Are Modern Ink Tattoos Safe?

The aesthetic beauty of tattoos is loved and enjoyed by many. The fascinating world of tattoo ink has created a new community of like-minded people who use tattoos as a way to express themselves. But not everyone likes the idea of going through the pain just to get a tattoo.

It is not just the fear of needles, but people fear that the ink used can be harmful to the skin and body. It is true that red inks used in tattooing contain mercury, which is a harmful component, while other red colors may contain different heavy metals like iron oxide or cadmium. These metals give the tattoo its permanence, but there have been reports that they can cause scarring, eczema, and allergic reactions.

However, there are now a plethora of tattoo colorants and ink carriers designed and developed to formulate modern tattoo ink, which is free from any heavy metals.

So, how safe are they?

To help you out, we have created this post where we will discover the fascinating world of modern ink and explore the compounds and materials used to create the modern colors and shades that you see today. Above all, we also put light on the claim stating that modern ink has made tattoos safe. 

 

What is Modern Ink made from?

Today, you will see a wide range of tattoo pigments being used to make up tattoo inks. People are becoming more aware of what is put into their bodies. Modern inks are now referred to as vegan tattoos or organic pigments. They are heavily used by tattoo artists and are considered safe.

Previously, tattoo ink was made from components like heavy metals, rust, charcoal, and even ink from the ballpoint pen.

According to research, modern ink uses more than 200 different types of additives and colorants. While many pigments are approved for cosmetic use, others may not be suitable for your body and skin.

 

Please note that not all inks are equal. Some may lead to tattoo allergies, while others are safe. There are two primary components that make a tattoo ink. They are:

 Colorant or Pigment Base

The pigment gives the tattoo its rich color. For instance, black ink pigments are manufactured using bone charcoal and soot.

  Ink Carriers

An ink carrier is a liquid base that is used to evenly distribute the colorant, preventing it from clumping. Basically, the ink carrier carries the colorant from the needle tip to the dermis. It also prevents the growth of pathogens in ink. Modern ink uses safe carriers like witch hazel, propylene glycol, Listerine, glycerin, ethyl alcohol, and distilled water.