As a Muslim, we have one responsibilty: to perform the five daily prayers. And before we begin our prayers, it is necessity for us to take the Wudhu—or ablution. For those who are not familiar, the act of Wudhu is to make sure one’s body is covered entirely by water—this includes face, arms and feet. So, in result, Muslim women are unable to use nail polish or nail colour as most of the typical formula contains heavy alcohol ingredients and the coat over the nail prevents water moisture from permeating through. 

However, over the past couple of years, we saw the rise of Halal-based products. Including ‘’Halal nail polish’,’ where they were able to create a water-permeable formula. The formula allows the water to penetrate in between the nails and it was hailed as a complete game-changer. How can they not? For Muslims, this trendy meni-pedis came off as handy without having to compromise their ability to pray. 

So without further ado, checkout Beauty Insider’s favorite Halal brands for your next meni-pedi activities. 

(Source: Unsplash)

What Is Halal Beauty? 

Halal—came from an Arabic word meaning lawful, or permitted. So, anything that is free from  any component that Muslims are prohibited from wearing or consuming according to Shariah (Islamic Law). The utensils, equipment, machines and even how they were processed should be properly cleansed and produced according to Islamic Law as well. 

However, as mentioned earlier, most of the typical nail polish formula contains heavy alcohol ingredients and the coat over the nail prevents water moisture from permeating through. Making it hard for Muslim women to freely faunt around with a colourful nails. 

In the rise of Halal beauty in the beauty industry, some brands are taking a step further by not only demolishing the use of alcohol but also producing only-vegan ingredients. No traces of animal, additional oil or fragrances by products. To be more safe, some brands also made an initiative to obtain halal certification by an independent halal board. 

The Concern Around ‘’Halal’’ Nail Polish

There are also concerns surrounding Halal nail polish debate—’’How safe are they really?’’, ‘’Are they certain that there are no alcohol ingredients involved during the production?’’. According to Dr Umar Dar, CEO of Tuesday In Love, he stated that, ‘’Many companies entered the scene claiming they offer breathable nail polishes that allow water and air to reach the nail surface. However, the scientific validity of their experiments are often flawed and result in false narratives.’’ 

Halal experts are actively seeking the answers to this debate and they are often skeptical about the permissibility of nail polish at all. 

(Source: Unsplash)

So, Are Muslim Women Safe To Wear ‘’Halal’’ Nail Polish? 

Most of the Halal nail polishes that are being sold in the market are 100% safe to use. They are mostly vegan and only use natural ingredients and free from additional, unwanted preservation. Though, there’s a saying, ‘’When there is uncertainty or doubt, it is better not to use it. Especially when it involves a prayer.’’ So we suggest the best time to wear Halal nail polish—or any kind of nail polish—during your menstrual cycle, or whenever you’re unable to pray. 

10 Best ‘’Halal’’ Nail Polish For Muslim Women

Lauded as a safety alternative compared to regular nail polish. Here are 10 of the best brands that champion the Halal marque, for Muslim and Non-Muslim alike! Check them out: 

1. Zahara 

Vegan, cruelty-free and halal certified. Zahara is one of the most trusted halal cosmetics in the beauty scene. Their best-selling halal nail polishes are the true star of this Singaporean based-brand. Their glossy yet pigmented halal nail polish are specially formulated to allow water and oxygen particles to pass through your nails.  

Why we love it: 

  • 100% vegan
  • Specially formulated for long lasting wearing
  • Cruelty-free

Price: RM 46.40

Where to buy: Lazada 

2. SO.LEK Cosmetic 

Founded by Malaysian siblings, Dahlia Nadirah and Luqman Hakim, SO.LEK Cosmetics aim to give their customers the new meaning of confidence and help to enhance their beauty. Like their Halal nail polish collections, ‘’Kilat’’ offer varieties of colours that are totally wearable in literally any occasion. They’re also peelable so if you don’t have a nail remover you can just peel them off! 

Why we love it: 

  • Malaysian based brand
  • Easy to wear
  • Cruelty-free

Price: RM 46.40

Where to buy: Lazada

3. 786 Cosmetics

786 nail polishes are 100% certified halal and muslim-friendly. According to their website, water can fully penetrate through customer’s nail polish allowing us to safely perform Wudhu and pray without having to remove them. Their beautiful nail colours are also inspired by cities around the world: from Cordoba to India! 

Why we love it: 

  • Breathable formula 
  • 100% Halal certified 
  • Cruelty-free

Price: RM 53.99

Where to buy: 786 Cosmetic Website

4. Tuesday in Love 

Made by Dr Umar Dar, this Halal nail polish was born out of love. Their non-peelable formula allows water molecules to penetrate through micro pores. Free from any alcohol elements such as Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Toluene, DBP and Camphor. What’s best about Tuesday In Love nail polish is that we can choose between a glossy or matte finish.

Why we love it: 

  • Available in glossy and matte version
  • Free from all harsh ingredients
  • Cruelty-free

Price: RM 45.85

Where to buy: Tuesday In Love Website

5. Mersi Cosmetic

Having your nail polish done by Mersi is like having it done by a professional. What makes Mersi stand out from the rest is that they’re free from the 11 main harsh chemicals and ingredients that are mainly found inside the typical nail polish. Oh, and good news, it’s formula has been certified Halal by ISWA Halal Certification. 

