Where Does Tattoo Ink Come From?
The answer is you can’t be 100% certain! Did you know that there are no regulations or controls in Australia on Tattoo ink and what can or can’t be used! Whilst authorities regulate substances that you can ingest and there is regulation on cosmetics that are applied to the skin, there is no regulation on inks that are tattooed into the skin and designed to be permanent.
How many people who get a Tattoo actually ask what is in the ink? Even if you asked, would the Tattooist really be able to honestly tell you. Tattoo inks essentially consist of 2 components, the pigment and the carrier.
The pigment provides the colour of the tattoo, whilst the carrier keeps the pigment evenly mixed and makes for easier application of the tattoo pigment into the skin. Tattoo inks historically were made from ground up minerals and carbon found in the natural environment, but most modern tattoos often contain modern industrial metallic salts (eg oxides, selenides, sulphides), vegetable based pigments and plastic based pigments.
However, allergic reactions have been reported with many of the metals now commonly used in tattoo pigments, such as mercury in red ink, copper and cobalt in blue ink and cadmium in yellow ink. Plastic based inks have also become popular as they can produce very intense colours.
However plastic tattoo inks are commonly derived from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) a type of heat resistant plastic used in appliances, pipe fittings and luggage and injecting this into your skin can not surprisingly cause significant skin allergic reactions.
- Another recent trend is to use Tattoo ink pigments that glow in the dark, or in response to ultraviolet light;
- These inks are potentially very risky and possibly radioactive with unknown long term health effects;
In cosmetic tattooing of eyebrows and lips inorganic materials such as Titanium Dioxide are now commonly used, but these inks can be particularly difficult to remove, even with the latest lasers. Brown eyebrow or lip liner tattoos often darken and turn black and look worse with laser treatment and can be very difficult to remove.
- In the European Commission’s 2003 report on the health risks of tattooing, they found that many of the chemicals used in tattoos were originally intended for writing and printer inks or automobile paints, and that around 20% of coloured tattoos contained compounds considered carcinogenic (cancer causing);
Common solutions used as the carrier for tattoo pigment include ethanol, Listerine, propylene glycol and glycerine. However many other solutions have been used and continue to be used such as methanol, isopropyl alcohol, ethylene glycol (Antifreeze), formaldehyde and various detergents.
Many of these solutions are regarded as toxic, and by toxic it includes effects such as mutagenic, carcinogenic, teratogenic as well as being involved in other reactions in the body that may not show up for many years.
When alcohol is used as part of the carrier base, (or to disinfect the skin before tattooing), it can alter the skin permeability and allow even more toxic chemicals into the bloodstream as well as potentiate the effects to make these chemicals even more harmful.
Whilst it might seem logical to check if someone is allergic to a particular tattoo ink by a skin test before having a tattoo, this is rarely if ever done. People getting tattoos are generally impulsive by nature and having a skin test to check if it is safe is not a consideration, just as it is not to consider if one might regret getting a particular tattoo in the future.
Even with tattoo ink ingredients that are plant based or considered safe and not toxic, it needs to be recognised that no long term studies have been conducted to confirm they are actually safe to inject permanently into the skin. From the perspective of laser tattoo removal, not knowing which substances are actually in the tattoo ink (both tattoo pigment and the tattoo carrier), as well as how much tattoo ink has been used and how deep the tattoo ink has been inserted into the skin, makes it impossible to accurately predict how many treatments might be necessary to breakdown and remove the tattoo ink.
- The bottom line is that there is no regulation in Australia on what can be used in Tattoo inks and there is a recognised risk of possible allergic reactions and unknown long term side effects from many of the components now commonly used in tattoo inks;
Few people getting a tattoo stop to think they are possibly being injected with a combination of photocopier ink and Listerine or Anti Freeze!.
Contents
What are tattoo inks made from?
Professional inks may be made from iron oxides (rust), metal salts, or plastics. Homemade or traditional tattoo inks may be made from pen ink, soot, dirt, ash, blood, or other ingredients.
Does tattoo ink come from animals?
A tattoo can be a creative, eye-catching way to display your passion for animal rights. However, some tattoo inks are actually made with animal products. Nonvegan varieties may contain bone char, glycerin from animal fat, gelatin from hooves, or shellac from beetles.
