Kohl or el kohl el beldi as it’s known in Morocco, has adorned women’s eyes for thousands of years. This ancient pigment carries deep meaning: beauty, protection, and spirituality. But in today’s market, not every product labeled “kohl” deserves the same trust.

Many mass-produced or imported kohl products still use heavy metals such as lead, antimony, or aluminum compounds to achieve their deep black color. These minerals, once common in traditional recipes, are now recognized as potentially toxic and unsafe for regular cosmetic use, particularly around the sensitive eye area.

Why Heavy Metals Are a Concern

The skin and mucous membranes around the eyes are extremely delicate and absorb substances more easily than other areas of the body. Over time, exposure to metallic particles can lead to irritation, dryness, or in rare cases, long-term health effects.

Some studies have shown that traditional mineral-based kohl, especially those using galena (lead sulfide), can contain lead concentrations well above modern safety limits. Even small daily exposures can accumulate over time, which is why cosmetic regulations in many countries now restrict or prohibit these formulations.

Unfortunately, certain unregulated products sold as “traditional kohl” or “natural eyeliner” may still contain such metals, often without clear labeling.

Returning to Nature: The Moroccanism Difference

At Moroccanism, we believe heritage and health should never conflict. Our Pure Moroccan Kohl revives this ancestral tradition using a completely plant-based composition, finely milled powders from cloves and olive pits.

This natural pigment achieves the same deep black finish cherished by generations of Moroccan women, without any lead, antimony, or synthetic dyes. Each batch is handcrafted in Morocco in small quantities, ensuring purity and respect for both the eyes and the environment.

The result is a clean, elegant, and authentic kohl that brings back the beauty of tradition while meeting the highest modern safety standards.

How to Identify Safe Kohl Products

If you’re exploring natural kohl alternatives, here are a few key signs of quality and safety:

1. Check the ingredient list. Avoid products with minerals like galena, antimony, or unclear chemical names.

2. Prefer plant-based or carbon-based formulas. Ingredients such as olive pits, cloves, or date seeds indicate natural sourcing.

3. Look for handcrafted or small-batch production. Artisanal brands often emphasize ingredient transparency and quality control.

4. Avoid unlabeled or imported kohl sold in unsealed containers. Purity and hygiene matter, especially for products used near the eyes.

Beauty Without Compromise

Moroccanism’s approach to kohl reflects our belief that true beauty should never come at the expense of health. By blending ancestral knowledge with modern safety standards, we’ve preserved what makes Moroccan kohl special, its simplicity, spirituality, and purity, while removing what no longer serves us.

Our Pure Moroccan Kohl with its Handcrafted Wooden Set is more than a product; it’s a declaration that clean beauty and cultural heritage can coexist beautifully.