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.
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Understanding the Kajal Tradition
Watch: Baby Care Safety Tips
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
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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"
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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
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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
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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!)
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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This article was reviewed by pediatricians at Babynama. Last updated: January 2026
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