Supplements & capsules
A supplement label hides two questions: what's in the powder, and what the capsule itself is made of. These 129 entries cover both, with the medical-necessity pathway documented where fatwa bodies provide one.
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Halal
Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)
Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin): An NSAID used for pain, fever, and antiplatelet therapy. Fully synthetic; halal.
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Source-dependent
Alcohol (fermented rice / sake-derived)
Alcohol (fermented rice / sake-derived): Mashbooh. Rice wine/sake is classified as khamr by most scholars. Cosmetic extracts derived from sake ferment…
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Source-dependent
Alcohol Denat.
Alcohol Denat.: Status is widely debated. JAKIM considers it haram if base ethanol is from khamr. Some scholars permit it as it is no longer intoxicat…
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Halal
Aluminum Hydroxide
Aluminum Hydroxide: An inorganic adjuvant used in many non-live vaccines and as an antacid in some OTC products. Mineral origin; halal. Safety profile…
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Halal
Behenic Acid
Behenic Acid: Halal. Long-chain saturated fatty acid. Plant-derived. Used in hair conditioners for smoothing and anti-frizz.
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Halal
Benzalkonium Chloride
Benzalkonium Chloride: A quaternary ammonium preservative active against bacteria and fungi. Synthetic; halal.
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Source-dependent
Bovine Insulin (historical)
Bovine Insulin (historical): Insulin historically extracted from beef pancreas. Largely replaced worldwide by recombinant (rDNA) human insulin and ana…
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Halal
Calcium Chloride
Calcium Chloride: An inorganic calcium salt used to balance electrolytes in IV fluids, eye drops, and dialysis solutions. Mineral origin; halal.
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Halal
Calcium Citrate
Calcium Citrate: A calcium salt of citric acid; better-absorbed than calcium carbonate. Mineral + plant-derived citric acid; halal.
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Source-dependent
Calcium Stearate
Calcium Stearate: A stearate salt used as a tablet lubricant. Stearate source can be plant or animal.
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Halal
Carbomer
Carbomer: A synthetic high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid. Synthetic; halal.
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Source-dependent
Chinese hamster ovary cells
Chinese hamster ovary cells: derived from the Chinese hamster
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Source-dependent
Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin Sulfate: A sulfated glycosaminoglycan extracted from animal cartilage. Sourced from bovine, porcine, or shark cartilage. Species and slaug…
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Halal
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa Butter: Solid fat extracted from cocoa beans; melts near body temperature. Plant-derived; halal.
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Halal
Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)
Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone): A fat-soluble quinone produced industrially by yeast fermentation. Modern CoQ10 is yeast/microbially fermented; halal.
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Source-dependent
Collagen
The supplement aisle's fastest-growing powder is, chemically, gelatin's sibling. Same animals, same slaughter question, same default caution.
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Source-dependent
Conjugated Estrogens (equine)
Conjugated Estrogens (equine): A mixture of estrogen compounds extracted from the urine of pregnant mares (horses), used for hormone replacement thera…
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Source-dependent
Conjugated oestrogen
Conjugated oestrogen: can be derived from animal urine
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Halal
Copovidone
Copovidone: A synthetic copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate. Fully synthetic; halal.
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Halal
Croscarmellose Sodium
Croscarmellose Sodium: Cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose used to help tablets break apart in water. Cellulose is plant-derived; widely consid…
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Halal
Crospovidone
Crospovidone: A synthetic polymer that helps tablets break apart in the stomach. Synthetic; no known concern.
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Halal
Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12): Synthetic form of vitamin B12 used in supplements and injections. Made by bacterial fermentation; halal.
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Halal
Dextrose (Glucose)
Dextrose (Glucose): A simple sugar used as an IV energy source, tablet sweetener, and lozenge base. Plant-derived (corn); halal.
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Halal
Dicalcium Phosphate
Dicalcium Phosphate: A calcium salt used as a tablet filler and calcium supplement. Mineral-derived; widely halal-acceptable.
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Halal
Dipotassium Phosphate
Dipotassium Phosphate: An inorganic buffer salt used to maintain pH in vaccines and liquid medicines. Synthetic mineral salt; no animal origin.
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Halal
Ferrous Sulfate
Ferrous Sulfate: An iron salt used to treat or prevent iron-deficiency anaemia. Mineral; halal.
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Source-dependent
Fetal Bovine Serum
Fetal Bovine Serum: A cell-culture supplement used in manufacturing some biologics; rarely on final labels but may be disclosed. Bovine origin; not in…
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Halal
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): Synthetic form of folate, essential in pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. Fully synthetic; halal.
