Abstract
Background and Objective: Present research work was designed and conducted to verify the safe use of kajal, a popular eye cosmetic, which is widely used to beautify eyes throughout the world especially in South Asia and Middle East region.
 Material and Method: The toxicological studies were conducted in experimental animals for a period of 90 days to clarify misleading thoughts associated with its long term use including lead toxicity. The study was carried out in Albino rats of Wister strain and New Zealand White rabbits. Hashmi kajal dibya (net weight 4.25g), an eye cosmetic manufactured by M/s A.Q. and company international Pakistan was used as source for study. The ingredients claimed by the manufacturer are zinc oxide, wax, cinnamonum camphora, processed carbon black and clarified butter.
 Result: The elemental analysis resulted in presence of zinc 9.56%, lead 0.09% and total ash 41.01%, while sulfur, antimony, mercury and arsenic were not detected in the sample. The sub-chronic toxicological studies revealed that no toxicological effects were found in experimental animals. All the animals of test and control groups exhibited normal physiological activities and an increase in body weights. Lead and Zinc levels remained constant throughout the experimental period and no mortality was recorded. Furthermore, liver and kidney function tests were normal, indicating non-toxic effect of the kajal on vital organs.
 Conclusion: So it can be assumed that this eye cosmetic is non-toxic and can be used safely in humans.
 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.18(1) 2019 p.118-123
Highlights
Ornamented eyes are ubiquitous in ancient and modern world and their depiction remains consistent through out the history.Impecable dark lined eyes add beauty and charm to personality.History of ancient art of Egypt, North Africa and Mrocco depicts that hardly a portrait exist without an impeccably dark out lined eyes with kohl[1,2,3] Kajal or Kohl has been used for centuries worldwide especially in eastern cultures for beautification of eyes
Eye cosmetics hold great potential and interest in use of kohl or kajal has been growing as an eye cosmetic to keep the eyes clean from atmospheric pollution, . 6,7,8 In view of the above facts, this study was conducted on research animals, 1
Elemental analysis of kajil revealed the presence of Lead (0.33ug), Zinc(1.58ug),Antimony (0.0006ug) and Sulpher (0.11ug) as showed in table 1.Mercury and Arsenic were not detected in the kajal sample
Summary
Ornamented eyes are ubiquitous in ancient and modern world and their depiction remains consistent through out the history.Impecable dark lined eyes add beauty and charm to personality.History of ancient art of Egypt, North Africa and Mrocco depicts that hardly a portrait exist without an impeccably dark out lined eyes with kohl[1,2,3] Kajal or Kohl has been used for centuries worldwide especially in eastern cultures for beautification of eyes. In spite of studies on the extent use and toxic effects of eye cosmetics due to lead and other ingredients used in composition of these preparations[5]. 6,7,8 In view of the above facts, this study was conducted on research animals, 1. Present research work was designed and conducted to verify the safe use of kajal, a popular eye cosmetic, which is widely used to beautify eyes throughout the world especially in South Asia and Middle East region. Material and Method: The toxicological studies were conducted in experimental animals for a period of 90 days to clarify misleading thoughts associated with its long term use including lead toxicity. Hashmi kajal dibya (net weight 4.25g), an eye cosmetic manufactured by M/s A.Q. and company international Pakistan was used as source for study. Conclusion: So it can be assumed that this eye cosmetic is non-toxic and can be used safely in humans
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