Halal Beauty Products: Ultimate List!

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

NOTE: Please keep this handy blog post saved in your favourites or linked in your blog sidebar as it will be updated with new product review's inshallah.

I really feel that this post is long overdue. We all have our favourite brands of make up and skin care and such but do we ever check to see what is inside of them?

Many could ask; "Do we really have to go this far? We already have to check food labels so why do we have to check beauty product labels as well?"

To cut a long story short - we are not allowed to eat pork in Islam, this is a ruling of Allah SWT. Therefore why should be be rubbing these lotions full of pig by-product into our skin which we purify before salah? Personally, it doesn't make sense. I feel that we go about using these products blinded and because we have so many resources now we shouldn't need to be supporting these deceitful companies anymore and can now support the ones who use pure ingredients inshallah.
Please do not get confused and mistake this blog post as something which you could find from the "haram police". This is just my and many other Muslims views. Allah made us the only mammal who can think, listen, read, write and talk. It's about time we used our noggin and stopped being so lazy with the excuse of "it doesn't say that in The Quran".

Al-Quran is the best guide to all mankind however Allah SWT gave us a brain to use logic and to think outside the box with reason. You may wish to avoid some or all by-product ingredients, we all have different ethical values.

Another point to remember is that Allah does not allow animal cruelty. Therefore an animals welfare is far more superior than the workings of the latest mascara.

You may also like to watch this video about animal welfare in Islam which is inspired by our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) - don't worry there are no shocking pictures in it.

If you are curious to know why I used the above excuse as an example then please read on, if not just jump to the next paragraph inshallah :) I use "it doesn't say that in The Quran" as this is the response I got when I politely explained to a sister that M&Ms were not halal to eat due to their colouring (they contain E120 Cochineal which is a beetle, that is crushed to get the red dye from it making the red and oorange M&Ms - it's also in some red food colouring and marshmellows fyi). However I think she forgot to undertsand that Allah SWT only made the pure animals and meat allowed for us to eat. Is it just me or does anyone else see where I am coming from in this point? Just because it doesn't say it in black and white that M&Ms are not halal to eat doesn't mean that it isn't true. This is why I support people thinking outside of the box within reason, because Allah gave each of us a mind to think subhanallah.

Alot of this research has come together from me taking time out and digging with my own two hands! It is great how easy it is to get the information too. Many websites will be happy to reply to your questions through email, some already have those questions answered on their FAQ page, many have the full ingredient list available on their website under individual products. I recently had someone ask how to get ahold of this information as they were doing research, I hope that helped you a little.

Check your own bathroom cupboard, make-up bag or dresser and read the labels.

You maybe thinking "I've read the labels but most of it is gibberish!"
This is very true, many companies are not going to list an ingredient called "pig fat", therefore they use 'Glycerin' or 'Sodium Tallowate'.
NOTE: Glycerin can be taken from different animals or plants or vegetables - so before you disguard that product, double check to see which type of 'Glycerin' is used. If it is plant or vegetable then it is OK to use.

All you need to do is search for each ingredient online, it is worth it in the end trust me! Here is a useful list of animal products to start you off. You could just need to check out your favourite products, rather than the whole range if you don't want to :)

And if you need to know who test on animals and who do not and you can't find the info on the company website: PETA are here to help!

In 2009 there was a ban on animal testing in the EU for cosmetic ingredients, however that is only in the EU. Animal testing is still ongoing throughout the world. Our products come from large companies based all around where these rules do not apply. Not forgetting the possible loop holes that some companies may have found to continue testing on animals in the EU. Only Allah knows, but we can all do our bit inshallah!


HOT LINKS:
EWG Cosmetic's database
BeautyPedia
-Both site's enable you to read up on certain brand's and the ingredient's that they use, you'd be surprised at some of the thing's that hide beneath!




Which alcohols are permissable to use in cosmetics, if any?

Allah Most High says:
“O you who believe! Alcohol (khamr), gambling, dedication of stones, and divination by arrows are an abomination (impure) of Shaytan’s handiwork. So abstain from such (abomination) that you may prosper.” (al-An’am, 90)

Cetyl Alcohol - Halal
Cetyl alcohol is a long chain alcohol which is solid hence obviously not drinkabale nor does it cause intoxication if at all ingested. Therefore, it is halal to use in cosmetic products. It is also not absorbed through the skin when applied as a cream.

Cetearyl alcohol - Halal
In cosmetics and skincare Cetearyl Alcohol is not really an "alcohol" such as ethyl or rubbing alcohol, which would dry the skin, but is an emulsifying wax made by combining fatty alcohols derived from vegetable sources.

