Kaula Lumpur, January 10: Standards Malaysia issued a bulletin in August 2009 outlining the rationale behind a soon-to-be-proposed standard governing halal cosmetics. The standard has been drafted in response to a growing global demand for products that meet halal standards.
So, what does a halal cosmetic mean and can all cosmetics be halal?
Different People, Different Views
On interviewing different people, different opinions about and definitions for halal cosmetics were encountered.
Some defined them as anything “free from haram products,” such as pigs and certain biochemicals. Others defined them as “some eyeliners and mascara,” while a third group referred to them as “cosmetics that enhance a woman’s natural beauty but not in a forbidden manner.”
“My friends and I do not think about what is halal when it comes to cosmetics. Halal is important for food, but for other products, I am not sure,” says Aisha, 33 years old.
It is clear from just a small sample of interviews that the issue of halal cosmetics is not something to be taken lightly. To use the term as a marketing point of difference or a lure to attract more customers is deeply disrespectful. Furthermore, it is clear that the types of products worthy of halal stamp should be carefully considered.
When it comes to products that help to maintain cleanliness (e.g., soap, shampoo, deodorant, and body wash) and protect hygiene (e.g., moisturizing creams, certain hair conditioners, toothpastes, mouthwashes, lip balm, and sunscreen), the development of an all-encompassing halal standard makes much sense and would be highly welcomed.
The Halal Standards
The proposed halal standard will require that cosmetics manufacturers comply with the relevant parts of the food standard MS 1500 — all ingredients must comply with halal and Shari`ah requirements, and no non-halal ingredients such as alcohol or materials derived from pigs should be included. Moreover, all ingredients must be stored, manufactured, packaged, and delivered in accordance with strict halal standards.
With the rise of biotechnology and high-tech anti-aging products, making the right non-food choices is becoming harder than ever. Muslims all over the world will welcome being able to buy their body care essentials without first having to contact the manufacturers, check each ingredient, and take products along to the mosque for consultation.
However, it is when we come to products such as brightly colored nail varnish, makeup, hair styling products, glitters, and hair dyes that views start to diversify. The types of cosmetic products that could achieve the halal status under this new standard are open to interpretation.
In addition to which products should be certified, one must also consider how easily these cosmetics can be removed in preparation for Prayer. Nail polish, fake tans, permanent hair dyes, and long-lasting lip colors are definitely areas for the cosmetics industry and the Muslim community to think about.
Business or Spirituality?
All ingredients must comply with halal and Shari`ah requirements, and no non-halal ingredients such as alcohol or materials derived from pigs should be included.
The fact that any product could pass the halal certification standard is causing some people to question the motives behind this growing market segment.
Niche markets can cite big business opportunities, and for some people, only cash is sacred. There is no doubt that the introduction of a standard for halal cosmetics will be seen by some as an opportunity too good to miss.
However, for many Muslims, the very notion of the term halal being used as a nifty piece of niche marketing is abhorrent. Halal is more than the sum of the product manufactured; it is a divine law, faith, and guideline for life.
Indeed, it not only matters what goes into the product, but also the ethics of the manufacturing company, the way that the product is marketed and distributed, and the motivation of the company involved for pursuing this market.
“If a company had a production line of cosmetics under the label banner halal, but the people running this company were sinister and corrupt in their administration and their ethical and moral stance, the majority of Muslims would not buy their products,” Aly (not his real name), 39 years old, told IslamOnline.net (IOL).
“Before buying something halal, I would want to know more about the company or check their website. Most importantly, what are the companies’ ethics and origins, and how do they source their ingredients?” added Aina, 25 years old.
Standards Malaysia is fast becoming the global authority for halal certification. As such, it is in a perfect position to offer more reassurance and authenticity to this emerging market.
However, our external appearance is only one aspect of beauty, and thus, it seems wise to protect and respect it without letting it rob us of our full potential. Real beauty comes from the things that we do, the way of life that we lead, the love that we share, and people’s hearts that we touch. And while halal cosmetics may have a part to play, they should not be used flippantly.
References
“Halal Cosmetics.” Standards Malaysia. 12 Sep. 2008. Accessed 18 Jan. 2010.
“New Make-up Line Has No Alcohol or Pig-Residue: Muslim Women Get “Halal” Cosmetics.” Al Arabiya News Channel. 12 Sep. 2009. Accessed 18 Jan. 2010.
Patton, Dominique. “Could Halal Cosmetics Be Developing Into a New Global C&T Niche Market?” Cosmetics Business. 28 May 2009. Accessed 18 Jan. 2010.