Haram Ingredients in Makeup

With the rise of halal makeup revolutionizing the beauty industry, it’s time to understand what makes makeup haram in the first place—or in other words, haram ingredients in makeup.

As consumers, understanding the prohibited ingredients is essential to make sure you’re buying a halal product.

From animal-derived substances to certain chemicals, the makeup aisle can be a maze of potential pitfalls. 

In this article, we’ll explore all haram ingredients in makeup, shedding light on what to watch out for and empowering you to make informed choices that align with your values.

Whether you’re a makeup maven or just dipping your toes into the beauty world, it’s crucial to know what goes on your skin, and we’re here to help with that!

Haram Ingredients in Makeup

Here’s a roundup of the most common haram ingredients in makeup:

Collagen

Collagen, a protein renowned for enhancing skin elasticity, diminishing wrinkles, and boosting skin hydration, has become a staple in cosmetic and personal care products. 

However, the source of this ingredient is crucial, as it can potentially render a product haram.

Typically derived from animal cartilage, collagen raises concerns for those adhering to Islamic dietary principles. 

If sourced from a plant, it’s deemed safe and halal. Additionally, if the collagen originates from an animal slaughtered in an Islamic manner, it retains its halal status. 

On the other hand, collagen obtained from pigs is unequivocally haram. 

Carmine

Carmine, the vibrant red pigment commonly found in lipsticks and cosmetics, poses an issue for those conscious of halal practices. 

Derived from the dried scales of a beetle named Cochineal, carmine raises concerns due to its insect origin.

While the ingredient is generally accepted in eye shadows, its presence in lipsticks, which can be ingested, may be an issue. 

Islamically, consuming insects is discouraged, with the exception of locusts, as mentioned by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ according to the majority of scholars. Therefore, the use of carmine in lip products may conflict with these principles.

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Stearic Acid

Stearic Acid, a versatile fatty acid, plays a significant role in cosmetics and personal care products, serving as a thickening agent, hardening agent, and even contributing to fragrance. 

However, the origin of this ingredient holds the key to its halal status.

Primarily derived from animal sources, stearic acid can also be sourced from plants. 

If the stearic acid comes from a plant source, the product is considered halal. Similarly, if sourced from an animal, it must adhere to Islamic slaughter methods to maintain its halal status. 

On the other hand, if it’s sourced from an animal not slaughtered according to Islamic rulings, it’s considered haram.

Glycerin

Glycerin, a colorless and odorless liquid, is a common moisturizing agent in skincare products. Like stearic acid, the halal status of glycerin relies on its source, which can be either plant or animal-based.

Before buying, it’s important to explore whether the glycerin in a product is derived from plant sources, making it halal, or from animal sources, requiring verification of Islamic slaughter methods for halal assurance. 

Ethanol

Ethanol and its derivatives – ethyl alcohol, ethylene, and methylated spirits – are common ingredients in many products, ranging from shampoos and deodorants to lotions and creams. 

However, the permissibility of these substances is a subject of controversy within the Islamic community.

Some scholars firmly deem ethanol as haram, while others adopt a more lenient stance, permitting its use in small quantities that do not induce intoxication. 

This diversity of opinions extends to beauty products, where some scholars permit its inclusion, acknowledging its minute concentration, while others maintain restrictions. 

Other Haram Ingredients in Makeup to Watch Out For

In addition to the well-known haram ingredients like collagen, carmine, stearic acid, and glycerin, there are several others that merit attention in everyday personal care products.

1. Casein, Oleic Acid, Lauric Acid, and Gelatin

Some ingredients, including casein, oleic acid, lauric acid, and gelatin, find their way into numerous cosmetics and personal care products. 

The challenge lies in their diverse sources, which may be either animal or plant-based. 

Unfortunately, most products do not explicitly list the source of these ingredients, making it challenging for consumers to determine the halal status.

2. Moisturizers and Skin Creams with Dairy: Enzymes and Microorganisms Concerns

Moisturizers and skin creams containing dairy pose an additional layer of concern. The enzymes and microorganisms used in processing dairy raw materials may be haram, with rennet being a prime example. 

Typically derived from calf stomachs, if the calves were not slaughtered in accordance with halal requirements, rennet and any products made with it become haram.

Recommended: Are fake nails haram in Islam?

3. Haram Ingredients in Makeup: An Elaborate List

Beyond the familiar names, other haram ingredients in makeup include those derived from dogs (fur), porcine or pig, humans (blood, for example), and any animal not slaughtered according to Islamic rights. 

It’s important to note that any ingredients using these prohibited ingredients in their manufacturing process are also not allowed under Islamic rulings,

How Is a Product Deemed Halal?

The term ‘halal,’ meaning ‘permissible’ in Arabic, signifies what is allowed under Islamic law. While widely recognized in the context of food, its application extends to cosmetics and makeup as well.

Cosmetics, including products like lipstick, are subject to halal considerations. Lipstick, for instance, might inadvertently be consumed while eating or drinking, prompting Muslim women to meticulously research its ingredients for adherence to halal standards.

Perfumes may also pose an issue because of their alcohol content.

For halal-conscious consumers, alcohol-free perfumes are a sought-after choice. This preference stems from the fact that fragrances can be inhaled incidentally, and Islamic dietary law prohibits the ingestion of intoxicating substances.

On top of that, numerous animal species, including hogs, predatory mammals, reptiles, and insects, are considered haram. 

Even animals deemed acceptable under halal requirements must undergo a prescribed slaughter method known as ‘dhabīḥah.’ This process involves suspending the animal and draining it of blood, as blood is considered haram.

Ingredients Often Found in Halal Products

Halal products include a rich array of ingredients sourced from nature, ensuring adherence to Islamic dietary principles. Here’s a breakdown of some frequently used halal makeup ingredients:

1. Marine Algae

• Spirulina
• Chlorella
• Various types of seaweed

2. Nuts

• Peanuts
• Almonds
• Soybeans, and other nuts

3. Beans

• Soya beans
• Green beans
• Red beans

4. Fish-Derived Ingredients

• Fish gelatin, sourced from permissible fish

5. Crustaceans

• Crabs
• Lobsters
• Shrimps
• Barnacles

6. Other Seafood

• Clams
• Oysters
• Snails

As you can see, sticking to Islamic rulings can be a bit challenging amid a market full of haram products. As long as you know what ingredients to watch out for, you’ll ensure that you’re sticking to Islamic practices.