Korean Cosmetics Have Expanded Halal-Certified Product Lines
Manufacturers are adapting ingredients and processes to meet the global demand for beauty products that align with Islamic law.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Beauty
Live Poll
Do you believe specialized religious certification for consumer goods improves product trust for all shoppers?
Korean cosmetics companies have significantly scaled production of halal-certified goods, with nearly 40 firms now maintaining certification to serve the growing global Muslim market. This shift follows increased international demand, particularly among consumers aged 15 to 29 who prioritize products compliant with strict religious standards.
Why it matters
The rapid expansion of the halal beauty sector ensures that Muslim consumers have access to products that align with their religious requirements. By reformulating ingredients and implementing new manufacturing standards, these brands are adapting to a global market projected to reach $152 billion by 2035.
The global halal cosmetics market reached $53.1 billion in 2025, up from $26.8 billion in 2020. While roughly 40 Korean firms now hold halal certification, the long-term impact on global market share remains under investigation.
The players
Pion-Tech
A Korean cosmetics manufacturer that recently secured certification to meet international halal beauty standards.
Cosmax
A major cosmetics developer and manufacturer with significant operations in Indonesia that produces thousands of halal-certified products.
Kolmar Korea
A manufacturing firm that has maintained a formal halal assurance system since 2020 to align with religious standards.
The details
To qualify for halal certification, companies replace prohibited ingredients, such as snail mucin, with plant-based alternatives like yam-based mucin. Manufacturers also dedicate specific production days to halal-certified items to prevent cross-contamination and maintain a strictly halal assurance system throughout the facility. These changes are crucial for products like eye creams, which are frequently used by women wearing hijabs who wish to highlight the visible areas of their face.
Timeline
2020: Kolmar Korea began operating a halal assurance system.
Q1 2026: Cosmax Indonesia sales reached 51.6 billion won.
July 2026: Pion-Tech officially received its halal certification.
Sept. 15, 2026: Workers produced halal-certified cosmetics at the Pion-Tech factory.
First half of next year: Cosmax is scheduled to complete a new factory.
Health Landscape
The rise in halal cosmetics sales marks a significant departure from the 2020 global market baseline of $26.8 billion. This surge reflects a broader shift toward inclusive manufacturing that accounts for religious compliance alongside traditional beauty standards.
Consumers seeking products that comply with specific religious standards should look for verified halal certification labels on packaging, which ensure the absence of restricted substances. If you have concerns about specific ingredients, discussing your product needs with a dermatologist can help you find suitable, compliant alternatives.
The takeaway
The move toward halal certification represents a commitment to ingredient transparency and adherence to religious guidelines in skincare. Readers can look for formal certification marks on products to ensure they align with their personal standards and requirements.
What happens next
Cosmax is expected to increase its annual production capacity to 800 million units following the opening of a new factory in the first half of next year.
Further reading
For more information on ingredient standards and product safety, see our Beauty section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Koreajoongangdaily.
Live Poll
Do you believe specialized religious certification for consumer goods improves product trust for all shoppers?
