These are some common questions which arise whenever the question of Halal beauty products comes up in debate and also in real life. As followers of Islam, we often face such dilemmas wherein we struggle to achieve the fine line between modernity and religious sanctity. Even if we are not part of the community, it pays to educate oneself about the truth and the truth is, with brands like Iba, that offer respite from the constant questions about Halal vs Haram, it is easier to come to a middle ground with respect to what is Halal makeup.
Difference between Halal and Haram
The word Halal is of Arabic origin and means “that which is permissible ''. The permissibility here refers to Islamic law or Shariyah, i.e. decreed by the Holy Quran as well as teachings from Prophet Mohammed PBUH.
Haram, therefore, is the exact opposite - meaning any product, practice, process or conduct which is prohibited and which, in the eyes of the Creator, is a grave sin or that which brings the faith of Islam into danger.
We have often heard of Halal meat - which is the most widely used food category in which correct Islamic teachings need to be followed. However, you also need to have a business or enterprise which is Halal, use Halal raw material, cook your food the Halal way, treat your neighbors and loved ones as decreed by Shariyah, dispose of your assets and wealth in a Halal manner and so much more. Halal refers to purity of both procedure and intent and ensures incorruptibility, immunity to any kind of damage and an enhancement of one’s faith.
Clearly, Halal is a way of life, not something restricted just to food consumption. Therefore, when someone asks - is makeup Halal or haram - the logical answer is yes - makeup can definitely be Halal!
Halal Cosmetics
What is Halal Cosmetics?
Halal cosmetics are made with Halal ingredients which are permissible and do not contain Haram ingredients like pig fat, alcohol, claws and bone powder from carnivorous animals and birds, certain poisons and their antidotes, insect droppings or materials, etc.
Halal cosmetics are made using only those extracts, actives and ingredients which are deemed Halal and also the process of making them along with the place of manufacture, packing and distribution have to be Halal as well - clean and frequently purified. Thus, not just the cosmetics themselves, but the vendors, suppliers, manufacturers all have to be deemed Halal-certified for these cosmetics to be 100% Halal. An example is our very own Iba Cosmetics, which makes Halal cosmetics accessible all over the world.
Halal Lipsticks & Makeup with Iba
Iba Cosmetics is a one-of-its-kind brand - the 1st Halal-certified brand of beauty and personal care products which was founded in India. The commitment to provide not just Halal but also vegan beauty and cosmetics products means that each offering from Iba is of the highest quality and purity as possible.
One major issue is lipsticks - since they have traditionally contained pig fat to impart the creaminess and gloss required when swiping across the lips and keeping them hydrated and plump. Also, lipsticks are the most accidentally consumed cosmetics - you often end up consuming your favorite lipstick shade as you go about your day eating, drinking and wearing the product for long hours.
Which brings us to the all-important questions - which lipstick is Halal? The answer is simple and contained in the back label of your lipstick - the ingredient list. Halal lipsticks will not contain lard or tallow nor any other kind of pig fat. Nor will they have alcohol or extracts like carmine which gives Haram lipsticks their signature blood red color. They will instead contain natural oils and butters and mineral pigments which give the same or even better results than the traditional non-Halal formulae.
Makeup - Halal or Haram
Young girls starting out on their makeup journey are often confused - is makeup Haram? It is a question asked due to the generations of conditioning that “good” girls wear no makeup and instead hide their beauty. But since we are strictly talking about Halal vs Haram, no - makeup is not Haram if certain rules are adhered to. The person applying should not be doing so in an effort to tempt, misguide or provoke those around them. The makeup applied should contain no such materials which are not Halal and should not interrupt the ablution process. If these conditions are met, using makeup is safe and permissible always.
FAQs:
Is Halal makeup harmful?
No, Halal makeup is not harmful, in fact, to deem something as Halal, it has to be of the highest quality, containing no materials harmful to the human body and thus is quite pure and safe to use and consume.
Halal makeup can be applied by people of all races, religions and ages. It is a way of life and in no way compromises the quality and purity of the product, rather it enhances the same.
Can I pray after putting on Halal cosmetics?
After finishing your mandatory ablutions, you can apply Halal makeup as well as Halal skin care and then so long as you do not need to wash a second time, you may pray after putting on your Halal cosmetics. Opt for a reputed brand like Iba so that there is no doubt in your mind and heart about the products’ purity and definitely ask questions when in doubt.
Is it alright if I end up consuming Halal lipsticks?
Yes, it is 100% safe if you accidentally end up consuming a few micrograms of Halal lipstick. Such formulations are non-toxic and non-allergenic so they do not harm the body in any way. Care should however be taken that the amount is negligible since it is not actually food and not meant to be ingested in large quantities. Products from Iba are also transfer-proof and smudge-proof like our Ultra Matte and Maxx Matte Lipsticks which stay on and do not budge all day long!
