Is Your Tattoo Ink Safe?

Some ink colors are more likely to be safe than others. © Gerla Brakkee, stock.xchng

Earlier this week, I mentioned that multi-vitamins aren't regulated like drugs. Vitamins aren't the only substances that could enter your body that might not be as safe as you think. The chemical composition of tattoo inks is proprietary. While you can see an ingredient list for a multi-vitamin, you won't find that information on a bottle of tattoo ink. If you are considering getting a tattoo, your best defense against a problem is to choose a reputable, experienced tattoo professional. Unless she mixes her own ink (not necessarily safer), she won't know the exact composition of her products, but she will have the experience to know if any problems have been reported.

Try to stick with well-known colorants rather than trying something trendy. Some colors seem less likely to cause a reaction than others. For example, there is more of a reaction risk with a red ink than with most black inks. Lighter colors tend to produce more reactions than darker inks, probably because more pigment is needed to achieve a brighter color. I can't categorize a given color as 'safe' or 'risky', because that depends on the specific product, so discuss any concerns you may have with your tattoo artist. In addition to a reaction to the ink, there are other risks associated with tattoos you may wish to consider.
Tattoo Ink Chemistry | Tattoo Ink Recipe