Have you ever stood in the beauty aisle of a mall, picked a cosmetic and wondered if this is even halal? Does it contain any haram ingredients, and whether you should buy it or not? Well, you are not alone. Many Muslims, especially those living in non-Muslim countries, struggle to find halal skincare products.
Some people get confused about which products are considered halal and whether they should only buy those with halal certification. However, things are not that complicated. Today, we explain in detail how you can choose halal beauty products and what things to keep in mind when doing so.
What is Halal Skincare?
The word ‘halal’ is an Arabic word that means something ‘permissible.’ It is generally used to describe certain things, such as food, actions, and behaviours, that are allowed under Islamic law (Shariah). It can also include cosmetics and skincare products as well.
Halal skincare products are formulated without using haram (forbidden) ingredients. These ingredients can include pig fat, alcohol, and other animal by-products obtained through unethical and cruel slaughter practices that are not allowed in Islam.
Instead, these products use natural, plant-based, synthetic ingredients and sometimes animal by-products (lanolin from sheep wool, cow gelatin, beeswax) where the animal is halal and slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines (zabiha).
Having some difficulty finding halal skincare products in your area? Visit the Riwaya Health and Beauty Section and buy halal skincare products for your personal needs. We offer hair care products, nail polish, lipsticks, beard grooming products and makeup kits, which are sourced from halal ingredients that comply with Islamic law. Shop now and enjoy ethical, high-quality beauty solutions that align with your faith and values.

Benefits of Choosing Halal Skincare
Choosing halal skincare products has many scientifically backed benefits, such as the following:
1. Good For Skin
Studies have shown that halal cosmetics are less likely to cause irritation, making them a great option for those with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. Without harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances, these products can help maintain the skin's natural balance and provide nourishment without the risk of adverse reactions.
Halal cosmetics mostly use plants, herbs, natural oils, and other animal by-products, which greatly benefit the skin and help it maintain its natural pH balance.
2. Free from Harmful Ingredients
Companies that make halal-certified skincare products are required to use natural and organic ingredients and avoid harmful chemicals and petroleum by-products like parabens, formaldehyde, and phthalates. These ingredients are known to cause allergic reactions to the skin and other health issues, for instance:
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Phthalates: Researchers have linked phthalates to reproductive issues, cancer, and hormonal disruptions in the body.
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Parabens: Parabens are a class of preservatives used to extend the shelf life of cosmetic products. They can disrupt the body's hormones, which can affect fertility, reproductive organs, and birth outcomes.
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Formaldehyde: The formaldehyde found in cosmetics can cause allergic skin reactions and rashes in some people
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Sulfates and Triclosan: Sulfates may irritate the skin and eyes, while triclosan has been associated with antibiotic resistance.
These ingredients don’t necessarily make skincare products haram, but when you buy halal-certified cosmetics, you can be assured that there is a minimum chance that they include harmful chemicals and ingredients that are not good for the skin.

3. No Animal Testing Involved
Some halal cosmetics brands avoid harmful animal testing and contain only permissible animal-derived ingredients.
Common halal animal derivatives used in these products include glycerin (often derived from plant or animal fats), collagen (typically sourced from fish or halal-certified cows), and beeswax, all of which are obtained ethically. These ingredients are processed in a way that complies with Islamic dietary laws and are free from harmful practices. There is no cruel animal testing and experimentation involved, which goes against Islamic teachings.
As the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Whoever is kind to the creatures on earth, Allah will be kind to them"
(Sunan Abi Dawood, 2559)
When using halal cosmetics, Muslims can be confident their cosmetics are produced in a cruelty-free environment.
4. Environment Friendly
Halal skincare products are designed with environmental protection in mind. These products often use a blend of natural ingredients, including plant extracts, natural oils, and sometimes animal-derived ingredients, all sourced ethically to minimise environmental impact.
On the other hand, regular skincare products use synthetic chemicals and petroleum-derived ingredients like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and paraffin. These are not only harmful to the skin, but their extraction and manufacturing pollute the environment.
By choosing halal skincare products, you're not only taking care of your skin but also making a choice that’s more environmentally friendly.
5. Inclusive for Non-Muslims
Halal skincare isn't limited to Muslims. Its natural, ethical, and cruelty-free formulations make it appealing to people of all faiths who are looking for clean and ethical beauty products. The emphasis on transparency and high standards is universally appreciated.
Even non-Muslims who care about the environment and support sustainability can buy halal skincare products. These products are made from ingredients that are sourced in a way that has the least impact on the environment and are free of harmful substances.
How to Identify Halal Skincare Products?
Shopping for halal skincare doesn’t have to be complicated if you know what to look for. Follow these steps:
1. Check the Ingredients List
The first thing to check when looking for halal skincare products is to read the ingredients list on the product packaging or bottle. Only buy those products that mention plants, herbs, and natural oils that fall under the halal category.
Avoid products containing pork derivatives, carmine (a pigment derived from insects), alcohol, or any ingredients that have been obtained from animals that have not been slaughtered in accordance with Islamic principles.

