What’s in tattoo ink? Chemical analysis performed by my team revealed ingredients that are not on the label and may cause allergies

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Tattoos are an especially common type of everlasting self-expression, dating back hundreds of years. Most tattoo artists adhere to strict health and sanitary regulations, so it might be assumed that tattoo inks are also subject to detailed regulations.

But as work done by my team of chemistry researchers indicates, as much as 90% tattoo inks in the US may be mislabeled. It’s not nearly missing pigment or a minor discrepancy. These inks contained potentially disturbing additives that were not listed on the packaging.

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What’s in the ink?

All inks consist of a number of pigments, i.e. the molecules that give tattoos color, and some style of carrier for this pigment. Before the Twentieth century pigments used in tattooing contained ash, charcoal, minerals or other natural materials. However, around the mid-Twentieth century, tattoo artists began making their very own inks using synthetic pigments and dyes.

Today, just about all pigments used in tattoos are composed of synthetic molecules allowing for obtaining light colours – aside from white and black pigments.

Over the past few a long time, tattoo ink manufacturing has evolved from individual artists making their very own inks to large corporations producing inks and selling them to artists. My team desired to know if these inks contained the advertised ingredients, so we checked analyzed 54 tattoo inks from the American market.

Ingredients not listed

More than half of the inks my research team analyzed contained unlisted polyethylene glycol, also often known as PEG. Diversity medical products contain PEG, including laxatives. May cause allergic reactionswhile in the case of tattooing, research suggests that repeated exposure to PEG can result in kidney failure.

Chemical structure of polyethylene glycol.
Ju/Wikimedia Commons

We also found propylene glycol in 15 inks, even though it was not listed as an ingredient in any of them. Propylene glycol is usually non-toxic and structurally much like glycerin, which is used to thicken ink. Although propylene glycol is secure for most individuals, some people are severely allergic to it. It was actually the American Contact Dermatitis Society Allergen of the Year 2018.

Three carbon atoms with OH groups bonded to the first and second carbon atoms.
Chemical structure of propylene glycol.
Edgar181/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Some Allergic response propylene glycol may cause skin rash, itching and blistering.

In several of the inks, my research team found unlisted ingredients that are common in cosmetics but have not been tested for tattoo inks. These include BHT, dodecan AND 2-phenoxyethanol. In low concentrations, 2-phenoxyethanol is usually a preservative. But The Food and Drug Administration warns that it might be passed on to babies through breastfeeding and cause vomiting and dehydration in children.

Of the 54 inks we reviewed, 29 reported correct pigments, while the rest reported either no pigments or incorrect pigments. This is understood problem with tattoo inks which ink manufacturers have not yet addressed.

Pigment problems

The research have shown that soot, the foremost black pigment used in tattooing, may be contaminated with it cancer causing particles found in automobile exhaust fumes and cigarette smoke.

Many red, yellow and orange pigments are azo pigments, which contain two nitrogen atoms bonded. These pigments give the ink vibrant, vibrant colours, but it will occur over time decompose into carcinogenic substances.

A tattoo artist in latex gloves holding a tattoo needle draws a geometric pattern on the arm.
The pigments in many tattoo inks are composed of synthetic molecules.
Amy Harris/Invision/AP

Regulations in Europe ban the use of copper-containing pigments blue 15 and green pigment 7, which in keeping with my research are the only blue and green pigments in the inks we tested. The EU has banned the use of those pigments over concerns that they might be used in hair dyes may cause bladder canceralthough researchers have not yet studied this relationship in tattoos.

New emphasis on regulation

The FDA is beginning to pay more attention to what’s in tattoo inks. In 2022, Congress adopted Modernizing the Cosmetics Regulatory Act, or MoCRAwhich gave the FDA expanded authority to control tattoo inks.

FDA remains to be deciding methods to implement MoCRA, but the bill would require accurate ingredient labeling and expand FDA’s ink recall authority. In the past, tattoo inks were very rare and only voluntarily recalled for cause Bacterial contamination.

What does this mean for clients and tattoo artists? At the moment, there is no such thing as a clear research consensus on whether tattoos are secure or not because they will cause infections and allergic reactions. Additionally, tattoos vary greatly in size, color, and physical location on the body.

Studies like the one conducted in my lab are a vital a part of determining what’s actually in the tattoo, so researchers can higher understand any hostile events it may cause, akin to long-term allergic reactions.

Understanding the contents of the ink also helps doctors determine what specific health problems they need to search for in tattooed people.

Health problems related to tattoos that scientists are studying I learn about they arrive from unskilled artists following poor sanitation protocols. To prevent potential health problems, people considering getting a tattoo can work with an experienced and trained artist who follows best practices in tattoo hygiene and care.

Rome
Romehttps://globalcmd.com/
Rome: Visionary Founder of the GlobalCommand Ecosystem (GlobalCmd.com | GLCND.com | GlobalCmd A.I.) Rome is the innovative mind behind the GlobalCommand Ecosystem, a dynamic suite of platforms designed to revolutionize productivity for entrepreneurs, freelancers, small business owners, and forward-thinking individuals. Through his visionary leadership, Rome has developed tools and content that eliminate complexity, empower decision-making, and accelerate success. The Powerhouse of Productivity: GlobalCmd.com At the heart of Rome’s vision is GlobalCmd.com, an intuitive AI-powered platform designed to simplify decision-making and streamline workflows. Whether you’re solving complex business challenges, scaling a new idea, or optimizing daily operations, GlobalCmd.com transforms inputs into actionable, results-driven solutions. Rome’s approach is straightforward yet transformative: provide users with tools that deliver clarity, save time, and empower them to focus on growth and achievement. With GlobalCmd.com, users no longer have to navigate overwhelming tools or inefficient processes—Rome has redefined productivity for real-world needs. An Ecosystem Built for Excellence Rome’s vision extends far beyond productivity tools. The GlobalCommand Ecosystem includes platforms that address every step of the user’s journey: • GLCND.com: A professional blog and content hub offering expert insights and actionable advice across business, science, health, and more. GLCND.com inspires users to explore new ideas, sharpen their skills, and stay ahead in their fields. • GlobalCmd A.I.: The innovative AI engine powering GlobalCmd.com, designed to turn user inputs into tailored recommendations, predictive insights, and actionable strategies. Built on the cutting-edge RAD² Framework, this AI simplifies even the most complex decisions with precision and ease. The Why Behind GlobalCmd.com Rome understands the pressure and challenges of running a business, launching projects, and making impactful decisions in real time. His mission was to create a platform that eliminates unnecessary complexity and provides clear, practical solutions for users. Whether users are tackling new ventures, refining operations, or handling day-to-day decisions, Rome has designed the GlobalCommand Ecosystem to meet real-world needs with innovative, results-oriented tools. Empowering Success Through Simplicity Rome’s ultimate goal is to empower individuals with the right tools, insights, and strategies to take control of their work and achieve success. By combining the strengths of GlobalCmd.com, GLCND.com, and GlobalCmd A.I., Rome has created an ecosystem that transforms how people work, think, and grow. Start your journey to smarter decisions and greater success today. Visit GlobalCmd.com and take control of your future.

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