A parent asks
Traditional kajal or surma is harmless for a baby's eyes.
Traditional or family practice
What the evidence says
Some kohl, kajal and surma products contain high levels of lead. Lead exposure is especially concerning in children, and these products have been linked with increased blood lead levels and lead poisoning.
Where it gets nuanced
Kajal can carry cultural and family meaning. The safety concern is not that the practice is traditional; it is that the contents of these products can expose a baby to lead.
The Harmony Bridge
The safer choice is not to apply kohl, kajal or surma to a baby. If your baby has been regularly exposed, discuss that exposure with your child's healthcare professional.
Talking about it at home
If you need to explain this to family
You could say: “I know kajal can be an important family tradition. Our concern isn’t the tradition itself; some kajal and surma products can contain lead, so we’d rather avoid applying it to the baby.”
Sources
- Kohl, Kajal, Al-Kahal, Surma, Tiro, Tozali, or Kwalli: By Any Name, Beware of Lead PoisoningU.S. Food and Drug Administration
Reviewed by Saha editorial on 2026-10-04. Editorial review does not mean clinician review or medical validation.