Introduction

Ithmid kohl has been used for generations across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. For Muslims, however, the word Ithmid carries an additional significance: it is specifically mentioned in hadith as one of the best types of kohl.

But what exactly is Ithmid kohl? Is it the same as ordinary kohl, kajal, or surma? Is authentic Ithmid kohl safe for the eyes? And how can you tell the difference between genuine traditional kohl and an unknown black powder marketed as “Ithmid”?

In this guide, we will look at what Ithmid kohl is, the Sunnah behind it, how traditional kohl differs from modern eyeliner, what to know about lead contamination, how to choose kohl responsibly, and what to look for when buying authentic Ithmid kohl.

Important: Kohl products can vary significantly in their ingredients and manufacturing practices. Traditional use does not automatically establish that every modern kohl product is safe. Always check the ingredients, sourcing, testing, and applicable cosmetic regulations for the specific product you are considering.

What Is Ithmid Kohl?

Ithmid (إثمد) is the Arabic name traditionally associated with a mineral material used to prepare kohl. The term Ithmid kohl, kohl al-Ithmid, or simply Ithmid is commonly used to describe traditional mineral-based kohl.

Kohl itself is broader than Ithmid. Historically, different kohl preparations could be made from minerals, stones, soot, and other substances. In other words, all Ithmid kohl is kohl, but not all kohl is Ithmid kohl.

This distinction is important because modern products can use the word kohl to describe almost any dark eye cosmetic.

Traditional Ithmid is generally described in Islamic and historical literature as a mineral used after being processed and finely ground into a powder suitable for application with a traditional kohl applicator.

Is Ithmid the same as antimony?

Ithmid is frequently translated or described as antimony, and the hadith translations of Ibn Majah and Abu Dawud commonly render Ithmid this way. However, mineral identification and historical formulations are more complicated than simply assuming that every product labeled “Ithmid” has an identical chemical composition.

That is why the name on the bottle alone is not enough to establish the exact composition of a modern product.

For consumers, the most important question is not simply whether a seller uses the word Ithmid. It is what the product actually contains and whether its composition and quality have been properly verified.

Why Is Ithmid Kohl Important in Islam?

The significance of Ithmid kohl comes from the Sunnah.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“The best of your kohl is antimony (Ithmid): it clears the vision and makes the hair sprout.”

This narration is recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud 3878 and Sunan Ibn Majah 3497.

The Arabic wording in the narration includes:

خَيْرُ أَكْحَالِكُمُ الإِثْمِدُ يَجْلُو الْبَصَرَ وَيُنْبِتُ الشَّعَرَ

The hadith is one reason Ithmid has remained particularly significant among Muslims interested in following the traditional practice of using kohl.

It is worth keeping the religious and scientific discussions separate, however. The hadith establishes the traditional Islamic significance of Ithmid; it should not automatically be interpreted as a modern medical claim that every product sold as Ithmid will improve eyesight or cause eyelash growth.

Ithmid Kohl vs. Regular Kohl: What's the Difference?

One of the most common questions is:

“What is the difference between Ithmid kohl and regular kohl?”

The simplest answer is that Ithmid refers to a particular traditional material, while kohl is a broader category of eye cosmetic.

Ithmid Kohl

Traditional Ithmid kohl is generally associated with:

• A mineral-based traditional preparation
• Fine powdered texture
• Traditional kohl applicator use
• Islamic significance because Ithmid is mentioned in hadith
• Historical use throughout the Middle East and surrounding regions

Regular or Modern Kohl

Modern products marketed as “kohl” can be very different. They may be:

• Pencil eyeliners
• Cream or gel eyeliners
• Pressed powders
• Manufactured cosmetic formulations
• Traditional mineral powders
• Products made with carbon, pigments, waxes, oils, or other cosmetic ingredients

Therefore, seeing the word “kohl” on a product does not tell you what is inside it.

