QUEZON CITY -- For the health and beauty-conscious consumers and entrepreneurs, these halal-compliant personal care products and technology might be a business venture worth looking into.
In response to the increasing demand for products and services catering to Muslim consumers, which are still lacking in the Philippines, the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), an agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), developed a line of personal care products that are Halal-compliant to serve this sector, as well as those with special preferences in terms of product safety, hygiene, and other ethical concerns.
Product and Technology
Among the DOST-ITDI Halal-compliant personal care products are the lipstick and lip balm, which both contain shea butter and either Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) or avocado oil on top of the other emollients that make them moisturizing; soap made from avocado oil, shea butter, and VCO infused with lemon and cucumber extracts; shampoo infused with lemongrass oil, VCO, peppermint, wheatgerm oil, and rosemary essential oil; and toothpaste containing VCO, papaya extract, and peppermint.
The DOST-ITDI halal soap is made both for skin lightening and moisturizing. It limits the amount of oils rich in saturated fatty acids that can be drying and irritating to the skin and makes use of the skin nourishing properties found in avocado oil instead because of its high oleic acid content.
Ma. Rachel V. Parcon, Supervising Science Research Specialist of DOST-ITDI, reiterated that consumers nowadays have become more conscious of the commodities they purchase and consume. If for instance, their goal of buying organic products is primarily to secure safety, cleanliness and high-quality consumption, halal products can also get those jobs done, valued at a more affordable price. With halal products, there will also be increased consumer confidence, peace of mind and brand trust.
Halal products are significantly different from organic products however, they might be comparable in some aspects. Organic beauty products are formulated from all organic and natural raw materials which we all know are the main grounds for its high cost. In comparison, Halal cosmetic products can be more affordable for the general public as it doesn’t have to be all organic or natural. Because halal products should never contain or are not made from animals that are forbidden by the Islamic law, it is really common that the raw materials are mostly sourced from plants. Meaning, these may also induce potential health-beneficial effects for its consumers, which adds value to the products. In addition, synthetic materials are allowed as long as it does not pose harm to the consumers.
“Normally, when we hear the word “halal”, we automatically correlate its importance to food like in food services or food industries. But, I think it is also equally important to consider that the raw materials used in producing cosmetics and personal care are those that tend to be ingested, inhaled and absorbed by the skin. Thus, halal compliance should be given enough attention as well for cosmetics and personal care products,” Parcon said.
A Halal product is non-toxic, non-poisonous, and is free from najis, other sorts of contaminations, impurities and harmful ingredients, making it safe, clean and also of high quality -- starting from the raw materials, production processes, packaging and up to the distribution. Furthermore, these products are ethically made, cruelty free and environmentally friendly, as well.
