What's Really in Your Tattoo? How Safe is Tattoo Ink?
Maybe you have several tattoos or maybe you’re just starting to think about getting one. Either way, you might have started to wonder what’s actually in the ink that will become a part of my body?
In the grocery store, many of us carefully read food labels. Before purchasing a skincare product you may examine the ingredients. It’s only natural to be curious about tattoo ink and, as we all know, knowledge is power. The good news is getting a beautiful safe tattoo is easily achieved with a few simple steps. It’s important to know what to look for and to choose the right studio that prioritizes health and safety.
What Are Tattoos Made Of?
Tattoo ink consists of two main components: pigments and a carrier solution. Pigments are what create the vibrant colors of your tattoo. Traditionally, these were derived from natural sources like minerals and plants. Today, most professional tattoo inks use a combination of organic and inorganic pigments to achieve a wider and more stable palette of colors. For example, carbon is often the basis for black ink, while titanium dioxide is used for white. Other colors are created using various mineral and synthetic compounds.
The carrier solution is the liquid that transports the pigment into your skin. It keeps the ink evenly mixed, free of pathogens, and allows for smooth application. Common carriers include sterile water, glycerin, and alcohol.
Is Tattoo Ink Bad for Your Health?
The safety of tattoo ink largely depends on its quality and the standards of the artist and tattoo shop. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies tattoo inks as cosmetics, but they don't regulate the inks before they hit the market. This means that the responsibility for ensuring ink safety often falls on the manufacturers and, ultimately, on the tattoo studios that choose to use them.
Here are some of the potential health concerns associated with low-quality or improperly handled tattoo inks:
Allergic Reactions - Some people may have allergic reactions to certain pigments, particularly reds. This can manifest as a rash, itching, or bumps at the tattoo site, sometimes even years after getting the tattoo.
Infections - Unsterile ink or equipment can introduce bacteria into the skin, leading to infections. This is one of the most significant risks, which is why choosing a licensed and reputable studio, like Los Inks, is paramount.
Contaminants: Lower-quality inks may contain impurities or heavy metals that can be harmful. Reputable ink brands conduct rigorous testing to ensure their products are free from these contaminants. At Los Inks, we only use reputable high-quality inks so you can rest easy at our shop, knowing your health and safety is our priority.
Below, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about tattoo ink!
Q. How do I know if the ink being used is safe?
A. Ask your tattoo artist! A professional and trustworthy artist will be transparent about the inks they use. They should be able to tell you the brand of ink and even provide you with a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the products. Reputable ink manufacturers who are committed to safety will make this information readily available.
Q. What are the signs of a reputable tattoo shop?
A. Look for a shop that is clean, well-lit, and licensed by the local health department. Artists should use single-use needles and tubes, and you should see them open new, sterile equipment in front of you. They should also be willing to answer all of your questions about their safety procedures and the inks they use. In Tennessee, tattoo studios are regulated by the Department of Health, and they must adhere to strict hygiene and sterilization protocols.
Q: Are vegan tattoo inks safer?
A. Vegan inks are formulated without any animal products, such as bone char (used in some black inks) or glycerin derived from animal fat. While this is an excellent option for ethical reasons, it doesn't automatically equate to being "safer" in terms of sterility or allergic reactions. The overall quality and manufacturing process of the ink are still the most critical factors for safety.
Your Journey to a Stunning Safe Tattoo Starts Here
In Middle Tennessee, we're fortunate to have many tattoo shops, such as Los Inks, that hold themselves to the highest standards. We’re located just outside of Nashville, in Smyrna, Tennessee, and we believe that exceptional tattoos and uncompromising safety go hand-in-hand.
Our artists are not only talented creatives but also dedicated professionals who prioritize your health. Check out our artist bios by clicking here! We use only the most reputable, sterile, and high-quality tattoo inks on the market and we are more than happy to discuss our safety protocols with you. We want you to be as confident in the safety of your tattoo as you are in its design.
Ready to take the next step towards a tattoo you'll love for a lifetime?