the safe side, it is recommended that a consumer avoid all cosmetics with alcohol. However, if the Muslim consumer is more particular, then it can easily be read upon online or a mosque may be recommended to better understand alcohol in makeup.
What About Organic and Natural Cosmetics Then?
There are several brands which sell purely Halal cosmetics. These can be found by searching them online. Saaf Cosmetics are one of them. However, in case it is difficult to find Halal cosmetics, equally relevant are organic, natural, mineral-based or vegan makeup that are also free of the above mentioned factors. Nature’s Basin is a new company on the horizon selling the finest natural and organic beauty care brands.
What is the Demand Like for Halal Cosmetics?
The awareness of the need for halal cosmetics is slowly growing and hence, so is the demand. The consumers are slowly becoming more aware of cosmetics which do not adhere to the criteria of being halal. Hence, it is definitely a market worth tapping into.
There are still Muslim women who are unaware that popular cosmetics may use pork residue in them. The awareness is slowly growing and beauty care retailers are gradually realizing the importance of this growing market. This is especially true in non-Muslim countries where Muslims are especially aware of the ingredients of everything.
