Indonesia’s Halal Beauty Giant Expands Toward the Middle East
Global Halal Cosmetics Market Set for Massive Growth
The global halal cosmetics industry, covering skincare, makeup, fragrances, and personal care, is poised for rapid expansion. Persistence Market Research estimates the sector will more than double by 2032, from $53.7 billion to $120.2 billion, while other forecasts predict it could reach $171.7 billion by 2033. Nearly half of the world’s Muslims—around 835 million—live in Indonesia, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, while another 400 million reside across 16 Middle Eastern nations, making the region the second-largest halal market worldwide.
Indonesia’s Rising Beauty Industry
Indonesia’s cosmetics industry was valued at $7.4 billion in 2024, representing about one-seventh of the global market. With President Prabowo Subianto prioritizing economic growth, this figure is expected to rise sharply in the coming years. Among the leaders in this sector is Paragon Technology and Innovation, Indonesia’s largest cosmetics company, which holds roughly 25% of the domestic market.
From Garage Startup to Global Beauty Powerhouse
Founded in a garage 40 years ago, Paragon has grown into a beauty empire operating 43 distribution centers across Indonesia. Its revenue is now 400 times larger than in 2001. The company’s breakthrough came during Indonesia’s Hijrah movement (2008–2010), when many women began embracing Islamic values more deeply, including the use of halal-certified beauty products. This cultural shift marked the beginning of a wider global movement toward ethical, faith-aligned cosmetics.
Clean, Ethical, and Inclusive Beauty
The rising demand for halal-certified cosmetics is driven by a blend of ethical consumerism, expanding Muslim populations, and increased awareness of halal standards. Many consumers, both Muslim and non-Muslim, now seek products that are clean, cruelty-free, and free of alcohol or animal-derived ingredients. To gain halal certification, a product must comply with Islamic principles, ensuring ethical sourcing, fair labor, and Shariah-compliant production processes.
Youth and Digital Influence Fueling Market Expansion
Millennial and Gen Z consumers are driving the halal beauty boom through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Beauty influencers and entrepreneurs such as Malaysia’s Ameera Khan and Somali model Iman Abdulmajid have helped popularize halal beauty globally. The visibility of halal cosmetics on digital platforms continues to push the industry into the mainstream.
Paragon’s Global Expansion Strategy
At the Harvard Asia Business Conference in March, Dr. Sari Chairunnisa, Paragon’s vice president and daughter of the founder, presented the firm’s multi-phase international expansion plan. Paragon is establishing regional offices and collaborating with local manufacturers to maintain halal integrity while increasing product accessibility. Her brother, CEO Salman Subakat, explained that the family’s mission to “go global” is rooted in bringing Indonesian values to the world, transforming Paragon into a global ambassador for Indonesian innovation and Islamic ethics.
Strengthening Middle East Partnerships
As part of its strategic expansion, Paragon is negotiating partnerships in Saudi Arabia to establish a Paragon-like brand tailored to local consumers. “We have the brand and the talent, and they want to collaborate with us,” said Subakat. The Middle East presents enormous potential, with Egypt’s halal cosmetics market alone expected to reach $14.67 billion by 2030, supported by higher incomes, greater consumer awareness, and favorable government policies.
A Mission-Driven Family Business
Subakat highlighted that Paragon’s strength lies in its values as a family-owned company, emphasizing that such businesses often exceed sustainability goals and give back to their communities. Paragon continues to refresh its product lines every two years, ensuring innovation while staying true to its founding mission: empowering people with confidence through ethical, high-quality beauty products.
Original Article:
Flanakin, D. (2025). Indonesian Halal Cosmetics Firm Looks to Mideast. Newsmax. Retrieved from https://www.newsmax.com/dugganflanakin/hijrah-indonesia-paragon/2025/10/06/id/1229224/


