Kaajal fights against eye pathogens and is safe for eye make-up: a reinvestigation of an ancient practice

Abstract

The present report includes a scientific view of the traditional use of ‘Kaajal’ from the leaf of Euphorbia neriifolia, an Indian spurge tree locally called the ‘Monosha’ plant. A thorough analysis of the material demonstrates that it contains carbon nanoparticles having two uniform sizes of 2–3 nm and 35–45 nm. Further study revealed that Kaajal has antimicrobial properties against eye pathogens and is biocompatible for cosmetic use.