What Ingredients Are Haram in Cosmetics? Complete List
For consumers who follow halal principles, and for brands formulating halal-compliant products, understanding which cosmetics ingredients are haram (forbidden) is essential. The challenge is that many common cosmetics ingredients can be derived from multiple sources, some halal and some not. An ingredient listed on a label might be perfectly permissible when sourced from plants but forbidden when derived from pork or non-halal animal slaughter.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of haram ingredients in cosmetics, explains the grey areas, and offers practical guidance for both consumers and formulators.
Understanding Haram in the Context of Cosmetics
In Islamic jurisprudence, "haram" refers to anything that is explicitly forbidden. When applied to cosmetics and personal care products, haram generally covers three categories.
Pork-derived ingredients: Any ingredient sourced from pigs or pig by-products is considered haram. This is the most clear-cut category and applies regardless of how the ingredient is processed.
Non-halal animal-derived ingredients: Ingredients sourced from animals that were not slaughtered according to Islamic rites (dhabihah) are considered haram. This means that even ingredients from permissible animals (such as cattle or sheep) can be haram if the animal was not slaughtered correctly.
Intoxicant-derived ingredients: Ingredients derived from or directly associated with khamr (intoxicants, specifically alcohol produced through fermentation of grapes, dates, and similar sources for the purpose of intoxication) may be considered haram. The rulings on alcohol in cosmetics are more nuanced and vary between scholarly opinions.
It's worth noting that there is scholarly debate about whether haram restrictions apply to cosmetics (external use) in the same way they apply to food and drink (internal consumption). The prevailing position adopted by most major halal certification bodies, including Indonesia's MUI, Malaysia's JAKIM, and others, is that halal requirements do apply to cosmetics. This is the standard that most regulatory frameworks follow.
Definite Haram Ingredients: Pork-Derived
These ingredients are unambiguously haram when derived from pork. The challenge is that many of them can also be derived from halal sources, so the origin matters.
Collagen
Collagen is one of the most widely used ingredients in skincare and anti-aging products. It is a structural protein that can be sourced from pork skin and bones, bovine (cattle) sources, fish (marine collagen), or produced synthetically or through biotechnology.
Pork-derived collagen is haram. Bovine collagen is halal only if the cattle were slaughtered according to Islamic rites. Marine collagen from fish with scales is generally considered halal. Synthetic or biotech-produced collagen avoids animal-sourcing concerns entirely.
What to look for on labels: Collagen, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Collagen Amino Acids, Soluble Collagen. Without knowing the source, consumers cannot determine halal status from the label alone.
Gelatin
Gelatin is derived from the collagen in animal skin, bones, and connective tissue. It's used in cosmetics as a film-forming agent, emulsifier, and in face masks and peel-off products. Pork-derived gelatin is one of the most common haram ingredients in the cosmetics industry.
What to look for on labels: Gelatin, Hydrolyzed Gelatin, Gelatine.
Halal alternatives: Plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar, carrageenan, pectin, and konjac glucomannan.
Glycerin (Glycerol)
Glycerin is ubiquitous in cosmetics, it appears in moisturizers, cleansers, serums, hair products, and virtually every other product category. It can be derived from animal fats (including pork fat), vegetable oils (such as palm, coconut, or soy), or produced synthetically through petrochemical processes.
Pork-derived glycerin is haram. Vegetable glycerin and synthetic glycerin are halal. The problem for consumers is that product labels simply list "Glycerin" without specifying the source.
What to look for on labels: Glycerin, Glycerol, Glyceryl (various compounds like Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Oleate).
Stearic Acid
Stearic acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier, thickener, and texture enhancer in creams, lotions, soaps, and many other products. It can be sourced from animal tallow (including pork), plant-based oils (palm, shea, cocoa butter), or produced synthetically.
What to look for on labels: Stearic Acid, Stearate (in compound names like Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Stearate, Magnesium Stearate).
Keratin
Keratin is a protein used in hair care products for strengthening and smoothing. It can be sourced from animal hooves, horns, feathers, and hair, including from pigs. Keratin from non-halal slaughtered animals is also haram.
What to look for on labels: Keratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Keratin Amino Acids.
Halal alternatives: Plant-derived proteins (wheat protein, soy protein, rice protein), or keratin from halal-slaughtered animals or synthetic sources.
