Microbial content of kohl

Three brands of commercially prepared kohl imported from India were tested and were found to vary widely in microbial content. Heavy contamination, primarily with Bacillus species, Gram-negative bacilli, and a number of fungi, was present in one brand. Moderate contamination was found in the second brand, primarily due to Bacillus species and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The third brand tested contained no microorganisms. Because of the presence of opportunistic organisms in kohl, its use-either cosmetic or medical-is not recommended in eyes with diseases that affect the ocular surface. Its use in newborn infants should also be discouraged