Halal Japanese skincare
Specially made for Muslims, the Momohime skincare products are exclusively manufactured in Japan.
WITH its pink and white packaging, Momohime products look just like any other cute Japanese skincare product.
There is more than meets the eye for Momohime (which means peach princess in Japanese), however, as it is the first halal skincare line available in the Malaysian market that is manufactured exclusively in Japan.
Mariya Mieko Kobayashi, who co-founded the brand with her husband Umar Kobayashi, said the idea of a halal cosmetics range came from her friends in Indonesia, a country that she and Umar frequently travelled to.
“We have many Muslim friends and they tell us that they want to use Japanese skincare products, but they are afraid that the ingredients might not be suitable.
“Cosmetics and skincare ingredients might be derived from animals.
“This is where the idea of halal made-in-Japan skincare products came about,” said Mariya at the launch of the skincare line recently in Kuala Lumpur.
The launch was also attended by the Japan External Trade Organisation managing director Akira Kajita and Embassy of Japan second secretary Michiko Nishikawa.
The couple, who converted into Islam after learning about the religion, said that the Momohime skincare line uses plant-based ingredients, with the exception of fish-based collagen.
“We also don't use alcohol in the products,” she added.
Momohime skincare products have halal-certification from the Japan Islamic Trust, a Japan-based halal certification body that is recognised by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).
According to Mariya, Momohime is suitable for Muslim women who want to use halal cosmetics without compromising on its quality.
She said that the skincare line has been available in Japan for a year and is sold at drugstores (pharmacies), beauty shops, and online.
The products are also apparently becoming popular not only with Japanese Muslims, but other Japanese as well.
For Malaysians, the products can be found online through Lazada, and the couple plan to launch it at stores in the country.
Currently the line features face wash, lotion, cream, and face essence, and they plan on expanding it with more products soon. – Hanis Zainal