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Halal
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde: A chemical used to inactivate viruses or toxins during vaccine manufacturing; only trace residual amounts remain in finished vaccines. S…
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Source-dependentE441
Gelatin
The single most important ingredient to check in processed food. Gelatin is a protein boiled from animal skin, bones and connective tissue — and in We…
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Halal
Gelatin (bovine, halal-slaughtered)
Gelatin (bovine, halal-slaughtered): Halal when sourced from cattle slaughtered according to Islamic law. Certificate of halal slaughter from abattoir…
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Halal
Gelatin (fish)
Gelatin (fish): Halal. Fish do not require Islamic slaughter under majority opinion. Growing use as halal and vegan-friendly alternative to mammalian …
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Source-dependent
Gelatin capsules (medicines and supplements)
Nearly every softgel and most hard capsules are gelatin, and the bottle rarely says which animal. This is the supplement version of the gelatin proble…
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Source-dependent
Glucosamine
Glucosamine: An amino sugar used as a joint-health supplement. The vast majority is extracted from shellfish (shrimp/crab). Whether shellfish counts a…
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Source-dependent
Glyceryl Stearate (plant)
Depends on origin. IFANCA files glycerol stearate under investigate-further; halal only where the fatty-acid and glycerin feedstock is verified plant …
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Haram
Heparin
Heparin: An anticoagulant medicine extracted from animal mucosal tissue. Commercial heparin is overwhelmingly sourced from porcine intestinal mucosa.
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Halal
Heparin (genetically engineered, pig-free)
The IIFA states that heparin prepared through genetic engineering without pig-related material may be used; the manufacturing route must match that de…
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Source-dependent
Human Albumin
Human Albumin: A blood protein used as a stabilizer in some vaccines and biologics. Human blood derivative; medical necessity may outweigh concerns — …
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Halal
Hydroxypropyl Cellulose
Hydroxypropyl Cellulose: Plant-cellulose ether used as a binder, film former, and thickener. Plant-derived; halal.
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Halal
Hypromellose (HPMC)
Hypromellose (HPMC): A plant-derived cellulose polymer used in vegetarian capsules and coatings. Plant-derived; generally considered permissible.
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Haram
Insulin (porcine/bovine origin)
Insulin (porcine/bovine origin): Hormone for diabetes; historically from porcine or bovine pancreas. Animal-source insulin is rare today but still in …
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Halal
Isopropyl Myristate
Isopropyl Myristate: Halal. Plant-derived myristic acid (coconut) combined with synthetic isopropyl alcohol. Not ethanol. Used as emollient and skin-f…
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Halal
Isopropyl Palmitate
Isopropyl Palmitate: Halal. Plant-derived palmitic acid. Not ethanol-based. Used as emollient in cosmetics.
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Halal
Isostearic Acid
Isostearic Acid: Halal when plant-derived. Used as an emollient and emulsifier. Verify source if animal origin is possible.
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Source-dependent
Lactose
Depends on process. Lactose from milk by membrane filtration is halal; lactose recovered from whey is doubtful unless the coagulating enzymes were mic…
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Source-dependent
Lactose Monohydrate
Lactose Monohydrate: The crystalline hydrated form of lactose used as the most common direct-compression filler in tablets and dry-powder inhalers. De…
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Source-dependent
Lactose and rennet
Lactose and rennet: rennet can be derived from halal or non-halal slaughtered animals
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Source-dependent
Low-molecular-weight heparin (porcine-derived)
The IIFA says modification of heparin to obtain a low-molecular-weight form is not itself transmutation. A porcine-derived product therefore requires …
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Halal
Magnesium Carbonate
Magnesium Carbonate: An inorganic magnesium salt used as a filler, anti-caking agent, and mild antacid. Mineral origin; halal.
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Halal
Magnesium Oxide
Magnesium Oxide: An inorganic magnesium salt used as an antacid and a magnesium supplement. Mineral origin; halal.
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Source-dependent
Magnesium Stearate (plant)
Depends on origin. Magnesium stearate can be made from plant or animal fat, so the feedstock has to be documented rather than assumed.
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Haram
Magnesium Stearate (porcine)
Magnesium Stearate (porcine): Haram. Source must be verified in pharmaceutical and cosmetic powders.
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Halal
Menthol
Menthol: A monoterpene from mint, used as flavor and topical cooling agent. Plant-derived; halal.
