Is Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick Halal?

Today we'll swerve our topic to Huda Beauty's lipstick, whether it is halal or not? I think this topic has been a hot debate amongst our Islamic sisters. So I want to spell out the different school of thoughts and leaving you information that enables you to make an informed decision whether to use this lipstick or ditch it.



Before we start to dive into the arguments, let's set the intention of this post. I recognize that there are different Islamic practices around the world because of their different heritage, branches, schools, etc. Islamic teaching also differs from countries and funnel down to personal beliefs. We are not going to assess the religious debate whether what constitutes to halal or not. The only thing we will learn from this post is the ingredients.

To set the record straight, Huda Beauty did not claim that their product is halal. Consumers assumed that the products are halal because the brand was launched in the UAE (a country that is predominantly an Islamic country). The brand also targets Muslim consumers with its Muslim-friendly ads.

And let's review what is this lipstick made of:

• Isododecane = A type of solvent to create weightless feel on the skin
• Cyclopentasiloxane = Silicone
• Cera Alba = Beeswax
• Trimethylsiloxysilicate = Silicone-based polymer
• Polyproplsilsesquioxane = Polymer
• Octyldodecanol = Long-chain fatty alcohol
• Disteardimonium Hectorite = Clay mineral
• Mica = Minerals
• Alcohol = Alcohol
• Ethyl Vanillin = Synthetic molecule
• Phenoxyethanol = Preservative to limit bacterial growth.
• Parfum = Fragrance
• Propylene Carbonate = Solvent
• Aqua = Water
• Phospholipids = Fatty acids
• Coffee Arabica Seed Extract = Coffee
• Olea Europaea Fruit Oil = Olive
• Ascorbyl Palmitate = Antioxidant
• Linoleic Acid = Colourless liquid at room temperature
• Retinyl Palmitate = Vitamin A
• Tocopheryl Acetate = Vitamin E
• Lycopene = Red pigment

Arguments that it is halal

• Alcohol in makeups do not intoxicate the consumers, so it cannot be compared to alcoholic drinks. The small amount of alcohol is OK.
• The lipstick does not contain any animal fats. 
• Lipsticks are meant to be worn externally. Although it is consumed through food, the amount is minimal and does not put the consumer in the intoxicated state (did I just repeated the first line?)

Argument that it is not halal

• It contains alcohol which is prohibited by Islamic teaching. There are a few types of alcohol used in the production.
• Cera alba (beeswax) may not be halal. It has to be further investigate where and how the beeswax is obtained.
• The lycopene may not be halal. More info needed to determine if the pigment comes from plants or animals.
  

I think I will leave it up to you to decide if the lipstick is good for you. If you are a Muslimah reading this, what do you think? Will you consider using this lipstick?