A qualitative investigation into consumption of halal cosmetic products: the evidence from India

Purpose - India accounts for the third-largest Muslim population in the world after Indonesia and Pakistan. The previous studies about halal consumption have focused on the food and money industry only. Muslim consumers are prohibited from using alcohol, pork and other items in any form; the rising awareness among Muslims has led to the rapid growth in demand of halal cosmetic products around the globe. This paper aims to present a framework of halal consumers' purchase and explores the factors that Indian consumers consider while buying halal cosmetics. Design/methodology/approach - The authors carried out qualitative research (focus group discussion and in-depth interviews) in Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad to gain deeper insight from the respondents. Findings - The study found that religiosity and increasing awareness about halal products acts as an influencer for individuals' halal products consumption along with halal certification and growing education level of Muslim consumers. Originality/value - The paper has been developed based on the original research work carried out among the halal Muslim consumers in the major Muslim population in metropolitan cities of Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi over the past year.