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Halal
Metacresol
Metacresol: A phenolic preservative used in multi-dose insulin pens and other biologic vials. Synthetic; halal.
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Halal
Methacrylic Acid Copolymer
Methacrylic Acid Copolymer: A synthetic copolymer of methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate that dissolves only at intestinal pH; the standard enter…
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Halal
Methacrylic Acid Copolymer (Eudragit)
Methacrylic Acid Copolymer (Eudragit): A family of synthetic acrylic polymers used to coat tablets and capsules. Synthetic; halal.
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Haram
Mono/Diglycerides (animal-derived)
Mono/Diglycerides (animal-derived): Haram if from porcine or non-halal animal sources.
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Halal
Mono/Diglycerides (plant-derived)
Mono/Diglycerides (plant-derived): Halal when from plant sources. Widely used emulsifiers in food and cosmetics.
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Source-dependent
Neomycin
Neomycin: An aminoglycoside antibiotic used during vaccine manufacturing; trace amounts may remain in finished vaccines. Not porcine-derived; relevant…
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Halal
Oleic Acid (plant-derived)
Oleic Acid (plant-derived): Halal. Monounsaturated fatty acid widely used in cosmetics. Plant source is standard for halal products.
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Haram
Oleic Acid (porcine)
Oleic Acid (porcine): Haram. Same oleic acid molecule but porcine origin renders it prohibited.
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Source-dependent
Omega-3 fish oil
A rare easy one — with a catch. Fish oil is halal; the softgel around it usually is gelatin, and that shell inherits the whole gelatin ruling.
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Haram
Pancreatin
Pancreatin: pig derived in the UK
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Halal
Peanut Oil
Peanut Oil: A refined edible oil from peanuts, used as a non-aqueous vehicle for fat-soluble actives in oral softgels and some IM injections (e.g. mic…
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Halal
Phenol
Phenol: A simple aromatic alcohol used in trace amounts as a preservative in some pen injectors (e.g. semaglutide). Synthetic; halal.
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Halal
Phytonadione (Vitamin K1)
Phytonadione (Vitamin K1): Plant-derived form of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting. Plant-derived (or synthetic equivalent); halal.
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Source-dependent
Pig heart valves
The IIFA says pig valves may not be used as substitutes except in a case of necessity; metallic, human, or other zoological substitutes may be used.
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Halal
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG / Macrogol)
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG / Macrogol): A synthetic polymer used as solvent, laxative, or coating. Synthetic; no known concern.
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Source-dependent
Polygeline
Polygeline: A modified bovine gelatin used as a stabilizer in some vaccines (e.g., RabAvert rabies vaccine). Bovine-derived processed gelatin; species…
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Halal
Polyisobutylene
Polyisobutylene: A synthetic, fully petroleum-derived polymer used as the pressure-sensitive adhesive in many transdermal patches and as a chewing-gum…
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Halal
Polyoxyl 35 Castor Oil
Polyoxyl 35 Castor Oil: A non-ionic surfactant produced by reacting castor oil (from the castor bean) with ethylene oxide; used to solubilise lipophil…
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Source-dependent
Polysorbate
Polysorbate: can be derived from cow or plant, e.g. polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80
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Source-dependent
Polysorbate 20
Polysorbate 20: A non-ionic surfactant used to stabilise protein injectables and emulsions. Made from sorbitol + lauric acid; lauric acid source (coco…
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Source-dependent
Polysorbate 80
Depends on origin. SANHA classes E433 as mushbooh pending verification of the oleic-acid feedstock.
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Haram
Porcine Heparin
Porcine Heparin: An anticoagulant extracted from porcine intestinal mucosa; the standard heparin source in the US and UK. Porcine-derived. Bovine-sour…
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Source-dependent
Porcine Insulin
Porcine Insulin: most insulin available is from halal sources; source can usually be identified by name
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Halal
Potassium Chloride
Potassium Chloride: An inorganic potassium salt used as an electrolyte balancer in IV fluids, lubricant eye drops, and oral rehydration formulas. Mine…
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Halal
Pregelatinised Starch
Pregelatinised Starch: Corn or potato starch that has been chemically and/or mechanically processed to swell in cold water; used as a tablet binder, d…
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Halal
Recombinant Human Insulin / Analogues
Recombinant Human Insulin / Analogues: Insulin produced by genetically engineered E. coli or yeast — chemically identical to human insulin, or designe…
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Source-dependent
Shark Cartilage Extract
Shark Cartilage Extract: Powdered cartilage from sharks, sometimes used in joint and cancer-adjunct products. Most fiqh views permit fish/aquatic anim…
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Halal
Silicone Adhesive
Silicone Adhesive: A pressure-sensitive adhesive made from polydimethylsiloxane resins; common in transdermal patches and ostomy products. Fully synth…
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Halal
Simethicone
Simethicone: A silicone polymer that breaks up gas bubbles in the gut. Synthetic, non-animal; halal.
