THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology’s Industrial Technology Development Institute partnered with the University of the Philippines Diliman for the bench-scale production, safety assessment and market research of halal cosmetics and toiletries.

The R&D team will supply 50 sets of halal-compliant items as part of the initiative, DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said.

Moisturizing lipstick, lip balm, hair-growth-promoting shampoo, whitening and moisturizing bath soap, and whitening herbal toothpaste are among the items to be produced.

De la Peña said that UPD will conduct market research on the halal-compliant products.

“They will determine demand potential among consumers, including market size, segmentation, potential positioning of halal cosmetics, price sensitivity, placement points, and identify likely manufacturers, including cost sensitivity and product competitiveness,” he added.

The items were part of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development-funded project “Establishment of Halal-Compliant Standardized Process and Assurance System for Cosmetics and Toiletries.”