Muslims invariably read labels before they purchase cereals, meat or toothpaste. The same rules apply when choosing cosmetics and personal care products, as well. If the ingredients are pure the product is permissible, so long as their use does not cause any harm, either to one's health or socially. However, if a product is composed of impure substances such as porcine collagen, gelatin or hydrolyzed animal protein, or other similar impure constituents, it is Islamically prohibited.

Award-winning company, Sunrider International, manufactures over 415 products including a line of health and beauty products that are certified as halal by IFANCA. Twenty-year-old CNI Enterprise, a multi-level marketing company based in Malaysia, also offers its own range of IFANCA halal-certified cosmetics. At both companies, each product is carefully formulated with the finest ingredients, an in-depth knowledge of cosmetics and the latest trends, and a manufacturing process that meets the highest levels of quality control. The cosmetics work in harmony with all skin types, skin tones, and ethnicities. Jojoba oil, squalane, herbal extracts and vegetable-based ingredients are just some of the ingredients used to enhance one's natural beauty.

However, are Muslim women permitted to use cosmetics? According to shaikh Jaafar Al-Quaderi, IFANCA Religious Advisor, make-up that does not draw inappropriate attention is permissible.

"Use of cosmetics and make-up that has been determined to be halal is permissible for women to wear if it is done in a manner that does not attract undue attention. When make-up is done in a manner that makes a person self-confident and pleasant (in appearance); and does not convey the impression of bad taste or poor grooming, it is permissible. But wearing excessive make-up, that attracts undue attention from others is not allowed," he says.

And what about creams and other skin care products? According to the Shaikh, "Creams, lotions and similar products are modern versions of oils intended to keep the skin healthy and pliable and to prevent dry skin. So there is no prohibition against the use of such products as long as they are free from haram (not lawful for Muslims) or mashbooh ingredients. However, when it comes to making ablution (wudu) or ghusl after applying such a product, you have to know exactly what type of product you are using. They are two types; one that leaves a perceptible layer on the skin and the other that washes off easily. The first kind, such as lipstick, leaves a perceptible layer on the skin, and prevents water from getting to the skin or the organs that should be washed during ablution or ghusl. It must be removed in order for the ablution to be complete. The second kind is a cream or color that does not leave any perceptible layer on the skin but becomes part of the skin like henna or oil that doesn't prevent water from reaching the skin. It is not obligatory to remove such a product before one makes the ablution or ghusl," he says. [God knows best] Trial Sets of Sunrider cosmetics and beauty products are available. IFANCA halal-certified makers of cosmetics and beauty products include Sunrider International (www.sunrider.com), CNI Enterprise (www.mycni.com.my), AloeCorp (www.aloecorp.com), Neways (www.neways.com) and USANA Health Science (http://www.usana.com/dotCom/index.jsp).

See: www.ifanca.org for other products certified by IFANCA