2. Research About the Skincare Company
A halal skincare product includes not only its ingredients but also how it is handled and produced. Make sure that the company you are buying from follows halal guidelines and uses ethical testing methods on their cosmetic products.
You can conduct thorough research on the skincare manufacturer, learn more about their manufacturing process, and decide whether to buy from them or not. Visit their website or call them directly.
At Riwaya, we offer halal skincare products from reputable brands and conduct a thorough background check to ensure they meet halal standards. We verify that each brand follows ethical production practices, so you can trust that the products in our marketplace are safe for your skin and aligned with your values.
3. Seek Recommendations
Seek recommendations from your friends, neighbours, and relatives on where to find halal cosmetics and which brand/company is the most trusted. Hearing from those who have already used halal skincare products can help you make an informed decision based on their personal experiences.
4. Look for Halal Certification
The most reliable way to identify halal skincare products is to look for the seal of halal certification on the packaging. Halal certification is granted after an extensive examination of the manufacturing and distribution processes to ensure that the product complies with Islamic law.
Many organisations in Europe, such as Halal Quality Control (HQC), verify that products comply with halal standards.

Explore Halal Skincare Products at Riwaya
Explore Riwaya's collection of premium halal skincare products designed to enhance your natural beauty while adhering to ethical and halal standards.
1. Skincare
Our skincare range includes nourishing lip gloss, exfoliating face scrub, and rejuvenating face masks. These products are formulated with natural ingredients to hydrate, protect, and refresh your skin. They are free from chemicals and irritants that can be potentially harmful.

2. Beard Grooming
Our beard grooming products collection includes beard balm, oil, serums, and conditioners. These products provide your beard with the ultimate care, leaving it soft, manageable, and healthy-looking. Whether you want to hydrate, style, or grow, our grooming products are crafted for every beard type. These grooming products are also free from sulfates and silicones, which remove your hair’s natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.

3. Makeup
Riwaya's halal makeup collection includes mineral eyeshadows and lipsticks with rich, long-lasting colour that complements all skin tones. We always do a background check on our sellers and make sure the products they sell are free from harmful chemicals or allergens which maybe harmful to your skin.

Conclusion
Buying halal skincare products is more than just a beauty decision – it’s a lifestyle choice that aligns with your faith, ethics, and health-conscious values. By choosing these products, you’re not only nourishing your skin with safer, more natural ingredients but also supporting cruelty-free practices and sustainable living. It’s a way to honour both your beliefs and your body.
We hope you find this brief guide helpful and informative when you plan on buying halal cosmetics and skincare products from the shop.
Selling on Riwaya
Are you a Muslim business owner dealing in halal cosmetics, such as skincare, haircare, nail polish and beard grooming products? Do you find it challenging to reach out to a target audience or don’t have enough budget to market your products? Well then, why don’t you join Riwaya?
Riwaya is one of the biggest Islamic marketplaces in the UK, where every month, millions of customers visit to find halal-certified products like yours. Do you want to know the best part? We provide free marketing campaigns worth £10000 to promote your products and take care of SEO so you can focus only on selling.
Don’t wait any further. Sign up today and start your one-month free trial.