- So as you’re checking out tattoo shops, ask if they use vegan inks or if they can order some for you;
- Some great vegan brands include Eternal, StarBrite, SkinCandy, and Stable Color;
- You may also want to take along your own razor, since the ones they have in-house may have a gel strip made from glycerin;
And of course, you’ll want your tattoo-care products to be vegan as well. Try The Merry Hempsters Vegan Hemp Tattoo Balm, Black Cat Vitamin Infusion Serum, Ohana Organics Tattoo Butter, or even jojoba oil, olive oil, or shea butter. No matter what artwork you choose, your vegan tattoo will be an animal rights conversation piece!.
What are black tattoo inks made from?
Do different coloured inks have different components in them? – There are about 9 colours that are most frequently used in tattooing – they contain different ingredients. Black is the most commonly used tattoo ink. Natural black pigment is made from magnetite crystals, powdered jet, wustite, bone char, and amorphous carbon from combustion (soot).
- The ingredients of black ink are iron oxide, carbon and logwood;
- Brown ink is made of ochre (iron oxides mixed with clay), blue contains sodium aluminium silicate (lapis lazuli) and copper silicate (Egyptian blue);
Red ink carries an increased risk of allergy and contains cinnabar (a toxic mineral) and naphthol pigments. The other commonly used inks are white, violet, yellow, green and orange. All of them contain a different combination of chemicals. It’s best to do your research before you head to the tattoo studio.
Are Most tattoo inks vegan?
Tattoo Ink – The first thing vegans need to be concerned about is the tattoo ink itself. Gelatin is used as a binding agent and is perhaps the most common animal ingredient found in tattoo ink. Some inks will use shellac instead, which is derived from beetle shells.
- Bone char is used in some brands of black ink to give it a darker pigmentation;
- Some inks also contain glycerin, which is used to stabilise the ink and provide a smooth shade;
- Glycerin is a tricky ingredient because it can be made from soybean or palm oil (although some vegans abstain from the latter) or derived from synthetic ingredients, but it can also be produced from tallow (rendered beef fat);
Since the source of the glycerin is rarely indicated on any products, it’s safest to avoid it altogether.
Is tattoo ink cancerous?
Cancer – Do tattoos cause skin cancer? This has been a question that researchers have been exploring for years. While there is no direct connection between tattoos and skin cancer, there are some ingredients in tattoo ink that may be linked to cancer.
When it comes to cancer, black ink can be especially dangerous because it contains a very high level of benzo(a)pyrene. Benzo(a)pyrene is currently listed as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Health officials and researchers are especially concerned about the effects of black tattoo ink, as it is the most commonly used color for tattooing. “Blackout” tattoos have also raised significant concern among health officials and researchers. This hot new trend may be especially dangerous since it requires individuals to have large portions of their bodies covered in thick, heavy solid black ink.
In addition to the fear of carcinogens contained in the ink, individuals are also concerned about the way these tattoos cover the body. A change in skin pigmentation is one of the earliest signs of skin cancer, particularly melanoma.
When the body is “blacked out” with tattoo ink, individuals may not be able to notice these changes right away. For this reason, tattoos should never be placed over pre-existing moles, birth marks, or other skin discolorations or abnormalities. Another cause for concern is what happens to a tattoo after you’ve had it for a while.
Are tattoos toxic to the body?
‘Tattoo inks and permanent make up (PMU) may contain hazardous substances — for example, substances that cause cancer, genetic mutations, toxic effects on reproduction, allergies or other adverse effects on health,’ an ECHA statement reads.
Are vegan tattoos safer?
Vegan tattoo ink isn’t necessarily healthier or safer In fact, one of the most popular companies, World Famous Tattoo Ink, makes the claim that their vegan inks are better for immunity and are more reliable, though there’s no evidence this is true.
Which tattoo ink is safest?
There are a bunch of new colours and tattoo techniques on offer — neons, brighter shades, memorial tats where you mix in a bit of a loved one’s ashes (don’t judge; everyone grieves differently). But how far is too far? Take a look What are the safest colours? * Neon skin inks are loaded chemicals and mercury.
