I have skin problem for which I have to apply a moisturising lotion. When I enquired as to
the source of its ingredients, I was told that they could be of either animal or vegetable origin. What should we do, this applies to almost everything, hair conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste and salad dressings?

There is no need to make such enquiries. Even if you are unable to uncover the source of the ingredients, you may use those products. This is based on a hadith, referred to our Imams by reliable transmitters, which reports, ‘Everything is pure until you are certain it has been
contaminated by impurity.