With DSM, global ingredients giant, having just announced that the majority of its personal care range is now halal-certified, it is clear that the trend has hit the top of the agenda for some players on a worldwide scale.
But what exactly is halal beauty, and does it really resonate with consumers outside of those who follow halal rules for religious reasons?
What is halal beauty?
The term when applied to beauty products refers to any cosmetics or personal care product that meets the requirements of being halal - an Arabic term in Islamic law that describes items that are considered acceptable for consumption or use.
Personal care products that contain derivatives or ingredients from animals that were slaughtered in a non-halal way, for example, would not be permitted, and the whole supply chain (including packaging) must meet halal requirements.
What’s the state of the market?
The global halal cosmetics market was valued at 16.32 billion USD in 2015 and is expected to reach 52.02 billion USD by 2025 according to a report by Grand View Research.
Last year, Fashionista described the trend for halal certified makeup and cosmetics has having ‘staying power’, noting that “muslims comprise more than 23 percent of the global population, according to a Pew Research Center estimate, and younger generations are emerging as conscious consumers.”
DinarStandard, a growth strategy research and advisory firm focusing on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries, recently suggested that the demand for halal-certified products is huge and growing rapidly.
The firm suggests that around 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide and many millions of health-conscious non-Muslims taking an interest in halal products.
This interest goes beyond the food sector and is impacting the beauty industry, with global halal product launches accounting for 2.5% of all launches in the global beauty & personal care category in the period between January 2013 and Oct 2016.
Reaching beyond Asia?
Because of its large Muslim population, the Asian Pacific region still dominates the halal product landscape, accounting for 72% of new halal beauty products launched between January 2014 and October 2016.
However, globally, consumers appear to be taking an increasing interest in the health and wellness ideas associated with the certification.
“Halal increasingly speaks to a wider, health-conscious consumer base seeking a holistic approach to their beauty and wellbeing products, including “all natural” products free from unwanted chemicals,” suggests DSM, one ingredients player keen to cater to this demand.
“Halal certification also resonates with consumers, often in the younger age range, looking for vegan, natural, organic and ethically sourced products.”