The reds are perhaps the worst, because they also contain the highly toxic iron oxide and cadmium. * If you really want to get a permanent tattoo, stick with the basics. Black remains safest. Blue and green inks with copper phthalocyanine pigments are safe too.
Some parlous mix their own inks; it’s generally safest to use branded inks that list their ingredients, says Dr Amit Karkhanis, laser and cosmetic physician. Are there any natural alternatives? * Some tattoo studios have yellows and blues that are turmeric- and indigo-based. 
Stick with the basics. Black remains safest. Blue and green inks with copper phthalocyanine pigments are safe too. (Shutterstock) Be cautious and plan well * Skin tone is important when planning a tattoo. Because melanin acts as a filter, bright colours such as reds, sky blues and yellows won’t look as you expect them to, says Ritopriyo Saha, founder of the Trippink tattoo studio in Bengaluru.
There are other colours that are naturally derived, but also many that make false claim, so always check the contents. * A good tag to look for is EU certification. Inks that say they are compliant with EU quality standards will have the lowest levels of toxicity possible.
* For dark skin tones, black and most shades of green work well. * Even if it’s not your first tattoo, do a patch test. Tattoo inks change; skin tones change. Take nothing for granted. * If there even a tiny chance that you will want the tattoo removed later on, avoid reds, yellows and oranges.
They are the most resistant to laser removal treatments. Even for the other colours, removal takes an average of 15 visits over 8 weeks. Best and worst spots * Muscular parts of the body — upper arms, calves, back — are good places if you plan to get a tattoo, says Dr Karkhanis.
* Avoid areas where the skin stretches such as the crease lines on the wrist, elbows or near the knees. “It will likely take longer to heal as there is constant pulling of the skin here,” he adds. * Avoid hands and feet. Sustained and direct exposure to sun, soap and water would make healing difficult and could cause the tattoo to fade.
Is tattoo lipstick vegan?
【Natural Ingredients】Our tattoo lipstick is made of cosmetic dyes and pigments extracted from plants. It is gentle and non-irritating to the skin. It is vegan and cruelty-free.
| Brand | PASNOWFU |
|---|---|
| Color | 4 colors |
| Skin Type | All |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Finish Type | Matte,Velvet |
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What does tattoo ink do to your blood?
Do Tattoos Affect Blood Tests? – No, tattoos do not affect blood tests. Not all ink particles from a tattoo enter your bloodstream, so it shouldn’t interfere with any blood tests you might have to take in the future. If your tattoo is fresh and is still healing, your blood test may result in elevated levels of white blood cells due to the open wound caused by the needle.
Can I have an MRI if I have tattoos?
The health and well-being of patients is our primary concern. Click here for our full COVID-19 response. Update for RAI/CHAI Hamilton: The office will be closed on Saturday, 8/6 due to building maintenance. RAI Lawrenceville will be open with normal hours of operation for walk-in X-Ray services. Tuesday, 26 February 2019 108889 Hits 
Tattoos are gaining in popularity these days, with four in ten Americans sporting at least one tattoo, according to Statistica. People are more likely to get ink nowadays because tattoos do not carry the taboo they once held. Many people avoided tattoos because they worry that such body art might prevent them from getting a job. Today, some people worry about getting a tattoo out of fear they might suffer side effects when they undergo certain medical procedures, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
We apologize for any inconvenience. Websites, such as Healthline , warn that there is a slight risk that MRIs could interact with tattoos to cause swelling and itchiness. The site suggests the risk is higher with the use of lower-quality tattoo pigments and older tattoos.
In a new study, researchers from the Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, part of Queen Square Institute of Neurology at University College in London explored whether people with tattoos are at a higher risk of side effects. The scientists considered if doctors and other medical professionals could conduct imaging studies on people with tattoos without hesitation.
They also wondered if any restrictions for imaging might apply to tattooed patients. What they found might surprise you. The researchers found that the risk of experiencing tattoo-related side effects from MRI is very small.
This means people with tattoos can safely undergo MRI without worry.
Do tattoos hurt during MRI?
