Contaminants in Tattoo Inks found in European Testing
Tattoo Inks can be Black Boxes
The FDA regulates tattoo inks, right?
WRONG!
* FDA has not approved ANY inks for skin use
* FDA does not regulate tattoo parlors
* FDA monitors problems only
* inks include pigments from auto paint and plastics; ingredients lists not mandated
* more than 200 colorants and additives
* contaminants include heavy metals, PAH, PAA, nano
* in vivo or photodegradation products can include toxins and carcinogens
Safest Inks
Intenze Inks, Fusion Ink and World Famous Inks list their ingredients, are Vegan, and do testing to ensure the absence of heavy metals, carcinogens, and microbials.
FDA Issues Advice on Contaminated Inks
Improperly Produced Inks Can Have Bacterial Contamination
The FDA monitors tattoo inks through a variety of methods. For example, in 2019 six inks were found to be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. The inks were recalled.
FDA Issues Advice on Proper Tattoo Ink Production and Handling
On June 12, 2023 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued guidance on how ink manufacturers can avoid bacterial contamination of inks.
https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-news-events/fda-issues-draft-guidance-tattoo-inks
Photodegradation of Inks Causes Cancer
Swedish Study Documents Lymphoma Risk
A 2024 study of a Swedish cancer registry shows up to a 700% increase in risk of lymphoma after tattooing. The risk is by far the highest after laser tattoo removal, suggesting that the rapid breakdown of pigments produces a large amount of carcinogenic byproducts. The baseline increased risk—from having one or more tattoos but not lasering them—is much less, around 20%, and likely is from the gradual breakdown from the sun. Both the sun and lasers produce the same carcinogenic byproducts, only at different rates. So please protect your ink from the sun and don’t laser any colored pieces.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(24)00228-1/fulltext