One common question you might have if you are thinking about a tattoo is the amount of pain involved while receiving a tattoo. Rarely do potential tattoo clients ask about the ingredients in tattoo ink, even though they are getting ready to have ink inserted into the skin during the tattoo procedure, with the ink remaining in the skin permanently. Asking a tattoo artist about what type of inks the shop uses, sterile procedures for needles and equipment and asking to see a log of spore tests for the tattoo shop’s autoclave ensures a safe tattooing experience.
Traditional Tattoo Ink
Permanent, traditional tattoo ink is the most common type of ink in tattoo shops. Made from pigments suspended in a carrier, such as alcohol, distilled water or glycerin, the colors of traditional tattoo ink depend on the ingredients of the pigment. For example, carbon or iron oxides are the pigments in most black tattoo inks. Carbon, or bone black, in tattoo inks is commonly made from charring animal bones. Traditional tattoo ink suppliers are not required to display ingredients on the bottles of ink. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate traditional tattoo ink. Some tattoo artists create personal inks, instead of purchasing commercial inks, to ensure the knowledge of all the ingredients in the ink.
Laser Friendly Ink
A new type of tattoo ink, Infinitink is reportedly a laser friendly tattoo ink that is easier to remove than traditional tattoo ink. While still a permanent tattoo ink, Infinitink has a different chemical makeup than traditional tattoo ink, treating the pigments to stay localized under the skin in polymer beads for easy removal by laser. When a laser removes traditional tattoo ink, the laser breaks down pigments and the body’s immune system eventually removes the tattoo from the skin. The polymer beads in laser friendly ink instantly disband when treated by a laser, removing the tattoo as the body consumes the biodegradable tattoo ink. This reduces the number of laser removal sessions. Tattoo clients should consider temporary or henna tattoos if not committed to a permanent tattoo.
Blacklight Tattoo Ink
Previously approved for use on fish and wildlife for tracking purposes, blacklight tattoo ink is the only ink approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Blacklight tattoo ink is commonly confused with glow in the dark ink, which contains harmful ingredients, such as phosphors. Blacklight tattoo ink allows the wearer to have a concealed tattoo that only shows when under a blacklight. The only color invisible to regular light with blacklight tattoo ink is white. The white may yellow overtime; the tattoo will become visible in regular light. All other colors of blacklight ink show on the skin in regular and blacklights.
Vegan Tattoo Ink
Vegans and vegetarians wanting a tattoo will have to research to find a tattoo shop that uses vegan ink. Vegan ink consists of a carrier of glycerin derived from vegetables instead of a glycerin derived from animal fats, like most traditional tattoo inks. Vegan tattoo inks are completely free of animal by-products. If you are vegetarian or vegan and considering a tattoo, take into consideration the other products used during the tattoo process, such as gloves, razors and aftercare lotions.
About this Author
Kate Massie is a writer living in Kentucky. She retired after 10 years working as a body modification artist in the tattoo industry. She now owns a business along with her husband, selling their artwork. In addition, she also writes a daily project dedicated to true love as well as a blog that features products and interviews of independent, handmade artists.