Do Tattoos Cause Irritation During an MRI? – In rare situations, tattoos may make an MRI less comfortable. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that tattoos can cause irritation and burning during an MRI. A scientific review also reported a tattooed athlete experiencing a burn-like injury during an MRI.
Is tattoo ink FDA approved?
Given the popularity of tattoos, one would expect the physical effects to be well known. But in fact, the question has only recently been examined, most recently with studies that suggest that tattoo ink can leach into the lymph nodes , and that tattoos may reduce sweating.
Reduced sweating impedes the body’s ability to cool off, potentially presenting problems for anyone who is heavily tattooed and exercising in the heat. But sweating aside, are there long-term risks to tattoos? Nobody really knows.
Many tattoo inks are chemically similar or even identical to commercial pigments used in printers or even paint. Are there serious adverse effects to injecting industrial paint under your skin? Nobody really knows. The largest regulator of food and personal items, the FDA , has authority over pigments used in external-use cosmetics, such as lipstick.
- Artificial pigments must be approved by the FDA and tested to ensure that they contain approved ingredients, but colors derived from natural sources are not tested at all;
- In practice, due to limited resources and a belief that cosmetics pose little health risk, approved cosmetic pigments are mostly regulated directly by the cosmetic industry;
There’s loophole, however, large enough for a body suit. The FDA only exercises oversight over cosmetic pigments used externally. Internal use, i. permanently inserting pigments into the skin, is not regulated by the FDA at all. In a bizarre catch-22, since the pigments are not FDA-approved for use in tattoos, and only FDA pigments are covered by the industry’s testing scheme, most inks are de facto unregulated (The FDA will act if an obvious health problem is identified).
Furthermore, FDA ingredient labeling requirements only apply to products sold directly to consumers. Ink is sold wholesale in bulk to shops, so not only are the inks not FDA-approved, the ingredients are kept secret from users.
That leaves the regulation of tattoos to the states, where there is enormous variability in oversight. Many states, not all, have some regulations regarding the practice of tattooing, but there are few regulations regarding the contents or safety of the ink.
Research regarding long-term effects of modern pigments or how pigments react when tattoos are removed is almost completely lacking. As things currently stand, there is not yet evidence of long term harm to most tattoo recipients, nor does the sweating study provide evidence of risk.
While there have been a few infections caused by unsterile ink , licensed artists are mostly conscientious and infection transmission through tattoos is uncommon. (The infection rate is higher in informal settings such as prisons, or friends’ basements. .
Is tattoo Haram in Islam?
“I can finally get a tattoo,” the thought popped in head the day my visit to America was confirmed. For those who aren’t aware, tattoos are considered haram (forbidden) in Islam. There is no specific Islamic verse outlining this point but many people believe wudu (the purification ritual) cannot be completed if you have a tattoo on your body. Hence, you can never pray.
Let’s not get into a debate on how correct or incorrect this belief is but I personally choose not to follow it, and it may come as a surprise but thousands of Pakistanis adorn tattoos on various parts of their bodies that are not visible to the general public.
Believe it or not, people will silently judge you for sporting a tattoo and label you as a disbeliever who will forever burn in hell. However, my reasons for not getting a tattoo in Pakistan are different. First, Pakistani parents tend to throw a fit when they hear about their children getting a tattoo — even if their “child’ is 31 years old.
Second, I was not certain if I could trust a Pakistani artist to create something stunning for me. After all, you are stuck with the tattoo your entire life and contacting a novice tattoo artist was not an option I was comfortable with.
More: Active shooter training in U. changed my mind about carrying a gun in Pakistan | Opinion Two weeks before my departure, the search for the perfect tattoo began. Various suggestions were thrown at me — from a cat to a heart, and from a boat to a dove, people were bursting with ideas that meant something to them.
However, the goal was to find something that was meaningful to me. Google was my best friend for many nights and I came across numerous tattoo ideas until it hit me one day: I wanted a Phoenix! According to Greek mythology, the phoenix is a bird associated with the sun and obtains life by rising from its own ashes.
The myth states that it was a beautiful rare bird that lived for 500 years before it died in a show of flames and combustion, only to be reborn. The legend of the phoenix resonated with me for several reasons: a) The bird is dramatic, just like I am. b) It’s a unique creature that was said to be seen rarely.
