Permanent inks contain three main ingredients: colorant, carrier, and resin. A colorant, usually dyes or pigments, is what gives markers their permanence, and, of course, their color. A dye is usually a coloring material dissolved in water (or a solvent), making it a water soluble dye. On the other hand, a pigment is an insoluble coloring matter. Pigments are also finely ground solid materials and the amount as well as the nature determines its color. Solvents are used as the carrier in permanent markers. Before the nineties, most markers were made out of foul smelling hydrocarbon organic chemicals, like xylene or toluene. Although these chemicals provide a desirable permanency, they are highly toxic. There has also been concern among users that they may damage plastic surfaces such as the back of a CD or DVD. Today, xylene may be used in some markers (e.g. Sharpie King Size), but most markers are now replaced with an alcohol solvent. Alcohol, such as ethanol or isopropanol, is more environmentally friendly and even smells better. It also evaporates quickly, allowing permanent markers to dry faster. The last component, resin, is a polymer that promotes adhesion. This also adds to the permanence of markers. The resin sticks like glue to most of the surfaces the marker is written on causing the pigment to attach to surfaces. As a result, everyone can easily write smoothly and clearly on both rough and smooth surfaces.

The ingredients are; black ink, marker scent, and a headache....haha except for sharpies, I use Sharpie fine ultra fine points to write and draw everything.