After completing the factory audit for official Indonesian certification, many cosmetic companies often receive a notification like this: "Hello, your product mentions 'waterproof' functionality in its advertising, therefore it needs to be sent to Indonesia for waterproof (water-permeability) testing." Common products requiring testing include mascara, false eyelashes, eyeliner, and foundation.

At this point, many companies may feel confused: If you are doing halal certification, why do you need to verify the authenticity of the product's claims and even test whether it is really waterproof?

This was not an ordinary quality inspection; it contained profound and subtle considerations of religious culture.

This is no ordinary quality inspection; it contains profound religious and cultural considerations.

I. Core Reason: For the "purification ritual"

Islam stipulates that Muslims must perform prayers before their five daily prayers.“purification ritual”This refers to cleaning specific parts of the body with water, including the face and arms.The key to this process is...Water must be able to come into direct and unobstructed contact with the skin.

If cosmetics used (such as sunscreen, foundation, and makeup) form a completely waterproof and airtight film on the skin's surface, they will prevent water from contacting the skin. Once ablution is deemed ineffective, subsequent prayer rituals will also lose their religious validity. This is...“permeable”The core starting point of testing.

II. Specific Requirements of BPJPH

Therefore, the Indonesian Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) pays special attention to the water-repellent properties of cosmetics during their review. According to certification guidelines, the LPPOM MUI laboratory, certified to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, provides a water penetration test specifically for cosmetics. This test involves applying the product to a test surface, allowing it to dry, and then dripping water onto it to determine if it can penetrate. This ensures that claims of "suitability for ablution" have clear scientific basis, and are not merely advertising claims. Simply put, this test ensures that the product meets the religious requirement of "not hindering ablution."

At this point, you might be even more confused: If my product really is waterproof, does that mean I can't get certification?

1. What if it's waterproof?

The answer is: it can still be used, but a compliance explanation is required.

According to Indonesian Nahdlatul Ulama Council (MUI) Decree No. 60 of 2020 (Standards for Halal Certification of Waterproof Cosmetics), Muslims can use products that are waterproof, provided the ingredients are pure and harmless. However, manufacturers are responsible for providing clear usage instructions on the packaging, clearly stating "waterproof" and including instructions on how to effectively clean the product to ensure the effectiveness of the ablution ritual.

✨ Action Recommendations

If your product emphasizes features such as "durability," "water resistance," and "sweat resistance," please ensure that "water permeability testing" is included in the initial assessment phase when preparing for BPJPH certification. This is not only a technical compliance process, but also a sincere respect for and profound understanding of culture and beliefs.