- c) It represents freedom, resilience and strength;
- Most importantly, it’s a symbol of life and the tough times everyone goes through;
- The problems I faced are similar to those faced by people all over the world, whether it be heartbreak, anxiety or depression;
However, I made sure hitting rock bottom never changed my personality or my heart — in fact I came out stronger and became more passionate about changing the world. On Wednesday, I finally built up the courage to call the Rocksteady Tattoo Company in Melbourne and turned my dreams into reality.
- My colleagues Caroline Glenn and Emre Kelly from FLORIDA TODAY offered to accompany me while the story of my life was being carved on my body;
- Fazal Khaliq, a fellow journalist from Pakistan, also came along to catch the act on camera since he has never seen anyone get a tattoo;
My mind was flooded with fear because everyone had warned me about how painful the process is. I imagined being poked by small needles and the ink being sewed into my skin like a thread is sewed into cloth. To my surprise, it hardly hurt. All you need to do is avoid thinking about the needle poking you.
- I diverted my mind and kept humming “It’s a small world after all;
- ” Hey don’t judge, it actually worked for me! Within 10 minutes the outline of the tattoo was completed and the artist started filling in the phoenix design — and that’s when it hurt;
I was able to bear the pain but a few minutes later my body started to react. I felt lightheaded and could feel my blood pressure dropping. Luckily, the very talented space reporter Emre rushed to my help with a KitKat, while Caroline stroked my hair and encouraged me to push through.
Within the next hour, I was back in my hotel and excitedly sending photos of my tattooed back to my friends and siblings. My sister replied saying, “What the f***, Fatima. You can’t pray now. ” To those who don’t understand why people are obsessed with getting tattoos — especially my brilliant and loving host and FLORIDA TODAY Executive Editor Bob Gabordi — here’s a quote from the Marvel Daredevil TV show that might help: “Growing to love something is really simply forgetting slowly what you dislike about it.
” – James Wesley Fatima Shaheen Niazi is a journalist in Pakistan and is visiting FLORIDA TODAY as part of an International Center for Journalists program.
Are organic tattoo inks safe?
Pigments Used in Tattoo Ink – Pigments or colorants are what give tattoos vivid colors. In earlier times, pigments were made from ground-up ash or carbon to create black ink. Soot from charred woods was also used to make the markings. Although modern industrial organic inks are taking over the market, there are still some original mineral pigments. Different ones are used for creating different colors:
- Barium for white
- Iron for black, red, or brown
- Copper for free or blue
- Titanium for white
- Aluminum for violet or green
- Cobalt for blue
- Chromium for green
- Zinc for white or yellow
- Nickel for black
- Cadmium for yellow, orange, or red
- Lead for white, green, or yellow
- Mercury for red
In order to reduce the overall production costs, manufacturers blend heavy metal colorants with lightening agents, such as titanium or lead. Colorants are also made using other compounds like arsenic, sulfur, beryllium, antimony, and calcium. While these are permanent pigments, they can be removed using laser tattoo removal. Now, the tattoo removal cost will depend on several factors, including the size of the tattoo, targeted area, and the type of tattoo the price is determined.
- Depending on the color required, certain colorants are plastic-based or vegetable-based;
- The use of heavy metals in modern ink is controversial, but heavy metals are essential for making basic colors;
- The following are different pigments used in the modern tattoo ink;
Consult with an experienced doctor who has the facility, equipment, and expertise in removing tattoos. Most people tend to opt for tattoo removal after realizing that getting a tattoo in the first place was a mistake. After all, it is a personal choice. Some get easily bored with their tats that they decide to remove them completely. Yes, as compared to heavy metal pigments, vegan or organic inks are safe. But it doesn’t mean that organic inks don’t pose any threat to the human body. Overall, many of the toxic and chemical substances are absent from vegan inks. Some tattoo ink manufacturers combine trace amounts of heavy metals like titanium oxide in their organic inks to give the pigments a little more depth and character. Vegan inks include the following ingredients:
- Carbazole and dioxazine – purple pigment
- Naphthol – red pigment
- Aluminum and sodium – blue pigment
- Monoazo, which is a carbon-based pigment – green pigment
- Turmeric – yellow pigment
- Titanium oxide – white
- Logwood and carbon – black
There is a high demand for vegan tattoo ink because they are less harmful than mineral-based inks containing heavy metals. However, they can be costly. Always get your tattoo from a licensed tattoo studio and a certified tattoo artist. This ensures your safety. On Tattoos Wizard we help you find artists that use only vegan ink and then filter by city to make sure you find the vegan artist that fits you best.
