Korean ODM Leverages Halal Certification to Capture Growing Muslim Consumer Demand

Cosmax Inc., a leading South Korean original design manufacturer (ODM) serving L’Oréal and other global cosmetics giants, is strengthening its position in Southeast Asia’s halal cosmetics market through strategic certifications and cultural localization.

The beauty products manufacturer announced on April 20 that its Indonesian affiliate is expanding its halal-certified product portfolio alongside newly acquired global certifications. In 2016, the company obtained halal certification from Indonesia’s leading Islamic body, the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI), or Indonesian Ulema Council, for cosmetics suitable for Muslim consumers. Cosmax noted that MUI’s halal certificate is recognized in approximately 40 countries, providing significant market access across the Muslim world.

Strategic Positioning in $4 Billion Halal Market

With halal certification as a cornerstone of its market strategy, Cosmax Indonesia is positioned to capitalize on Southeast Asia’s expanding Muslim consumer base. The Southeast Asian country’s annual halal cosmetics market has reached $4 billion, posting an average 12.6 percent growth rate driven by increasing demand for safe, religiously compliant cosmetics ingredients and Korean beauty products, according to Cosmax.

The company’s Indonesian affiliate has complemented its halal credentials with additional certifications, including COSMOS Ecocert for organic beauty care products and vegan certification from France-based Expertise Végane Europe (EVE) in 2020. This multi-certification approach allows Cosmax to serve diverse consumer preferences within the halal market, where demand for natural, ethical, and religiously compliant products increasingly overlap.

Production Capacity Supports Regional Halal Trade

The Indonesian affiliate maintains an annual production capacity for up to 140 million units of beauty products and recorded sales worth 38.1 billion won in 2021, including exports to Vietnam and the Middle East—key markets for halal-certified cosmetics.

Cosmax became the first Korean ODM to earn organic cosmetics certification in Indonesia, positioning the company uniquely to serve Muslim consumers seeking both halal compliance and premium, eco-friendly beauty products. This strategic combination addresses the evolving preferences of Indonesian and regional Muslim consumers who increasingly prioritize ethical consumption alongside religious requirements.

Original Article:

Whitehead, R. (2025, October 1). Malaysian skin care supply chain continues to miss raw material link despite halal advantage. CosmeticsDesign-Asia. Retrieved from https://www.cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/Article/2020/02/19/Malaysian-skin-care-supply-chain-continues-to-miss-raw-material-link-despite-halal-advantage/