Iba: First halal cosmetics brand launched in India

Iba Halal Care, India’s first halal cosmetics brand, was launched last month in Ahmedabad by Ecotrail Personal Care, a company headed by two Jain sisters.

Announcing the launch of Iba Halal Care, Mauli Teli, CEO of the company, said: “We are creating an entirely new category of cosmetic products – halal cosmetic products. Halal [meaning lawful] cosmetic products are entirely hygienic, ethically manufactured products and meant for use by everyone.”

Iba Halal Cosmetics range of around 60 products includes face creams, body lotions, hair oil, shampoo, conditioners, lipsticks, kajal, soap and perfumes.

“These cosmetics products are free of alcohol and are popular in countries like Saudi Arabia, Canada, the UK, Turkey, Malaysia and Indonesia. They are known as mineral makeup products in European markets,” Mauli Teli said.

India has the second largest population of Muslims in the world and is a growing consumer society.

More than 19.6 million Muslim women population between 20 to 40 years could be a huge market to introduce cosmetics products. Indian Muslim women are religiously conscience towards main stream cosmetic products due to fear of alcohol and pig residues used during the preparation. Use of cosmetics and beauty enhance products in front of husband and other relatives are permissible according to Islamic laws if not exposed publicly to control the adultery and filthy in society.