What Exactly Is "Halal Skincare"?

Halal Skincare 

If you have been searching for and continuously switching from skincare product to skincare product, it is probably time to try something new (and 100% effective). Halal beauty and cosmetics are increasingly popular nowadays and will continue to be increasingly popular. 

According to this report by Grand View Research, the global halal market is expected to reach 52.02 billion USD by 2025. Why is this significant? Halal cosmetics and consumption has and will continue to have a widespread hold in the cosmetics market. Halal-certified products are not only effective, but they are also ethical and do not contain harmful additives or chemicals. 

In the past, many companies were normalizing animal testing and using harsh chemicals in their products before they would go on the shelves. Now, clean and ethical beauty and skincare products are the future. 

By using, supporting and sharing the importance and halal skincare and beauty products, we are sharing what it means to take care of not only our own bodies, but also the environment around us and respecting the animals we share this world with. 

 

What Does “Halal” Mean? 

Before we get into what halal skincare is, we should first lay the foundation of what the term “halal” means. The definition of “halal” means something that is lawful or implying the permissibility of usage or engagement with an object or an act, as authorized by the Sharia (Islamic Law). 

On the other hand, the definition of “haram” is unlawful or implying anything that is impermissible, unlawful, forbidden or prohibited.  

When it comes to skincare and cosmetics, to really be Halal-Certified, the entire production stages need to follow halal practices and principles. Thus, it is most important for companies, brands and laboratories to follow and uphold the entire process of manufacturing and producing products do not contain haram ingredients and products as stated in Islamic Law. 

 

 

Which Ingredients in Skincare Are Considered “Haram”? 

As stated above, haram products are anything that is forbidden to use under Islamic Law. In the cosmetics industry this includes certain alcohol, collagen, animal by-products and more. Below, we will go over a complete list of these forbidden ingredients and additives that are most found in skincare products. 

• Most alcohols – especially in the form of Ethyl alcohol (Ethanol), is easily absorbed by the skin and circulates to all parts of the body. Since drinking alcohol is orally prohibited for Muslims, if Ethanol alcohol is found in the blood, it is declared as haram. 

On the other hand, certain alcohols that are derived from natural sources such as phenoxyethanol and cetyl alcohol are permissible for Muslims to use and apply under the Sharia. Phenoxyethanol acts as a preservative that helps prevent bacteria, fungi and other micro-organisms from growing inside the products. In turn, phenoxyethanol cleanses the skin by inhibiting bacteria growth.  

Furthermore, cetyl alcohol acts as an emulsion stabilizer, which helps prevent the separation of ingredients. It also is a surfactant that creates foam and holds unlike ingredients together while increasing thickness of a product. Cetyl alcohol is found in nature, specifically from the coconut palm tree and oil palm. 

 

Additional Haram Ingredients 

• Collagen – animal derived collagen is sourced from the cartilage, hooves, bones, and hides of cows, pigs, fish and other animals. Also, in the cosmetics industry, it is not directly stated whether collagen that is in products is from certain animals. Why is this important? 

Under Islamic Law, dog and pig are not permitted for consumption, whether it be orally or topically. Thus, since many beauty products do not directly state the sources of their ingredients, many Muslims stay away from products that contain any and all haram ingredients. 

While some products on the market may say that they contain “vegan collagen”, it is really a mix of plants, herbs and lab-made sources that aid in increasing collagen production. Furthermore, as our bodies age, our bodies natural collagen production decreases. You may have heard of retinol, a form of vitamin A that promotes cellular turnover. 

Retinols may be synthetic or vegan, but many retinols do not disclose if they contain irritating chemicals or additives. Although man-made retinols are produced in labs, they may still contain animal by-products. An alternative to retinol is Gotu Kola, which contains all of the benefits of retinol without the risk of inflammation. When it comes to Gotu Kola vs. Retinol, Gotu Kola is your best bet. 

• Gelatin – a major source of gelatin is pigskin, which is forbidden (as stated above). Many cosmetics do not name the source of gelatin, so all products that contain any type of gelatin is avoided. 
• Animal by-products extracted using cruel methods – when it comes to Islamic faith and religion, certain animals are permissible and other animals are not. A halal slaughter method means animals are slaughtered without prior stunning or reversible stunning methods.  

Of course, there are many products, ingredients and items that are considered haram under Islamic Law, but these are the most common ingredients found within the commercial cosmetics industry. 

 

Is There a Difference Between Halal and Veganism? 

Yes, there is a huge difference between halal products and vegan products in the cosmetics industry. Many may confuse “vegan” with halal-certified, but most of the time this is not the case.  

Although vegan skin and beauty products do not contain animal by-products, vegan products may still contain alcohol. As stated, alcohol is not permissible for Muslims. Likewise, some halal-certified brands in the industry may use Islamic Sharia law-compliant ingredients that would not be considered completely ethical to vegan brands (like honey). 

On the other side of this, many brands partake in “greenwashing”, which is using misleading or vague terms that make consumers believe they are buying clean, organic products or ingredients. This is especially harmful because many companies make extremely broad sustainability claims without evidence and even though they may advertise as eco-friendly, they may source raw materials from unsustainable suppliers. 

Thus, when it comes to Halal-certification, the biggest thing is that all ingredients, packaging and sourcing must be traceable and from halal-certified suppliers. Halal practices place an emphasis on pureness and being transparent about what is exactly being put in and on the body. 

 

 

What Does “Halal-Certified” Mean? 

