Kohl: A Widely used eye Cosmetic with Hazardous Biochemical Composition.

Abstract

Kohl (Surma/Kajal) is a widely used eye cosmetic having traditional and religious importance in subcontinent and other parts of the world since ancient times. However, the use of Kohl has become hazardous for human health in recent times due to its changing compositions. In present study, we studied the antimicrobial potential of Kohl, presence of microbial pathogens and chemical contaminants in twenty Kohl samples collected from Karachi city, Pakistan. The samples included 85% branded and 15% unbranded Kohl samples. Our results showed that 75% of the samples possess higher antibacterial activity, while 30% of the samples showed antifungal potential. Moreover, pathogenic Bacillus and Aspergillus species were isolated from these Kohl samples as major microbial contaminants. Higher levels of arsenic, lead and cadmium were detected in 80%, 35% and 30% of the Kohl samples respectively, when compared against the standard limits. Current findings showed that presence of toxic metals and microbial pathogens in Kohl samples is hazardous for humans. Furthermore, Kohl shall not be used until the safe limits of carcinogenic metals and other contaminants in the Kohl are certified by the manufacturers.