ISLAMIC ETHICS AND APPLIED SCIENCE PERSPECTIVES ON ECO-CONSCIOUS ALTERNATIVES TO MICROPLASTIC-BASED COSMETICS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Microplastics are widely used in cosmetic formulations for their functional properties but have raised serious environmental and potential human health concerns. These issues are increasingly relevant in Muslim markets, where expectations extend beyond halal compliance to include safety and environmental responsibility. Islamic ethical principles such as khilafah (stewardship), amanah (trust), and maslahah (public interest) provide a framework that integrates ritual permissibility with ecological accountability. This study employed a systematic literature review guided by PRISMA 2020 to examine eco-conscious alternatives to microplastic-based cosmetics within an Islamic ethics and applied science perspective. Searches were conducted in Web of Science and Scopus, yielding 15 peer-reviewed studies based on predefined inclusion criteria. Findings show that biodegradable materials such as plant-derived cellulose, chitosan-based particles, seaweed polymers, and natural waxes can effectively replace microplastics while offering improved biodegradability and reduced environmental impact. Islamic ethical literature further supports the preference for products that are ṭayyib, safe, and environmentally responsible. The study highlights convergence between Islamic ethics and applied cosmetic science in advancing sustainable cosmetic innovation.