So what exactly does being “Halal-Certified” mean? When a product is halal-certified, that means that product is permissible for Muslims to use with Islamic Law. Halal-certified products and ingredients allow Muslim consumers and audiences to have confidence that the items they are consuming in their lives are aligned with their culture and beliefs. 

Halal principles have many benefits and advantages in everyday life, and especially within skin health and your environment. Halal skincare is important because it supports a more sustainable and ethical lifestyle.  

By supporting brands and companies that do not participate in animal testing or animal cruelty, innocent animals are able to live their lives comfortably and without pain. In addition, halal-certified brands, products and companies do not use harsh or irritating ingredients like alcohol and parabens.  

Thus, it is important to diligently research which brands and companies uphold your values. Luckily, Flora & Noor is Halal-certified, Leaping Bunny Certified, cruelty-free and vegan!  

What does this mean for you? Flora & Noor’s ingredients, packaging and manufacturing process is 100% halal certified and vegan, meaning all Flora & Noor products are safe and permissible for Muslims, vegans and everyone in between! 

 

Best Halal-Certified Products 

Now that we know which ingredients to avoid and what alternatives are best for those who follow Halal practices, what products are best? 

Well, Flora & Noor has an abundance of clean, halal products for all skin types! Flora & Noor’s Vitamin C Resurfacing Toner contains nourishing ingredients that improve elasticity, hydrates and targets dark spots and wrinkles.  

As stated above, phenoxyethanol is safe and permissible for Muslims to apply on the skin. It acts as a preservative and prevents the growth of bacteria in the product and on the skin as well. In addition, the Resurfacing Toner contains a mixture of botanicals such as vitamin C, niacinamide, aloe vera, licorice root, pomegranate and more, all helping to even the skin tone and promote collagen production. 

By keeping the skin hydrated and plumped, skin cell renewal and collagen production are stimulated. Your skin needs thorough hydration to produce new skin cells and to shed effectively from the epidermis. 

Furthermore, the Bright Side Vitamin C Serum contains a mix of Gotu Kola, horsetail, jojoba oil, kosher glycerin and more. It also contains vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) and vegan hyaluronic acid (cassia angustifoila seed). This form of vitamin C is water soluble, gentler on the skin and more shelf stable than just pure ascorbic acid. Therefore, it is less likely to oxidize when exposed to heat or light. 

Vitamin C serums contain high levels of active ingredients, penetrating the skin more deeply in comparison to creams or moisturizers. In addition, vitamin C serums target specific concerns such as wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne and fixing skin barrier damage. Applying a vitamin C serum every morning is essential when looking to even out the skin tone and prevent further free radical damage. 

 

 

Additional Halal-Certified Products 

Flora & Noor’s Super Glow Gel Moisturizer also contains vegan vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, as well as niacinamide, panthenol, coconut oil and more. The benefits of niacinamide include improving the skin’s barrier and preventing water loss. It is a form of vitamin B3 that fades hyperpigmentation while also having anti-inflammatory benefits! 

Panthenol is known as provitamin B5, most known for skin conditioning and as a solvent. Panthenol also helps decrease transepidermal water loss (TEWL). While panthenol can be animal-derived or synthetic, synthetic panthenol is considered halal and vegan. 

When it comes to synthetic or lab-made products, it may sound scary or ‘bad’ that an ingredient is made in a lab, not all synthetic ingredients are bad for you. For example, synthetic beeswax mimics the same properties as regular beeswax found in nature, but it avoids needing to cut down beehives and taking away bumblebees' homes. 

The entire Flora & Noor Vitamin C Collection works to promote skin cell renewal, moisturize, fade wrinkles and fine lines, and reduces acne and redness. If you have been looking to add vitamin C into your skincare regimen, Flora & Noor has the products for every and all skin types!  

Furthermore, the Rose Renewal Cleanser is infused with rose water and extract, aloe vera, shea butter, and kosher glycerin. This cleanser gently clears away impurities and traces of makeup and sebum, while also balancing and hydrating the skin. The main stars of the show are rose water and rose extract. The difference? Read here for more. 

The Rose Renewal Cleanser also contains nourishing tri-peptides that stimulate collagen production and increases elasticity and firmness. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and controls the skin’s pH levels, helping to maintain a more radiant complexion. 

Additionally, the Berry Oxygen Mask with Glycolic Acid is a kaolin clay mask that gently sloughs away dead skin cells and renews collagen production. This mask contains blueberry and cranberry pulp, which naturally boosts collagen production and brightens skin complexion! 

Moreover, glycolic acid is an AHA (alpha-hydroxy-acid) that targets blackheads and hyperpigmentation. By exfoliating dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, it reduces aging signs and minimizes the appearance of pores. 

 

Final Thoughts 

• The term “halal” is Arabic for items that are permissible under Islamic Law. The term “haram” is Arabic for items that are forbidden under Islamic Law. 
• To be Halal-Certified, a brand and company must only use traceable products and ingredients in each stage and process of production. This includes sourcing ingredients and materials from halal-certified companies, as well as using halal-certified packaging and laboratories. It is of utmost importance to be completely transparent with ingredients and materials for halal-certification to consumers. 

• Furthermore, by supporting halal-certified brands and companies, you are also supporting to end unethical and unnecessary practices such as animal cruelty. It is also important to note that ‘vegan’ and ‘halal’ are not interchangeable. 
• When it comes to skincare and what products we apply onto our skin, Flora & Noor is the best option. Flora & Noor carries various products that target all skin concerns, as well as being halal-certified and vegan!  
• Not to mention, Flora & Noor is the first and only halal-certified skincare brand that is based in and made in the United States. If you are looking for skincare that is effective, clean and ethical, look no further.