786 Cosmetics joins halal nail polish industry with launch of new line

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Sep 1, 2017

Chicago, IL-based 786 Cosmetics has launched their debut halal nail polish brand inspired by key global Muslim locations.

The launch collection includes six rich matte and metallic colors with the names of Marrakech, Cairo, Doha, Fez, Jaipur and Granada. Two additional colors called Abu Dhabi and Kashmir will roll out in mid-September. Kashmir is inspired by pink Kashmiri Chai and Abu Dhabi pulls from the white marble of the Grand Mosque.

786 Cosmetics formed in March of this year and launched its e-commerce site in July. The company's mission is to "provide quality products tailored to the women of Muslim communities." Specifically, the brand is designed to offer halal nail polish to Muslim women who are underrepresented in the beauty industry.

The founders of 786 Cosmetics intended for it to be sold to consumers in the US. However since their launch they have found their market is largely international which, according to founder Iqra "was a huge surprise for us." Iqra says their consumer wants the "colors because they're named after their homeland or their favorite city."

The market for halal cosmetics has expanded in part due to many beauty influencers being Muslim women. Instagram and YouTube have helped create a global discussion concerning beauty among Muslim audiences. To meet that market need, other brands have jumped on the halal market.

Many Muslims believe that their cosmetics and skincare products should fall within halal standards. As FashionNetwork.com reported here on the halal nail polish market, for nail polish to be halal, water must be able to seep through to the wearer's nails. This allows people to "partake in wudu, the ritual washing before prayer." 

According to 786 Cosmetics' site, the water permeability does not compromise the polish. It lasts 7 to 10 days and is free from chips. In addition to being Halal, 786's collection is also vegan and cruelty free. 

Each 786 Cosmetics polish retails for $12.95 a bottle and the top coat retails for just under $10. The company plans to introduce a holiday collection in October inspired by Istanbul, Dubai and Karachi.