JAKARTA – Indonesian women are increasingly prioritizing safety and authenticity when selecting beauty products, with halal certification emerging as a critical factor in purchasing decisions. This shift in consumer behavior comes as the country approaches a significant regulatory milestone: mandatory halal certification for all cosmetics products by October 17, 2026.

Growing Consumer Awareness and Market Demand

Research conducted by Marina beauty brand in early 2016 provides insight into Indonesian consumer preferences regarding cosmetic safety. The study surveyed 1,188 Indonesian women aged 15 to 35 years, revealing significant trends in beauty product selection criteria.

The survey results demonstrated that 97% of respondents consider halal certification from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and registration with the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) as essential factors for ensuring product safety. This overwhelming majority indicates strong consumer demand for verified, religiously compliant beauty products.

Additional findings showed that consumers expect halal beauty products to contain natural ingredients and be suitable for long-term use, reflecting broader trends toward clean beauty and sustainable consumption practices.

Legal Framework and Regulatory Requirements

The regulatory foundation for mandatory halal certification stems from Law Number 33 of 2014 concerning Halal Product Assurance. This legislation designates cosmetics as products requiring mandatory halal certification, establishing October 17, 2026, as the compliance deadline for all cosmetic manufacturers and distributors.

The regulatory requirement addresses both practical and religious considerations for Muslim consumers. Cosmetics can potentially enter the body through ingestion, particularly products like lipstick and lip balm. Additionally, certain cosmetic products may affect the validity of wudu (ritual ablution) for Muslim worshippers, including hair dyes and waterproof decorative cosmetics.

Technical Certification Challenges

Dr. Ir. Hj. Mulyorini Rahayuningsih Hilwan, M.Sc from the Halal Audit Quality Board of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Assessment Institute (LPPOM) MUI, outlined the comprehensive nature of halal cosmetics certification. The process requires thorough examination of both ingredients and manufacturing processes to ensure religious compliance.

Cosmetics present unique certification challenges due to their diverse applications and formulations. Products designed for internal use, such as those applied to lips, require particularly stringent verification to prevent consumption of non-halal substances. External-use products must be evaluated for their impact on religious practices, ensuring they do not create barriers to proper worship observance.

The certification process involves detailed traceability of all raw materials and manufacturing procedures, requiring extensive documentation and verification protocols. This comprehensive approach ensures that certified products meet strict halal standards throughout the entire production chain.

Export Market Opportunities

Beyond domestic compliance, halal certification creates significant export opportunities for Indonesian cosmetics manufacturers. Many international markets, particularly in Muslim-majority countries, require halal certification for imported beauty products.

As discussed during a virtual webinar for the Indonesia Halal Industry & Islamic Finance Expo 2023 themed “Cosmetics Industry Preparation for Mandatory Halal,” certification can facilitate access to lucrative overseas markets that prioritize religious compliance in their import requirements.

This export potential represents substantial economic opportunities for Indonesian manufacturers who achieve early compliance with halal standards, positioning them advantageously in global markets before the 2026 deadline.

Market Context and Industry Impact

Indonesia’s Muslim-majority population creates natural demand for halal-certified products across all consumer categories, including cosmetics. This demographic reality makes halal certification not merely a regulatory requirement but a fundamental market necessity for sustained business success.

The concept of “halal beauty” encompasses all cosmetic categories—makeup, skincare, body care, and hair care products—manufactured according to Islamic principles. This comprehensive approach ensures that Muslim consumers can access religiously compliant options across their entire beauty routine.

The regulatory timeline provides manufacturers with adequate preparation time while creating urgency for compliance planning. Companies must evaluate their current product lines, supply chains, and manufacturing processes to ensure alignment with halal requirements well before the 2026 deadline.

Industry Preparation Strategies

The transition to mandatory halal certification requires strategic planning across multiple business areas. Manufacturers must assess existing product formulations to identify potentially non-compliant ingredients and develop reformulation strategies where necessary.

Supply chain management becomes critical, as certification requires complete traceability of all ingredients from source to final product. This may necessitate changes in supplier relationships and procurement processes to ensure halal compliance throughout the production chain.

Manufacturing processes must also undergo review to eliminate cross-contamination risks and ensure separation from non-halal production lines. This operational restructuring may require significant capital investment and facility modifications.

Consumer Education and Market Development

As the 2026 deadline approaches, consumer education becomes increasingly important. While awareness levels are high among Indonesian women, understanding

Original Article:

LPPOM MUI. (2025, September 23). Menakar Kesiapan Indonesia Menuju “Halal Beauty 2026”.  Retrieved from https://halalmui.org/en/lppom-mui-laboratory-supports-vegan-certification/