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What Are the Different Types of Halal Makeup?

T. M. Robertson
T. M. Robertson

Halal makeup is makeup considered acceptable for use by Muslims under Islamic law. Many non-Muslims also use halal makeup, however, because it is considered ecofriendly, doesn't use any harsh chemicals or unnatural substances, and involves the ethical treatment of animals. While some makeup lines are marketed as halal, many vegan and organic lines also fall under this category. One of the most popular forms of makeup considered halal is all-natural mineral makeup. Mineral makeup can come in various different forms, including liquid, loose powder, and pressed powder.

According to Islam, halal products are considered acceptable and haram products are unacceptable. In order for makeup to be considered halal and not haram, it must not contain any ingredients forbidden by Islamic law. This typically means halal makeup products cannot contain alcohol, pork, pork byproducts, or any byproducts of other animals not slaughtered according to Islamic tradition. As long as the makeup adheres to these basic rules, it is considered halal and acceptable for Muslims to use. Many commercial lines of makeup are considered haram because they contain alcohol and pork byproducts, such as porcine.

In a general sense, "halal" means "lawful" in Arabic, and refers to that which is permitted under the rules of Islam.
In a general sense, "halal" means "lawful" in Arabic, and refers to that which is permitted under the rules of Islam.

The most common type of halal makeup available is mineral makeup. Mineral makeup is made of all-natural crushed minerals. They contain no animal products, no harsh or unnatural chemicals, and no known potential hazards, such as bismuth oxychloride or parabens. Many mineral makeup brands are certified halal through organizations such as the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils and the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America. While makeup doesn't need to be certified to be considered halal, the certification adds a guarantee that the product is what it says it is.

Halal makeup must be prepared in accordance with Islamic law.
Halal makeup must be prepared in accordance with Islamic law.

Many different vegan lines are also considered to be halal makeup. Since vegan makeup doesn't use any animal products, as long as alcohol isn't listed as one of the ingredients, it's a safe bet that it's halal. Of course, having a cruelty-free certification and a halal certification also helps. For other types of makeup that aren't marketed as pure mineral or vegan, it's often difficult to determine if they are halal, as many of the ingredients derived from animals are listed under alternative names. For example, collagen and hyaluronic acid are often derived from pig placentas, stearic acid is derived from fats found in pig stomachs, and keratin is derived from the hooves, hair, or nails of animals.

Discussion Comments

Pippinwhite

I've heard of vegan, cruelty free and organic makeup, but never specifically halal makeup. I am not Muslim, so that's probably why, but I've never even run across a reference to it before. I'm trying to remember if I've ever seen references to kosher makeup. Seems like I have, but I don’t remember where. Maybe on a TV show or in a magazine or something.

Still and all, I think using these kinds of cosmetics is good because we want to encourage manufacturers to employ ethical, cruelty free methods in producing their makeup. That's just good stewardship of our resources, in my opinion.

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    • In a general sense, "halal" means "lawful" in Arabic, and refers to that which is permitted under the rules of Islam.
      By: Aleksandar Todorovic
      In a general sense, "halal" means "lawful" in Arabic, and refers to that which is permitted under the rules of Islam.
    • Halal makeup must be prepared in accordance with Islamic law.
      By: Orhan Çam
      Halal makeup must be prepared in accordance with Islamic law.
    • Halal markets often carry a selection of halal makeup and cosmetics.
      By: Mikey
      Halal markets often carry a selection of halal makeup and cosmetics.