Some modern eyeliner products even use kohl simply as a name for a shade or style of eyeliner. The FDA notes that products marketed as kohl, kajal, surma and similar traditional eye cosmetics can contain very different materials, including heavy metals.

Is Kohl Safe for the Eyes?

This is probably the most important question to ask before purchasing traditional kohl.

The answer is:

It depends on the specific product and its composition.

You should never assume that a traditional product is safe simply because it has been used for centuries. At the same time, you should also avoid treating every traditional kohl product as though it has the same ingredients.

The major concern with traditional kohl is heavy-metal contamination, particularly lead.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that some traditional kohl, kajal, surma, and similar products have contained high levels of lead. Some analyzed products have contained lead sulfide as a major component, and exposure has been associated with lead poisoning, particularly in children.

That is why product-specific testing and responsible sourcing matter.

Does “natural” mean kohl is safe?

No.

“Natural,” “traditional,” “mineral,” and “handmade” are not substitutes for knowing what is actually in a product.

A naturally occurring mineral can still contain substances that are undesirable for cosmetic use. Likewise, two products sold under the same name can have completely different compositions.

This is particularly relevant for kohl because products sold internationally under names such as kohl, kajal, surma, and Ithmid may originate from different sources and use different formulations. Studies have also found significant variation in the composition of traditional eye cosmetics.

Does Authentic Ithmid Kohl Contain Lead?

This is where a lot of confusion comes from.

The word Ithmid should not be treated as a laboratory certificate.

Some traditional kohl products have contained extremely high concentrations of lead, including formulations based on lead sulfide. The FDA specifically warns consumers about traditional kohl products because of this risk.

Research published in 2026 has also documented severe lead exposure associated with artisanal kohl production involving galena in Morocco, demonstrating that the issue remains relevant today.

Therefore, when purchasing authentic Ithmid kohl, the responsible approach is to look beyond the product name.

Ask:

Where was it sourced?

What exactly is it made from?

Has the finished product been tested?

Is there documentation for heavy-metal testing?

Does the manufacturer provide appropriate labeling and ingredient information?

These questions are much more meaningful than simply asking whether a product is “100% natural.”

How to Identify Authentic Ithmid Kohl

There is no single visual trick that can conclusively prove that a powder is genuine Ithmid.

Color, texture, origin, packaging, and traditional appearance can provide clues, but laboratory analysis is much more reliable than home tests or appearance alone when determining chemical composition.

When shopping for authentic Ithmid kohl, consider the following.

1. Look for Transparent Sourcing

A reputable seller should be able to explain where the product comes from and how it is sourced.

Be cautious when a listing simply says:

“100% authentic original Ithmid!”

without explaining anything about the material or supplier.

Transparency is more useful than marketing language.

2. Look at the Ingredients

A product marketed as traditional mineral kohl should have clear information about its composition where required by applicable regulations.

An unknown powder with no ingredient information should be treated cautiously.

3. Look for Appropriate Testing

Testing can provide much more useful information than a seller's claim alone.

For an eye-area product, testing for contaminants such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and other relevant heavy metals can be particularly important.

4. Don't Rely on DIY “Authenticity Tests”

You may see online claims that magnets, water, paper, burning, or other household methods can determine whether a powder is genuine Ithmid.

These methods should not be treated as definitive chemical authentication.

A product's composition is ultimately a laboratory question, not something that can reliably be determined simply by looking at how a powder behaves on a piece of paper.

How to Use Ithmid Kohl

Traditional kohl is normally applied using a kohl applicator, traditionally called a mirwad or mismar depending on the style and region.

A basic method is:

1. Make sure the applicator is clean.
2. Avoid sharing your applicator with other people.
3. Use only a small amount of powder.
4. Carefully apply the kohl without scratching the eye.
5. Keep the container closed and protected from moisture and contamination.
6. Stop using the product if you experience irritation or an unusual reaction.

The applicator is especially important because it comes into direct contact with the eye area.

The FDA likewise recommends care when applying eye cosmetics and warns against products that are not intended for use around the eyes.

