When getting a tattoo there is a whole lot of research to weed out good from bad ones. Since getting a tattoo is a lifetime thing the least of the problems you want is getting a tattoo going bad.
So you must choose a skilled tattoo artist. And not only are the tattoo artist’s skills important but his understanding of quality products is also crucial. And in that list, the tattoo ink comes on top.
You should get quality ink to ensure the tattoo is at its best. Here we list some of the Tattoo ink ingredients and brands you must refrain from!
| Publisher | Alex Martin |
|---|---|
| Focus | Tattoo Ink Brands to Avoid |
| Category | Ink safety & quality |
| Article Type | Informative Guides, Tips & Advice |
| Update Frequency | Monthly to reflect new insights and trends |
What to Look for in Tattoo Ingredients?
Whenever you get tattoo ink you will have a list of ingredients. It’s the same as any other product. But know that not all the ingredients are represented on the label.
Why? Because the companies are not bound to tell you everything. So it’s you who can sift out good and bad tattoo ink. One thing that can help you with good tattoo ink is its MSDS sheet. With that sheet from the vendor, you can be sure it’s good to go. Anyways, below are some of the bad ingredients that should not be a part of your tattoo ink:
Different Metal Oxides
While oxides are a common ingredient for vehicle paint, they must not be in your tattoo ink. These metals are industry grade and, therefore best for that use. If you use it on your skin, it might lead to cancer. Here is a list of Oxides:
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Chromium
- Mercury
- Iron oxides
- Titanium dioxide
- Nickel
- Ash
- Benzo(a)pyrene
- Carbon black
These are oxide and potentially cause cancer. How? Because after getting to the epidermis of the skin it can reach lymph nodes. And from that point, it can cause cancer.
Carrier Ingredients
Carrier ingredients are harmful as they are rich in toxic chemicals. Here is a list:
- Formaldehyde
- Denatured alcohol
- Methanol
- Antifreeze agents
- Other aldehydes.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene:
It is also a common ingredient in industrial-grade paints. It’s heat resistant and can better cope with vehicles and stuff. Moreover, this is plastic-based paint and therefore must not be used in tattoos. Although you will see many people preferring it for bright shade they are bad.
Acrylates and Plastics:
Some tattoo inks contain acrylates and other plastics. If you get a tattoo with that ink, you run the risk of problems with fading and discoloration over time.
Organic Pigments:
While organic pigments may sound safe and natural, they are not. Plant Based inks can break down over time, resulting in color changes. Additionally, some organic pigments may contain impurities and lead to allergies.
Alcohol and Solvents:
Some inks use alcohol or other solvents as carriers. While these are generally safe, you can get allergic reactions or skin irritation if that doesn’t suit you.
Allergens:
Certain ingredients in tattoo ink can cause allergic reactions to you. Red ink, for example, often contains mercury sulfide, which some people may be sensitive to. It’s a good idea to have a patch test before getting a tattoo to check for any allergic reactions.
What Tattoo Colors Should I Avoid?
Although ingredients are important in tattoo ink, their pigments are likewise important. Here are some of the colors you should avoid:
Bright and Vibrant Colors:
Bright and vibrant colors like reds, yellows, and oranges can look stunning. But here is a catch? They look good fresh, but they tend to fade faster than darker colors. This means you may need touch-ups more frequently to maintain their vibrancy.
Pastel Colors:
Pastel colors, such as light pink and blues, are also a NO-NO. They can also fade relatively quickly compared to deeper, more saturated colors.
White Ink:
White ink tattoos can be delicate and subtle. However, they fade significantly over time. Some people also experience a yellowing of white ink tattoos.
Neon or Day-Glo Colors:
These are my favorite tattoos. But they are not good either. Extremely bright and neon colors may not age well. In fact, they can fade or change in hue more noticeable than other colors.
What Tattoo Brands to Avoid?
Some of the brands that I don’t like for tattoo inks are:
Color King
The Color King and some other brands had tests in the past, and they failed to pass them. They had carcinogens in the ink and were marked harmful.
The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals were part of it. But Color King only went through one test. And we don’t know for sure if their tattoo ink quality is still bad.
However, these results were from a single lot that was tested.
Scalpa Ink
In 2018, the Scalpa Ink was also found to be harmful. According to the FDA, the paint was contaminated with microorganisms. And upon using it, you run the risk of serious infections. So that is one brand I avoid even in 2023.
Unbranded Inks
The market is filled with unbranded tattoo inks. These inks are sourced from China, Thailand, and India and are of subpar quality. They are abundant on Amazon and are very harmful.
How Can I Choose a High-Quality Tattoo Ink Brand?
You must choose good quality tattoo ink. Why? Because it’s you and your well-being versus a tattoo. Moreover, the good is essential to ensure the longevity, vibrancy, and safety of your tattoo. Here are key factors to consider when looking for high-quality tattoo ink:
Reputation and Brand:
You must go for brands that have a solid reputation within the tattoo industry. If your tattoo artist trusts a brand, you should get ink from that.
Ingredient Transparency:
If your tattoo ink is a high-quality tattoo, the company will openly provide detailed ingredient lists. If the brand is suspicious, refrain from it. You should be able to access information about the pigments and other components easily.
Consistency:
Good quality tattoo ink must have a consistent texture and color. To test it, you should see if it flows smoothly. Moreover, during the tattooing process, it must not clog or clump.
Allergen-Free:
Be aware of any known allergens or potential irritants in the ink. If you are sensitive to any ingredient, make sure it’s not in your tattoo ink. You must do a patch test before, anyway.
Regulatory Compliance:
It’s important for your safety that the tattoo ink meets standards. Ensure that the tattoo ink brand complies with local and national regulations related to tattoo ink safety and quality.
Reviews and Recommendations:
Word of mouth matters, and the same goes for the tattoo ink. If you have to buy, ink yourself make sure to read reviews on QA forums, customer reviews, and ratings. Moreover, go for famous tattoo ink brands as they are more reliable.
Some of the Best Tattoo Ink Brands
You will numerous tattoo supply brands but the following four shine apart:
Intenze Tattoo Ink:
Intenze is the most trustworthy tattoo supply brand. They are quite open about their product as you can find the SDS sheet and quality control proof on the website. Although their white color ink is not that amazing for vivid and bold strikes, this is the best brand overall.
Eternal Ink:
Eternal Ink is my favorite and for a reason. They are quite open about their products. From providing MSDS of the ink to providing smooth and consistent quality ink they take care of everything. Although they don’t have much color variety they have quality products.
StarBrite Colors:
StarBrite Colors is known for its bright color inks. The tattoo inks don’t fade fast and last a long time. Moreover, they are also transparent about their safety standards which is why tattoo artists trust it.
World Famous Tattoo Ink:
World Famous Tattoo Ink is also a leading brand with over 50 years of experience in the field. They are known for their vibrant and vivid colors. Moreover, you can find the SDS sheet on their website which speaks for their trustworthiness.
Can I Take My Ink When Getting A Tattoo?
It depends on your tattoo artist. Some might accept and some not. Moreover, they all have their policies in place so make sure to talk to them.
Conclusion
I know that getting a tattoo is enticing. However, when I was first getting a tattoo I was worried about the quality products. Because there are so many cases where the bad tattoo ink takes a toll on health. So it’s a must that you choose a good quality ink. And for that, I mentioned all the ins and outs of good quality ink brands above. Hope it helps.
