New research shows that some tattoo inks may contain potentially dangerous ingredients

New research shows that some tattoo inks may contain potentially dangerous ingredients

New research suggests that some tattoo inks may contain potentially dangerous ingredients. If you have tattoos, here's what you should know before you panic.

Researchers at Binghamton University analyzed nearly 100 types of tattoo inks to determine what's really in them. ICYDK, inks used for tattoos are not regulated in the US. Using a variety of techniques, a team led by John Swierk, Ph.D. discovered ingredients in inks that were not listed on their labels, as well as small particles that potentially damage cells.

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“The idea for this project originally came about because I was interested in what happens when laser light is used to remove tattoos,” Swierk said in a press release. “But then I realized that very little is actually known about the composition of tattoo inks, so we started analyzing popular brands.”

Quick science lesson: Tattoo inks contain a pigment (e.g. the color blue) and a carrier solution that delivers the pigment to the middle layer of the skin, the press release explains. For their research, Swierk and his team examined the particle size and molecular composition of tattoo pigments. They found that some tattoo inks contained ingredients not listed on their label, including one that contained unlisted ethanol.

Additionally, their research suggests that dyes containing azo (a type of pigment) were present in 23 of 56 inks analyzed. This is concerning because although azopigments do not cause health concerns when chemically intact, they can become a potential carcinogen (something that can cause cancer) when exposed to bacteria or ultraviolet light (also known as sunlight), the Joint Research Center notes the statement.

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Ultimately, Swierk's team found that about half of 16 inks analyzed contained particles smaller than 100 nanometers (that's a billionth of a meter). The small size raises flags because "particles of this size can pass through the cell membrane and potentially cause damage," Swierk said in the press release.

News of this research comes after the European Union introduced a ban on thousands of dangerous chemicals found in tattoo inks and permanent makeup in January 2022. The ban is the result of a program called Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). , which found chemicals in some colored tattoo inks, including the pigments blue 15:3 and green 7, could cause cancer or genetic mutations. There is currently no such ban in the United States.

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While new research suggests that some pigments found in tattoo ink may be harmful, there is no evidence of a direct link between cancer and tattoos, and the possible link between the two has been studied for years. “Putting permanent ink into the skin obviously comes with risks, but there isn't enough research on the topic to worry people,” says board-certified dermatologist Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD, founder and director of The Dermatology and Laser Group. “Of the millions of people who have tattoos, only a small percentage experience a reaction, usually resulting from a particular color of ink.”

The most common risks associated with tattooing are allergic reactions and skin infections. However, if you have any concerns, it's best to talk to your doctor. And if you're planning on getting a new tattoo, be sure to find a tattoo parlor that has good hygiene practices to avoid infections.