Kohl - the traditional eyeliner: Use and analysis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Kohl is a traditional eyeliner and eye treatment used in the Middle and Far East.
• Its use, particularly in Saudi Arabia, warrants investigation due to potential health implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of kohl use in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• To analyze the composition of commercially available kohl preparations.
• To evaluate the potential health risks associated with kohl use, especially in children.

Main Methods:

• A random survey of 360 individuals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was conducted.
• Five commercial kohl samples were analyzed for pH and heavy metal content.
• Antimicrobial properties of kohl preparations were tested against specific bacterial species.

Main Results:

• Kohl use was reported by 13% of males and 26% of females, with higher prevalence among the elderly and illiterate.
• 40% of mothers applied kohl to their children's eyes postnatally.
• Analysis showed high lead concentration (88%) and high pH in most kohl samples, indicating lead-based preparations.

Conclusions:

• Lead-based kohl use is a common practice in Saudi Arabia, posing significant health risks, especially for children.
• The use of kohl, particularly in infants, should be discouraged.
• Further research is needed to understand kohl's role in ocular diseases prevalent in the region.