I asked GMWA food guide the following..

My mail;

Is it permissible to use creams and cosmetics containing urea?

And is the synthetic urea halal for consumption?

From Pakistan.

Reply;

Bismihi Subhanahu Wa-ta'ala
Assalamooalaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
Respected Sister or Brother
Hereunder is the response to your query subject to disclaimer:
DIAZOLIDINYL UREA, UREA, 'Imidazolidinyl urea' are permissible to use. Usually the urea is sourced from Carbon Dioxide and Ammonia then it is unanimously permissible.  Very rarely is it used from urine if at all, even then it undergoes a complete chemical metamorphosis rendering it pure for use.
In cosmetics, alcohol is of a synthetic nature hence permissible.
*_Related reading_*
*_Alcohol based Perfumes, Deodorants and Creams (explains the views of other Maz-habs)_*
www.daruliftaa.org/question.asp?txt_QuestionID=q-15355030
*_More on Synthetic Alcohols_*
www.albalagh.net/letters/synthetic_alcohols.shtml
*_Deoderant Alcohol_*
www.gmwa.org.uk/qna/viewquestion.php?QuestionID=3&TopicID=10
**
*_Sources of  information_*
In the dictionary Urea is defined as: *The chief solid component of mammalian urine; synthesized from ammonia and carbon dioxide and used as fertilizer and in animal feed and in plastics*."
*_From Avon_*
'All Avon products declare a list of ingredients on the packaging or product in accordance with the EU legislation.Avon practise strict quality control procedures so that the products are sold when fully satisfied with the safety and quality.  All our products go through safety testing procedures for both raw ingredients and finished formulations before released.
A large proportion of Avon products are free from animal ingredients,however some products do contain animal derived sources.I can assure you that any ingredients of this nature are by-products of the food industry and no animals are destroyed purely to provide ingredients for Avon.
Diazolidinyl Urea is an antimicrobila.This is a preservative to help destroy and prevent growth of microorganisms like bacteria.Althought DIAZOLIDINYL UREA has the word UREA in it's official name it is not derived from urea.Generally UREA itself is made synthetically for use in cosmetics although in it's wider application in fertilizers etc. it can be sourced from animal urine or made synthetically.
Alcohol is an ingredient commonly used in the cometics industry.The alcohol used is Ethyl Alcohol, which is derived from petroleum-based materials or from material grains such as starch or other carbohydrates.Virtually all Avon perfumes,Eua De Toilettes and After-shaves are alcohol based and some cream formulations also include around 5% alcohol.....
                Rae Witheridge
                Representative Relations

*_Oriflame products_*

The moisturising/softening agent, Urea (carbamide) is not of animal origin, it is sythesised from a reaction between Carbon Dioxide and Ammonia.
www.oriflame.com/en/product/faq/urea.html
Urea. Carbamide.  Excreted from urine and other bodily fluids. In deodorants, ammoniated dentrifices, mouthwashes, hair colorings, hand creams, lotions, shampoos, etc. Used to "brown" baked goods, such as pretzels. Derivatives: Imidazolidinyl Urea, Uric Acid. Alternatives: synthetics.
www.vegfamily.com/lists/animal-ingredients.htm
*_UREA _*
Carbamide. Imidazolidinyl Urea. Uric Acid. Found in urine and other body fluids. Also produced synthetically. In deodorants, ammoniated dentifrices, mouthwashes, hair colorings, hand creams, lotions, shampoos, etc. Used to "brown" baked goods such as pretzels.
www.angelfire.com/ok2/sxethic/alist.html
*_Procter and gamble statement: Provided by gemini 123_*
Thank you for your e-mail.

We can advise you that Procter & Gamble has a policy to use either synthetically
manufactured or vegetable derived ingredients in our health and beauty products.

In exceptional circumstances, when there may be a shortage of raw materials, it
is possible that, from time to time, we may have to resort to using ingredients
derived from other sources.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us and for your interest in our
products.

If you require further information, please do not hesitate to get back in touch.

Kind regards,

Bridget ,
Consumer Relations
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