Halaal, eco-ethical beauty products for Durban
CALLING ALL vegans, animal rights activists and followers of a halaal diet. A new range of cosmetics has been launched just for you.
A vegan- and halaal-friendly range of soaps, sunscreen, deodorants, shower gels and lipsticks has been brought to Africa by Durban businessman Pramod Penceliah.
At this week’s launch at the Beverley Hills Hotel in uMhlanga, the creator of the range, Mauli Teli, said she was excited that other countries were buying into the idea of using natural products for cosmetics and beauty.
She and her sister, Grishma, quit their jobs as a management consultant and biotech researcher respectively in the US to start Ecotrail Personal Care, which promotes a healthy lifestyle and ethical products free of impurities and harsh chemicals.
Teli, of India, said the Iba range was launched in 2014 in India. “It was two years of ideas, research, market understanding and product development by the team to create this range.
“We found that while the word ‘halaal’ may have a limited understanding in some people’s minds, the world is rapidly becoming aware of its true meaning and appeal as a symbol of purity, integrity and authenticity.
“During our research we found that many cosmetic products used a myriad of non-halaal ingredients such as pig fat, lanolin, keratin, gelatin, as well as alcohol and harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens.”
The 35-year-old concedes there is a lack of awareness and hopes that with the launch of Iba in South Africa people will opt for natural products.
“Iba Halaal Care embraces an eco-ethical philosophy. Our products are cruelty-free. They have been formulated to meet the ethical needs of all consumers, including Muslims, Jains, vegetarians and vegans.”