Kajal, or kohl, is something that has been around for centuries. People consider it to enhance the eyes and even offer cooling benefits and protection against infections in the eyes. For generations, it has been a staple in women’s makeup kits, with many feeling incomplete without a stroke of kajal in their eyes. Traditionally made from natural ingredients like soot and clarified butter (ghee), it was believed to have medicinal properties, protecting eyes from infections and reducing glare from the sun. However, in the modern era, commercially produced kajals often come with a range of chemical ingredients, which may affect your eye health.

To get expert advice, Times Now got in touch with an ophthalmologist and an ayurvedic expert who shares risks, and benefits and debunks common myths about kajal.

“Being an ophthalmologist, I often have patients coming up with questions about whether applying kajal is beneficial or harmful to eye health. Kajal is usually a mixture of many ingredients, including soot, natural oils, and waxes. The homemade traditional one contains charcoal and herbal extracts; however, commercial products are likely to have added preservatives, pigments, and more chemicals. Composition plays an important role in the determination of the safety of kajal as well as its potential benefits or risks,” Dr Komal Sangoi, Ophthalmologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central said.

In Ayurveda, Anjana (collyrium) is used to maintain eye health and improve vision, believed to purify the eyes by removing impurities like excess Kapha (Ashtanga Samgraha, Sutra 32/16) contraindication of anjana not to mention child as contraindication. Kajal, a form of Anjana, is beneficial for treating conditions such as eye disorders, headaches (Shiroroga), mental disturbances etc.

Dr Sandeep Kisan Rajput, BAMS MD, HOD, Associate professor Balrog (Pediatrics), YMT Medical College, Navi Mumbai explains all adult treatment protocol used in children (Bhaishajya Ratnavali 71/4, charak Chikitsa 30/283), though effective, should be used cautiously for children, as they have sensitive eyes (Charaka Samhita, Sutra 5). Anjana is typically applied in small doses, especially for children, to avoid any adverse effects.”

Dr Komal debunks some common myths about applying Kajal.

1. Cooling Effect

There is a belief that kajal has a cooling effect: The cooling effect would be more of an anecdotal than a scientific reason.

2. Protection from Infections

This is not true. In fact, it can infect your eyes if not stored properly, used beyond the expiration date and shared.

3. Improve Eye Health

There is no scientific evidence that the application of kajal improves eye health or vision. It is mainly used for cosmetic purposes.

Risks Associated with Applying Kajal

Dr Komal explains the risks associated with applying Kajal.

1. Eye irritations and allergies: Some kajals may contain lead or heavy metal, which will cause irritation, reddish spots, or even allergic reactions in the eyes.

2. Infection: Kajals can harbour bacteria if there's unhygienic usage of the product as people hand it over to each other. Contaminated kajal increases the risk of pink eye.

3. Tear duct obstruction and dry eyes: Tear ducts are present along the water line in both lids. They could get obstructed by applying kajal along the waterline; that is, the inner edge of the eyelid leading to dryness, inflammation and styes.

4. It may pose a risk for children, to be avoided completely. It can lead to irritation, watering, and infections in them.

“Parents often apply kajal to infants, in the belief that it protects them or makes them look even more beautiful. However, pediatric ophthalmologists strongly discourage this practice. Babies have soft eyes, and kajal, especially if it is contaminated or contains harmful chemicals, can cause severe irritation or infections,” she said.

• Select Quality Products: Always select branded kajal that is safe to use. Look for marks which indicate that the products are free from harmful chemicals, such as lead or parabens.

• Allergy Test: Before applying to the eyes, test on a small area of the skin.

• Avoid Waterline: Apply kajal outside the outer edge of eyelids to avoid the entry of dust and germs into the eyes and prevent blockage of the tear ducts.

• Don't Share: Do not use anyone's kajal, and store them in a clean, dry place. Always replace it after certain periods to prevent contamination.

• Avoid Kajal for children: Do not apply kajal on infants and small babies as their eyes are very sensitive.

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