Is Kajal Safe for Babies? A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Quick Answer: No, kajal/surma is NOT recommended for babies. Despite cultural traditions, kajal can contain lead and other harmful substances that can cause serious health problems including lead poisoning, eye infections, and developmental issues. Pediatricians and the American Academy of Pediatrics advise against using kajal on babies. If you want to follow traditions, keep kajal off the eyes (behind ears, on feet) and ensure it’s lead-free.
Understanding the Kajal Tradition
Applying kajal (also called surma or kohl) to babies’ eyes is an age-old practice in India and many other cultures, believed to protect against evil eye, strengthen eyes, and enhance beauty.
Why Families Use Kajal
| Belief | Reality |
|---|---|
| ”Protects from evil eye” | Cultural/spiritual belief, not medical benefit |
| ”Makes eyes beautiful/big” | No effect on eye size or shape |
| ”Strengthens eyesight” | No scientific evidence |
| ”Cools the eyes” | Not proven |
| ”Removes eye discharge” | Can actually cause infections |
Why Pediatricians Say No
The Lead Problem
Traditional kajal is often made with lead compounds (galena/lead sulfide), which is extremely dangerous for babies.
| Effect of Lead | Impact on Babies |
|---|---|
| Brain damage | Developmental delays, learning problems |
| Behavioral issues | Hyperactivity, attention problems |
| Blood problems | Anemia |
| Kidney damage | Long-term organ problems |
| Growth delays | Poor physical development |
Important: There is NO safe level of lead for children. Even small amounts cause harm.
”But Our Kajal is Homemade/Natural”
Even homemade kajal has concerns:
| Type | Concerns |
|---|---|
| Lamp soot (oil lamp) | May contain harmful particles |
| Charcoal-based | Contamination risk, infection risk |
| Almond-based | Allergy risk, not proven safe |
| Store-bought “lead-free” | Often still contains lead on testing |
Studies have found lead in:
- Traditional homemade kajal
- “Herbal” or “natural” products
- Even some labeled “lead-free”
Health Risks of Using Kajal
Eye Infections
| Risk | Why It Happens |
|---|---|
| Bacterial infection | Contaminated kajal, dirty fingers |
| Conjunctivitis (pink eye) | Bacteria transfer to eye |
| Corneal damage | Abrasive particles |
| Allergic reactions | Unknown ingredients |
Lead Poisoning
Babies can absorb lead through:
- Eyes (directly absorbed)
- Ingestion (babies touch eyes, then mouth)
- Skin (some absorption)
Signs of Lead Poisoning
| Early Signs | Later Signs |
|---|---|
| Irritability | Learning difficulties |
| Loss of appetite | Developmental delays |
| Fatigue | Behavior problems |
| Stomach pain | Seizures (severe cases) |
| Constipation | Hearing problems |
What Research Shows
Studies on Kajal Safety
| Finding | Source |
|---|---|
| High lead levels in most traditional kajal | Multiple studies across India |
| Lead absorption through eye application | Published medical research |
| Cases of lead poisoning from kajal | Documented in medical literature |
| Blood lead levels higher in kajal users | Comparative studies |
Official Recommendations
| Organization | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Indian Academy of Pediatrics | Avoid kajal on babies |
| American Academy of Pediatrics | Do not use kohl/surma products |
| FDA (US) | Classified as unsafe |
| WHO | Warns against lead in cosmetics |
If You Still Want to Follow Traditions
Safer Alternatives
| Instead of | Try This |
|---|---|
| Kajal in eyes | Kajal dot behind ear or on foot sole |
| Traditional kajal | Certified lead-free product (if using) |
| Daily application | Special occasions only, away from eyes |
| On newborns | Wait until child is older |
If Using Kajal Away from Eyes
- Apply on foot sole or behind ear only
- Never on face or near eyes
- Wash hands before and after
- Use only products tested for lead
- Observe for any reactions
What Some Parents Do
- Black bindi/dot on forehead or cheek (not eye)
- Black thread (cultural alternative for protection)
- Skip kajal entirely
- Photo editing for traditional photos (joke, but some do!)
Caring for Baby’s Eyes (Safely)
Normal Eye Care
| What to Do | How |
|---|---|
| Clean eye discharge | Use clean, damp cotton - wipe inner to outer corner |
| Blocked tear duct | Gentle massage, usually resolves on its own |
| Keep eyes clean | No products needed for healthy eyes |
Signs of Eye Problems (See Doctor)
- Redness
- Swelling
- Excessive discharge
- Yellow/green discharge
- Baby rubbing eyes excessively
- Light sensitivity
How to Discuss with Family
Dealing with Pressure
Family members may insist on kajal. Here’s how to handle it:
| Situation | Response |
|---|---|
| ”We all used it and were fine" | "Lead effects aren’t always obvious but affect brain development" |
| "It’s tradition" | "We can keep tradition with a dot on the foot instead" |
| "Doctor doesn’t know our culture" | "Even Indian pediatric associations advise against it" |
| "Natural/homemade is safe" | "Tests show lead in homemade products too” |
Compromise Options
- Show them medical information
- Offer alternatives (behind ear, foot)
- Involve your pediatrician in the conversation
- Stand firm on not putting it in eyes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if my baby already has kajal applied?
A: Don’t panic. One-time exposure is unlikely to cause immediate harm. Gently clean the eyes with clean water and cotton. Avoid future use and mention it to your pediatrician at the next visit.
Q: Is there any safe kajal I can buy?
A: No kajal has been proven completely safe for baby eyes. Even “lead-free” products may contain other harmful substances or get contaminated. The safest option is avoiding eye application entirely.
Q: My grandmother says kajal helped her children - why is it dangerous now?
A: Lead effects are often subtle and delayed - learning problems, behavior issues, lower IQ - and weren’t connected to kajal in the past. Also, we now have scientific tools to detect these harms.
Q: Can I use kajal after baby turns 1 year old?
A: The risks remain at any age. Lead is harmful to all children. If you choose to use kajal on older children, keep it away from eyes.
Q: What about organic or Ayurvedic kajal?
A: “Organic” and “Ayurvedic” labels don’t guarantee safety. Studies have found lead in products across all categories. Traditional preparation methods don’t remove lead.
Key Takeaways
- Kajal is NOT safe for baby’s eyes
- Lead poisoning is a real risk with serious consequences
- No kajal is proven safe - including homemade and “natural”
- Traditions can adapt - apply on foot or behind ear instead
- Clean eyes need no products - water and cotton are enough
- Talk to your doctor if family pressure is overwhelming
- Baby’s health comes first - even over traditions
This article was reviewed by pediatricians at Babynama. Last updated: January 2026
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