Should you apply kohl three times?

You may have heard that the Sunnah requires applying kohl three times to each eye.

There are narrations concerning the Prophet ﷺ applying kohl, including reports describing three applications to each eye. However, the detailed narrations surrounding the exact practice and their grading should be distinguished from the stronger, widely cited narration concerning the virtue of Ithmid itself. Classical hadith literature contains differing gradings on some of these specific reports.

For that reason, it is better not to present one particular application pattern as though there is no scholarly discussion surrounding it.

Ithmid Kohl Benefits: What Does the Sunnah Say?

Searches for “Ithmid kohl benefits” often bring together Islamic tradition, historical claims, and modern health claims.

These should be kept separate.

The Prophet ﷺ described Ithmid kohl as among the best types of kohl and mentioned that it “clears the vision and makes the hair sprout.”

However, a modern seller should not turn this narration into an unsupported promise that a particular commercial product will:

• Cure an eye condition
• Improve poor eyesight
• Prevent eye infections
• Treat dry eyes
• Grow eyelashes
• Reduce eye strain
• Protect against disease

Those are medical claims and require appropriate scientific evidence.

The better way to understand Ithmid is that it has religious, cultural, historical, and cosmetic significance, while the safety and composition of any particular modern product must be evaluated separately.

Is Ithmid Kohl the Same as Surma or Kajal?

Not necessarily.

The terms kohl, kajal, surma, and Ithmid are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but they do not always describe exactly the same formulation.

Different regions developed their own traditional eye cosmetics, and products sold under these names can contain very different ingredients.

That means you should not assume:

Ithmid = every kohl = every surma = every kajal.

Instead, identify the actual product and its ingredients.

This distinction matters even more when safety is involved.

Moroccan Kohl vs. Isfahani Kohl

Two names you may encounter when shopping for traditional kohl are Moroccan kohl and Isfahani kohl.

Both have long associations with traditional kohl culture, but the names describe historical/regional traditions rather than guaranteeing an identical chemical formulation.

Moroccan Kohl

Moroccan kohl is associated with North African cosmetic traditions and is commonly sold as a fine dark powder designed for traditional application.

Isfahani Kohl

Isfahani kohl refers to kohl associated with Isfahan and the Persian tradition.

Because traditional formulations can vary by supplier, region, and historical recipe, it is important not to assume that a regional name alone tells you the exact mineral composition.

When comparing Moroccan kohl vs. Isfahani kohl, look at the actual product information, sourcing, manufacturing practices, and testing rather than choosing solely based on the name.

Traditional Kohl vs. Modern Eyeliner

So, should you use Ithmid kohl instead of a regular eyeliner pencil?

That ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Traditional Ithmid kohl offers a completely different experience from modern eyeliner:

Traditional Ithmid Kohl	Modern Eyeliner
Usually a fine powder	Usually a pencil, gel, liquid, or pressed formulation
Applied with an applicator	Usually applied with a built-in pencil/brush
Rooted in traditional beauty practices	Designed primarily as a modern cosmetic
Strong Islamic cultural significance	Generally no religious significance
Traditionally stored in a kohl container	Usually packaged as a commercial cosmetic
Can produce a distinctive traditional finish	Available in many modern finishes and shades

For someone interested in Sunnah-inspired grooming and traditional Islamic beauty, Ithmid has an important place that ordinary eyeliner does not necessarily have.

What Should You Look for When Buying Kohl?

Whether you're searching for authentic Ithmid kohl, Sunnah kohl, Moroccan kohl, or Isfahani kohl, look for a seller who takes the product seriously.

A good kohl product should come with clear information about:

Origin: Where was it sourced?

Ingredients: What exactly is in the product?

Quality control: How is the product processed and packaged?

Testing: Is there appropriate laboratory documentation?

Application: Is a suitable applicator provided or recommended?

Storage: Is the product protected from moisture and contamination?

Transparency: Can the seller explain what makes the product different from an unidentified black powder?

