Malaysia’s halal cosmetic market grows by a third

In an interview with The Malay Mail Online, the group said that the export market for Sharia-compliant products had grown from RM1.3bn to RM1.73bn, for a 33 percent increase.

HDC also noted that exports for the first quarter of 2013 were RM464.5m, up from RM322m in 2012.  

The group noted the growing size and power of the global halal industry, along with trends such as none-Muslim women buying the products thanks to their “purity” ​and high quality standards.

A spokesperson commented: “In 2011, there were 114 local companies certified ‘​halal’​ ​and a total of 3,493 ‘​halal’​ ​cosmetics and personal care products, including colour cosmetics, hygiene products for skin, hair and oral, baby products and perfumes.”​

Malaysian halal industry​

The global halal market is a major growth area and is expanding at a rate of 20 per cent per year. According to market research firm Organic Monitor, it has a total value of between US$5bn and US$14bn and is especially strong in the Middle East.

The sharia-compliant cosmetics market is Malaysia is controlled by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department, or JAKIM.

The government body claims to have issued a total of 395 halal certificates for cosmetics companies up until this year.

HDC particularly highlights nine companies as exporters to destinations outside Malaysia: Clara International Beauty Group, Consucare Inc, Jetaine Corporation, Natural Wellness, Sendayu Tinggi Holdings, Simplysiti, Vanity Cosmeceuticals, Ginvera and Alliance Cosmetics.

Not just for Muslims​

According to HDC, halal products are increasingly being adopted by none-Muslim consumers. The organization attributes this to “purity”, “safety” ​and “quality.”​

Halal cosmetics have a number of advantages over more conventional beauty items, including being alcohol-free and therefore less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

Many are also animal-product free due to Islam forbidding the use of any organism not slaughtered according to sharia law, making them popular among vegetarians.

Brands such as Colgate-Palmolive are amongst those to have recently developed halal products.