Ethyl Alcohol - Haram
Ethyl Alcohol is also used in many cosmetic agents both for men (Aftershave Lotion) and for female perfumes. Ethyl Alcohol is absorbed through the skin. It then passes through the flesh into the blood vessels and finally mixes with the blood and circulates throughout the body. Once in the blood it is as good as if one has ingested through the mouth. As a small quantity of any intoxicant is haram therefore, as mentioned earlier, all liquid cosmetic products containing Ethyl Alcohol are prohibited. Other names given to synthetic Ethyl Alcohol are, Ethanol, Methylated Spirits (contains 5 percent Methyl Alcohol and 95 percent Ethyl Alcohol). Products containing these ingredients therefore will also be prohibited.

More on Synthetic Alcohols

When I was doing this research I came across a question on a site asking if growing a date/grape tree was ok, because alcohol is prohibited and alcohol is made from those two fruits. This is where we need to use our heads. Just think for a second. Do we eat dates? yes. Do we eat grapes? Yes. Where do they grow? You know where i'm going with this but as along as your intention is not to grow a tree to produce alcohol you are fine. Islam is not a complicated religion!


I want to stress that these findings are for you to draw your own conclusions, whether you choose to use this information provided is up to you. You maybe someone who eats halal meat and will only consider some products wrong over other's. You maybe a Muslim vegetarian? It is up to you. I encourage you to do your own research also.

Remember that companies may change their ingredients whenever they want to so although this info is correct on date of publish, it wouldn't hurt to keep updated by checking them out every now and again. Also please leave a comment if I have made mistake or if you know of another company that we can all benefit from :)








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Halal Beauty Products:
The Ultimate List!
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• BRANDED AS "HALAL or HALAL CERTIFIED"

Pure Halal Beauty
Cruelty free? Yes, inshallah
Good to know: The shop in England has a variety of products and brands. It's the first store of its kind in the United Kingdom and is the creation of 20 year old Rose Brown, daughter of UB40 drummer Jimmy Brown. The store is located on the 2nd Floor of the Pavilions Shopping Centre, London. Report from Dec 9th 2010. Skin care products for men and women, also including halal make up!
My thoughts: Fab! I hope I get to visit it one day. If anyone has visited this shop then please let me know! I wasn't aware of it until I was researching for this blog post. If you are like me and cannot make it to London I have linked their website above.
Contains alcohol? No, the site mentions that all products are halal certified

Hussana
Cruelty free? Yes, inshallah
Good to know: Halal certified, which will be hard to find on the more mainstream products, Baby skin care range, anyone can become a Hussana sales agent and earn commission for their work (similar to Avon).
My thoughts: Great initiative, as it is something which the market is lacking. We just need more Muslims to buy it rather than all the products with the nasties inside! I have a free sample of hand cream, I will let you know how it goes!
Contains alcohol? No

HAWAS Therapeutic
Cruelty free? Yes
Good to know: Made in England. Looking at the very few ingredients it seems very pure, almost as though anyone could make it in their own lab bathroom, it's quite a breath of fresh air not to have to decipher the ingredients list. This natural cream contains beeswax, aloe vera & essential oils which can help prevent wrinkles and skin ageing, red blotches, spots, acne and saggy skin. Use twice daily. Other products available include black seed hair oil, black seed cellulite lotion and more.
My thoughts: I received this from The Islamic Establishment in Leicester. I am still yet to try it out. The only problem that I found was that there isn't a website for them (hawas) which is odd. All informoation provided is what is on the tub. If you have ever tried these products then please let me know! :)
Contains alcohol? No

Samina Make-up
Cruelty free? Yes
Good to know: Halal approved make-up. Medium to low priced make-up.
My thoughts: Proffessional site, prices seem reasonable for the quality products. However if you are used to paying MAC prices there's no bother, you will actually save with them whilst giving your skin the best ingredients
Contains alcohol? No


The Alcohol Free Shop
Cruelty free? Yes, inshallah
Good to know: this site has lots of other alcohol free products but the page linked above share some halal certified brands such as Hussana and some others which we have not come across yet including: Saaf Organic and Tom's Of Maine
My thoughts: Look and ye shall find!
Contains alcohol? what do you think?! No

