5 Ingredients to Always Check for in Non-Halal Makeup
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Introduction
With growing awareness around halal beauty, many Muslim women are becoming more conscious of the products they use on their skin. But did you know that several commonly used makeup ingredients are actually haram (forbidden) in Islam?
In this article, we’ll walk you through the top 5 ingredients to always check for in non-halal makeup, why they are problematic, and how you can make better choices aligned with your faith and values.
💡 Tip: Makeup isn’t just worn—it’s absorbed. And sometimes even ingested (hello, lipsticks!). That’s why checking ingredients is so important.
1. Carmine (CI 75470) – Crushed Beetles in Your Blush?
What it is: A deep red pigment derived from crushed cochineal insects.
Why it's haram: Carmine is extracted from insects, making it non-halal and najis (impure). It’s often used in blushes, lipsticks, and lip tints.
Watch out for: “Natural red 4,” “cochineal extract,” “E120,” or “CI 75470.”
✅ Haya Beauty products are 100% carmine-free.
2. Gelatin – Hidden in Creams & Lipsticks
What it is: A gelling agent derived from the skin, bones, or ligaments of pigs or non-zabiha animals.
Why it's haram: Most commercial gelatin is derived from porcine sources, making it completely forbidden in Islam.
Common in: Cream-based foundations, lipsticks, mascaras, and skincare.
🔗 Learn more: Explore our halal foundation range
3. Alcohol (Ethanol / Denatured Alcohol) – The Sneaky Dehydrator
What it is: A solvent commonly used in cosmetics for quick-drying formulas.
Why it's controversial: While not all alcohols are haram, ethanol and denatured alcohol derived from intoxicating sources are generally avoided in halal makeup.
Label names to avoid: “Alcohol Denat,” “SD Alcohol,” “Ethanol.”
🧴 Note: Some fatty alcohols (like cetyl or stearyl alcohol) are halal and safe to use.
4. Animal-Derived Collagen & Lanolin – Faith vs. Skin “Benefits”
What they are:
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Collagen is often extracted from bovine or marine sources.
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Lanolin is a waxy substance taken from sheep’s wool.
Why they’re problematic: Unless the source is clearly halal/zabiha, these animal-derived ingredients are considered questionable and often avoided by those seeking clean, ethical beauty.
🚫 Always check if it's plant-based collagen or vegan lanolin.
5. Glycerin – Plant or Pig? You Need to Know
What it is: A moisturizing agent used in everything from lipsticks to lotions.
Why it matters: Glycerin can be derived from either plant oils or animal fats. If it’s from non-zabiha animal sources, it’s non-halal.
Tip: Look for “vegetable glycerin” or a halal-certified label.
✨ All Haya Beauty formulas use only 100% plant-based glycerin.
What About Vegan or Cruelty-Free Products?
While vegan and cruelty-free labels are great indicators of ethical practices, they do not guarantee halal compliance.
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Vegan = No animal ingredients
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Halal = No haram or impure ingredients and ethically permissible
So always look for Halal-certified makeup, like Haya Beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are all alcohols in cosmetics haram?
No. Only intoxicating alcohols (like ethanol) are considered haram. Fatty alcohols used as emollients are halal.
Is halal makeup the same as organic makeup?
Not necessarily. Organic refers to how ingredients are grown, while halal refers to religious permissibility. A product can be organic but not halal, and vice versa.
How do I know if my makeup is halal?
Always check:
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Ingredient list
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Halal certification
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Brand ethos and transparency
Or just shop at Haya Beauty—where halal is non-negotiable.
Final Thoughts: Why Ingredient Awareness Matters
As Muslim consumers, we have the right—and responsibility—to make informed choices. By understanding what goes into your makeup bag, you're not only protecting your skin but also your spiritual well-being.
✅ Ready to switch to guilt-free beauty?
✨ Browse our full range of halal-certified, cruelty-free makeup at Haya Beauty