Pig derivatives such as collagen are commonly added as an ingredient in cosmetics to
improve appearance and skin health. To ensure cosmeceutical products comply with halal
regulations in Muslim countries, the development of a quick, valid, practical, and
economical method to detect the presence of porcine DNA is necessary. The aim of this
study was to detect the presence of pork DNA from cosmetic product. Genomics DNA
from highly processed cosmetics cream products and raw meat (as positive control) were
isolated by using Wizard Genomic DNA purification kit from Promega. Five cosmetics
cream samples that labeled as collagen cream were purchased through the online store.
One of the products is declared contains piggy collagens, one is halal and other three are
unknown source. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was performed to amplify the
fragment of the 12S rRNA gene by a set of species-specific primer which produces
amplicons length 387 bp in porcine DNA. The result showed the presence of porcine
DNA which was isolated from raw pork, cream cosmetics that contain piggy collagens
and cream hands that contains collagen from unknown source using commercially PCR
MyTaq™ DNA polymerase kit and a set of species-specific primer with an annealing
temperature of 44.4 ºC. The band produced from this PCR was the highest intensity. The
success of the amplification of porcine DNA shows that this method is practical, easy and
efficient for routine product analysis for halal authentication in undeclared and declared of
the porcine material presence in the product. Hence, consuming cosmetic cream contains
porcine DNA is prohibited according to the Islamic view in Malaysia.