Kajal or kohl, is a favourite with women. Many wear it not only to office and on special occasions, but don’t even step out of the home without applying it.
There have also been long-standing beliefs that kajal protects the eyes from different ailments and sun’s harmful rays. Doctors, though, don’t think so. Eye specialists say that applying kajal shouldn’t be made a habit, and if possible, it should not be used at all.
Kajal has been used by women as well as men since time immemorial. Ancient Egyptians were known to make kohl by grinding galena (lead sulfide) and other ingredients. In South Asia, it is prepared by placing a brass vessel on a burning earthen lamp and then mixing the soot deposited on it with castor oil. The mixture is then stored in ornate small boxes which are especially made for this purpose.
Kajal is also applied to the eyes of infants with the belief that it will better their eye-sight apart from making them look beautiful. It is also believed that a little black bindi/dot on their cheek or behind the ear will stave off the evil eye.
Doctors, however, don’t vouch for these ideas. Dr Nikhil Seth, consultant ophthalmologist at the Asian Institute of Medical Sciences says, “Kajal is not recommended for anybody. It is nothing but burnt carbon. Why apply it on something as sensitive as eyes? If you have to beautify your eyes with kajal at all, at least don’t make it a habit.”
“Use it occasionally. Apply it only around the eyes, making sure it doesn’t go inside. Don’t keep it on the whole day, and if you do, then remove it carefully at the end of the day. If you see any kind of redness or irritation occurring, visit an eye specialist immediately.”
Dr Kinshuk Biswas, Ophthalmologist, Columbia Asia Hospital (Gurgaon) recommends home-made kajal over commercial brands, “The traditionally prepared variety is organic as compared to the ready-made brands which have metals like lead sulphide or green malachite, chemicals or artificial colours.
“The latter three are a guaranteed cocktail for allergy.”
Besides, he says, there is no scientific evidence for kajal (even homemade) being beneficial for eyes, “It doesn’t have any proven properties to guard against diseases or
UV rays.”
In the event of one having to use a commercial brand, Dr Karuna Malhotra, Cosmetologist at Cosmetic Skin and Homeo Clinic advises choosing the brand with care, “There are hundreds of brands available in the market – ranging from Rs. 10 to 1000. Even if you buy a Rs 1000 branded kajal, there is no guarantee that it will not harm your eyes.”
“It may have any one kind of chemical which harms your eyes. Other brands may not have that chemical, but some others. So keep switching between brands and keep an eye out for possible side-effects. That’s how kajal can be made safe for usage.”