These questions are especially important because “authentic” is a description, not a laboratory result.

Is Kohl Safe for Children?

Extra caution is appropriate with children.

The FDA specifically highlights the risk of lead exposure from traditional kohl and similar eye cosmetics in children, including documented cases where children exposed to these products developed elevated blood lead levels.

Parents should therefore be particularly careful about products with unknown ingredients or uncertain sourcing and should not assume that a traditional cosmetic is automatically appropriate for infants or children.

Why Authenticity Matters

The popularity of Ithmid kohl has also created confusion in the modern marketplace.

A product can be sold in traditional packaging, described as “Sunnah,” or advertised as “100% authentic” without that language proving what is inside the container.

The safest approach is to combine traditional knowledge with modern quality control.

That means appreciating the Sunnah while also asking practical questions about sourcing, composition, contamination, hygiene, and responsible use.

For Muslims, preserving the Sunnah does not require ignoring good manufacturing practices. In fact, taking care of what we put near our eyes is part of treating the practice with the seriousness it deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ithmid Kohl

What is Ithmid kohl?

Ithmid kohl is a traditional form of kohl associated with the mineral Ithmid and is specifically mentioned in hadith. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described Ithmid as among the best types of kohl.

Is Ithmid kohl the same as regular kohl?

No. Kohl is a broad term covering various traditional and modern eye cosmetics, while Ithmid refers to a particular traditional material associated with kohl. Different products sold as kohl can contain very different ingredients.

Is authentic Ithmid kohl safe?

Safety depends on the actual composition and manufacturing of the product. Traditional origin alone does not guarantee safety. Heavy-metal contamination, particularly lead, is a documented concern with some traditional kohl products.

Does Ithmid kohl contain lead?

Not every product marketed as Ithmid can be assumed to have the same composition. Some traditional kohl products have contained substantial amounts of lead, which is why product-specific sourcing and testing are important.

What are the benefits of Ithmid kohl?

The main Islamic source is the hadith describing Ithmid as among the best types of kohl and mentioning that it clears the vision and makes the hair grow. These statements should not be turned into unsupported modern medical guarantees about a particular commercial product.

Is Ithmid kohl Sunnah?

Ithmid kohl has a clear connection to the Sunnah because the Prophet ﷺ specifically mentioned Ithmid among the best types of kohl in authentic hadith collections.

How do you apply Ithmid kohl?

Traditionally, finely powdered kohl is applied using a dedicated kohl applicator. The applicator should be clean, the product should be handled hygienically, and care should be taken to avoid scratching or contaminating the eye.

What is the difference between Moroccan and Isfahani kohl?

They refer to traditional kohl associated with different regional traditions. The exact composition can vary by supplier, so regional naming alone should not be considered proof of a particular chemical composition.

Is kohl the same as eyeliner?

Not necessarily. Modern eyeliner is generally a manufactured cosmetic available as a pencil, liquid, gel, or powder. Traditional kohl is typically a fine powder applied with an applicator.

How can I identify authentic Ithmid kohl?

Look for transparent sourcing, clear product information, responsible manufacturing, and appropriate laboratory testing. Appearance or simple home tests cannot conclusively establish the chemical identity of a mineral powder.

Choosing Ithmid Kohl the Right Way

Ithmid kohl is more than a black cosmetic powder.

For Muslims, it is connected to a practice mentioned by the Prophet ﷺ. For historians, it represents a centuries-old tradition of eye cosmetics. And for modern consumers, it raises an important question: how do we preserve a traditional practice while making responsible choices about the products we use today?

The answer is not simply to buy anything labeled “Ithmid.”

Instead, know what you're buying.

Look for transparent sourcing, responsible production, appropriate testing, hygienic packaging, and a seller who is willing to explain what makes the product different.

At Sunnah Goods, our goal is to make traditional Sunnah-inspired products accessible while giving customers the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions.

Explore our collection of traditional kohl and find the style that fits your routine:

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