While kohl is a rather ancient form of cosmetics, which is predominantly used by African and Asian women to darken eyelids, it was later found out that brands actually have potentially dangerous levels of lead in it. Before you go sign up for your whole life insurance, let us first look into what kohl was used for in the ancient times.
Kohl has been used by the said people as far back as 3500 B.C. Yes, the one that Cleopatra used for her signature eyes is kohl. Ancient people believed that kohl will protect against eye ailments. They believe in it so much that they even apply it around newborns’ eyes. As for Muslims, it is traditionally used to imitate their beloved prophet, who never fails to apply kohl every night before sleeping.
Personally, I’m sticking with my Revlon kohl liner. First, galena (lead sulfate) is not one of its ingredients. Second, it is so much easier for it to come off than my regular liner. Third, there is no liner that delivers like it does. Cosmetic brands must have known this “lead poisoning danger,” given the controversy has been going on since forever, so unless I get a heads up that my kohl liner indeed has lead content, I’m sticking by it. 😉