What is tattoo ink?

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Tattoo artists use tattoo guns to inject color pigments under the skin to create pictures or text. A tattoo artist may use special pigmented ink to create tattoos that remain invisible unless exposed to a black light.

Carrier Composition

Liquid carriers that contain tattoo ink pigments include witch hazel, glycerin and ethyl alcohol, according to the Healthy Skin Association.

Black Pigment Composition

Tattoo ink that exhibits a black color commonly consists of carbon or iron oxide. Magnetite crystals and soot can also contribute to black tattoo ink's pigmentation.

Colored Pigment Composition

Colored tattoo inks, such as yellow, contain ochre or disazodiarylide, according to the Healthy Skin Association. Inks with blue or violet pigmentation contain cobalt blue, manganese violet or aluminum salt.

Considerations

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate or approve of the use of tattoo ink pigments injected under the skin. Some of the color additives used in tattoo ink are intended for automobile paint or printer ink.

Warning

Some people may experience irritation or an allergic reaction to tattoo ink, particularly after spending time in the sun, according to the FDA.

Source:

Healthy Skin Association: The Anatomy of a Tattoo

FDA: Think Before You Ink-Are Tattoos Safe?

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What is tattoo ink?

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