Tattoo Ink: What You Need to Know Before Going for That Next Tattoo
Many people get tattoos without issue, and if you live an otherwise low tox lifestyle, chances are you’ll be just fine. However research shows that inks can contain harmful substances, and long-term health effects are still being studied.
lack of regulation
Different countries have different regulations (or none at all!). The European Union banned or restricted over 4,000 tattoo ink chemicals under the REACH regulation in 2022, citing health concerns.
In the U.S., tattoo inks are considered cosmetics and are not FDA-approved for injection into the skin. Local jurisdictions regulate the practice of tattooing, not the FDA. Inks aren’t even required to have an ingredients label in the US.
In NZ, the Tattoo and Permanent Makeup Substances Group Standard 2020 regulates tattoo inks. Managed by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), it sets out rules to manage the chemical risks associated with these substances. BUT the tattoo industry in NZ is not heavily regulated, and many guidelines are voluntary eg. the “recommended impurity and component limits for tattoo inks”.
An analysis of almost 100 tattoo inks in the US, turned up concerning ingredients that are not listed by manufacturers. These inks are manufactured in the US and then shipped around the world.
Research done by The Swierk Group, an inorganic chemistry research group operating at Binghamton University.
so what’s in tattoo ink?
Tattoo ink is a combination of pigments and a carrier fluid. The exact formulation is not always disclosed, and ingredients vary by color and brand.
Pigments may include:
Heavy metals: like lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium
Carbon black (common in black ink): may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), some of which are carcinogenic.
Organic dyes: such as azo dyes, when exposed to bacteria or UV light can break down into compounds that are carcinogenic.
Carriers (fluids that transport pigment) may contain: Ethanol, Glycerin, Propylene glycol, Formaldehyde or other preservatives.
potential health risks
Systemic Absorption
Particles can migrate to lymph nodes, particularly black and blue pigments
Some components (especially metals and nanoparticles) can circulate through the body.
A 2017 study in Scientific Reports found that nanoparticles from tattoo pigments are found in the lymphatic system, suggesting systemic distribution.
Potential Carcinogenic Concerns
Some azo dyes can degrade into carcinogenic aromatic amines.
UV light (sun exposure or laser tattoo removal) may increase breakdown into toxic byproducts.
other concerns
Nanoparticles:
In the research by the Binghamton team, particles smaller than 100 nanometres in diameter were found in roughly half of 16 inks examined.
This brings concerns about nanoparticles penetrating cells, getting into the nucleus of those cells, doing damage and trigger cancerous mutations.
Skin Reactions:
Allergic reactions, particularly to red ink (often contains mercury sulfide or other metals)
Itching, swelling, eczema-like flare-ups—even years later
Granulomas (small inflammatory nodules)
Infection Risk:
From non-sterile ink or equipment
Inks contaminated with bacteria or mould have caused FDA recalls in the U.S.
from the EPA website
“Long-term exposure to low levels of some PAHs have caused cancer in laboratory animals, with benzo(a)pyrene being a common PAH of particular concern.
Similarly, almost all heavy metals are carcinogenic or have other serious toxicity at high levels.” I show this only to demonstrate that if these inks contain heavy metals and Polycyclic aromatic carbons (both carcinogenic), as long as they’re within limits, they’re allowed!
Max amounts of heavy metals allowed in inks in NZ:
what about getting them removed?
Laser Tattoo Removal Risks
When tattoos are lasered off, ink components can be chemically altered, sometimes releasing more toxic compounds into the body (e.g., cyanide-like compounds or benzene derivatives).
When it is lasered ‘off’, those pigments are broken down into smaller particles and transferred into the lymph, then metabolised from there.
I would follow a detox protocol for laser removal, similar to if you’re getting a tattoo.
lower-toxicity or “safer” options
If you're considering a tattoo and want to reduce exposure:
Look for brands that disclose ingredients (e.g., Intenze, Eternal Ink, World Famous Ink). www.whatsinmyink.com is a great website to check out!
Choose non-metal-based inks (often labeled “organic” or“hypoallergenic”)
Avoid red, yellow, and white inks tend to cause the most reactions
Work with a reputable artist who uses sterile, high-quality ink & equipment
Follow a detox protocol before and after the procedure
As I mentioned at the start of this post, if you have a tattoo and live a low tox life, don’t freak out! My concern is for people already struggling with overloading toxic buckets (burdens) and the additional pressure on the lymphatic system and detox organs.
Anyone with chemical sensitivities, autoimmune conditions, or skin disorders should be especially cautious.
If you want a tattoo, make sure you get it from a reputable artist, read the safety data sheet on the ink used, and don’t get it done on holiday in countries with loose/no regulations!
tattoo detox protocol
Liver Support: Milk thistle (silymarin) Dandelion root tea or tincture Castor oil packs over the liver (2–3x/week)
Lymph Support: Dry brushing (always toward the heart) with doTERRA Grapefriut essential oil or MetaPWR blend (25% off through me), Red clover tea (lymphatic herb) + Rebounding
Hydration + Binder Support: Help your body flush out toxicant + bind potential circulating ink byproducts. Hydrate daily, add lemon essential oil or chlorophyll drops to water. Activated charcoal (short-term use only, away from meals/meds) Chlorella (binds heavy metals).
Detox-Boosting Nutrition: Cruciferous veggies, beets, carrots, garlic, turmeric, & ginger + high-fiber foods to help bind toxins via the gut.
Supplements: Glutathione or NAC (N-acetylcysteine) Vitamin C, Omega-3s
Detox Baths: 1–2x per week for skin and lymph support
Support Methylation: methylated forms of B vitamins (B12, folate). Eat eggs, leafy greens, liver, and seeds
