Kohl (cosmetics)

Eye cosmetic Eye shot of a woman with kohl Kohl is a cosmetic product traditionally made by crushing stibnite (antimony sulfide). Modern kohl formulations often contain galena (lead sulfide), and in some cases charcoal or other pigments. Kohl is similar to eyeliner, and is widely used in many cultures to contour or darken the eyelids and heighten beauty marks. Several studies[example needed] have questioned the safety of kohl out of fear of lead poisoning. Importing galena kohl into the United States is banned. Etymology Ancient kohl cosmetic tube from western Iran, dated 800–500 BCE The English word kohl derives from the Arabic kuḥl (كُحْل; also transliterated kuhl), traced to the triliteral root k-ḥ-l (ك-ح-ل). Kohl's Arabic name also survives in English by a second route: the word alcohol comes from the same Arabic root (ultimately the verb kahala, "to stain" or "to paint") transmitted through Middle Latin and French, The word originally referred to kohl itself, the finely ground antimony powder, before acquiring its modern definition in the 18th century. Middle East and North Africa Kohl has been worn traditionally since the Naqada III era (c. 3100 BCE) by Egyptian