The cosmetics industry continues to grow, offering various innovations that enhance your appearance. However, for Muslim women, beauty is inseparable from halal values. With clear certification and scientific testing standards, halal cosmetics are the answer to looking beautiful without hesitation during worship.
Halal cosmetics are now a major concern, especially among Muslim women who are increasingly concerned about their appearance and maintaining the purity of their worship. Looking beautiful and attractive is no longer just a passing trend; it’s part of everyday life. A well-groomed appearance can build self-confidence and even boost enthusiasm in the workplace. It’s no wonder the cosmetics industry continues to grow with increasingly modern product innovations, from long-lasting, waterproof, to transferproof.
As a Muslim woman, choosing halal beauty products is a priority. The belief that halal cosmetics are safer, purer, and compliant with Islamic law is a key reason. However, a frequently asked question arises: if cosmetics are halal-certified, do they still need to be cleaned before performing ablution or performing a ritual bath?
Andriawan Subekti, Halal Auditor at LPPOM, explained that cosmetics certified halal by BPJPH are generally waterproof. This is because, before obtaining halal certification, every cosmetic product must undergo a series of laboratory tests, including a water permeability test. This test ensures that water can penetrate the cosmetic layer, allowing the skin to remain exposed to water during ablution or a ritual bath.
To ensure this, the LPPOM MUI Laboratory, accredited with ISO/IEC 17025:2017, provides a special water permeability test for cosmetic products. The test involves applying the product to a test surface, allowing it to dry, and then dripping water on it to determine if it can penetrate. This ensures that the claim of “wudhu-friendly” has a clear scientific basis, not just mere advertising. Complete information about this service is also easily accessible on e-halallab.com.
However, there are also halal cosmetic products that are not waterproof. Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI) Fatwa Number 60 of 2020 on Halal Certification Standards for Waterproof Cosmetics states that this type of product is still permissible to use, provided it does not contain impurities and is not harmful. However, manufacturers are required to provide usage instructions or restrictions on use on the packaging. An example is sunblock specifically designed for swimming. This product is not designed for ablution, so before performing ablution or a ritual bath, the user must first clean it so that water can reach the skin fully.
The fatwa also emphasizes that manufacturers must include the statement “waterproof” on product packaging, along with cleaning instructions before ablution. This regulation protects consumers, ensuring they can maintain the purity of their worship even when using beauty products. Its Sharia basis is also very strong. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once reprimanded a man who performed ablution but left a section the width of a fingernail on the sole of his foot untouched by water. He said, “Repeat your ablution properly,” so the man repeated his ablution and performed prayer (Narrated by Muslim).
This aligns with Imam An-Nawawi’s explanation in Al-Majmu’ Syarh Muhadz-dzab, which emphasizes that if any part of the ablution apparatus contains wax, potions, henna, or other substances that prevent water from entering, the ablution is invalid, regardless of the amount. However, if only traces of color remain without a blocking agent, or if only a liquid oil that allows water to reach the skin remains, then the ablution is still valid. This clearly demonstrates that using halal cosmetics can be done with peace of mind, as long as users understand the product’s characteristics.
This understanding is crucial for Muslim women to harmoniously combine their appearance with their religious practices. Halal cosmetics help them maintain confidence while upholding purity and the perfection of their religious practices. The key is to determine whether the product is waterproof and then follow the instructions for use.
To help cosmetics manufacturers understand the halal certification process, the LPH LPPOM is offering a discussion forum through the Halal On 30 program. This program can be accessed via bit.ly/HalalOn30 and provides a comprehensive understanding of the halal certification process in just 30 minutes. This provides business owners with a practical way to understand the certification process without spending a lot of time.
Ultimately, the halal cosmetics industry is not just a trend, but a real need. Certification, fatwas, and laboratory services are essential foundations for consumers to make confident choices. With proper understanding, Muslim women can maintain their best appearance without sacrificing purity and the perfection of their worship. (***)
Source: https://halalmui.org/jurnal-halal/175/