• MAINSTREAM BRANDS

LUSH
Cruelty free? YES
Good to know: Fresh natural handmade products, FAIR TRADE, minimal packaging. If you purchase anything in the black tubs LUSH offer a great recycling scheme. If you take back 5 black tubs after you have finished with them, you will receive a FREE fresh face mask!
To find out more, watch the video below (Just skip 5:08 - 5:21 promoting their 'naked' products. We don't need to see their bums to know that they have good products)!
My thoughts: I *heart* LUSH. I enjoy their products so much. Some are a little pricey but you really get what you pay for! Have a browse and go in to ask questions - i have never met a grumpy lush member of staff yet! :)
Contains alcohol? Varies - always check the label

Lush Cosmetics - A Lush Life, We Believe

My Pure
Cruelty free? Yes
Good to know: All natural/organic ingredients. A wide variety including: baby care, make up and even pet care! Lots of choice you can even search by concern. If you click their contact page, you can request for a free sample!
My thoughts: I cannot wait to try them out!
Contains alcohol? Varies - always check the label

Dr Organic
Cruelty free? Yes
Good to know: all products are suitable for vegetarians. Ingredients include aloe vera, honey, pomegranate, and lots of other lovely things!
My thoughts: I saw a review on youtube by a fellow hijabi which got me searching for them. I would definetely try them in the future
Contains alcohol? varies - always check the label







Montagne Jeunesse (Face and Hair masks)
Cruelty free? YES
Good to know: All products are vegetarian certified however most are Suitable For Vegans, Gluten Free, Dairy Free with No Added Parabens
My thoughts: I have tried one face mask, it worked ok. I will try them again in the future inshallah. I hope to find more companies like this one who avoid all the nasties.
Contains alcohol? Varies - always check the label








Or you can DIY! Try this homemade avocado facemask
presented to you by one of my favourite online site's 'MyHalalKitchen'!





NIVEA Pure & Natural product range
Cruelty free? YES
Good to know: 95% of natural origin. They contain no parabens, silicones or artificial colorants. The Argan Oil we use is organic, as are our Burdock Fruit Oil, Jojoba Oil, Chamomile Oil and Aloe Vera Gel...Different ranges do actually contain animal by-products to read more, click the link to read the full email I received from NIVEA.
My thoughts: I am yet to try this range, I wanted to research it more before buying anything.
Contains alcohol? Varies - always check the label





SIMPLE
Cruelty free? Yes
Good to know: Predominantly free of animal derived ingredients, with the following exceptions. SIMPLE Pure Soap and Simple Exfoliating bar contain Sodium Tallowate (dead cooked carcuss fat). Beeswax is used in Simple Baby Zinc and Castor Oil Barrier Cream, Simple Sun F20 Lip Protector Stick and also Simple Therapy Nourishing Cream Cleanser. Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey is used in Simple Rich Repair Shampoo and Conditioner. All other products are animal-free. Click the link for more info.
My thoughts: Disappointed about the soap, another one bites the dust! However the wipes are great and I have their moisturizing bath cream ready and waiting for my next bath!
Contains alcohol? No



Jergens
Cruelty Free? Yes
Good to know: 95% natural ingredients! Click the link to see what they said about their ingredients
My thoughts: I use the skin firming moisturiser and it smells really nice (pomegranate!). I would try more of the products
Contains alcohol? Varies - always check the label





Superdrug (own brand)
Cruelty Free? Yes
Good to know: Products are usually cheaper than name brands. I was unable to find ingredients for their naturals range online, however they sent an email about their product contents.
My thoughts: The lip tins are a great alternative to the vaselines ones. I have heard great things about them but am yet to try them out. I will be stopping by next time i'm in town. If you have tried their own brand you can leave some feedback here
Contains alcohol? Varies - always check the label




Macleans

Cruelty free? Yes
Good to know: Click the link to read the email i received from them regarding testing a ingredients
My thoughts: I am currently using this toothpaste so am very happy to know that it is animal product free and therefore halal inshallah.
Contains alcohol? No, not as far as i can see (using Macleans: Total Health)




Palmer's

Cruelty free? Yes
Good to know: Can use it whilst pregnant, smells amazing, DOES contain animal by products(!)
My thoughts: I used in on my thighs and glutes - not any more. I will find an alternative.
Contains alcohol? varies - check the label

Figs & Rouge
Cruelty free? Yes
Good to know: Organic balms, made in UK, a favourite of Harry Potter star Emma Watson, just 4.99 GBP, no petroleum used
My thoughts: I really think the packaging is very appealing and would love to try them. I added them here as an alternative to the vaseline tins!







