Is Shellac (E904 / INS 904) Halal?
shellac is considered haram (not permissible). Resin secreted by lac insects, used as a coating.
Why this status?
Resin secreted by lac insects, used as a coating. Haram.
Editorial summary
This summary is editorial and is general information, not a religious ruling. The status above is unchanged.
What it is
Shellac is a resin secreted by the lac insect, and it is used as a glossy coating on candy, chocolate, jelly beans, some fruit and pills. It appears on labels as shellac, confectioner's glaze, pharmaceutical glaze, resinous glaze and E904. This entry is rated haram because it is derived from an insect.
Why scholars differ
Scholars hold several positions on shellac. Some treat the lac insect as a pest whose secretion is prohibited, and conclude that confectionery containing it is not lawful. Others treat the resin itself as pure, or permit it as an inedible coating applied to the surface in a very small amount, and one published answer says it is permissible if the quantity is under three percent and it dissolves in processing. Our rating follows the stricter view, and people who follow a different school may reach a different answer.
Reading a label
Look for shellac, confectioner's glaze and E904, particularly on glossy sweets, panned chocolates and candies, and on vitamins and medicines with a shiny coating. Many candies use carnauba wax instead, which is plant-based, and some manufacturers state that their coating is shellac-free. If you avoid it, check the whole ingredient list of any glossy sweet, since shellac sits alongside gelatin, carmine and alcohol-based flavors as the usual sweet-shop questions.
Common products
Shellac gives a shiny finish to jelly beans, panned chocolates, glazed pastries, some fresh fruit coatings and tablets, and it is common in glossy seasonal candy. Candies glazed with carnauba wax or beeswax do not contain it, although beeswax is another product to consider. Ask a manufacturer which glaze is used when the label says only glaze.
In short
In short, shellac is a lac insect resin, scholars differ on whether it is permissible, and this guide follows the stricter view. Look for shellac, confectioner's glaze and E904 on glossy sweets and tablets.
Also listed on labels as
shellac can appear on an ingredient list as confectioner's glaze, pharmaceutical glaze, resinous glaze, E904.
What to do when a product lists it
A product that lists this ingredient is not permissible for those who follow this rating, so look for an alternative made without it. Some ingredients have halal-certified or plant-based versions, and a recognized halal certificate is the way to confirm that a particular product uses one. Recipes change and differ between countries, so check the package in your hands.
Products and questions that involve shellac
Sources
Classification based on clinical nutrition assessment; no independent published study cited.
Reviewed by Habib Aman, Islamic Scholar, MBA — last reviewed September 27, 2026.
This is general guidance for everyday shopping, not a religious ruling. Formulations vary by manufacturer and country — confirm with the manufacturer or your local scholar when it matters.
Checking a whole product?
SafaScan is a halal scanner app that is coming soon. It will check shellac and every other ingredient on a product. Sign up for launch updates. Learn about SafaScan.
Try SafaScan