Red inks are common in the tattoo industry, as they tend to make body art stand out. Although red tattoo ink may accentuate a tattoo, it can pose health risks. The Healthy Skin Association (HSA) reports that all types of red tattoo inks pose a potential risk for adverse reactions. In fact, Tattoo Info states that no type of red tattoo ink on the market is considered to be hypoallergenic.
Types
According to the HSA, red tattoo inks contain iron oxide, napthol, cadmium red and cinnabar. Iron oxide is a type of rust, which is also present in ceramic clay and glazes. Napthol is derived from a chemical called naptha and is touted by the HSA as the least hazardous type of red tattoo ink. Cadmium red is found in paint and batteries while cinnabar is derived from mercury. Due to the high level of toxins, cadmium red and cinnabar are considered by the HSA to be the most dangerous types of red tattoo inks.
Carriers
The HSA explains that carriers are combined with all tattoo inks, including reds, during tattoo art designs. Carriers help keep tattoo inks liquefied so that the ink application remains smooth without contamination. Carriers contain witch hazel, ethyl alcohol, listerine, glycerin, propylene glycol and purified water. If you are sensitive to any of these ingredients, combining a carrier with red tattoo ink can cause a skin reaction.
Possible Side Effects
Skin rashes, irritation, and swelling are the most common types of red tattoo ink reactions. TattooInfo.net explains that a more severe reaction to a tattoo can cause the spot to itch for months at a time. Red tattoo ink can also cause infertility if you are sensitive to any of its ingredients or carriers.
Prevention/Solution
The safest way to prevent adverse reactions from red tattoo ink is by avoiding it all together. However, if a piece of body art requires red ink, the HSA recommends that you opt for ink that contains napthol. Iron oxide-based red tattoo ink is second in safety. Avoid any type of red tattoo ink which contains cinnabar and cadmium red. TattooInfo.net recommends that anyone getting a tattoo with red ink be tested with a spot of it and that they wait 24 hours to see if the skin reacts to it.
Considerations
Although tattoos are main-stream, the general safety of the inks is unknown. According to Tattoo-ology.com, tattoo ink, including red inks, are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, since it is neither a drug or food. This allows the freedom of some tattoo manufacturing companies to sell tattoo inks with toxins. If you are getting work done by a tattoo artist, ask to see the type of tattoo ink and its ingredients in order to avoid an allergic reaction. Obtain an ingredient list from the company from whom you purchased the tattoo ink.
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