Treacle Moon
Cruelty free? Yes
Good to know: Ingredients suitable for vegetarians, smells amazing, they do charity work for disadvantaged families in Khandel and the villages surrounding it, located in the desert state of Rajasthan, India. Exclusive to Tesco however you can forget them and buy straight through their website (other flavours are available too, I love the names of them too).
My thoughts: I was gifted 'The Raspberry Kiss' body scrub last year and I really enjoy using it. You can tell the difference straight away. I usually can't stand the sensation of body scrubs but I pulled through with this one! I will be using it again.
Contains alcohol? varies - check the label






OPI

Cruelty free? Yes
Good to know: Awaiting reply on ingredients, their colour names are funky. Picture shown here is called "do you lilac it?"
My thoughts: wearing nail polish voids your wudu as the water cannot reach your nail which is required to complete ablution. Therefore some Muslimah's choose to wear it on their break which is fine or sometimes to a party where it can be removed before the next salah.








Barry M Cosmetics
Cruelty free? Yes
Good to know: All products suitable for vegetarians and the odd few for vegans.
My thoughts: I discovered them at The Clotheshow Live many years ago (2003/4 i think) and instantly saw their cruelty free icons. I use their products and think the pricing is great!










L’Occitane
Cruelty free? Yes
Good to know: Natural ingredients from the med!
My thoughts: I haven't tried them before, they are pricier than some other organic brands but perhaps you get what you pay for? Let me know if you have tried them as i'd be interested to know
Contains alcohol? No




Eco Tools make up brushes


Bare Mineral's make up
STILA cosmetics
Paul Mitchell hair care
NYX make up
ELF make up
Urban Decay make up
Zoya nail polish...are all cruelty free, however I am in the process of reviewing each company for animal derivatives and alcohol in their product's :)

• Coming soon...

-ASDA body butter lotion 400ml

-Sudacrem

-Bio-Oil

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D.A.N.G.E.R
These companies/brand's are cruel to animal's:
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The Body Shop

Cruelty Free? No longer!

 UPDATE: 2012: THE BODY SHOP have joined up with L'oreal, who use animal cruelty to create their product's - THE BODY SHOP are no longer halal! It's such a shame to see people and companies choose money over their principles. They have lost many customer's, not only because of their lack of back bone and crumbling at the sight of more pound signs, but some new product formulation's lacking in quality have also been noticed! 

Verdict: disappointing

Vaseline (Unilever)

Cruelty Free? No

Good to know: click the link for general dry skin FAQs

My thoughts: They test on animals therefore I will be switching to the superdrug own brand for my lip tin's and using an alternative moisturiser inshallah.

Contains alcohol? Varies - always check the label

E45

Cruelty Free? No, their website does not state anything about animal testing, however they are owned by a company called Reckitt Benckiser who also brand calgon, vanish, nurofen...

Good to know: Perfume free, allergy screened, dermatologically tested if you must use it

My thoughts: This was a go to item for me. I do not have eczema (which the cream/lotion is generally used for) but i used it as a moisturiser as it was so light. Really disappointed.

Contains alcohol? Varies - always check the label

TopShop make-up contain's cochineal, and their reputation hardly scream's "cruelty free" 
MAC cosmetic's can no long confirm cruelty free! "M.A.C. no longer guarantees its products are cruelty free. Current policy is that "Our products are not tested on animals except when absolutely mandated by law"
Avon - no longer cruelty free!
 Johnson & Johnson L'OREAL
BIC
Gilette
Sunsilk
Sensodyne
Aussie
Aquafresh
Crest
Clearsil
Colgate-Palmolive Co.
Chapstick
Dove
DOLCE & GABBANA PERFUME
Dunhill perfume
Escada  Estee Lauder
Febreze
Garnier
Head & Shoulders
Herbal essences
K.Y
Lancome
Listerine
Max Factor
Maybelline
Nair
Neutrogena
Olay
Pantene
Pearl drops
ROC Rimmel
Vicks
Zest
...and many more which can be found via the PETA link above.

I feel it is rather unfair that the companies have millions but yet continue to use ingredients which are bad for our health. They test on animals so i refuse to check their labels. Natural remedies are the way to go. If only more people knew what they put inside these things and the horrific tourment the animals go through to make these products.
On another note the majority of 'danger' companies listed fund israel and their war crimes, so it does so much good to steer clear of them!
Helping animals, the humanity of the Palestinian people and choosing alternatives (such as own brand) can save you pennies because those work out cheaper for you too! Because let's face it - you only pay for the name on the 'danger' products as we all know now that it isn't for high quality ingredients!

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If you are looking for some cheap hidden treasure beauty product's, here is a HUGE list including some DIY beauty remedies - however you would need to check their ingredients out yourself! Phew!