Lard and Tallow
Lard (pork fat) and tallow (rendered fat, which can be from any animal) are used in some traditional soap-making and cosmetics formulations. Lard is always haram. Tallow is haram if sourced from pigs or non-halal slaughtered animals.
What to look for on labels: Lard, Adeps Suillus (pharmaceutical name for lard), Tallow, Sodium Tallowate, Talloweth.
Placental Proteins
Some cosmetics, particularly in anti-aging and hair growth categories, use placental extracts. These can be sourced from human, bovine, ovine (sheep), or porcine (pig) placentas. Pork-derived placental extracts are haram.
What to look for on labels: Placental Protein, Placental Extract, Placental Enzymes.
Animal-Derived Ingredients Requiring Verification
These ingredients are not inherently haram, but their halal status depends on the animal source and slaughter method.
Lanolin
Lanolin is a waxy substance extracted from sheep's wool. It's widely used in lip balms, moisturizers, and hair products. The halal status of lanolin is debated. Because it's extracted from wool (not from the animal's flesh after slaughter), many scholars and certification bodies consider it permissible. However, some stricter interpretations require that the sheep be halal-slaughtered.
What to look for on labels: Lanolin, Lanolin Alcohol, Lanolin Oil, Laneth, Isopropyl Lanolate.
Beeswax
Beeswax is used extensively in lip products, balms, creams, and natural cosmetics formulations. It is generally considered halal by most scholars and certification bodies, as bees are not slaughtered and the wax is a natural secretion. However, some certification bodies require verification that the beeswax is not processed with haram substances.
What to look for on labels: Beeswax, Cera Alba, Cera Flava.
Carmine (Cochineal)
Carmine is a red pigment derived from crushed cochineal insects. It's widely used in lipsticks, blushes, and eyeshadows. The halal status of carmine is one of the most debated topics in halal cosmetics.
Some scholars consider all insects haram and therefore carmine haram. Other scholars permit insects that are not harmful or repulsive. The major halal certification bodies generally classify carmine as haram or at minimum require it to be avoided.
What to look for on labels: Carmine, CI 75470, Cochineal, Cochineal Extract, Natural Red 4, E120.
Halal alternatives: Iron oxides, beetroot extract, synthetic red dyes, and mineral pigments.
Squalane/Squalene
Squalane is a popular moisturizing ingredient. Historically, it was primarily sourced from shark liver oil. Today, it can also be derived from olives, sugarcane, rice bran, and amaranth.
Shark-derived squalane is generally considered halal (fish products are permissible in Islam), but some certification bodies prefer plant-derived sources for ethical and sustainability reasons. The halal status of shark-derived squalane is accepted by most authorities.
What to look for on labels: Squalane, Squalene. Plant-derived versions may specify "olive squalane" or "plant-derived squalane."
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a star ingredient in modern skincare. It can be derived from rooster combs (the fleshy crest on a rooster's head) through animal extraction, produced through bacterial fermentation (the most common modern method), or synthesized.
Fermentation-derived and synthetic hyaluronic acid are halal. Animal-derived hyaluronic acid requires verification of the source and slaughter method. Most hyaluronic acid used today is produced through fermentation using Streptococcus bacteria, making it halal-compliant.
What to look for on labels: Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid.
Elastin
Elastin is a protein used in anti-aging products. It can be sourced from bovine or porcine tissue. Pork-derived elastin is haram. Bovine elastin requires halal slaughter verification.
What to look for on labels: Elastin, Hydrolyzed Elastin.
The Alcohol Question
Alcohol in cosmetics is a nuanced topic in halal compliance, and it's one of the areas where scholarly opinions diverge most significantly.
Types of Alcohol in Cosmetics
There are several types of alcohol used in cosmetics, and they serve different functions.
Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol): Used as a solvent, preservative, and in fragrances. This is the type of alcohol most commonly debated in halal discussions. When derived from the fermentation of grapes or dates (khamr), many scholars consider it haram. When derived from other sources (synthetic, grain, sugarcane) and used in small quantities for functional purposes, there is more scholarly flexibility.
Fatty Alcohols: Cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, these are not intoxicating alcohols at all. They are waxy, solid substances used as emollients and thickeners. They are generally considered halal regardless of scholarly position on ethanol.
Other Alcohols: Benzyl alcohol (preservative), denatured alcohol (rendered undrinkable), isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), these have various rulings depending on the certification body.
How Major Certification Bodies Handle Alcohol
Different certification bodies take different positions, which can create confusion for brands and consumers.
