Not removing kajal at the end of the day can cause darkening under the eyes.
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A dermatologist shared three scenarios in which your regular use of kajal could lead to dark circles, including not removing makeup properly.
If you are a desi girl at heart, it's a given that you must love kajal. However, not removing kajal properly at the end of the day can cause darkening and pigmentation around the eyes. There are a few other situations, too, in which the common habit of putting kajal may lead to dark circles. In an Instagram video, Dr Gurveen Waraich, MBBS, MD, shared the scenarios in which using kajal could cause dark circles. She captioned the clip, “Can Kajal cause dark circles?”
According to the dermat, one basic concept about any kind of makeup is that using it is not a problem, but not removing it properly could cause several issues. The same is true for kajal. She further states three scenarios in which there is a chance, though very minimal, that kajal might cause dark circles.
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1. If you don't remove makeup completely, it could cause dark circles under your eyes.
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1. If you don't remove makeup completely, it could cause dark circles under your eyes.
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2. According to Dr Gurveen, if you have a constant habit of rubbing your eyes, you can literally push the kajal into the upper layers of your skin.
3. As per the dermat, if you have peri orbital eczema or dermatitis (a common dermatological disorder characterised by the inflammation of the eyelids and the skin), using kajal could lead to dark circles. “One, makeup could aggravate it. Two, your skin barrier around the eyes is already compromised due to eczema, which makes it easier for kajal to seep into the superficial layer of skin, causing dark circles,” Dr Gurveen explained.
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We all know that the skin around the eyes is thinner than the rest of your face. Therefore, you must take care of the under-eye area with gentle products.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.