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Halal
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium Bicarbonate: An alkaline salt that neutralises stomach acid; also used as an effervescent base. Mineral; halal.
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Halal
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose: A cellulose-derived polymer used as a binder and viscosity-modifier. Plant-derived; halal.
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Halal
Sodium Citrate
Sodium Citrate: A buffering agent used to stabilise pH in liquids, injectables, and effervescent products. Synthetic from citric acid; halal.
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Halal
Sodium Phosphate
Sodium Phosphate: An inorganic buffer used in injectables, including some pen-injector formulations. Mineral; halal.
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Halal
Sodium Starch Glycolate
Sodium Starch Glycolate: A modified starch used to help tablets disintegrate. Plant-derived starch; no known concern.
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Source-dependent
Sodium Stearyl Fumarate
Sodium Stearyl Fumarate: A non-hygroscopic alternative to magnesium stearate; the salt of stearyl alcohol and fumaric acid. Like other stearates, the …
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Source-dependent
Sorbitan Stearate
Depends on origin. SANHA classes E491 as mushbooh pending verification of the stearic-acid feedstock.
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Halal
Soybean Oil
Soybean Oil: A plant oil pressed from soybeans, used as a carrier in softgels and emulsions. Plant-derived; halal. Common allergen — note for soy-sens…
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Halal
Stearic Acid (plant-derived)
Stearic Acid (plant-derived): Halal. Plant-derived stearic acid is the halal industry standard. Used in soaps, creams, and cosmetics as emulsifier.
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Haram
Stearic Acid (porcine)
Stearic Acid (porcine): Haram. Was historically common in cheap soaps and cosmetics. Now mostly replaced by plant-derived alternatives.
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Halal
Sucrose
Sucrose: Refined plant sugar. Plant-derived; halal. (Some refining uses bone char — rare in pharma grade.)
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Halal
Tallow (halal-slaughtered)
Tallow (halal-slaughtered): Halal with proper documentation. Traditional soap base. Must be from halal-certified abattoir.
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Halal
Thimerosal
Thimerosal: An ethylmercury-containing preservative used in some multi-dose vaccines and a few biological products. Synthetic; halal in itself. Single…
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Source-dependent
Triacetin
Triacetin: Plasticiser used in film-coated tablets; an ester of glycerin and acetic acid. Made from glycerin; glycerin source (vegetable vs animal) is…
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Halal
Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable Glycerin: Plant-derived glycerin (commonly from soy, palm or coconut) used as a humectant and sweetener in liquids, gummies, and softgels. W…
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Halal
Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)
Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol): Plant/yeast-derived form of vitamin D. Plant origin; halal.
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Halal
Vitamin D3 (Lichen-derived)
Vitamin D3 (Lichen-derived): Vitamin D3 sourced from lichen instead of lanolin. Plant origin; halal.
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Source-dependent
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
The most common supplement in the Muslim world has a sheep in its supply chain. D3 starts as lanolin washed from wool — and whether that needs a halal…
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Source-dependent
Whey
Whey is milk's leftover liquid from cheese making — which means every whey product silently answers the rennet question, one way or the other.
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Halal
Zinc Chloride
Zinc Chloride: An inorganic salt used to stabilise insulin and other biologic formulations. Mineral; halal.
