Consumer Protection In The Purchase Of Mabello Body Scrub Products Under Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Regime

Abstract

This study examines consumer protection in the purchase of Mabello body scrub products in Makassar within the framework of Indonesia’s halal product assurance regime. The original manuscript contained inconsistencies between the abstract and findings, particularly regarding whether Mabello had obtained halal certification. This revised manuscript resolves the inconsistency by positioning halal certification not as the only indicator of protection, but as one component of a wider protection system that includes ingredient transparency, production hygiene, valid certification documents, BPOM compliance, and consumer education. Using a descriptive qualitative case-study design, data were obtained through interviews with business actors and consumers, field observation, and document review of product legality and halal-related information. The findings show that Mabello has taken important compliance steps through halal certification, laboratory testing, and BPOM-related control; however, consumer protection remains only partially effective because many consumers rely primarily on brand trust, traditional-product reputation, and peer recommendations rather than actively verifying halal certificates, ingredient composition, or product safety information. The use of preservatives, although reported to comply with safety limits, also requires clearer communication to prevent misunderstanding among Muslim consumers who often equate “traditional” and “natural” with “halal” and “safe.” The study contributes to the halal cosmetics literature by showing that the legal assurance of halal products must be supported by transparent labelling, accessible certification information, continuous supervision, and consumer literacy. It recommends that producers strengthen traceability and disclosure, while regulators and higher education institutions expand public education on halal cosmetics