Regulating Halal in Cosmetics Ingredients: A Comparative Study of Pakistan and International Standards

Abstract

The global cosmetics industry has undergone rapid expansion, accompanied by increasing regulatory scrutiny and ethical concerns regarding product safety, ingredient sourcing, and consumer transparency. In Pakistan, cosmetic products are regulated under the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) Act and associated rules, while internationally, frameworks such as the European Union Cosmetics Regulation (EC No. 1223/2009), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, and ISO standards govern formulation, labeling, and safety assessment. This study critically examines cosmetic ingredients within the context of national and international regulatory standards, with special attention to substances derived from animal, microbial, or synthetic sources that may raise concerns regarding halal status, impurity (Najāsah), and transformation. By integrating contemporary cosmetic science with classical and modern Islamic jurisprudence, the research evaluates how Sharia principles such as the prohibition of harm, the avoidance of intoxicants and impure substances, and the objectives of Islamic law (maqāṣid al-sharīʿah) can coexist with modern cosmetic regulations.

This study aims to critically evaluate the sharia permissibility of cosmetics ingredients particularly those derived from human, animals, aquatic animals, insects, plants and biotechnological sources by comparing Pakistan standard and international standards. The study further highlights gaps in ingredient source disclosure and halal certification within Pakistan’s cosmetic market, emphasizing the need for harmonization between regulatory compliance and religious ethics. The findings suggest that while international and Pakistani standards effectively address safety and quality, incorporating Sharia based guidelines particularly regarding ingredient sourcing and transparency can enhance consumer trust and ethical accountability. The study concludes that a multidisciplinary framework combining scientific regulation, legal governance, and Islamic ethical oversight is essential for the sustainable development of the cosmetics industry in Muslim societies.