Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
I have a question regarding the use of chap-sticks and lip balms which contain cetyl alcohol and oleyl alcohol. I wanted to know whether the above-mentioned products are ḥalāl (permissible) to use?
Answer:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allāh, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for contacting Mathabah Institute.
My research shows that cetyl and oleyl alcohol are derived from plants and fish oils. Therefore, they are permitted to use externally on the body.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Allāh has sent down both the illness and the cure, and He has created a cure for every disease, so treat yourselves medically, but use nothing unlawful.” – (Abū Dāwūd 3874)[1]
“Every element which intoxicates in large quantities is unlawful [to consume] in small quantities as well.” – (Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān: 5382)[2]
Only Allāh knows best.
[1] إِنَّ اللَّهَ أَنْزَلَ الدَّاءَ وَالدَّوَاءَ وَجَعَلَ لِكُلِّ دَاءٍ دَوَاءً فَتَدَاوَوْا وَلاَ تَدَاوَوْا بِحَرَامٍ – أبو داؤد ٣٨٧٤
[2] كُلُّ مُسْكِرٍ حَرَامٌ وَمَا أَسْكَرَ الْفَرْقُ مِنْهُ فَمِلْءُ الْكَفِّ مِنْهُ حَرَامٌ – اخرجه ابن حبان ٥٣٨٣