With personal care high on the agenda of cosmetic-conscious consumers throughout APAC, halal cosmetics will be a focal point at in-cosmetics Asia this year, which will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, between 8th-10th November 2016.
The key region for halal products remains Indonesia, as it is the largest Muslim-majority country in the world. With a population of 250 million, of which 90% is Muslim, the majority of brands have now been certified by MUI (The Indonesian Council of Ulama). In total, over 2,000 products in total have received this certification.
“The awareness of Muslim consumers who not only eat halal food but also seek halal cosmetics is increasing, both in Indonesia and across the world. This is a result of years of education by Islamic organisations such as MUI in Indonesia, Muslim scholars, halal certification agencies and halal consumer communities, and has all fed into the growing demand for halal cosmetics,” said Muti Arintawati of Lppom Mui (The Assessment Institute for Foods, Drugs and Cosmetics, The Indonesian Council of Ulama) when speaking with Cosmetics Design Asia.
Sales and marketing push
However, Euromonitor International reveals that halal products still only make up a small amount of sales in the country. This is largely due to the region’s emerging status and limited consumer awareness. The lack of halal product marketing means that many consumers are unaware that these products are available to purchase.
Despite this, the increasing Muslim population in Indonesia and other areas of APAC represents a considerable opportunity for cosmetic manufacturers, and so with sophisticated and developed marketing campaigns, the industry could witness considerable growth.
Before finished halal products reach the marketplace, a range of stringent criteria must be met including the inclusion of only pure ingredients that are free from any ‘najis/najasah’ materials, such as alcohol.
Asia’s new Spotlight On area will be a key attraction at this year’s event, which will see Halal suppliers demonstrate their certified ingredients and provide attendees with crucial information on halal product ranges.
Gaining certification
Halal expert Muti Arintawati of Lppom Mui (The Assessment Institute for Foods, Drugs and Cosmetics, The Indonesian Council of Ulama) will share her knowledge with consumers, outlining the criteria and procedures for obtaining halal cosmetic certification.
As product manufacturers are now able to access LLPOM MUI’s online service system to register a product, manufacturers will be seeking information and insights on the 11 criteria necessary when seeking accreditation to ensure that future products are developed in line with current requirements.
“In Indonesia, the new halal regulation (Halal Product Assurance Law No. 33 year 2014) that states that all products marketed in Indonesia, including cosmetics, must be halal certified will be implemented soon. This new requirement will drive cosmetics producers to produce halal products and get them certified,” added Arintawati.
APAC brands are heavily investing in R&D efforts to expand into this growing market. A number of exhibitors will be present at the event to show their halal-certified products including Ashland, Brenntag Ingredients, Lipotec, Suru Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, Nikko Chemicals, Gattefossé Asia Pacific, Mibelle and Ogawa.