A toothbrush with halal toothpaste.
In Islam, products considered halal are acceptable for use, while those considered haram are unacceptable. Since the use of pork and its derivatives is prohibited in Islam, practicing Muslims should avoid any products that contain these ingredients. What many don’t know is that it is common practice to use pork-based ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products like toothpaste. When looking at ingredients used in toothpaste, it’s important to pay special attention whenever glycerin is mentioned, as it can be derived from pork fat. Since it is often difficult to determine the exact type of glycerin used in products, the best way to ensure you have a halal toothpaste is to look for certified halal or vegan products.
Halal toothpaste cannot contain ingredients prohibited by Islamic law.
Most of the time, toothpaste manufacturers use glycerin as a sweetener and preservative for their products. The problem is that they often can’t tell where their glycerin is derived from. Glycerin can be made from the fat and lard of cows and pigs, or it can be entirely plant-based. While some manufacturers list whether their glycerin is plant-based or animal-based directly on the label, most only list the word glycerin, which can be frustrating for those who want a more detailed description. Manufacturers may also change their glycerin sources from time to time, based on the cheapest type at any given time.
Halal toothpaste can be found in halal markets around the world.
The best way to distinguish halal toothpaste from other varieties is to verify that it is certified halal by an accredited organization. In North America, the main certification body is the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America, or IFANCA, but there are also many other smaller organizations, such as the Muslim Consumers Group, or MCG. If finding a halal certified toothpaste is a problem, another option is to look for vegan toothpastes, as they do not contain any type of animal products. For all other toothpastes, it’s best to contact the manufacturer directly to ask about the source of the glycerin.
Consumers should also be aware that toothpaste formulations may vary when sold in different countries. For example, a large manufacturer that sells products around the world may offer halal toothpaste to some demographics and not to others. Manufacturers often cater to the specific needs of a demographic to sell products, so in areas with large Muslim populations, offering halal toothpaste would make more financial sense. Either way, it’s important to remember that just because a brand of toothpaste uses vegetable glycerin in one country doesn’t mean it won’t sell products containing pork-derived glycerin in another.