Halal Cosmetic

From time immemorial, human being has used cosmetic to improve attractiveness, to beautify, to cleanse skin, body and face. It is an important item in our life especially for women.
Cosmetic is defined as an article to be applied to human body for cleansing, beautifying, improving attractiveness, changing appearance without affecting the body’s structure and function. It can be skin care products, manicure products, fragrance, hair color, shampoo, deodorant, lotion etc.
Halal cosmetic is a special cosmetic. Halal means “permissible” or “allowed” in Arabic. For cosmetic to be halal, it must be (i) alcohol free (ii) animal cruelty free and (iii) free from pork, pork residue and pork fat.
The concept of halal cosmetic is very new to the Muslim world. There is an emerging market for halal cosmetic. The global cosmetic market is valued worth at USD334 billion with the global halal cosmetic market USD13 billion.
As halal cosmetic market is still in its infantry, there is a great potential of growth in this area
Based on survey, the halal cosmetic and toiletries industry had a 9% share in global halal product market in 2005.
There is a ready market for halal cosmetic. Survey showed that 58% of Muslims in Singapore and 38% of Indonesian were aware of halal cosmetic and would buy if the products are available.
Muslim purchasers must be alert when choosing cosmetic because some popular cosmetic may contain pork residue in them.
In Malaysia, the Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) is the official body which regulates the halal certification. JAKIM’s halal certification has won international reputation among the Muslims. In fact, JAKIM imposes very stringent procedure in its inspection and certification.
This article is posted by Chai Yong of http://www.the-halal-cosmetic.com