Halal-Certified Cosmetics Become the New Favorite of the Global Cosmetics Industry [Reuters]

Halal-certified cosmetics become the new favorite of the global cosmetics industry

A Reuters feature reports that the fastest-rising cosmetics category in the world today is the 'Halal' category - 'Halal' generally refers to products made without adding any alcohol or pork ingredients, and is therefore suitable for Halal consumers.

However, the core issue lies in 'whether Muslims may wear makeup,' over which different sects have long had great controversy. Many believe that cosmetics are items used to conceal one's true appearance and are therefore deceptive; on the other hand, some believe that cosmetics are essentially objects of temptation. The most recent common view is that as long as a Muslim does not use cosmetics to deceive or tempt others, but rather to serve her own husband with a more beautiful appearance, it still conforms to the teachings - precisely as the Chinese saying goes: 'A woman makes herself beautiful for the one who pleases her.'

After all, the love of beauty is human nature, so following the above view, analysts predict that 'Halal' cosmetics, which already have an annual business volume of US$500 million, may see sales rise by 20% per year over the next five years! In addition, as more and more cosmetics manufacturers no longer use animals for testing and do not use any animal-derived ingredients to make products, it is estimated that the variety of cosmetics suitable for Muslims will also surge, creating a phenomenon of 'supply driving demand.'

Why not embrace both business opportunities and the connection of people across different cultures? To embrace the world is to know the world, especially the relationship between humans and animals and the economic activities of various countries, which is now a key issue in how the economy recovers and develops sustainably. For example, a United Nations report found that one-third of the Earth's surface is used for grazing, and the greenhouse gases emitted by all the livestock around the world add up to more than the greenhouse gases emitted by all the world's transportation. Moreover, the methane emitted by cattle and sheep has a greater impact on the warming rate of the atmosphere than the carbon dioxide emitted by cars and factories! It is worth noting that a recent study by the World Wide Fund for Nature found that if humans could eat a healthy diet, it would be good not only for their own bodies but also for the atmosphere - human demand for meat has already caused 58% of the Earth's forests to disappear: because many people in developing countries cut down trees for a living and use the land for grazing. The World Wide Fund for Nature estimates that if everyone reduced meat consumption by two-thirds, it could reduce by 15% the greenhouse gases produced by meat production: so less meat and more vegetables is good for health and even better for the planet!