Bavina Sookdeo

Sacha Cosmetics, a home-grown makeup and cosmetics brand known for its inclusivity, attained its halal certification approximately a decade ago.

Speaking with Business Day, Kama Maharaj, managing director and founder of Sacha Cosmetics, shed light on the company's decision to obtain halal certification.

"We are a multicultural, multi-religious country, and we have to cater to everybody here. A large percentage of our staff is Muslim, and we even have some Hindus who fast for Ramadan in support as well.

[caption id="attachment_1076331" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Kama Maharaj, managing director and founder of Sacha Cosmetics. FILE PHOTO -[/caption]

"We want to ensure that our products comply with Islamic dietary laws and ethical standards. All our ingredients are halal-compliant," Maharaj said.

In terms of makeup, that means no animal products.

The halal certification, endorsed by Darul Uloom, is subject to renewal every year.

[caption id="attachment_1076333" align="aligncenter" width="403"] Sacha Cosmetics' halal certificate.Photo courtesy Sacha Cosmetics -[/caption]

The Darul Uloom Halal Committee is the most experienced organisation that certifies products, restaurants and halal enterprises across the Caribbean and South America.

Maharaj said all Sacha Cosmetics’ products, including its perfumes, adhere to halal standards.

Asked about potential additional costs in manufacturing makeup in accordance with halal guidelines, Maharaj responded, "You have to substitute. Our brand is also vegan and cruelty-free – there is a nexus between cruelty-free, halal and vegan. Sacha is certified in all.

"However, the halal certification is a tough one to get and as far as we know, Sacha is the only recognised brand that is halal-certified."

On the impact of halal certification on sales, Maharaj said, "We have a fair percentage of Muslim customers that feel assured that their religious practices and beliefs are being catered to – we see them coming into our stores and they are comfortable.

"We did not just wake up one morning and become halal-certified. We have been for ten years now."

[caption id="attachment_1076332" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The making of the Sacha Cosmetics Buttercup powder and foundation at its labs in Freeport. FILE PHOTO -[/caption]

Sacha Cosmetics has established wholesalers in 60 countries, extending as far as Australia.

On the reception of halal makeup in other regions, Maharaj explained, "Being halal-certified opens doors for the brand in all the Islamic countries. One-sixth of the world’s population is Muslim, so when we go into Africa, it is an important thing for them, because a large percentage of the population is Muslim.

"The Middle East too, it is a target market and people want to be assured that their practices are being honoured and respected."

[caption id="attachment_1076335" align="alignnone" width="1024"] TT TikToker Amaanah Ali recently collaborated with Sacha Cosmetics. In this picture she is sporting a full face of makeup u