The Use of Alcohol in Halal Skincare Products

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Alcohol from the perspective of Muslims

For Muslims, choosing halal products is not limited to the food they consume. When it comes to makeup and skincare products, they also need to be careful as cosmetics containing ingredients derived from impure animals and alcohol are considered haram. As such, Muslims look out for makeup and skincare products without alcohol as the ingredient.

Alcohol is commonly used in moisturizers. For example, ethanol is used to make moisturisers feel lighter and help the product penetrate the skin. Fatty alcohols such as Cetyl and Cetearyl alcohol are also used to keep the moisturiser homogeneous.

Nonetheless, not all the alcohols mentioned above are haram. Fatty alcohols (Cetyl and Cetearyl alcohol) are derived from natural sources which makes them suitable ingredients for halal skincare and makeup products.

1) Cetyl Alcohol

Cetyl Alcohol is a long-chain alcohol that is used as a thickener or emulsifier in the production of cosmetics. It is hydrating and has softening properties which makes it an amazing ingredient for skincare products. Cetyl alcohol ensures that the components in your skincare products remain well combined for smooth application.

2) Cetearyl Alcohol

Cetearyl alcohol is similar to Cetyl alcohol. It can be manmade and is also found in plants such as palm oil and coconut. Cetearyl alcohol keeps the skin soft and is non-irritating to the skin. This alcohol is also halal and can be used in lotions, creams and makeup.

3) Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol)

Ethanol is prevalent in skincare and makeup products. It can be easily absorbed by your skin and transfused into your blood, which then circulates to all parts of the body. Since taking alcohol orally is prohibited for Muslims, if this type of intoxicant is found in your blood, it's declared as haram.

For non-Muslims, you should watch out for Ethanol in the ingredients list of your skincare products as well. Unlike fatty alcohols, Ethanol is notoriously known to be extremely drying on the skin. Even though it may be tempting to use products containing Ethanol for an immediate cooling sensation, it can lead to enlarged pores and worsen your skin condition. For example, many reach out for facial mists containing alcohol as a few sprays can instantly make you feel refreshed. However, this refreshing effect is attributed to a very damaging ingredient - ethanol!

Hebeloft recommendation

Where to find a product that is alcohol-free that still possess refreshing properties? From our range of Korean skincare products, we recommend the Skylake Herb Relax Toner. It soothes, hydrates, tones the skin and balances oil levels to leave the skin feeling cool and refreshed. Most importantly, it is also alcohol-free!

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We understand that finding halal skincare and makeup products can be difficult with limited halal skincare brands in the market. At Hebeloft, we specialise in K beauty, including some of the best Korean skincare brands in Singapore. We also carry some of the best halal skincare products in Singapore to buy online. Browse our variety of products including alcohol-free skincare products that are available here in Singapore.

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