Phenoxyethanol
QUESTION:
An ingredient called phenoxyethanol is found in some “alcohol-free” cosmetics like soap, body lotion etc. Does its presence affect the permissibility of using the cosmetics?
ANSWER:
After researching the ingredient ‘phenoxyethanol’, we have come to the conclusion that the product can be derived in one of two ways:
- It is a natural component derived from green tea or other herbal plants. As a chemical, it is an ether alcohol that is naturally found in green tea. The effects of ether intoxication are similar to those of alcohol intoxication, but more potent.
- ‘Phenoxyethanol’ found in most cosmetics is synthetically produced in a laboratory rather than plant-derived. It is produced by reacting phenol (EU) and ethylene oxide (EU) at a high temperature and pressure.
Now according to the Fuqaha (jurists), any alcohol derived from grapes or dates is Haraam, even though it may not intoxicate a person if consumed in small quantity. Hence, usage of alcohol derived from these two sources is Haraam.
However, alcohol derived from other sources (besides grapes and dates) is considered as pure according to Imaam Abu Hanifa and Imaam Abu Yusuf Rahimahumullah. Hence, according to them it may be used with the proviso that it is not consumed for entertainment, and it is not consumed in such great quantity that it intoxicates one. Thus, it may be used in cosmetic products or medication, based on their view.
Imaam Muhammad Rahimahullah prohibits the usage of all forms of alcohol, even though it may be derived from other than dates and grapes. The juristic view is issued on the view of Imaam Muhammad Rahimahullah due to corruption in our times (as people could start abusing it).
Hence, caution demands or dictates that one refrains from using cosmetic products and soaps in which ‘phenoxyethanol’ is found, since there are numerous alcohol-free soaps and cosmetics available on the market. Yes, in the instance that alcohol-free soaps, cosmetics or medication is not available on the market, using products containing ‘phenoxyethanol’ will be permitted, based on the view of Imaam Abu Hanifa and Imaam Abu Yusuf Rahimahumullah.
وإن معظم الكحول التي تستعمل اليوم في الأدوية والعطور وغيرها لا تتخذ من العنب أو التمر، إنما تتخذ من الحبوب او القشور او البترول وغيره كما ذكرنا في باب بيع (تكملة فتح الملهم ج٥ ص٣٤٣
أحسن الفتاوي(ج٨ص٤٨٣)
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Maulana Ahmed Saeed
Date:- 27 Muharram 1445 / 15 August 2023
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb