Question:
Assalaamu Alaikum. What is the ruling on benzyl alcohol and other such alcohols used in cosmetics?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Benzyl alcohol (synthetic alcohol) used in cosmetics, lotions etc. is permissible.[1]
Such alcohols (as long as they are not sourced from dates or grapes) for external use in the form of medicines or beauty products are permissible to use provided the remaining ingredients are Halal.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Arshad Ali
[1] http://www.sanha.co.za/a/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=356&Itemid=261
