Exploring the History, Beliefs, and Health Risks of Applying Kajal to Babies.
The way people care for and protect newborns varies across cultures and varies over generations. In many traditional societies, a small black dot is considered a protective symbol believed to ward off the evil eye and negative energy.
Kajal has been used for thousands of years to enhance the appearance of eyes in many parts of the world. Even today, kajal continues to be a staple in the beauty kit of many girls.
Historically, however, kajal was valued much more than beauty in many ancient traditions across India, Africa, and the Middle East. People believed that applying kajal could protect the wearer from the evil eye. Over time, this belief became deeply rooted in family traditions and continues to be followed by many parents today.
Why Do Parents Apply Kajal to Newborn Babies?
Newborn babies often receive endless compliments for their innocent smiles and cute looks. In many traditional societies, however, people believed that excessive admiration could unintentionally bring bad luck or misfortune.
So, to protect the baby, parents would apply a small black dot on the forehead, cheek, behind the ear, or sometimes line the baby’s eye with kajal. They believe that a black dot can draw attention away from the baby’s perceived perfection, much like a black dot immediately catches the eye on a white sheet of paper.
The Cultural Significance of Black Kajal
Kajal is traditionally black, and there are practical as well as cultural reasons for this.
Unlike other colours, black creates a strong contrast against almost every skin tone, making it highly visible. This made it an ideal choice for creating the small protective mark that many cultures believed could distract negative attention.
The color black also carries spiritual significance in several traditions. In some Hindu beliefs, the planet Saturn is associated with Shani Dev and is closely linked with the color black. Many devotees believe that wearing black and worshipping Shani Dev helps protect from negativity, jealousy, and the evil eye. This association may have contributed to the belief that black kajal offers protection.
Likewise, in many cultures, black-colored amulets, charms, and threads are believed to ward off the evil eye (Nazar). So, Kajal naturally became part of these protective traditions.
Another common belief is that applying kajal makes a person’s eyes appear larger and more attractive.
Does Kajal Really Make the Eyes Bigger?
There is no scientific evidence that kajal changes the size of the eyes. Instead, it creates an optical illusion. By darkening the eyelids and increasing the contrast around the eyes, kajal makes the eyes appear more defined and, therefore, larger than they actually are.
The Ancient History of Kajal
The history of kajal stretches back thousands of years.
Ancient Egyptians widely used kohl, a substance very similar to kajal. Historical records show that it was commonly made from galena ( a dark gray mineral containing lead sulfide), mixed with crushed charcoal, soot, or other natural ingredients. Both men and women wore kohl around their eyes.
Apart from beauty, Egyptians believed that it protected the eyes from harsh sunlight and desert glare, similar in concept to the black eye paint used by athletes today to reduce glare during outdoor sports.
Although researchers continue to study whether dark eye paint can reduce sun glare under certain conditions, the extent of this benefit remains a subject of debate.
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Why Are Doctors Advising Against Using Kajal on Babies?
To understand these concerns, it helps to look at the ingredients used in traditional kajal.
Many traditional forms of kohl contained lead compounds, especially galena. Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the body over time.
According to studies reported by the U.S National Library of Medicine, repeated use of lead-containing kajal or kohl on children has been linked to increased blood lead levels. High lead exposure can affect brain development, the nervous system, and bone marrow. In severe cases, it may contribute to learning difficulties, anemia, or even seizures.
Because of these risks, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers traditional kohl and certain products containing lead to be unsafe.
What About Herbal or Ayurvedic Kajal?
Today, many cosmetic manufacturers have changed their formulations. Instead of lead-based ingredients, some manufacturers now use ingredients such as camphor, almond oil, castor oil, ajwain, ghee, and various herbal extracts to make kajal.
Some manufacturers claim that these products can improve eyesight, keep eyes hydrated, reduce irritation, or protect the eyes from pollution. However, many pediatricians and eye specialists still recommend avoiding kajal for babies, even though it is labeled as herbal or ayurvedic. The reason is not only the ingredients.
Even Safe Ingredients Can Carry Risks
A baby’s eyes are delicate and still developing. Applying kajal with fingers, cotton buds, or applicators that are not perfectly clean can introduce bacteria, viruses, or fungi into the eye. Dirty fingernails or contaminated products may increase the risk of eye infections and irritation. Babies also tend to rub their eyes frequently, which can spread germs more easily.
For this reason, many doctors advise parents to avoid putting any cosmetic product directly into or around a baby’s eyes.
Can Parents Continue the Tradition Safely?
For many families, applying kajal is not merely about appearance; it is an emotional tradition passed down through generations.
Parents who wish to honor this cultural practice while also prioritizing their baby’s health may choose alternatives that avoid contact with the eyes.
Some families place a very small black dot behind the baby’s ear or on the sole of the foot instead of around the eyes. If parents are considering this practice, it is still advisable to discuss it with a pediatrician or eye specialist, especially for newborns and very young infants.
Whether kajal is viewed as a beauty product or a traditional way to protect against the evil eye, understanding both its history and the science behind it allows parents to make informed choices for their children’s health while respecting the traditions they cherish.
⚠ Medical Disclaimer: The article is strictly for informational purposes and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment. Always consult your pediatrician regarding health, skincare, and safety protocols for your newborn.
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