Is Hyaluronic Acid or MSG Permissible to Consume?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

Is it permissible to use or consume substances like hyaluronic acid, MSG, or prebiotics if they are derived from bacteria originally extracted from animals or humans?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) undergoes a chemical transformation. Therefore, it is permissible to use products containing this ingredient. It is used in beauty and skincare products and is primarily produced by bacteria in a lab through a process called fermentation.

If one learns that HA is derived from humans, its use will not be permissible, even if it undergoes a transformative change. This is out of respect for human cells.

MSG

Monosodium Glutamate is the scientific name of Chinese salt, which is also called Ajinomoto. Monosodium Glutamate was first discovered by Japanese chemist Ikeda Kikunae in 1908. The MSG was initially derived from seaweed. Later, MSG was obtained from meat, gluten, vegetables, and other sources. It can be derived from inherently impure things (Najas al-Ayn)  and non-inherently impure things (Ghayr Najas al-Ayn).

If it is derived from inherently impure things, then there is a question about whether MSG is halal or haram. This research concludes that if the culture of MSG is halal or if a proper chemical transformation (Istihala) has taken place, then MSG will be considered halal. However, where no such details are available about the production process of MSG, it should be avoided and abstained from due to doubt, although it cannot be classified as haram. See the detailed research article below.

Prebiotics

The food industry is complex, with changing ingredients and sources. Islamic law assumes they are permissible unless there’s clear evidence of prohibited ingredients. If a product is labeled vegetarian and lacks known harmful substances like gelatin, it’s generally allowed. See the article below.

Constantly investigating ingredient sources is unnecessary and could cause undue hardship, especially for someone with OCD.

I would like you to read through the valuable answers and links below. Insha’Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.

Related

• What is the Ruling of Hyaluronic Acid? 
• An Analytical Study of Chinese Salt- Is it Halal or Haram? (Research Article)
• Prebiotics v Probiotics

 

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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received a traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.