Tattoo inks are comprised of a mix of pigments, suspended in a carrier solution that is injected into the middle layer of the skin. Depending on the color, pigments are made from a variety of materials, such as from chromium oxide for green, titanium dioxide for white and iron oxide for black. Common carrier ingredients include alcohol, glycerine and sterilized water.
Homemade Tattoo Ink
Many professional tattoo artists choose to mix their own inks. They will use a dry pigment for the color and select a carrier solution, such as propylene glycol, glycerine or witch hazel. While these inks are often preferred for their ability to be customized, they are also the least regulated.
Removable Tattoo Ink
In 2006, Freedom2 created a removable ink that could be taken off the skin with only one or two laser treatments. Traditional inks require 10 to 12 treatments for removal.
UV or Black Light Tattoo Ink
Black light tattoos are barely visible in light, but will fluoresce, or glow, in the presence of a black light. Ultraviolet (UV) tattoos contain are made up of 97.5 percent polymethylmethacrylate and 2.5 percent of fluorescent dye. There are no other preservatives or additives; the carrier solution is distilled water. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes there is not enough research to substantiate reports that UV tattoo ink is linked to cancer. Dermatologists, however, have found an increase in skin reactions and infections when this type of ink is used.
About this Author
John Kuhlman is a Las Vegas-based writer with more than 20 years of professional experience in corporate communications. He is a published author of several books and feature articles for national publications such as “American Artist,” “Inside Kung-Fu,” and The Outdoor Journey. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Miami University.
