Fatwa ID: 04614

Answered by: Maulana Mujahid Hussain

Question

muslimconsumergroup.com has said that silicone creates a barrier, therefore, should not be used in products of external application as then wudhu or ghusl won’t be valid since then I don’t use it in shampoo but continue using it in face/skin products as they can be removed. But is this true should silicone be avoided? 

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer

Yes, silicone does have the properties to create a barrier when used in large quantities.

However, generally speaking, the quantity of silicone used in daily hygiene products can be washed away using water. So through your experience of using such products, you may have realized that the shiny effect left by shampoo can be washed away. This shiny and slick effect is usually caused thanks to the silicone. What I would recommend is that you apply any product containing silicone after the Fardh of wudu or Ghusal.

Also worth noting is that there is a similar product which also creates some kind of barriers such as oil and Vaseline.

However, the barrier created by such products does not stop the water from reaching the skin or hair.

The Scholars mention if the barrier created by such products is thick, visible and a person can tell that such a barrier prevents water from reaching the skin then the wudu is not valid. Examples of this include nail polish.

However, if the barrier does not prevent water from reaching the skin then the wudu is valid despite the presence of the barrier. Examples of this include Vaseline and oil.

So next time you use a product containing silicone, I advise you to implement the rule I have just mentioned above,  as laid down by the people of knowledge.

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Maulana Mujahid Hussain

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah 

Darul Ifta Birmingham