JAKARTA – The beauty industry continues to experience rapid growth, offering consumers an extensive array of products, including halal-certified cosmetics. For Muslim consumers, selecting beauty products involves considerations beyond skin compatibility—ensuring that chosen products align with Islamic principles and halal standards. Halal cosmetics not only utilize safe ingredients but are also manufactured through processes that comply with Islamic law requirements.

Legal Framework and Certification Requirements

Since October 17, 2021, the Indonesian government has mandated halal certification for cosmetic products, as stipulated in Law Number 33 of 2014 concerning Halal Product Guarantee (UU JPH). Despite this regulation, many products, particularly imported ones, still lack proper halal certification. This regulatory gap makes it crucial for consumers to exercise greater selectivity when choosing beauty products.

The following five methods ensure that your cosmetic choices meet authentic halal standards, based on recommendations from LPPOM MUI (Indonesia’s Council of Ulama Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Assessment Institute).

1. Verify Official Halal Logo on Packaging

The Primary Identification Method

The most fundamental step before purchasing any cosmetic product is checking for the official MUI halal logo on the packaging. Products bearing this certification have undergone comprehensive evaluation processes conducted by LPPOM MUI, which serves as Indonesia’s Halal Inspection Body (LPH).

LPPOM MUI operates under the principle of halalan thayyiban, meaning the products are not only free from prohibited (najis) or non-halal ingredients but are also safe for public consumption and use. This certification provides consumers with confidence that the product meets both religious and safety standards.

What to Look For:

• Clear, official MUI halal logo
• Proper logo placement on primary packaging
• Verification through official MUI databases when in doubt

2. Examine Primary Ingredient Composition

Understanding Ingredient Categories

Beyond verifying the halal logo, consumers should carefully review the ingredient list to understand what components are used in the cosmetic formulation. This practice helps identify potential concerns before purchase.

Generally Halal Ingredients: Natural plant-based components are typically permissible, including:

• Herbs and botanical extracts
• Root-derived ingredients
• Flower-based compounds
• Fruit extracts and oils
• Leaf-derived substances
• Seed oils and extracts

Caution Required: However, when these natural plant materials are processed using animal-derived enzymes, they enter a mashbooh (doubtful) category that requires further verification of their halal status.

3. Recognize That Natural Doesn’t Always Mean Halal

Common Misconceptions About Natural Products

A widespread misconception among consumers is that all natural cosmetic products are automatically halal-compliant. This assumption can be problematic, as “natural” encompasses both plant and animal-derived materials.

Important Considerations:

• Natural products can include animal extracts
• Processing methods may introduce non-halal elements
• Plant-based ingredients may be processed with animal-derived substances
• Always verify certification regardless of “natural” marketing claims

Many animal-derived ingredients are also classified as natural, making ingredient scrutiny essential for halal compliance verification.

4. Identify and Avoid Questionable Ingredients

Potentially Non-Halal Components

Certain ingredients commonly found in cosmetics fall into the mashbooh (doubtful) category due to their potential animal origins. Muslim consumers should exercise caution when encountering these components:

Ingredients Requiring Verification:

• Allantoin – often derived from animal sources
• Amino acids – may be animal or plant-based
• Collagen – typically from animal sources
• Elastin – usually animal-derived
• Gelatin – commonly from animal sources
• Glycerin – can be animal or plant-based
• Hyaluronic acid – may be animal or synthetic
• Keratin – typically from animal sources
• Oleic acid – can be animal or plant-derived
• Stearic acid – often animal-derived
• Stearyl alcohol – may be animal-based
• Tallow – animal fat-derived
• Vitamin A – source may vary

Action Steps: When encountering these ingredients, immediately check for MUI halal certification on the packaging. If certification is absent, consider alternative products with verified halal status.

5. Verify BPOM Registration Numbers

Understanding Regulatory Compliance

In addition to halal certification, checking the BPOM (National Agency for Drug and Food Control) registration number is essential for ensuring product safety and regulatory compliance.

Important Distinctions:

• BPOM registration ensures safety and market authorization
• BPOM approval does not automatically guarantee halal status
• Both certifications serve different but complementary purposes

BPOM Functions: Before market distribution, products must undergo safety evaluation by BPOM to determine their suitability for public use. Products receiving distribution permits must display BPOM registration numbers on their packaging.

Verification Process:

• Check for visible BPOM registration numbers
• Verify numbers through official BPOM databases
• Ensure both BPOM and halal certifications are present

Additional Considerations for Informed Purchasing

Brand Research and Reputation

Research cosmetic brands’ commitment to halal compliance and their certification history. Established brands with consistent halal certification demonstrate reliability in maintaining Islamic compliance standards.

Ingredient Source Transparency

Choose brands that provide clear information about ingredient sources and manufacturing processes. Transparency indicates the company’s commitment to halal compliance and consumer trust.

Regular Certification Updates

Halal certifications have validity periods and require renewal. Check certification dates and ensure products carry current, valid certifications.

The Importance of Consumer Awareness

Educational Responsibility

Muslim consumers bear responsibility for making informed choices about the products they use. Understanding halal cosmetic principles empowers consumers to make decisions aligned with their religious values while maintaining personal care standards.

Market Influence

Consumer demand for properly certified halal cosmetics encourages manufacturers to pursue appropriate certifications and maintain compliance standards. This market pressure helps expand the availability of genuinely halal beauty products.

Conclusion: Balancing Faith and Beauty

Selecting halal cosmetics requires careful attention to certification, ingredients, and regulatory compliance. By following these five essential guidelines from LPPOM MUI, Muslim consumers can confidently choose beauty products that align with their religious principles while meeting their personal care needs.

The growing availability of certified halal cosmetics reflects the beauty industry’s recognition of Muslim consumer needs. However, the ultimate responsibility lies with consumers to verify certifications, understand ingredients, and make informed choices that support both their faith and well-being.

Through diligent product selection and continued awareness of halal standards, Muslim consumers can enjoy the benefits of modern cosmetics while maintaining their religious commitments and supporting the growth of the halal beauty industry.

Original Article:

Kumparan Woman. (2025, September 21). 5 Cara Cerdas Memilih Kosmetik Halal Sesuai Rekomendasi MUI.  Retrieved from https://kumparan.com/kumparanwoman/5-cara-cerdas-memilih-kosmetik-halal-sesuai-rekomendasi-mui-24aEe2wbA8y