Tattoo Inks

Tattoo inks are those colors that are used in making tattoos. In principle, tattoo inks are not exactly tattoo inks. Tattoo inks or the tattoo colors are composed of pigments that are floating in a carrier solution. It is a common belief that tattoo pigments are usually vegetable based dyes, but they aren't. Today's pigments include the original mineral pigments, modern industrial organic pigments, a few vegetable-based pigments and some plastic-based pigments. It is the pigments that provide colors to the tattoos. Carrier plays an important role in disinfecting the pigment suspension and keeping it evenly mixed. It also makes the application part easier.

Common risks associated with tattoo pigments are allergic reactions, scarring, phototoxic reactions (i.e., reaction from exposure to sunlight) and other adverse effects. The plastic-based pigments are very intensely colored, but many times they have been reported for reactions. There are also pigments that shine in the dark or in reaction to black (ultraviolet) light. These pigments are infamously risky - though some may be safe but others are radioactive or otherwise toxic.