What makes a cosmetic halal
Scholars apply similar principles to cosmetics as to food, with one difference: most cosmetics are not eaten. Many scholars are therefore more lenient on things such as alcohol in perfume, while still avoiding anything made from pigs. Halal cosmetics generally:
- contain no ingredients from pigs;
- contain no animal ingredients from animals not slaughtered Islamically, where scholars treat that as impure;
- are made without cross-contamination from such ingredients;
- for many people, are also cruelty-free and vegan, although that is a separate standard.
Ingredients to check
| Ingredient (INCI name) | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Carmine / CI 75470 | Insects | Disputed; common in red lipstick and blush |
| Collagen | Cattle, pigs or fish | Depends on source |
| Keratin | Animal hair, wool or feathers | Depends on source |
| Lanolin | Sheep's wool | Accepted by most scholars |
| Glycerin | Plant or animal fat | Depends on source; usually plant |
| Stearic acid, sodium tallowate | Plant or animal fat | Tallowate is animal fat |
| Squalene | Shark liver or olives | Plant squalane is common |
| Placenta | Animal or human | Avoided |
| Hyaluronic acid | Fermentation or rooster combs | Usually fermentation-made today |
| Snail mucin | Snails | Disputed |
| Alcohol denat. | Synthetic or fermented | Allowed on the skin by most scholars |
Our halal ingredients checker recognises these names, so you can paste a cosmetics ingredient list and check it the same way as food.
Wudu and "breathable" products
For wudu (ablution) to be valid, water must reach the skin, hair and nails it washes. Products that form a waterproof layer, such as standard nail polish, waterproof mascara and long-wear lipstick, may need to be removed first. Products that only stain or soak in, such as henna, most moisturisers and fake tan, do not block water. See is nail polish halal?, is lipstick halal? and is fake tan halal?
Perfume and alcohol
Most scholars allow perfume and skin products containing alcohol, because the alcohol is not drunk and is usually synthetic. Some prefer alcohol-free fragrances (attars) for prayer. See is perfume with alcohol halal?
Halal-certified cosmetics
A growing number of brands carry halal certification from bodies such as JAKIM, MUI and IFANCA, especially brands from Malaysia and Indonesia. In the UK, certified ranges are sold online and by some high-street chemists. As with food, look for a named certifier's logo rather than the word "halal" alone. See halal logos explained.
Frequently asked questions
What makes skin care halal?
Halal skin care contains no ingredients from pigs or from animals not slaughtered Islamically, and is made without contamination from them. Many halal brands are also vegan.
Is lanolin halal?
Lanolin comes from sheep's wool, collected without harming the animal, so most scholars consider it halal.
Is collagen in skin care halal?
Collagen is halal when it comes from fish or halal-slaughtered cattle. Collagen from pigs is not halal. Check the source or choose plant-based alternatives.
Is alcohol in skin care haram?
Most scholars allow alcohol in skin care and perfume because it is applied to the skin, not consumed, and is usually synthetic.
Do I need to remove makeup for wudu?
Products that form a waterproof layer, such as nail polish and waterproof mascara, should be removed so water reaches the skin. Products that soak in or stain do not need to be removed.