Kohl al-Mirwad

Kohl al-Mirwad or Kohl al-Ithmid, also known as 'stone kohl,' is a cosmetic product used for beautifying the eyes. It refers to kohl or the stone from which kohl is made, which is black with a reddish tint. Kohl enhances the allure of the eyes, creating the illusion of larger, more captivating orbs. It serves to shield against the harsh glare of sunlight and minimize light reflection on the eyelids. When applied to the eyelid, kohl diminishes the intensity of rays, thereby minimizing their penetration into the eye.

Kohl, a traditional cosmetic favored by women, is typically crafted locally from charcoal or its derivatives, or sourced as imported kohl stone. Likewise, Kohl is used by men and is stored in a container called 'al-Mekhalah', which is made of fabric or metal.

"Al-Mirwad" is employed to apply kohl to the eyes. It features a sleek, polished stick with a smooth, non-serrated tip. The metal Mekhalah is often decorated with various designs and may be inlaid with gemstones or similar adornments. The fabric Mekhalah is a small bag made of black fabric, embroidered on all sides with colorful lines and various designs. Both types of Mekhalah have a specific place to store al-Murwad.

The practices of using Kohl al-Ithmid in the Kingdom stem from the Islamic culture in which its use is prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him (PBUH), considering Kohl as a source of strengthening eyesight.

With the aim of preserving public health, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) periodically monitors Kohl al-Ithmid products and issues warnings against harmful ones. In 2021, it cautioned against three eye care products containing a high percentage of lead that exceeds the permissible limit for impurities according to safety regulations for cosmetics and personal care products. Such products could pose health risks to consumers.