Indonesia Leads Halal Cosmetics Revolution with Certification by 2026

The beauty industry is witnessing a paradigm shift as consumers increasingly prioritize ethical, sustainable, and safe products. At the heart of this movement lies halal cosmetics testing, a meticulous process that ensures products meet Islamic principles while adhering to the highest safety standards. With its robust infrastructure and commitment to excellence, Indonesia is spearheading this transformation, leveraging its position as the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation.

The introduction of Government Regulation (PP) Number 39 of 2021, which mandates halal certification for cosmetics, marks a significant milestone. This phased regulation requires all cosmetic products in Indonesia to achieve halal certification by October 17, 2026, reshaping the industry and setting a global benchmark for halal compliance.

In this expanded exploration, we delve into the growing demand for halal cosmetics, the intricate processes of halal cosmetics testing, Indonesia’s regulatory landscape, and the global trends redefining beauty.

Market for Halal Cosmetics

Halal cosmetics have emerged as a critical segment within the beauty industry, driven by a growing demand for products that align with ethical, religious, and sustainability values. The global halal cosmetics market, valued at $74.2 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $91.4 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6%.

Halal cosmetics must meet several criteria:

• Ingredient Sourcing: All ingredients must be derived from permissible (halal) sources, free from alcohol, non-halal animal derivatives, and other prohibited elements.
• Production Process: Manufacturing must avoid cross-contamination with non-halal substances and adhere to stringent hygiene standards.
• Packaging and Storage: Packaging materials and storage conditions must maintain the product’s halal integrity.

This meticulous attention to detail ensures that halal cosmetics resonate with both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers seeking ethical, cruelty-free, and high-quality products.

Ensuring Safety and Integrity

Halal certification in cosmetics transcends religious compliance, offering a comprehensive guarantee of product safety, quality, and ethical integrity. Ir. Muti Arintawati, M.Si., Main Director of LPPOM, highlighted this dual purpose during the seminar “Beauty Under Control: Mastering Halal, Stability Testing, and BPOM Approvals”:

“Cosmetics must adhere to halal principles while ensuring they are safe for consumers. LPPOM provides integrated solutions through our state-of-the-art laboratories, ensuring compliance with both religious and regulatory standards.”

LPPOM’s approach encompasses ingredient analysis, contamination prevention, and safety assessments, ensuring that halal-certified cosmetics meet the expectations of global consumers.

Halal cosmetics testing is a rigorous process that evaluates products from multiple perspectives to ensure compliance. The primary components include:

1. Ingredient Analysis: Raw materials undergo thorough scrutiny to verify their halal status. This involves tracing the origins of ingredients to ensure they are free from prohibited substances like pork-derived gelatin or alcohol-based compounds.

2. Contamination Prevention: Manufacturers must implement stringent measures to prevent contamination during production, storage, and distribution. Dedicated production lines and halal-certified storage facilities play a crucial role in maintaining compliance.

3. Safety and Stability Assessments: In addition to halal compliance, products are tested for:

• Physical Properties: Color, texture, pH levels, and viscosity.
• Chemical Stability: Emulsion integrity and resistance to environmental factors.
• Microbiological Safety: Absence of harmful bacteria, fungi, and mold.

4. Packaging and Logistics: Packaging materials and logistics processes are evaluated to ensure they do not compromise the halal integrity of the product.

Stability testing is a critical aspect of halal cosmetics testing, ensuring that products remain safe, effective, and aesthetically pleasing over time. Apt. Anita Hidayati, S.Si., a CPKB Certification Assistant Expert, emphasized three key objectives of stability testing:

• Establishing Expiration Dates: Determining the shelf life to guarantee safety and efficacy.
• Optimizing Storage Conditions: Identifying ideal environments to preserve product quality.
• Maintaining Product Integrity: Ensuring that the product’s appearance, texture, and performance remain consistent.

Stability testing includes physical, chemical, and microbiological evaluations, as well as packaging assessments to evaluate interactions between the product and its container.

