Understanding Halal: Beyond Just Food

The term "halal" is an Arabic word that simply means "permissible" or "lawful" in Islam. When it comes to food, halal has a special significance. One reason halal meat is considered healthier by many is that during the slaughter process, all the blood is drained from the animal's body. This is important because blood can carry harmful bacteria and toxins, so by removing it, the meat is considered purer and safer to eat. [1]

But halal isn't just about food—there's much more to it! It also extends into personal care, cosmetics, and even lifestyle choices. For example, halal cosmetics are made from ingredients that align with Islamic guidelines. These can include plant-based materials, water, soil, or animals that have been slaughtered according to halal standards. What's even better is that these products are free from anything considered impure or harmful, making them safer and cleaner for consumers. [2]

More and more people today are turning to halal cosmetics and personal care products, not only because they follow religious beliefs but also due to their reputation for being high quality, safe, and hygienically produced [3].

Halal Meat and Animal Welfare

In the UK, it's interesting to note that about 85% of halal meat comes from animals that are stunned before being slaughtered. However, for the meat to truly be considered halal, it’s crucial that the animal isn’t subjected to any cruel or inhumane treatment [4]. This emphasises that halal is not just about dietary rules but also about ethical and humane practices.

The Growth of Halal in Cosmetics

The global demand for halal cosmetics has been skyrocketing. Back in 2015, the halal cosmetics market was worth around $16.32 billion, and by 2025, it's expected to reach an astounding $53.81 billion [5]. This incredible growth shows just how much people are beginning to value both the ethical and safety aspects of halal-certified products.

Our Halal Sourcing Practices

At our company, we take halal seriously and source our tallow from local farms right here in Oxfordshire. The tallow undergoes multiple rounds of rendering to ensure that it's odourless while maintaining all the beneficial nutrients. This process guarantees that the tallow we use is not only safe for your skin but also in line with halal principles.

In a world where people are becoming more conscious of what they consume and use, the demand for halal products—whether food, cosmetics, or personal care—is here to stay, and it's only growing stronger.

References

[2] Sugibayashi K, Yusuf E, Todo H, Dahlizar S, Sakdiset P, Arce FJ, See GL. Halal Cosmetics: A Review on Ingredients, Production, and Testing Methods. Cosmetics. 2019; 6(3):37. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics6030037

[3] Subri, N. A. M., Omar, W. M. W., & Ibrahim, N. M. @. (2022). Research Trends and Opportunities of Halal Cosmetic: A Systematic Literature Review. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 12(1), 531 – 547.

[4] Masuma, R. (2017) 'It isn’t just halal slaughter that Britain needs to make more humane', The Guardian, 30th October 2017. Available on https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/30/halal-slaughter-more-humane-animal-welfare-lancashire#:~:text=Halal%20does%20not%20just%20refer,throat%20while%20it%20is%20conscious.&text=But%20this%20is%20just%20the%20tip%20of%20the%20iceberg.

[5] Siyavooshi M, Abbasnejad T, Mirsoleymani Z. The Effect of Awareness of Halal Cosmetics’ Health on Consumers' Willingness for Purchase. Journal of Social Behavior and Community Health (JSBCH). 2023; 7(2): 1137 -1147