Skincare and makeup are important for everyone. Regardless of gender, lifestyle choices, or religion. Skin is our largest organ. It needs attention and good care.
As time goes on, skincare brands become more aware. If the terms ‘vegan’ and ‘organic’ are already fairly old news, now the word ‘halal’ is rising.
Skincare that follows Islamic laws is not far from vegan skincare. However, some differences occur. But despite the similarities, there is a high probability that vegan skincare is not halal.
In this article, we explain everything about halal skincare. Now, let’s dive into it.
What ‘Halal’ Means?
The word ‘halal’ means ‘permitted’, ‘legal’, or ‘lawful’ in Arabic. Muslims have many written rules to follow. And when something is halal, it is okay to consume or use.
Most commonly, ‘halal’ refers to food. For example, if the meat is halal, Muslims can consume it. But halal suggests that the process of obtaining the meat took place according to Islamic rules.
To fully understand whether something is allowed in Islam, we should rather look at what is forbidden. Here comes the term ‘haram’.
‘Haram’ means ‘forbidden, illegal’ in Arabic. So some foods, drinks, and products are forbidden for Muslims. For instance, pork or the meat of any animal that did not die according to religious practice is haram. This also includes by-products like gelatin or animal fats like lard.
Meat-eating animals, alcohol (including products containing alcohol), and addictive substances are illegal, too. Muslims refrain from anything harmful to health.
What Makes Skincare Halal?
Halal skincare is skincare produced with ingredients not considered forbidden in Islam. Halal skincare must also be ethically made. This includes an ethical working environment, authenticity, and interests behind the business.
Halal skincare does not include any parts of forbidden animal components. Such as gelatin, collagen, lard, tallow, lanolin, or glycerin. Yet, it is important to note that some of these animal-based ingredients may be consumed if derived from Halal animals. Halal skincare, however, never contains alcohol.
In addition to prohibited ingredients, Muslims are also against animal testing. Plus, the use of unfair work labor and working in unethical conditions are considered to be haram.
Further, skincare products are not halal if they are produced by an unlawful company that has usury or excessive debt. Excessive self-interest in business is also not welcome in Islam.
Halal skincare products can not be counterfeit or fake. Meaning the skincare product can not be created as a result of the theft of someone else’s product. Plagiarism is criticized.
However, grooming, self-care, skincare, and hygiene are very important in Islam for both men and women. But it should not go over hands or attract attention to the opposite sex. Therefore if a product is advertised too sensually, it is also haram.
A very important practice in Islam is Wudhu. This is a procedure that Muslims do to cleanse their bodies. A ritual purification usually performed before the prayers.
Accordingly, halal skincare products should also be water permeable. When a cream blocks water or is oil-based, Wudhu becomes insignificant. If a product is water-soluble and still allows it to reach the skin, Wudhu and the prayers are valid.
Is Vegan Skincare Halal?
The short answer is no, vegan skincare is most likely not halal.
While vegan and halal skincare have much in common, with a high probability, vegan product is created in violation of Islamic rules. Whether it concerns non-water-soluble composition, advertising, or internal business transactions and loans.
However, it is worth checking with the manufacturer, as the basic principles often overlap. In addition to the prohibitions on animal-based ingredients, halal skincare must also be ethical. Fortunately, vegan skincare brands are very likely to have established their conscious and ethical mission, too.
They are more likely to pay fair pay to their employees. Buy raw materials ethically and fair trade. And of course, the packaging is designed and produced with environment-friendliness in mind.
But is halal skincare vegan? Halal skincare does not contain any specific animal ingredients, alcohol, or toxic substances. So with a high probability halal skincare could be vegan.
Still, the Islamic religion allows some animal ingredients obtained through religious practices. But vegans refrain from anything of animal origin.
FAQ About Halal Skincare
Yes. Skincare is halal when applied according to Islamic rules. Grooming, skincare, and hygiene are very important in Islam. But it should be breathable and not go over hands or attract attention to the opposite sex.
Halal skincare is skincare produced with ingredients not considered forbidden in Islam. Halal skincare must also be ethically made. This includes an ethical working environment, authenticity, and interests behind the business.
The short answer is no, vegan skincare is not halal. With a high probability, a vegan product is created in violation of Islamic rules. Whether it concerns non-water-soluble composition, advertising, or internal business transactions and loans.
No, halal skincare is not always vegan. But it could be. Halal skincare does not contain any specific animal ingredients. Still, the Islamic religion allows some animal ingredients obtained through religious practices.
Summary
Halal, like veganism, is much like a lifestyle. In addition to food and drink, the halal principles apply to everyday activities, too. Like skincare or makeup. However, vegan and halal skincare are not synonyms. But they are somehow similar.
In addition to avoiding specific ingredients, halal skin care brands must have high values and standards in every other field of production. Similarly, cruelty-free status and ethical production.
Yet, vegan skincare is most likely not vegan due to the concerns of non-water-soluble composition, advertising, or internal business transactions and loans. Islam has very certain rules.
But looking at the other side of the coin, halal-certified products might be vegan. But not always. Some animal-based components are halal when obtained in certain religious ways.
To be sure of both, we encourage you to ask the manufacturer or do preliminary research online.
