THE USE OF GOLD NANOPARTICLES IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS: A PRELIMINARY REVIEW FROM THE MAQASID SHARIAH PERSPECTIVE

Nor‘Azzah binti Kamri; Norhidayah binti Pauzi; Nurul Ainna binti Che Mohd Rashid

Nor‘Azzah binti Kamri Jabatan Syariah dan Pengurusan, Akademi Pengajian Islam, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur
Norhidayah binti Pauzi Jabatan Fiqh dan Usul, Akademi Pengajian Islam, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur
Nurul Ainna binti Che Mohd Rashid abatan Fiqh dan Usul, Akademi Pengajian Islam, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur

Keywords: Nanoparticles, Gold, Fatwa, Maqasid Shariah

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gold is a highly valued metal with a variety of functions, such as currency, jewelry, and more. With today’s rapid technological advancements, gold’s significant uses have expanded, including its role in cosmetics, particularly in skincare products, in the form of gold nanoparticles, which are widely used regardless of gender. The abundance of products containing gold nanoparticles promoted by the cosmetics industry including skincare items like facial cleansers, scrubs, and moisturizing serums has led to legal discourse within fatwa institutions regarding industry practices. However, the use of gold nanoparticles itself has both benefits (maslahah) and potential harms (mafsadah) that require careful evaluation. METHOD: This study employs a literature review method, examining previous studies and selected fatwas related to gold, followed by content analysis. RESULTS & DISCUSSION: The analysis of previous studies found that the effects of using gold nanoparticles tend to be more general, with many benefits such as acting as an anti-aging agent and fading scars, which aligns with the permissibility status issued by fatwa institutions. However, an analysis of related fatwas revealed a more specific focus, particularly on the use of cosmetics containing gold nanoparticles among men. These two findings need to be harmonized to ensure the sustainability of consumer health quality in the context of cosmetic use. Therefore, considering the benefits and harms (maslahah and mafsadah) based on both scriptural (dalil naqli) and rational (dalil aqli) evidences is seen as highly significant to produce valid guidelines for the welfare of the ummah and the halal industry. CONCLUSION: Therefore, this study aims to conduct a preliminary investigation into the use of gold nanoparticles in cosmetic products based on the maqasid shariah perspective, specifically evaluating the benefits (maslahah) and harms (mafsadah) of their effects.