Why we love it: 

  • Certified by ISWA Halal Certification
  • Lasted up to 10 days 
  • Cruelty-free

Price: RM 50.30

Where to buy: Mersi Website

6. Orly Cosmetic

Infused with Argan Oil, Vitamin C, and Pro-Vitamin B5, Orly is another trusted halal cosmetics in the beauty scene. They will help keep your nails looking healthy and shiny after just one application. From subtle pastel colours, to golden glittery, Orly features several trendy Halal nail polish that will make you look fabulous more than ever! 

Why we love it: 

  • Contain natural ingredients like Argan Oil 
  • Wearable and breathable colours
  • Cruelty-free

Price: RM 55.60

Where to buy: ZALORA

7. Amara Cosmetic

Amara is the first halal cosmetic company produced in the United States. Their 10 Halal nail polishes collections are 100% vegan, not tested on animals and no animal-derived ingredients. From their soft wearable nude colours to spicy red striking colours, Amara is a must have nail polish for all Muslim women. 

Why we love it: 

  • 100% vegan
  • Suitable for all ages
  • Cruelty-free

Price: RM 52.62

Where to buy: Amara Cosmetic Website

8. Karma Organic

A muslim-founded business with all natural and cruelty free ingredients. Karma Organic’s line deserves its own staple on your nail polish collection. With catching arabic names like Ayshah, Aaleyah and Nabila, and 100 others pretty colours to choose from, you can get nail paints with either glossy, matte or glow in the dark effects.

Why we love it: 

  • Jam packed with natural ingredients 
  • Available in glossy, matte and glow in the dark effects
  • Cruelty-free

Price: RM 57.89

Where to buy: Karma Organic Website

9. Lena Cosmetic

The co-founders of LENA Cosmetics have one purpose: to give you the most gorgeous shades of professional quality nail polish at great prices. The cosmetics are dedicated to producing two ranges of nail polish: breathable and gel. 

Why we love it: 

  • Long lasting 
  • Breathable 
  • Cruelty-free

Price: RM 57.83

Where to buy: Lena Cosmetic Website

10. INGLOT 

This Inglot Halal created for Muslim women looking for a healthy and beautiful nails that rapidly revolutionized in the cosmetic world. This Halal nail polish was made with advanced technology that allows water to pass through our nail plate and keep our nail in the best condition. 

Why we love it: 

  • Specially formulated for long lasting wearing
  • Lightweight
  • Cruelty-free

Price: RM 77.90

Where to buy: Shopee

11. Nailberry

Nailberry is an award-winning nail polish brand. Based in the UK, it actually got its start as a luxury nail bar in London! Nailberry’s Halal nail polish line takes its inspiration from wellness, health and nature. Aside from that, it is also a cruelty-free and vegan nail polish brand that promises its customers a healthy manicure without any colour compromise. 

Why we love it:

  • Long-lasting wear
  • Gorgeous colours
  • Pigmented

Price: RM82.49

Where to buy: Nailberry

12. Vivre Breathe Cosmetics

Vivre Breathe Cosmetics does not just offer Halal nail polish. They offer nail polish that is both cruelty and paraben-free. With shades suitable for any occasion, Vivre Breathe Cosmetics is packed with argan oil and vitamins. Thus, allowing your nails to be healthier as well! 

Why we love it:

  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free

Price: RM87.00

Where to buy: Ubuy

13. Maya Cosmetics

One of the leading Halal nail polish brands in the US is Maya Cosmetics. Founded back in 2016, Maya Cosmetics has come a long way with several Halal certificates tied under their belt. Thus, proving that they are a trusted Halal nail polish brand. Aside from that, Maya Cosmetics is also a breathable nail polish brand that allows both oxygen and water to penetrate the nails. 

Why we love it:

  • Does not chip easily
  • 100% breathable
  • Vegan-friendly 

Price: RM59.00

Where to buy: Maya Cosmetics 

14. Three Beauties

Three Beauties offers breathable nail polish that is Halal. Their nail polishes are made with 85% ingredients that are bio-sourced. Furthermore, this nail polish brand is also free from 9 toxic, yet common ingredients as well as being eco-conscious. Produced in the USA, their products are cruelty-free and comply with the USDA standards. Offering rich shades in several colours, it is a breathable nail polish that is Halal certified by the International Halal Integrity Alliance. 

Why we love it:

  • Water-permeable
  • Vegan
  • Halal formula

Price: RM75.69

Where to buy: Three Beauties

15. Kester Black

Kester Black is an organic nail polish brand that uses sustainable and healthy formulas. They tend to use natural ingredients such as kefir and organic avocado oil. Their nail polishes are also breathable and help keep your nails feeling nourished. With a 100% vegan formula, it is Halal-certified and cruelty-free. What’s more, is that thanks to their organic ingredients, you don’t need to use an alcohol-based nail polish remover at all! Water-based removers work just fine as well. 

Why we love it:

  • Fast-drying
  • Organic
  • Don’t need to use alcohol-based removers.

Price: RM109.32

Where to buy: Kester Black

For more beauty infos make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!