In this blog article, we give you a brief introduction to Tattoo Colors, explain what is behind the regulation and how it will affect tattoos in the future. But one thing is certain: The trend for colored tattoos will continue in the future!
Tattoo inks are solutions with a high percentage of color pigments that are incorporated into the skin. The colors are inserted into the sclera (epidermis) using a needle and then migrate minimally over time.
The ingredients in tattoo inks influence both the color in the skin and the durability of the tattoo. The composition of Tattoo Inks is relatively simple. In addition to various pigments, preservatives, carriers such as alcohol and water, it also contains substances that soothe the skin during the tattooing process.
Pigments, the main constituents of tattoo inks, are solid or liquid substances that absorb or reflect light to produce color. Tattoo inks usually consist of inorganic pigments, as they are more durable than organic pigments.
The durability of the tattoo depends not only on the pigments used, but also on the means of wearing it. These serve to provide the pigment particles in a liquid consistency and thus to ensure a uniform distribution of the color pigments.
Preservatives are added in very small amounts to extend the shelf life of the paint and prevent infection with bacteria or fungi. Some preservatives are not suitable for use on the skin and may trigger allergic reactions. Therefore, it is important to buy tattoo inks from reputable manufacturers that use quality ingredients. We purchase our paints exclusively from a Swiss supplier and thus ensure compliance at all times. If you have any questions about our tattoo inks and your desired design, then you can find one here Free and Non-Binding Appointment Book with us for an initial consultation.
REACH stands for “Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals.” This is a European regulation that came into force on January 5, 2022. The chemicals regulation was published by the European Chemicals Agency ECHA. Since then, thousands of chemicals in the EU have been subject to various restrictions, including in tattoo inks and permanent makeup.
Since January 2022, only tattoo inks that meet the requirements of the REACH regulation may be used. To do this, certain ingredients must be avoided during production, limit values must be met and mandatory information must be included on their labels.
In recent years, Tattoo Ink has often been criticized for its ingredients, as there is evidence that it can cause skin allergies or lead to genetic mutations, for example. The new regulation is intended to ensure that chemical substances are produced and used safely in Europe. Since then, certain requirements must be met when producing ink for tattoos in order to avoid a risk to health.
Tattoo ink manufacturers must prove that their products are free from affected chemicals. Affected substances include certain azo dyes, carcinogenic aromatic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, metals and methanol. There are also banned preservatives, stabilizers and plasticizers.
Even before the regulation came into force, there were REACH-compliant paints with harmless ingredients, but only from individual manufacturers. Most manufacturers are now following suit.
