In recent years, the beauty industry has seen a significant shift towards more ethical and sustainable practices. One area that has gained particular attention is the concept of halal beauty. With the global Muslim population estimated to reach 2.2 billion by 2030, the demand for halal-certified products has been on the rise. This has opened up a new market for brands to cater to the needs of Muslim consumers. One such brand that has been leading the way in this space is Paragon, a halal beauty brand based in Indonesia.
TIME had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Sari Chairunnisa, the founder and CEO of Paragon, about the brand’s journey and their mission to redefine what halal beauty means for the global marketplace.
Dr. Sari, a dentist by profession, has always been passionate about beauty and skincare. However, her frustration with the lack of halal-certified options in the market led her to start Paragon in 2016. She saw a gap in the industry and wanted to create a brand that not only provided halal products but also focused on ethical and sustainable practices.
When asked about the challenges she faced in starting a halal beauty brand, Dr. Sari shared that the biggest obstacle was changing people’s mindset and perception of halal beauty. Many people still associate halal with food and don’t realize that it extends to other areas such as beauty and skincare. She also faced difficulties in sourcing halal-certified ingredients and ensuring that the entire production process was halal-compliant.
Despite these challenges, Paragon has grown significantly in the past few years. The brand now has a wide range of products, including skincare, makeup, and fragrances, all of which are halal-certified by the Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI). This certification is not only important for Muslim consumers but also for non-Muslims who are looking for ethical and sustainable beauty options.
Dr. Sari emphasized that halal beauty is not just about the ingredients used, but also about the overall production process. Paragon follows strict guidelines to ensure that their products are not only halal but also cruelty-free, vegan, and environmentally friendly. This commitment to ethical and sustainable practices has earned them a loyal customer base, not just in Indonesia but also in other Muslim-majority countries such as Malaysia and Brunei.
When asked about the future of halal beauty, Dr. Sari believes that it will continue to grow as more consumers become aware of the concept and its benefits. She also stressed the importance of education and raising awareness about halal beauty, not just among consumers but also within the beauty industry. Paragon has been actively involved in this by conducting workshops and seminars to educate people about halal beauty.
Paragon’s success has also caught the attention of the global beauty industry. In 2019, the brand was acquired by L’Oreal, making it the first halal beauty brand to be owned by a major multinational company. This acquisition not only provides Paragon with the resources to expand globally but also brings halal beauty into the mainstream market.
Dr. Sari believes that this partnership with L’Oreal is a significant step in redefining what halal beauty means for the global marketplace. She hopes that it will encourage other major brands to embrace halal beauty and cater to the needs of Muslim consumers.
In conclusion, Paragon’s journey is a testament to the growing demand for halal beauty and the need for more ethical and sustainable options in the industry. Dr. Sari and her team have shown that it is possible to create a successful business while staying true to one’s values and beliefs. They have not only redefined what halal beauty means but also set a new standard for the beauty industry as a whole. As consumers become more conscious of their choices, it is brands like Paragon that will lead the way towards a more ethical and sustainable future.
