Knowra Kohl Kohl Kohl is a dark cosmetic powder or paste applied around the eyes, especially in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Traditional preparations vary and may contain minerals, soot, or plant-derived substances.
Eye makeup : Cosmetics applied to the eyelids, eyelashes, or surrounding skin to alter or emphasize the appearance of the eyes. Kohl is a traditional form of eye makeup, worn for decoration and definition.
Galena : A naturally occurring lead sulfide mineral and the principal ore of lead. Galena was a source of dark pigment in some historical kohl preparations.
Lead poisoning : Illness caused by exposure to lead, which can damage the nervous system and other organs. Lead-containing kohl can expose users, including children, to harmful lead.
Ancient Egypt : A civilization centered along the Nile that flourished from the fourth millennium BCE through the Roman conquest. Ancient Egyptian burials and texts preserve prominent evidence for mineral eye paints.
Lead exposure assessment : The measurement and interpretation of how much lead enters a person’s body from environmental or product sources. Testing individual kohl products is necessary because ingredients differ across brands and traditions.
Surma : A traditional dark eye cosmetic used in South Asia and neighboring regions, with recipes that vary by place and period. Surma is a regional name and practice closely associated with kohl.
Antimony sulfide : A compound of antimony and sulfur, occurring naturally as the mineral stibnite and used in pigments. Stibnite-derived antimony sulfide has been used in some traditional eye cosmetics.
Lead in cosmetics : The presence of lead compounds in products applied to the skin or eyes, sometimes intentionally as pigments or contaminants. Some products sold as kohl have contained substantial lead, despite differences among recipes.
Eye of Horus : An ancient Egyptian symbol associated with protection, royal power, and restoration. The protective symbolism surrounding Egyptian eyes helps explain beliefs associated with eye cosmetics.
Biomonitoring : The measurement of chemicals or their effects in human tissues, fluids, or other biological samples. Biomonitoring can help distinguish cosmetic exposure from other sources of lead.
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