Surma, also known as kohl, is an ancient eye cosmetic traditionally made by grinding stibnite for use similar to that of charcoal in mascara). The Persian word for kohl is سرمه sormeh, from Azerbaijani sürmə "drawing along", which has led to Bengali and Urdu surma as well as Russian сурьма and Malayalam സുറുമ). In some South Asian languages, the term kājal or kajol is used). Surma is commonly used by women in India as a type of eyeliner that is put around the edge of the eyes). In Punjabi culture, surma is a traditional ceremonial dye, which predominantly men of the Punjab wear around their eyes on special social or religious occasions).

However, commercially produced surma has less antimony and more lead sulfide, which is a known developmental neurotoxicant. Surma products are banned in North America. Surma has been linked to elevated blood lead levels, which could lead to lead poisoning, according to studies. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable. The use of lead sulfide in surma is the cause of this. Surma applicators are made of metal or wood, which when unclean can cause fungal and bacterial infections in the eye.

Despite the risks, surma has been classified as an ultra-fine powder of galena, a “kohl stone” . Surma is also thought to be of good grade if it gives a burning feeling. Benefits of surma include keeping the eyes cool and clean, making the eyes appear bigger, strengthening the eyes and improving vision, and shielding the eyes from the sun’s damaging rays. Surma is also effective in protecting the eye from the sun’s damaging radiation, according to modern studies. Surma is now used as eye makeup by both men and women.

In summary, surma is an ancient eye cosmetic traditionally made by grinding stibnite for use similar to that of charcoal in mascara. It is commonly used by women in India as a type of eyeliner that is put around the edge of the eyes. However, commercially produced surma has less antimony and more lead sulfide, which is a known developmental neurotoxicant. Despite the risks, surma has been classified as an ultra-fine powder of galena, a “kohl stone”. Benefits of surma include keeping the eyes cool and clean, making the eyes appear bigger, strengthening the eyes and improving vision, and shielding the eyes from the sun’s damaging rays.