Why Do Some Cosmetics Need a "Waterproof" (Water-Permeability) Test for Halal Certification?

After completing the factory audit for Indonesian halal certification, cosmetics companies often receive a notice like this: “Your product claims a ‘waterproof’ function in its marketing, so it must be sent to Indonesia for a waterproof (water-permeability) test.” Products commonly requiring this test include mascara, false eyelashes, eyeliner, and foundation. Many companies are puzzled: for a halal certification, why verify the truthfulness of a marketing claim, or even test whether a product is genuinely waterproof? This is not an ordinary quality check—it rests on a careful religious and cultural consideration. 1. Core reason: the ritual of purification In Islam, ritual ablution (wudu) is performed before each of the five daily prayers, cleansing specific parts of the body—including the face and arms—with clean water. The key requirement is that water must reach the skin directly and without obstruction. If a cosmetic (such as sunscreen, foundation, or makeup) forms a fully waterproof, impermeable film on the skin, it blocks water from contacting the skin. If the ablution is deemed invalid, the subsequent prayer also loses its religious validity. This is the core rationale behind the water-permeability test. 2. BPJPH's explicit requirement Accordingly, Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) pays special attention to water-resistance when reviewing cosmetics. Per the certification guidelines, an LPPOM MUI laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 provides a dedicated water-permeability test for cosmetics: the product is applied to a test surface and, once dry, water is dropped on it to determine whether it can penetrate. This ensures the “suitable for ablution” claim has a clear scientific basis rather than being mere advertising. 3. What if the product really is waterproof? The answer: it can still be used, but with a compliance statement. Under MUI Fatwa No. 60 of 2020 (on standards for halal certification of waterproof cosmetics), as long as the ingredients are pure and harmless, a waterproof product remains permissible for use. However, the manufacturer is responsible for providing clear usage guidance on the packaging—it must clearly state “water-impermeable” and include instructions on how to cleanse effectively, so that ritual ablution remains valid. Recommended action If your product emphasizes “long-lasting,” “waterproof,” or “sweat-resistant” functions, be sure to include the water-permeability test in the early assessment stage when preparing for BPJPH certification. It is not only a technical compliance step but also a sincere respect for, and understanding of, culture and faith.