HALAL COSMETICS AND PERSONAL HYGIENE

The growing popularity of social media and the sheer number of active users on social platforms have played a big role in the growth of beauty industry including halal cosmetics and personal hygiene.

This has also led to increased competition within the industry with everyone trying to get the attention of consumers on social media.

The purchasing decisions of millennials are influenced majorly by social media]. 72% of millennials procure beauty products based on Instagram posts and other social networks. Makeup consists of the application of cosmetic products to beautify or change the way one looks either artistically or to conceal flaws.

Undoubtedly social media can negatively affect a person’s self-perception and mental health. This is caused by comparing ourselves to unrealistic images on social media of what we believe we should look like. This can then lead to dissatisfaction with our appearance and self-perception.

Comparing yourself to others on social media may have become an unintentional habit you have picked up. However, it could be negatively affecting your mental health.

So, looking good on the outside has never been so hazardous for our health and well-being. Thousands of personal care products and ingredients have come under the microscope and some of them have been banned in some countries.

Part Ii

For example, Phthalates which are chemical compounds used in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products. These chemicals, which are linked to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and cancer, have been banned from cosmetics in the European Union.

Similar to phthalates, many other petrochemical-based ingredients can be classed as halal suitable due to their non-animal origin, but they also tend to be fat soluble and can go through the skin barrier into your bloodstream and end up being stored in your body’s fat cells.

Identifying questionable or even haram ingredients in the long list of personal care ingredients is very difficult. Different Halal Certifiers have different religious rulings on these doubtful ingredients.

The anti-aging products segment is the fastest growing in the personal care industry. One of the most commonly used anti-aging ingredients in cosmetic preparations is collagen or hydrolysed collagen.

Halal consumers should focus also on the nonactive ingredients, such as emulsifiers, preservatives, colouring, foaming agents and even packaging.

These are some of the ingredients commonly used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries: Collagen: Collagen is a primary component in many cosmetic formulations due to the fact that it is a natural humectant and moisturizer. Collagen is usually derived from animal tissue.

Amino acids: Amino acids are major components

Dr Bekim Hasani

of skin’s natural moisturizing factors and play a role in regulating skin hydration and skin ph. The best sources of amino acids are found in animal proteins such as beef, poultry and eggs.

Tallow: Tallow is an intense moisturizer that assists in retaining the skins natural moisture. It is also used in candles, soaps, lipsticks, shaving creams and other cosmetics. Tallow is odourless, tasteless, waxy white fat, consisting of suet (the hard fat about the kidneys and loins of cattle, sheep, and horses).

Lard: In cosmetics and personal care products, Lard and Lard-derived ingredients function as skin conditioning agents – emollients and occlusive. Lard is rendered pig fat, and it can be made from different parts of the animal.

Allantoin: Allantoin comes from uric acid of an animal. is commonly applied in a variety of applications such as cosmetic creams, toothpastes, mouthwashes, shampoos, lipsticks, anti-acne products, and lotions for the purpose of moisturizing skin, enhancing the smoothness of skin, stimulating the healing of wounds, and soothing irritated skin.

Gelatine: Gelatine is applied as a gelling ingredient in many cosmetic products including face creams, body lotions, shampoos, hair sprays, sunscreens and bath salts and bubbles. Gelatine is a protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water. It is usually obtained from cows or pigs.