CCAR RESPONSA
Contemporary American Reform Responsa
14. Suitable Cosmetic
QUESTION: A
cosmetic manufacturer has begun to produce a new product which will use mink oil as its base.
This product will emphasize “mink” to enhance the image of the product. Would there be any
difficulty about Jews using this cosmetic product which would be produced as a facial cream
lotion, etc., as the mink is not a kosher animal? (L. D., New York, NY)ANSWER:
Jewish tradition, beginning with the Bible, has spoken favorably of the use of cosmetics.
Esther was anointed for “six months with oil of Myrrh, six months with sweet odors and with other
ointments of this woman” (Esther 2.12). In addition, the Song of Songs also praised ointments.
On the other hand, excessive use of cosmetics was attacked by the prophets (Jer. 4.30; Ez.
23.40). Later Jewish tradition in the Talmud continued to look favorably on the use of
cosmetics by women as they might become unattractive if avoided (J. Git. 50a). In
addition, various Talmudic citations dealt with different kinds of facial creams or salves which
enabled the face to look fresh (Shab. 94b). The trade in cosmetics which seems to have been
quite extensive was also discussed. For example, there was concern about the freedom of out-
of-town peddlers, and they were guarded against interference from local merchants (B. K. 82a).
This may very well have been done to maintain reasonable prices. The arrival of a peddler led to
some suspicion of the women who had been in contact with him (Yeb 24b). Another
Talmudic tractate stated the husband should provide for cosmetics in the dowry in accordance
with local customs (Ket. 66b). This custom was continued in Gaonic times (Lewin, Otzar
Hageonim, Vol. 8, pp. 199 ff). Elsewhere there was some concern about carrying a vial of
perfume around one’s neck (akin to jewelry) on shabbat. This was done to combat bad
odors (Shab. 62a). A male student should not use perfume (Ber. 43b). There are also various
Midrashim, some not too flattering toward women, which dealt with the use of perfumes.
One stated that men needed no perfume, in contrast to women as men were created from earth
which emits no bad odor, while women were formed from the bone of Adam, and bones smell
when left standing for three days (Midrash Rabbah Gen. 17.8). This story may also have
sought to control the excessive use of perfumes by men. Of course no kind of anointment was to
be used during times of mourning (II Sam. 12.20; Dan. 10.3; Yoma 8.1) though they could be
brought into a house of mourning (M. K. 27a). There was no Talmudic discussion
about the contents of perfume. The Biblical injunction against the use of anything akin to the
incense of the sanctuary remained (Ex. 30.33). One could object to the use of mink oil only on
the grounds that the mink is not a kosher animal. This would not prevent the use of its fur, but
matters might be different with its oils as they could be absorbed through the skin or swallowed in
small amount accidentally. The psalmist seemed to teach that anointing oil was absorbed by the
user’s body (Ps. 109.18), but the Talmud specifically stated that this did not occur (Ber.
57b). According to the Talmudic discussion that absorption was not a
consideration. We must, therefore, consider the whole matter from the standpoint of
forbidden foods. Certain animals are prohibited, and everything that comes from them in the way
of food is included (Bek. 5b). However, this principle only dealt with in items normally considered
as good, as for example, the milk of an unclean animal, the roe of an unclean fish, etc. This was
taken by tradition also to cover the bone marrow used in gelatin; the Orthodox discussion about
this question has dealt with its use in its natural or a chemically altered state. We might ask a
similar question here, but it apparently will be used in its natural state. We should
note, however, that non-kosher food, when accidentally mixed with kosher food, would not cause
the latter to be prohibited if the amount is smaller than one-sixtieth (Shulhan Arukh Yoreh
Deah 94.4 ff). In this case the percentage of mink oil in the cosmetic is minute, probably less
than one-sixtieth. So, if the oil were swallowed, or if it were accidentally mixed with kosher food
through the handling of such food, the amount involved would be too small to present a question
of kashrut. There could be no objection, therefore, for its use by Reform Jews or any
Jews.February 1979
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.