Indonesia’s Regulatory Framework

Indonesia’s halal certification requirements, outlined in Government Regulation (PP) Number 39 of 2021, represent a bold step toward integrating religious principles with modern regulatory standards. By October 2026, all cosmetic products in Indonesia must be halal-certified, ensuring compliance across the industry.

1. Transparency: Manufacturers must disclose the origins and composition of raw materials.
2. Contamination Control: Processes must eliminate contamination risks from non-halal substances.
3. Comprehensive Reporting: Stability and safety reports must support product claims.
4. BPOM Standards: Compliance with the Food and Drug Supervisory Body’s regulations on contamination, purity, and safety.

The Role of LPPOM

LPPOM, the Assessment Institute for Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics, is at the forefront of halal cosmetics testing in Indonesia. Accredited with SNI ISO/IEC 17025:2017, its laboratory is the first in the country to offer comprehensive halal and safety testing under one roof.

• Halal Testing: Verifying compliance with Islamic principles across all production stages.
• Safety Analysis: Detecting harmful contaminants, including diethylene glycol and ethylene oxide.
• Stability Assessments: Ensuring long-term safety and efficacy of products.
• Vegan Halal Certification: Catering to the growing demand for plant-based, cruelty-free cosmetics.

LPPOM’s integrated approach enables businesses to meet both domestic regulations and international standards, enhancing their global competitiveness.

Educating Stakeholders on Halal Compliance

LPPOM’s commitment extends beyond testing and certification to raising awareness about halal standards. Through workshops, seminars, and online platforms like www.halalmui.org, LPPOM empowers stakeholders with knowledge and resources.

1. Business Training: Helping manufacturers navigate the halal certification process.
2. Consumer Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public on the benefits of halal-certified cosmetics.
3. Research and Development Support: Encouraging innovation in halal formulations.

These initiatives foster a culture of halal compliance, driving industry growth and consumer trust.

Global Trends

Indonesia’s leadership in halal cosmetics reflects broader global trends. As ethical consumption becomes a priority, the demand for halal-certified products is growing across diverse markets.

• Sustainability: Consumers are gravitating toward eco-friendly and cruelty-free products, aligning with halal principles.
• Technological Integration: Blockchain and AI are enhancing supply chain transparency and product traceability.
• Diversification: The market is expanding to include halal-certified skincare, haircare, and hygiene products.

Challenges and Opportunities

The halal cosmetics industry offers immense potential but also faces challenges:

1. Global Standardization: Variations in halal certification criteria complicate international trade.
2. Supply Chain Oversight: Ensuring compliance across complex supply chains requires meticulous monitoring.
3. Consumer Awareness: Educating consumers about halal cosmetics is essential for market growth.

Opportunities

• Emerging Markets: Rising demand for halal products in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe presents significant growth potential.
• Product Innovation: Developing new formulations, such as organic and vegan halal cosmetics, can differentiate brands.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with certification bodies like LPPOM enhance credibility and streamline compliance.

LPPOM’s Vision

As the halal cosmetics market evolves, LPPOM is committed to driving innovation and setting new standards. Its strategic initiatives include:

1. Global Expansion: Extending its influence to become an international benchmark for halal certification.
2. Advanced Technologies: Leveraging AI and blockchain to improve testing accuracy and supply chain efficiency.
3. Consumer-Centric Strategies: Building trust through transparency and education.

Halal cosmetics testing is redefining the beauty industry, combining Islamic principles with modern safety and ethical standards. By ensuring product purity, safety, and integrity, halal certification is becoming a global benchmark for quality.

LPPOM’s leadership in this space highlights Indonesia’s pivotal role in shaping the future of halal beauty. Through comprehensive testing, education, and innovation, LPPOM is helping businesses navigate a rapidly evolving market while fostering consumer trust.

As the global demand for halal-certified cosmetics continues to grow, the industry stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation, offering products that align with the values of a diverse and conscientious audience.