Q: What is the shari ruling with regards to Carmine?
A: Carmine is a crimson red pigment derived from Cochineal, a “scale insect”, by crushing and boiling dried insects in water to extract the carminic acid and then treating the clear solution.
SANHA (South African National Halal Association) has conducted detail research on Cochineal and declared it impermissible for consumption. Hence it will not be permissible to use the lipsticks which have carmine in them.
However, other cosmetic applications which do not involve consumption like eye shadows and liners will be permissible.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Aadiel Moosagie (Mufti)
[email protected]
www.councilofulama.co.za