Indonesia's BPJPH/MUI takes a relatively strict position. Ethanol derived from khamr is haram. The use of ethanol from other sources may be permissible in limited quantities for functional purposes, subject to specific guidelines.
Malaysia's JAKIM prohibits the use of ethanol from khamr sources and limits ethanol from other sources. Their guidelines specify acceptable concentration levels for different product types.
Many Middle Eastern certification bodies permit denatured alcohol and functional alcohols in cosmetics, focusing primarily on the khamr prohibition.
Practical Guidance on Alcohol
For brands seeking certification across multiple markets, the safest approach is to avoid ethanol from khamr sources entirely, use plant-derived or synthetic ethanol when needed, keep ethanol concentrations within the limits specified by the strictest target market, clearly document the source and manufacturing process of any alcohol ingredients, and remember that fatty alcohols are not a halal concern.
Commonly Overlooked Haram Ingredients
Beyond the major categories, several ingredients are frequently overlooked in halal assessments.
Emulsifiers
Many emulsifiers can be animal-derived. Polysorbate 20, 40, 60, and 80 can be derived from animal fats. Sorbitan oleate, stearate, and palmitate have similar sourcing concerns. PEG compounds combined with stearate or oleate may be animal-derived. Lecithin can be sourced from eggs, soy, or sunflower, egg-derived lecithin from non-halal sources is questionable.
Amino Acids
Amino acids used in hair care and skincare can be derived from animal sources, including pork. Cysteine, cystine, and various hydrolyzed proteins may be pork-derived. L-Cysteine, in particular, has historically been sourced from human hair, duck feathers, and hog hair.
Vitamins
Some vitamins used in cosmetics can be sourced from animal products. Vitamin A (Retinol) can be sourced from fish liver oil or produced synthetically. Vitamin D3 can be derived from lanolin (sheep) or lichen (plant). Vitamin E (Tocopherol) is typically plant-derived but should be verified. Biotin and other B vitamins may be produced using animal-derived media in fermentation processes.
Brushes and Applicators
While not an "ingredient" per se, cosmetics brushes made from animal hair may raise halal concerns if they use pig bristles. Brands should verify the animal source of any natural hair brushes in their product line.
Fragrances
Fragrance formulations are often proprietary and may contain animal-derived ingredients. Musk can be natural (from musk deer) or synthetic. Ambergris is derived from sperm whales. Civet is derived from civet cats. Castoreum is derived from beavers. Most modern cosmetics use synthetic versions of these fragrance notes, but verification is needed for natural fragrance products.
How to Read Cosmetics Labels for Halal Compliance
Reading cosmetics labels for halal compliance can be challenging because INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) names don't indicate the source of an ingredient.
The Limitations of Label Reading
A label that lists "Glycerin" tells you nothing about whether it's from pork fat, palm oil, or a synthetic process. Similarly, "Stearic Acid" could be from any number of animal or plant sources. This fundamental limitation means that label reading alone is insufficient for determining halal status.
What Consumers Can Do
While labels have limitations, consumers can take several practical steps. First, look for halal certification logos from recognized certification bodies, this is the most reliable indicator. Second, contact the brand directly and ask about the source of specific ingredients. Reputable brands should be able to provide this information. Third, use elimination by identifying clearly haram ingredients on the label. If you see "Lard" or "Adeps Suillus," the product is definitively haram. Fourth, check brand transparency, brands that are committed to halal compliance typically communicate this clearly on their packaging and websites.
What Formulators and Brands Should Do
For brands pursuing halal certification, a systematic approach is required. Maintain a complete ingredient database with source documentation for every raw material. Obtain halal certificates or declarations from all suppliers. Establish clear specifications requiring halal-sourced ingredients in procurement. Implement incoming material verification procedures, and maintain full traceability from raw material to finished product.
Complete Reference List: Haram and Questionable Ingredients
Below is a consolidated reference list organized by ingredient category. Remember that many of these ingredients are only haram when derived from non-halal sources, the same ingredient may be perfectly halal when sourced appropriately.
Always Haram (Pork-Derived)
These are haram regardless of processing: Lard (Adeps Suillus), Porcine Collagen, Porcine Gelatin, Porcine Placental Extract, Porcine Elastin, Porcine Keratin, Pork-derived Glycerin, Pork Tallow, and Sodium Tallowate from pork.
