Global halal cosmetics standards: requirements and issues

• Main Authors: Tajuddin, Ely Shuhadah, Abdullah Asuhaimi, Fitriyyah, Abd Rashid, Nur Rasyidah, Jamaludin, Mohammad Aizat, Abdullah Sani, Muhamad Shirwan, Jaiyeoba, Haruna Babatunde
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: HH Publisher 2023
• Subjects: H Social Sciences (General)
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/111563/1/111563_Global%20halal%20cosmetics%20standards.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/111563/; https://journals.hh-publisher.com/index.php/JHIS/article/view/614
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Muslims are increasingly seeking halal cosmetics. This is reflected in consumer spending power; Muslim consumers now spend more on cosmetics and personal items. The knowledge of halal cosmetics among Muslims in Malaysia has grown over time due to advancements in technology, education, and the country's growing population. In addition, Muslim consumers are aware that the skin requires special attention, and what is done to the face will affect it. On that account, awareness of buying and using halal products is very vital for Muslims to avoid products contaminated with non-halal substances. The study adopts a systematic review and analysis of the Halal cosmetics literature. The findings show an issue of global halal standard implementation, which are counterfeit halal logos and unstandardised halal standards (non-Muslim countries), which may lead to confusion and doubt among consumers, impede mutual recognition between businesses, and hinder market progress. Furthermore, the government is responsible for halal certification and standards supervision in Muslim countries, while non-Muslim countries rely on halal certifying agencies or organisations. Besides the United Kingdom, other non-Muslim countries have no government regulations or control over the organisation. However, they still have halal rules and standards as they employ standards from different countries. Therefore, since non-Muslim countries’ governments do not regulate the halal standard, it would be advisable for Muslims in the country to choose just one primary organisation to monitor and regulate the halal certifying body. Since halal implementation is not mandatory in Muslim countries, the governments have already set guidelines to maintain safety in cosmetics.