100% natural handmade kohl (lead-free)

Kohl, which means "antimony-based eye makeup," is a treasure of nature. Used for centuries by women in the Middle East, it originated in Egypt. This traditional product has been exported to Arab countries, where it is highly prized for its benefits—as well as for its aesthetic appeal. This natural beauty product is used to apply eye makeup and intensify the eyes. All while protecting sensitive and reactive eyes. In the same vein, discover the perfumes of Dubai.

What is kohl?

Kohl powder contains no petrochemicals or additives. It is therefore very gentle on the eyes. It is a natural alternative to commercially available eye pencils.The Egyptians used it to prevent and relieve eye ailments. But also to protect themselves from the intense glare of the desert sun. This makeup, which is likely the oldest in the world, was also used for the beauty it imparted to the eyes. Over the years, it has enhanced the beauty of women’s eyes, as well as men’s. This natural product has been handmade by women in the Middle East for hundreds of years. The raw pigment, which gives it its black color, comes from antimony. This mineral stone is finely ground using a pestle. Medicinal plants, previously reduced to ash, are then added. These vary depending on the place of production. Olive pits, cloves, date pits, and white pepper are frequently used. The mixture is heated in an earthenware dish and pounded. Finally, a few drops of olive oil are added to soften the texture. The mixture is then sifted through a very fine cloth. This ancestral know-how yields a black powder with metallic sheen. This natural powder, free of lead and additives, does not sting the eyes. It allows you to achieve a powerful and mysterious look while protecting you from eye infections. The color of kohl powder can vary between black and gray. The blacker it is, the more medicinal plants it contains; conversely, the grayer it is, the more antimony it contains.

The Benefits of Kohl

As we saw earlier, kohl was a beauty adornment. It was used as eye drops by the Egyptians to protect against external irritants. But this beauty powder has other benefits. In other countries, such as Morocco, kohl is widely used by Bedouins, Berbers, and Tuaregs. In addition to protecting them from eye infections, it shields them from sandy winds and the desert’s intense sunlight. This is further proof that, at its core, kohl is a medicinal product—and that it is not reserved solely for women. Kohl was applied for purifying purposes by both men and women. Over the years, other benefits have been discovered, such as:

• Protects against insect bites
• Treats conjunctivitis
• Hypoallergenic
• Antiseptic
• Antibacterial
• Improves and strengthens eyesight
• Treats styes
• Relieves sensitive eyes
• Relieves dry eyes
• Lengthens eyelashes and stimulates their growth
• Natural and fair-trade product

Kohl in the Muslim faith

Black powder is highly regarded in Islam. This has made it a prophetic remedy, recommended by the Prophet Muhammad. There is a saying on this subject. Ibn ‘Abbâs reports that the Prophet said: “Use stibnite, for it improves vision and promotes eyelash growth.” Sahîh At-Targhîb – 2104. Stibnite is a mineral stone composed largely of antimony. Scholars have mentioned numerous benefits of applying stibnite to the eyes. Ibn Al-Qayyim summarized the essence of this when he said: “Kohl preserves the health of the eye, enhances the brightness of the gaze, improves vision, thins out harmful substances and expels them, while also serving as an adornment for some. It is even more beneficial during sleep because the eye then retains the kohl and does not move in a harmful way, and nature assists in this. This is one of the properties of stibnite.” Zâd Al-Ma’âd 4 – 281. The Prophet had a box containing kohl that he applied every night, three times in each eye. Three times in the right eye and three times in the left eye. But it is also reported that kohl should be applied an odd number of times. For “Allah is One, and He loves what is odd” (Reported by Muslim – 2677). Excerpts from the book “Thus Was Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah” by At-Tirmidhî (pages 69–72)

How can you recognize pure kohl?

Today, 80% of the kohl found on the market is adulterated with lead. The kohl we offer at Musc Tahara is natural and pure. Do you have kohl powder at home but are unsure of its composition? We’ll share our tip for checking whether the kohl powder contains lead or one of its derivatives. To perform this test, you’ll need: kohl, a magnet, and a white sheet of paper.

• Put a little kohl on the sheet
• Lift the sheet and place the magnet underneath it
• Move the magnet under the sheet

If the kohl follows the magnet’s movement, it means it’s mixed with lead or another metal. If the powder doesn’t move, then your kohl is pure and therefore completely safe for your eyes.

How do you apply kohl powder?

When you purchase our kohl powder, it comes with a kohl container and its applicator stick, called a Mirwed. All you need to do is pour the metallic powder into the kohl container and insert the Mirwed to close it. Your kohl will thus be protected from dust and moisture in its beautiful container. To apply your kohl powder: Simply insert the Mirwed into the container and twist to pick up the powder. Gently glide the stick along the lower inner rim of your eye, moving from the inner corner outward. Close your eyes to blend and trace the kohl onto the upper eyelid. Repeat the motion until you achieve the desired intensity. There’s no need to remove the kohl with makeup remover; you can carefully remove it with a cotton swab. However, we recommend leaving it on until it wears off naturally, so you can enjoy its benefits for longer. You can apply the powder before going to sleep. There are no harmful effects to doing so. In fact, using kohl at night is recommended because it lasts longer while you sleep.