Can nail polish really be halal?

Can Nail Polish Be Halal? Yes, and It's Changing the Beauty Game

For many Muslim women, wearing nail polish has long come with a dilemma: traditional formulas create a waterproof barrier, making it difficult to perform wudu (ritual cleansing) properly before prayer. But in recent years, a growing trend has offered a solution—halal nail polish.

Spotting a real need, beauty brands began developing breathable formulas that allow water and oxygen to pass through. One of the pioneers was Nailberry, a UK-based luxury brand. In 2014, they launched their groundbreaking L'Oxygéné formula—a nail polish that wasn't just permeable to air and moisture vapour, but also vegan and cruelty-free. This innovation opened the door for a new wave of halal-certified beauty products that align with Islamic principles without compromising on style or performance.

The science behind these polishes lies in their unique polymer structure, which forms a web-like film on the nail. Unlike conventional polishes that seal the nail completely, this breathable layer lets water molecules penetrate, satisfying religious requirements while still delivering rich color and long-lasting wear.

Since then, the market has expanded globally, with brands from the Middle East to North America offering halal-certified options. Certification typically ensures not only breathability but also the absence of alcohol and animal-derived ingredients, making the product truly compliant with halal guidelines.

What started as a niche idea has become part of a broader shift in the beauty industry—one that values inclusivity, ethics, and faith. For many, halal nail polish isn't just about adherence to religious practice; it's a symbol of empowerment, showing that beauty and belief can coexist seamlessly.