Is it safe to apply Kajal (kohl) in your baby’s eyes?

India holds a myriad of cultural and traditional practices that were carried over from generation to generation. One of them is the black pencil makeup around the eyes of tiny tots called, ‘Kajal’ or ‘Kohl’. Mothers often use this traditional makeup item to make the child’s eyes look bigger and wider and in turn, prettier, stylish and modern. They also believe that in addition to protecting the baby’s eyes from the ill-effects of the harsh sun, applying kajal would promote the growth of the eye-lashes of the baby. There’s also a superstition that kajal ‘wards off evil forces’ or ‘evil eyes’ of some onlookers away from the child!

Whatever may be the story, have you stopped to think if this cosmetic addition is safe for the eyes of your child? The answer in most cases is a strict ‘No!’. Applying kajal provides a false illusion of bigger eyes. But the truth is that most of the brands available in the market could cause harmful effects upon the eyes and skin of the child.

Invisibly Harmful

A majority of commercially produced ‘kajal’ contains high levels of lead (Pb), galena (PbS), amorphous carbon, magnetite (Fe3O4), and zincite (ZnO). Lead is a chemical substance that is extremely harmful to human skin.  The prolonged use of the kajal on your baby’s eyes can affect the organs, the brain, and bone marrow, causing convulsions and even critical health conditions like anemia.
Kajal, in any form, also comprises carbon particles which at times block the thin nasolacrimal duct of babies – resulting in a condition where the baby’s tears will not stop draining from the eyes to the mouth. This can lead to a complication called, dacryocystitis (chronic/acute) when the secretion starts affecting the baby’s eyes. If not treated properly, the condition may aggravate and may need surgical intervention.  Kajal can lead to allergic conjunctivitis, a permanent discoloration of the conjunctiva, and other maladies.

With continuous use of kajal, watery eyes, itching and even allergic skin reactions were also noticed as a common. While washing off kajal, parts of it may pass down the small and narrow opening between the eyes and the nose and cause infectious blockages. Furthermore, applying kajal with dirty fingers, sharp and uneven fingernails are also potentially harmful –, especially to the child’s delicate skin and eyes.

Recent medical studies have indicates that several harmful chemicals found in some unauthorized skin care products and cosmetics used by pregnant women may lead to birth defects in the baby-to-be.

Rampant Industrial Disregard

With the rising competitive environment in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, coupled with the mad rush for profiteering by traders and entrepreneurs alike, manufacturing standards in the kajal industry has fallen from grace and are vulnerable to manipulations and malpractices.

Quality control and certifications have become a low priority in many cases and much of these harmful kajal products are made under dubious environments without sufficient supervision or control.

The unchecked proliferation of all sorts of kajal brands in the marketplace is a risky trap for ignorant mothers of babies and tiny-tots to fall into. The right choice of kajal requires a closer observation and awareness about its ingredients and procedures।

Sreedhareeyam Herbal Baby Kajal – The Healthy Option

According to Ayurveda, herbal and organic kajal is far superior to the common chemical-based brands available today. The pure, nature-fresh ingredients mollify the baby’s eyes and keep them sparkling and hygienic. Continuous use of ayurvedic kajal also helps the baby’s eyes be protected from minor infections.

Sreedhareeyam has recently launched India’s first herbal baby kajal, an exceptional product that ensures complete safety and comfort for your baby. Produced with totally herbal and ayurvedic ingredients, Sreedhareeyam Herbal Baby Kajal is the result of continuous research and study of the nature of a baby’s eyes and how an ayurvedic preparation can enhance their health.

Purity, Quality and Hygiene - Sreedhareeyam

Backed by an extensive knowledge of the centuries-old ayurvedic preparations, Sreedhareeyam Kajal is the result of responsible and meticulous manufacture, under pure and hygienic conditions. The natural elements that go into the compound include 'Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry), Sahadevi (Purple Fleabane), Yashtimadhu (Liquorice), Karpura (Camphor Oil), Eranda Thaila (Castor Oil), and Narikela Thailam (Coconut Oil)' to name a few.  
Sreedhareeyam is a widely reputed Ayurvedic institution that has been recognized as ‘A Centre of Excellence’ by the Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH. The brand brings over 350 products of herbal and ayurvedic content to the health-conscious consumer today.  Offered through outlets across 16 states in India, Sreedhareeyam personal care and hygiene products along with expert health advisory services help hundreds of thousands of people lead better and naturally-enriched lives day after day.

Sreedhareeyam Herbal Baby Kajal undoubtedly takes better care of the eyes and tender skin of the baby and must be insisted as the prime choice, by mothers who care for the very best for their tender ones.