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Unverified
benzyl benzoate
benzyl benzoate: listed by HalalMed among common excipients/alcohols that may raise a concern; specific ruling not detailed on this page
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Unverified
butyl alcohol (butanol)
butyl alcohol (butanol): listed by HalalMed among common excipients/alcohols that may raise a concern; specific ruling not detailed on this page
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Unverified
cetostearyl alcohol
cetostearyl alcohol: listed by HalalMed among common excipients/alcohols that may raise a concern; specific ruling not detailed on this page
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Unverified
ethyl hydroxybenzoate
ethyl hydroxybenzoate: listed by HalalMed among common excipients/alcohols that may raise a concern; specific ruling not detailed on this page
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Unverified
hexylene glycol
hexylene glycol: listed by HalalMed among common excipients/alcohols that may raise a concern; specific ruling not detailed on this page
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Unverified
hydroxypropylcellulose
hydroxypropylcellulose: listed by HalalMed among common excipients/alcohols that may raise a concern; specific ruling not detailed on this page
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Unverified
hypromellose (HMPC)
hypromellose (HMPC): listed by HalalMed among common excipients/alcohols that may raise a concern; specific ruling not detailed on this page
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Unverified
indigo carmine
indigo carmine: listed by HalalMed among common excipients/alcohols that may raise a concern; specific ruling not detailed on this page
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Unverified
industrial methylated spirits
industrial methylated spirits: listed by HalalMed among common excipients/alcohols that may raise a concern; specific ruling not detailed on this page
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Unverified
isopropyl alcohol
isopropyl alcohol: listed by HalalMed among common excipients/alcohols that may raise a concern; specific ruling not detailed on this page
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Unverified
macrogol (polyethylene glycol)
macrogol (polyethylene glycol): listed by HalalMed among common excipients/alcohols that may raise a concern; specific ruling not detailed on this pag…
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Unverified
methyl parahydroxybenzoate (methylparaben)
methyl parahydroxybenzoate (methylparaben): listed by HalalMed among common excipients/alcohols that may raise a concern; specific ruling not detailed…
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Unverified
parahydroxybenzoate (parabens)
parahydroxybenzoate (parabens): listed by HalalMed among common excipients/alcohols that may raise a concern; specific ruling not detailed on this pag…
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Unverified
phenyethyl alcohol
phenyethyl alcohol: listed by HalalMed among common excipients/alcohols that may raise a concern; specific ruling not detailed on this page
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Unverified
polyvinyl alcohol
polyvinyl alcohol: listed by HalalMed among common excipients/alcohols that may raise a concern; specific ruling not detailed on this page
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Unverified
propyl hydroxybenzoate (propylparaben)
propyl hydroxybenzoate (propylparaben): listed by HalalMed among common excipients/alcohols that may raise a concern; specific ruling not detailed on …
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Unverified
propyl parahydroxybenzoate
propyl parahydroxybenzoate: listed by HalalMed among common excipients/alcohols that may raise a concern; specific ruling not detailed on this page
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HalalE386
Disodium Edetate (EDTA)
Disodium Edetate (EDTA): A synthetic chelating agent that binds trace metals to stabilise drug formulations. Fully synthetic; halal.
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Source-dependentE542
Edible bone phosphate
An anti-caking agent and calcium source made by grinding animal bone. Unlike most phosphates, which are mined, this one is animal by definition — so t…
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Source-dependentE422
Glycerin (glycerol)
A sweet humectant that keeps foods moist. The molecule is identical whether it came from palm oil or pig fat — which is exactly why the source has to …
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Source-dependentE322
Lecithin
One of the most common emulsifiers in chocolate and baked goods. Commercial lecithin is overwhelmingly soy or sunflower; the label rarely needs chasin…
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Source-dependentE572
Magnesium stearate
If you take one supplement habit seriously, make it this one. Magnesium stearate is in most tablets and capsules, it can be plant or pork derived, and…
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HalalE440
Pectin
Pectin: A structural polysaccharide from plant cell walls (mostly citrus peel and apple). Plant-derived; halal alternative to gelatin in vegetarian gu…
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HalalE1203
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA): A synthetic polymer used as a film coating; despite the name it is non-intoxicating and unrelated to ethanol. The "alcohol" i…
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Source-dependentE101
Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
A yellow vitamin colour. Commercial riboflavin is usually fermentation-produced, but animal-tissue sourcing exists, which is why certifier tables keep…
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DisputedE904
Shellac
The shine on chocolate raisins, jelly beans and coated tablets comes from a resin secreted by the lac insect. Whether that makes it haram is a live di…
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Source-dependentE570
Stearic acid
A fatty acid used as a lubricant and hardener in foods, tablets and cosmetics. Plant-derived stearic acid is the halal industry standard, but the same…
The two-minute supplement check
1. Capsule shell: look for "HPMC", "vegetable capsule", "fish gelatin" or a halal logo — bare "gelatin" means assume porcine per HalalExpo's vitamins guide. 2. Magnesium stearate: "vegetable magnesium stearate" settles it, otherwise ask the brand. 3. The active ingredient: D3 wants a lanolin or lichen answer, collagen wants a species. Every linked entry shows the sourced positions.