... ink deposited in the tattooed skin. It is not a thermal burn but a subjective sensation of burning. Tattoo ink bottles can be tested for magnetic properties by the artist in the studio, before cosmetic tattooing is performed, using a simple magnet test. This test and the pitfalls of the test...

... Abstract Permanent makeup (PMU) is a descendant of tattoo ink products and used with the intention of giving the face more advantageous contours. PMU makes it possible to condense eyelashes and eyebrows with fine lines or to visually correct them with cleverly placed contour lines. Even...

... Abstract This chapter explains the international regulative framework on equipment and inks for cosmetic and medical tattooing. In the following text, the word “tattooing” refers to body tattooing, permanent makeup, and microblading. From a global perspective, regulation of equipment...

... Abstract Tattoo colourants are colourful nano- and microparticles, which are practically insoluble and thus permanent once installed in the dermis by the tattooist. Tattoo ink also has soluble ingredients and contaminants. Pigments can distribute via the lymph and possibly also directly...

... Abstract The article describes the European market situation and the legal framework in Europe. It shows the state-of-the-art production under ISO 9001:2008 quality management and describes the future of tattoo ink production based on good manufacturing practice guidelines for tattoo inks...

... Abstract Today's tattoo inks are no longer just simple solids in liquid suspension. Nowadays, these inks are high-tech dispersions made from finely spread pigments in a binder-solvent mixture. These so-called colour dispersions must follow the modern standards of tattooing, which are increasing...

... Abstract The results of the detection of carcinogenic aromatic amines in about 300 ink samples are discussed. All analysed inks contained at least one or more azo compound pigments, and the presence of aromatic amines could only have originated from these compounds through a chemical process...

... Abstract Black is the most common tattoo color, but only a few studies have shed light on the multitude of functional and contaminating chemicals present in black inks. These studies have generally shown that black inks are a diverse group, containing anything from 5 to 50+ organic components...

... Abstract The production of tattoo ink and pigments in the US is unregulated. There are no guidelines or standards issued by national agencies. However, the practice of tattooing is regulated at the state and local levels but varies widely. Adverse events are addressed when a problem is reported...

... Abstract The safety of tattoo inks has obviously increased in Europe since the existence of European Union Resolution ResAP(2008)1, which resulted in the improved quality control of pigment raw materials due to the definition of impurity limits that manufacturers can refer to. High-performance...

... Abstract Legal limits for chemical substances require that they are linked to clearly defined analytical methods. Present limits for certain chemicals in tattoo and permanent make-up inks do not mention analytical methods for the detection of metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons...

... Abstract Tattooing became a popular phenomenon during the late twentieth century. Because the act of tattooing involves repeated injection of ink through the skin, a risk of contracting infections from contaminated tattooing equipment and ink and the surrounding environment exists. Progress has...

... were laid down by two resolutions of the Council of Europe, in 2003 and 2008. The applied principle of ‘negative lists' of substances that should not be used in tattoo inks has subsequently been transferred to national regulations. However, surveillance data show that in particular, the chemical...

... and o-toluidine. Up to now, the absence of specific toxicological data is the reason why legal restrictions for tattoo inks are derived from those for cosmetics, toys and textiles. Photodegradation has not been considered. In light of the present analytical findings, even with their possible...

... complaints are very common, with 1/5 of all tattooed individuals having acquired sensitivity to sunlight in the tattooed skin. The potential risk of cancer due to potential carcinogens in some tattoo inks has hitherto not manifested in clinical reports, despite the millions of people who have been tattooed...

... Abstract In this study, we have shown how particles in carbon black tattoo ink accumulate in the human skin dermis using fine-resolution atomic force microscopy, with which a single ink particle in the collagenous network can be imaged. This information further demonstrates that tattoo inks...

... and scars is a spin-off, which has made tattooing cross the barrier and become accepted and used in clinics and hospitals in service of the quality of life of patients. The last years have seen a major development of machinery, inks, techniques, experiences, and services. The overwhelming rise...

... on selection and use of tattoo inks and pigments is provided. The guidance is also relevant to laser surgeons and technicians performing tattoo removal. Abstract Perception of skin color in the natural state, or with tattoo pigment installed in the dermis is highly complex and includes both optical...