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Introduction
Kohl, also known as surma, surmi, kajal etc. has been considered as one of the ancient cosmetics which have been used by various civilizations since prehistoric times.1 The earliest use of Kohl as eyeliner was reported in the ancient Egypt and had great importance in Egyptians that even they buried Kohl containers alongside the dead bodies.2,3 Kohl has also got importance in Islam and its use is described as “Sunnah” in Abu DawudTib and TirmidhiTib. The use of Kohl Al-Ethmed before sleeping was recommended by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) for enhanced vision and hair growth.4,5 Initially, the source of Kohl was a black stone “Ithmed”, composed of stibnite ore (Sb2S3), also known as Antimony which was believed to have beneficial aspects6. This stibnite ore was used alone as Kohl or used in combination with other ingredients such as camphor, menthol, almond seeds, wood essence, charcoal or other vegetable ashes. Later, stibnite ore was gradually replaced by the Galena ore (lead sulphide) which owns the same grey black colour and shiny appearance like stibnite7. However, the exact composition of Kohl has long been a matter of dispute within the scientific community.8
The beneficial potentials of Kohl have been proved by the studies that fully supported the medicinal benefits of the multiple ingredients found in the Kohl.9 Earlier, Kohl mixed with rose water was also reported to be instilled in the eyes by community people to treat smallpox pustules10. Kohl has also been used for keeping eyes cool and clean, also as a prevention from several eye diseases such as cataract, conjunctivitis, chalazion, trachoma and blepharitis. Moreover, there are some places in world with a common practice to apply Kohl on the umbilicus of newborns to help the healing process.11 The black and shiny particles of galena protected the eyes from the harmful effects of ultra violet radiations from sunlight and dust particles.12 Most of the ingredients such as different chemicals, herbs and gemstones are also added in Kohl because of their beneficial influence on the eyesight along with astringent, antibacterial and antiviral effects. Some plant extracts such as Coptisteeta, Fennel (Foeniculumvulgare) and Saffron (