Kajal and Eyeliner Safety: Protecting Your Eyes Through a Long Festive Season

Cosmosentials | Skin Care Tips

For many of us, kajal is part of getting ready, whether it is a bold winged line for Diwali, a soft smudge for the puja, or a long-wear liner for a wedding that runs from morning to midnight. It is also a product that sits right next to one of the most delicate parts of the body. The festive season means longer hours of wear, more smoke and dust in the air, and more late nights, so a few habits are worth building now. Diwali is on Sunday, November 8, and wedding season is under way, so this is a good time to check how you buy, apply, and remove eye makeup.

Why eye makeup needs extra care

Eye makeup is applied next to, and sometimes on the edge of, the eye. The US Food and Drug Administration notes that a contaminated eye cosmetic can cause infection, and that in rare cases people have been temporarily or permanently blinded by an infection from eye makeup. Even a slight scratch to the eye surface can lead to a serious infection.

The question of lead in traditional kajal and surma

Traditional eye cosmetics sold as kohl, kajal, or surma have a history of lead contamination. The FDA says that kohl, kajal, al-kahal, surma, and similar products often contain high levels of lead, usually in the form of lead sulfide, which sometimes makes up more than half the weight of a product. The agency treats these as illegal color additives in the United States, and has linked kohl to lead poisoning in children.

It helps to be precise here, because the names are often used interchangeably. A study discussed in Indian coverage of this issue found that lead levels in surma and kohl were much higher than in kajal, and that most of the kajal samples, many of them from India, had lead below the permissible limit. That is reassuring in part, but it does not mean all kajal is safe. Products that are homemade, unbranded, or bought loose are the ones where you cannot know what is in them. "Herbal," "organic," or "traditional" on a label does not tell you the product is lead-free, and homemade kajal is not sterile.

What to look for instead:

• A product from a brand that lists its ingredients and manufacturer details
• Eye-area products made for the eyes, from a source you can trust
• Avoiding unbranded or roadside surma and kohl, especially for children

A note on babies

Many families apply kajal to a baby's eyes as a tradition. Doctors advise against putting kajal, surma, or kohl on a baby's eyes or eyelid margins, because of the risk of eye infection and irritation, and because of the lead concern with some products. If you have questions about this, your paediatrician is the right person to ask.

Everyday habits that protect your eyes

Keep your hands clean, and wash them before touching the eye area.

Think twice about the waterline. Eye doctors generally advise against applying liner to the inner rim of the lid, because pigment can get into the tear film and may irritate the eye or block the small oil glands along the lid margin. If you do like a waterline look, choose a product made for it, apply lightly, and remove it fully at night.

Do not share eye products, including with family members. Sharing is an easy way to spread infection.

Do not add saliva or water to your product. This introduces bacteria into something that sits next to your eye.

Sharpen pencils before each use, and wipe the tip with a clean tissue. This removes the outer layer that has been exposed to air and bacteria.

Replace eye makeup every few months. The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises throwing away eye makeup about every three months, sooner if it changes in smell or texture.

Do not apply eye makeup in a moving vehicle or while distracted. A sudden bump is one of the easiest ways to scratch the eye.

Take extra care if you wear contact lenses. Put lenses in before makeup and take them out before removing it.

Skip it when your eyes are not well. If you have redness, irritation, or an eye infection, stop using eye makeup, and discard the products you were using when the infection started.

Through the festive season specifically

Remove eye makeup before bed, even after a very late night. Sleeping in it is one of the most common reasons for irritated, itchy, or crusty eyes the next morning.

Expect eyes to be more sensitive around smoke and dust. If your eyes are irritated by Diwali smoke, avoid rubbing them. Rinse with clean water, and consider skipping liner for a day or two.

Carry a clean tissue or a small bottle of sterile saline if you plan to wear eye makeup for many hours, in case something gets in your eye.

When to see a doctor

Stop using eye makeup and see an eye doctor if you have eye pain, persistent redness, discharge, swelling of the eyelid, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision. The FDA's eye cosmetic safety page lists more safety tips, the FDA's note on kohl, kajal, and surma explains the lead issue in detail, and this Indian fact-check on kajal and babies discusses the evidence on lead and infection.

Taking it off properly

Safe eye makeup is only half the job. Removing it gently and completely is the other half. You can browse the cleanser and makeup removal range on Cosmosentials to put together a simple, gentle removal routine, with every product sourced directly from its manufacturer.

This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for advice from a doctor or eye specialist, especially if you have eye pain, redness, discharge, or any change in vision.