Tattoo inks may be commercially prepared or individually mixed. Both kinds contain two components: a pigment, which gives the ink its color, and a carrier, which gives the color its liquid form. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies tattoo ink as a cosmetic, it has placed no restrictions on tattoo ink labeling. As a result, many products lack ingredient labels, which can make it challenging to become an educated consumer.
Carrier Solution
Carriers are typically chosen based on the solubility level of the pigment. Carriers help the pigment to be distributed evenly within the liquid; prevent infection at the tattoo injection site; and help facilitate the ink injection to enable detailed drawings. According to the Healthy Skin Association, the most safe carriers contain ethyl alcohol, glycerin, purified water, witch hazel, Listerine and propylene glycol .
Black Inks
Since monochromatic tattoos may be more cost-effective, and black ink can be quite bold on many skin tones, monochromatic black tattoos are popular. The Healthy Skin Association notes that black tattoo inks can contain iron oxides, magnetite crystals, powdered jet, wustite and amorphous carbon.
Colored Pigments
Individuals should be aware that while the FDA has approved colored additives for topical cosmetics, none have been approved for injection into the skin. However, green and blue ink pigments, which are produced from copper salts, have been approved by the FDA for surgical implants and infant furniture paint, notes treehugger.com. The site states that several other tattoo colors are considered to have minimal health risks: white, which contains zinc or titanium; purple, which contains dioxazine/carbazole; and brown, which contains iron oxides.
Warning: Red Pigments
While they may add a flash of color, red pigments may contain cadmium, iron oxide or mercury--cinnabar, which can cause allergic reactions. The Mayo Clinic notes that red tattoo ink, in particular, can induce skin allergies even years after the injection, resulting in an itchy rash around the site of the tattoo.
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