In the past decade, ink manufacturers have transitioned from mineral-based inks to vegan ones. The majority of these pigments are carbon-based, but some also use azo pigments. Azo pigments contain a nitrogen group that accounts for most organic yellow, orange, and red pigments.
If you’re interesting in knowing more about Vegan tattoos, check out this article. Always assess the manufacturer, particularly what ingredients they use. You can read the label on ink bottles and research online on the most popular tattoo ink brands. Only choose a product of a trusted manufacturer.
Some popular brands include Kuro Sumi, Crazyhorse, SkinCandy / Bloodline, Electric Ink USA, Eternal Ink, etc. Getting a tattoo is a personal choice and for some, it is a calculated risk. So, if you really want to get a tattoo, only go with a quality tattoo studio.
This article was writen in collaboration with Removery – they are leading experts in the USA for laser tattoo removal and fading services in the world..
What is modern day tattoo ink made of?
What Ingredients are in Tattoo Ink? – How are tattoo inks made? Tattoo inks are solutions comprised of a carrier and a colorant. Carriers are fluids, containing liquids such as glycerin, water, isopropyl alcohol or witch hazel, that are used to transport the colorant to the injection site. 
Colorants are typically intensely colored compounds that can reflect light in the visible region of the light spectrum. These pigments were historically derived from mineral or geological sources. Certain hues and colors could be produced from carbon, iron oxide, and cadmium. Another compound, titanium dioxide, is the second-most-common ingredient in tattoo inks and has been found to degrade into toxic impurities.
- Other carrier ingredients may contain dangerous substances like antifreeze, formaldehyde, methanol, and other aldehydes;
- However, this inorganic chemical, like many others, is found in sunscreen, food additives, and many other products we frequently come in contact with;
There are more than 200 colorants and additives used to produce tattoo inks. Most standard tattoo ink colors are derived from heavy metals, including antimony, beryllium, lead, cobalt-nickel, chromium, and arsenic. Other additives include surfactants, binding agents, fillers, and preservatives.
Can I get a tattoo if I’m allergic to nickel?
Abstract – Tattoos are not mentioned as a source of exposure to nickel. Traces of nickel are, however, almost inevitably found in tattoo inks as impurities and sometimes in tattooed skin. Whether nickel in tattoos has any health consequence is debated.
- We performed a narrative review of what is currently known about this topic;
- Today, nickel is frequently detected in inks, but at highly variable levels;
- It appears to be at higher concentrations in green, blue, and sometimes brown and violet inks;
Only nickel allergy in tattooed individuals and nickel-associated tattoo ink allergy are addressed in the literature. Reports of tattoo ink allergy related to nickel are rare and heterogenous. Authors often neglect possible implications of other metals or dyes.
A positive patch test is not enough to confirm the role of nickel in a reaction observed after tattooing. We found no report of any systemic complication attributed to nickel from tattoos. The Council of Europe ResAP(2008)1 bans the presence of nickel at high levels in tattoo inks, which is a safety net for individuals with nickel allergy.
Large epidemiologic case-control studies with systematic biopsies on normal and inflamed tattoos and patch testing would help to understand the role of nickel in tattoo ink allergies. Keywords: ink; nickel; tattoo; tattoo allergy; tattooing. © 2021 The Author.
How do you make homemade tattoo ink?
What does tattoo ink do to your blood?
Do Tattoos Affect Blood Tests? – No, tattoos do not affect blood tests. Not all ink particles from a tattoo enter your bloodstream, so it shouldn’t interfere with any blood tests you might have to take in the future. If your tattoo is fresh and is still healing, your blood test may result in elevated levels of white blood cells due to the open wound caused by the needle.
