We’ve all heard about some makeup companies doing terrible things to sell their products and make money. Practices like filling their products with toxic chemicals so they look and smell good or photo-shopping their models. And of course, animal testing. But, how far is too far? Many customers draw the line when it comes to sacrificing their morals in the name of beauty.
Safer alternatives for both your body and the environment are trending. If you’re interested in building a makeup kit that you can feel good about, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading to learn all about Halal makeup and the best brands for creating the ultimate Halal makeup kit!
What is Halal makeup?
When it comes to safer and more environmentally-friendly makeup, there are several options: natural, organic, vegan, and Halal. But, what do all of these terms mean when it comes to makeup? And what are the differences between them?
Cruelty-Free and Vegan
The term ‘vegan’ refers to anything that completely free from animal products and by-products. ’Cruelty-free’ refers to products that are not tested on animals. Despite popular assumption, ‘vegan’ and ‘cruelty-free’ are not the same thing. Just because something is labeled vegan, doesn’t mean it’s cruelty-free, and vice versa.
But wait, there’s even more of a catch! These terms have no legal definition and are left unregulated by the FDA. Companies are free to use them in any way they want! Even though a product is labeled vegan, it may still contain harmful synthetic chemicals. And cruelty-free products may source their raw materials from a company that does test on animals. Or worse, may have already tested these products years ago and simply mean not tested on animals anymore.
Natural and Organic
People often assume ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ are the same. They both refer to makeup products made from natural and naturally-derived products, also called “farm-to-face”. The difference is that ‘organic’ is regulated under the Natural Organic Program’s definition, while ‘natural’ is not.
Products that are labeled “USDA Certified” are by law still allowed to have up to 5% non-organic content. While companies that aren’t USDA certified may still label their products ‘natural’ or ‘organic’. This is despite having as little as 70% organic ingredients. So, how can you tell the difference between the honest companies and the phonies?
Companies that are truly committed to being organic are often paraben and sulfate-free. They also take packaging into consideration. They may use glass or natural fibers over plastics and non-biodegradable materials.
Halal
Finally, what is Halal makeup? Halal is a way of life for those who identify with and follow Islamic law. It defines what is allowed in traditional Muslim culture opposed to what is forbidden (“haram”). Halal and haram apply to the foods you eat and the products you put on your body. Halal certified cosmetics are free of blood, alcohol, gelatin, meat, and any other ingredients that come from pigs or animals who were not slaughtered according to Halal practice.
Halal goes further than just what’s in the product. For makeup to be truly Halal, the entire process is taken into account. Everything from product testing to packaging! A product that is animal-tested cannot be considered Halal. But, it’s important to note that just because it’s labeled Halal, doesn’t mean it’s also vegan. For example, Halal makeup products may contain ingredients that come from insects, which would make them not considered vegan.
The point is that there are loopholes when it comes to companies cheating these standards. You may never know if a company is truly being honest or just simply trying to sell you their product. But has the makeup brand gone through the trouble of certifying their products to set standards? If so, chances are the product is better for you than the alternatives. So, what are some Halal brands out there? Keep reading!
What makeup brands are Halal?
Building a professional Halal makeup kit can be a daunting task. Many options exist, but they may be hard to find. Here are some Halal-certified options:
1. PRETTYSUCI
PRETTYSUCI is the place for everything Halal beauty-related! They sell a wide variety of Halal beauty brands that go beyond just makeup! Although they carry a small line of their own liquid lipsticks in
three shades… You can also find skincare, baby bath products, and a lot more! PRETTYSUCCI is dedicated to bringing its customers only the best Halal cosmetics from around the globe! They’re a great place for meeting all your Halal beauty needs!
2. SHISEIDO’s Les Divas
Beauty giant SHISEIDO launched the product line Les Divas. These products were created specifically for women in Bangladesh. They’re part of the company’s philanthropic initiative to improve the social status and lifestyle of rural women in the area. They partners with the UN Development Product for this initiative!
3. Muslim Consumer Group
Check out
this list created by the Muslim Consumer Group to determine if your favorite brand is Halal! They also identify what individual ingredients are considered to be Halal. This is a great tool for getting a second opinion on whether something is really Halal—despite whatever claims the company may make.
4. INIKA Organic
INIKA is a high-end vegan makeup brand from Australia. The Australian Federation of Islamic Council Inc. has certified the brand. This is just one of their many certifications. Others include 100% vegan, organic, and cruelty-free! But beyond their certifications, their gorgeous foundations and brushes are worthy of your attention!
5. PHB Ethical Beauty
PHB Ethical Beauty is a cosmetics brand out of the UK. They are 100% Halal certified by the Universal Halal Agency UK. Like INIKA, they also carry a wide variety of other ethically conscious certifications. Everything from their perfumes to their nail polishes!
Keep in mind that these are only a few of the many resources available on Halal beauty! Just asking the Sephora rep about Halal may lead to limited product offerings. So take to the internet to educate yourself on all the Halal options out there!
What is your favorite Halal product? Let us know in the comments!