Choosing halal skincare is more than just about beautifying yourself; it means maintaining both physical and spiritual beauty. By carefully examining the products they use, consumers not only care for their skin but also uphold life principles that align with their faith. Dr. Priyo Wahyudi (Expert of Laboratory LPPOM MUI) provides several tips for choosing halal and safe skincare products.
Choosing skincare today is no longer just about skin care, but also about maintaining faith and a sense of security. Halal and safe products provide inner peace and protection against the risks posed by harmful ingredients or false claims that often ensnare consumers. Amidst the rise of beauty trends, awareness of the importance of the halal label is becoming increasingly relevant, especially for Indonesia’s predominantly Muslim population.
Dr. Priyo Wahyudi, an expert at the Laboratory LPPOM MUI, emphasized that consumers need to be more critical when choosing skincare products. From ensuring product legality and scrutinizing ingredients to avoiding exaggerated claims, all these steps are crucial to ensuring the skincare you choose is truly halal, safe, and suited to your skin’s needs. This way, your external beauty remains aligned with your religious values.
To avoid illegal, counterfeit, and unsecured skincare, here are tips for choosing halal and safe skincare, as shared by Dr. Priyo Wahyudi:
Check Label and Product Legality
- Ensure the product has a BPOM (National Agency of Drug and Food Control) notification number, which can be checked through the CEK BPOM website/app.
- Ensure the packaging displays the official BPJPH halal logo. Since the enactment of Government Regulation 42/2024, the halal logo has become mandatory for halal-certified products.
Beware of Imported Products
Many imported skincare products enter the market without BPOM notification or halal certification, entering through smuggling (off ships), online shopping, or personal shopping services (jastip). For popular international brands, look for variants that have been notified by the BPOM (National Agency of Drug and Food Control) and are registered as halal in Indonesia.
Use Products According to Your Skin’s Needs
Because skincare products are personal and customized, suitability varies from person to person. Therefore, understand your skin type and individual conditions. Not all skincare products are automatically suitable for all skin types. For example, for dry, oily, or sensitive skin, choose products with appropriate halal active ingredients (e.g., niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C from plant sources).
Avoid Exaggerated Claims and Beware of Low-Price Promotions
Consumers must be increasingly discerning; no skincare product can instantly improve skin condition. Promotions for low-priced skincare products can be an indicator of unsafe, low-quality, and non-halal products.
Authentic, clinically tested products usually display realistic claims, such as brightening in 2-4 weeks. Meanwhile, counterfeit or non-halal products often display instant claims such as “whitening in 1 night.” Consumers need to be wary of hyperbolic advertising.
Buy from Official and Trusted Sources
Consumers should purchase products only from official distributors, trusted stores, or official stores, both offline and online. Counterfeit skincare products often circulate on marketplaces at significantly lower prices than the market price. Therefore, significant price differences should be a warning sign.
Read Product Composition and Information Carefully
Consumers should develop the habit of reading ingredient lists. Counterfeit products often contain hazardous ingredients (such as mercury, excessive hydroquinone, or steroids) that are not listed in safety standards. Check ingredients by referring to Appendix PerBPOM 17:2022, which concerns Technical Requirements for Cosmetic Ingredients.
Educate Yourself through Digital Literacy and Community
Social media can be both a source of information and a risk. Consumers can follow the official accounts of BPOM, LPPOM, or trusted dermatologists to receive accurate information. Additionally, joining a credible beauty community can help identify trends and distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products.
Pay Attention to Price and Quality
If the price is too low for a premium product, it’s likely counterfeit. Consumers need to understand that price is proportional to quality and safety.
Report Suspicious Products
If you find skincare products that don’t have a distribution permit or whose halal status is questionable, consumers can report them to BPOM, BPJPH, or through official apps like BPOM Mobile. This proactive approach helps protect the wider community.
Halal skincare is no longer just a trend, but an absolute necessity for Indonesia’s predominantly Muslim population. With the imminent implementation of mandatory halal regulations stipulated in Government Regulation (PP) Number 42 of 2024, consumers are being urged to be more discerning and critical in choosing skincare products. Using halal skincare products is not just about beauty; it also provides protection, safety, and adherence to religious values.
In this regard, the LPH LPPOM is opening a discussion forum through the Halal On 30 program, accessible at bit.ly/HalalOn30. This provides business owners with a practical way to understand the certification process without sacrificing time. Furthermore, the LPPOM MUI Laboratory, accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, provides additional testing services, including water penetration testing and vegan testing for cosmetics. Complete information is available at https://e-halallab.com/. (***) Source: https://halalmui.org/jurnal-halal/175/