Haram Unless Verified Halal
These require source verification: Glycerin/Glycerol, Stearic Acid and Stearate compounds, Collagen (all types unless source confirmed), Gelatin (all types unless source confirmed), Keratin and Hydrolyzed Keratin, Elastin and Hydrolyzed Elastin, Tallow and Tallow derivatives, Mono- and Diglycerides, Polysorbates (20, 40, 60, 80), Sorbitan esters, Magnesium Stearate, Calcium Stearate, Oleic Acid (can be animal-derived), Palmitic Acid (can be animal-derived), Myristic Acid (can be animal-derived), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (usually plant-derived but verify), Lecithin (verify source), L-Cysteine and Cystine, Allantoin (can be animal-derived), and Retinol/Vitamin A (verify source).
Debated/Varies by Certification Body
These have differing scholarly opinions: Carmine/CI 75470/Cochineal, Ethanol/Ethyl Alcohol (depends on source and use), Shellac/Lac (insect-derived), Lanolin and derivatives, Beeswax (generally accepted as halal), Honey extracts (generally accepted as halal), and Silk proteins/Sericin (generally accepted).
Generally Halal (Safe Ingredients)
These are typically halal and don't require special verification: all plant-derived oils and butters, mineral-derived ingredients (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxides), synthetic ingredients with no animal input, water, plant-derived fatty alcohols (cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol), plant-derived glycerin (when documented), bacterial fermentation products (like most hyaluronic acid), and plant-derived vitamins and antioxidants.
Halal Alternatives for Common Haram Ingredients
The good news for formulators is that halal alternatives exist for virtually every haram ingredient.
Protein Ingredients
Instead of porcine collagen, use marine collagen from fish, plant-derived peptides, or biotech-produced collagen. Instead of animal gelatin, use agar-agar, carrageenan, pectin, or konjac. Instead of animal keratin, use hydrolyzed wheat protein, rice protein, soy protein, or plant-based amino acid complexes.
Fats and Oils
Instead of lard or animal tallow, use shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter, coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil. Instead of animal-derived glycerin, use vegetable glycerin from palm, coconut, or soy. Instead of animal-derived stearic acid, use plant-derived stearic acid from palm or shea.
Colorants
Instead of carmine, use iron oxides (red, yellow, brown), beetroot extract (betanin), synthetic Red 7 Lake, or mineral pigments. These alternatives provide comparable color payoff without halal compliance concerns.
Emulsifiers
Instead of animal-derived emulsifiers, use plant-derived alternatives like soy lecithin, sunflower lecithin, plant-derived polysorbates (verified source), Olivem 1000 (olive-derived), or cetearyl olivate/sorbitan olivate.
The Role of Halal Certification Bodies
Given the complexity of ingredient sourcing and the limitations of label reading, halal certification from recognized bodies remains the gold standard for both consumers and brands.
Certification bodies conduct thorough ingredient audits, verify supply chain documentation, inspect manufacturing facilities, and provide ongoing monitoring. For consumers, a halal certification logo from a recognized body provides the assurance that label reading alone cannot.
For brands, working with certification bodies streamlines the compliance process and provides credible, market-recognized validation of halal status. This is particularly important for brands seeking to enter regulated markets like Indonesia, where halal certification is mandatory.
Conclusion
Identifying haram ingredients in cosmetics requires looking beyond the label to understand the source and processing of each ingredient. While some ingredients, like lard, are unambiguously haram, the majority of questionable cosmetics ingredients exist in a grey zone where the source determines the halal status.
For consumers, the most reliable approach is to choose products with halal certification from recognized bodies, and to engage with brands that are transparent about their ingredient sourcing. For brands and formulators, a systematic approach to ingredient verification, supply chain documentation, and halal assurance is essential, especially as markets like Indonesia move toward mandatory halal certification.
The halal cosmetics space is evolving rapidly, with growing consumer demand, expanding regulatory requirements, and increasing availability of halal alternatives. Whether you're a consumer reading labels or a brand formulating products, understanding haram ingredients is the foundation of halal beauty.
Sources
- MDPI Cosmetics Journal — Halal Cosmetics: Review on Ingredients, Production, and Testing Methods
- IFANCA — Halal-Certified Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
- American Halal Foundation — Halal Cosmetics & Makeup Certification
- Islamic Services of America — Health & Beauty Halal Certification
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute religious guidance. Consult qualified Islamic scholars and accredited halal certification bodies for definitive rulings on specific ingredients.