Our Inks

Understanding Tattoo Pigments

Tattoo pigments are the core ingredients that give tattoo ink its vibrant color, saturation, and longevity. These pigments are finely ground particles suspended in a carrier solution to ensure smooth application into the skin. The type of pigment used directly affects a tattoo's brightness, stability, and healing process. With increasing global regulations, particularly REACH compliance in the European Union, tattoo manufacturers must reformulate and test pigments to meet strict safety standards.

Derived from carbon-based molecules, organic pigments are known for their vibrant colors and high saturation.
They provide some brightest and boldest tattoo colors, commonly used in reds, blues, yellows, and greens.
While synthetic organic pigments are lab-engineered for better stability and reduced skin reactions, older formulations have historically contained potentially harmful azo dyes, which are now restricted under REACH regulations.

REACH Compliance Note: Many older organic pigments, particularly certain reds and yellows, were flagged due to concerns about carcinogenic aromatic amines released as they break down in the body. Modern REACH-compliant inks replace these restricted pigments with safer alternatives while maintaining vibrancy.

Made from natural mineral compounds such as iron oxides, titanium dioxide, and carbon black.
Organic pigments are more stable and long-lasting and are used for black, white, brown, and muted tones.
They are generally less likely to cause allergic reactions, making them a preferred choice for artists prioritizing skin safety and tattoo longevity.

REACH Compliance Note: Titanium dioxide (white pigment) was heavily scrutinized under REACH for its potential inhalation risks in powdered form. However, its use in tattoo ink remains permitted if it meets safety standards.

Hybrid pigments combine the best properties of organic and inorganic pigments to offer enhanced color vibrancy while improving stability and safety.
These pigments are often coated with a protective layer to prevent breakdown and reduce the risk of allergic reactions or ink migration in the skin.
The latest REACH-compliant tattoo inks rely on hybrid pigment technology to replace older, unsafe formulations while keeping tattoos bright and long-lasting.

Why REACH Compliance Matters for Tattoo Pigments

The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation in the European Union imposes strict safety requirements on tattoo pigments to protect human health. In 2022, the EU banned or restricted over 4,000 chemicals, including certain azo dyes, heavy metals, and preservatives, previously used in tattoo inks.

No toxic heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic).
No carcinogenic or mutagenic azo dyes that release harmful byproducts in the body.
No hazardous preservatives or contaminants that may cause long-term skin or organ damage.
Strict ingredient disclosure and testing for safety and stability.

Tattoo artists should always verify that their ink is REACH-compliant, primarily if they work in Europe. Trusted brands like INTENZE have adapted their formulas to meet REACH safety standards. They received a patent for their unique formulation and process, ensuring artists can use bright, long-lasting, and skin-safe tattoo pigments.

By understanding the different types of tattoo pigments and ensuring compliance with modern safety regulations, tattoo artists can create high-quality tattoos while prioritizing client health and industry best practices.

Pigment Particle Size Distribution

Why Perfectly Ground Pigment is Essential for High-Quality Tattoo Ink
Tattoo ink is only as good as the pigments used, and one of the most critical factors in creating safe, smooth, and long-lasting ink is properly grinding pigment to the correct particle size.

Smooth Application: Fine, evenly ground pigments allow for better flow through the tattoo needle, reducing clogs and ensuring consistent ink placement in the skin.

Better Color Saturation: Properly sized pigment particles distribute evenly, creating bold, vibrant tattoos that heal cleanly.

Long-Term Stability: Uniform pigment size prevents ink migration and fading, keeping tattoos looking fresh for years.

Safer for the Skin: Large, irregular particles can irritate, while properly ground pigments reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Too Large: The ink becomes patchy, difficult to apply, and prone to uneven healing.
Too Small: The pigment can spread unpredictably in the skin, leading to blurry tattoos over time.
The diagram above visually represents the difference between unrefined and perfectly ground pigment particles, demonstrating how precision grinding enhances ink performance.

At INTENZE, we use advanced milling technology to ensure every batch of tattoo ink contains finely ground, evenly distributed pigment particles, giving artists the best possible results in every tattoo.

Graph Information

The diagram visually represents the difference between unrefined and perfectly ground pigment particles, demonstrating how precision grinding enhances ink performance.

Preservatives – Keeping Ink Fresh (But Not Always Safe)

What They Do:

Prevent bacteria, mold, and fungi from growing in tattoo ink.
Extend the ink’s shelf life so it doesn’t spoil before use.

Why Some Can Be Harmful:

Some cheap or harsh chemical preservatives (like formaldehyde-releasing agents) can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or long-term health risks.
Parabens and certain alcohol-based preservatives can make the ink too harsh for the skin, leading to poor healing or fading tattoos.

Safer Alternatives:

Look for inks that use gentle, skin-safe preservatives tested for tattoo applications. REACH-compliant tattoo inks ensure that only non-toxic preservatives are used.

What They Do:

Adjust the viscosity (thickness) of the ink so it flows properly through the tattoo needle.
Prevent pigments from settling at the bottom of the bottle.

Why Some Can Be Harmful:

Low-quality thickeners (like excessive gums, starches, or unregulated synthetic agents) can make the ink too thick, clogging needles, or uneven healing.
Poorly formulated thickeners may affect pigment absorption, causing patchy tattoos that don’t retain color.

Safer Alternatives:

High-quality tattoo inks use properly balanced thickeners that don’t affect healing or pigment saturation.

What They Do:

Help pigments stay evenly dispersed in the liquid carrier.
Prevent the ink from separating or settling too fast.

Why Some Can Be Harmful:

Some low-quality binding agents (such as harsh synthetic polymers or petroleum-based substances) may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
If binding agents are too strong, they can make the ink harder for the body to process, leading to excessive ink buildup, scarring, or poor healing.

Safer Alternatives:

Quality tattoo inks use gentle, non-toxic binding agents that stabilize pigments without causing adverse skin reactions.

The quality of tattoo ink matters as much as the artist. Even if the pigments themselves are safe, harmful preservatives, thickeners, or binding agents can lead to:

Allergic reactions or skin irritation
Poor ink flow through the tattoo machine
Uneven color saturation or fading tattoos
Longer healing times or risk of infection

That’s why high-quality tattoo inks from trusted brands use safely formulated ingredients that are REACH-compliant and tested for professional tattooing.

When choosing tattoo ink, always ask about ingredient transparency and ensure your ink is certified for safety—because what goes into your skin should be as safe as the art itself.

What is a Photo Spectrometer?

A photo spectrometer (spectrophotometer) is an advanced scientific instrument used in tattoo ink manufacturing to measure color accuracy, pigment consistency, and quality control. At INTENZE, we use this technology to ensure that every ink bottle meets the highest precision, performance, and safety standards.

Tattoo artists require perfectly matched ink colors for consistency, especially for multi-session tattoos or color touch-ups.
The spectrometer scans ink samples before bottling to verify that the color matches the intended shade.
If discrepancies are found, adjustments are made to maintain batch-to-batch consistency.

Regulatory bodies require strict color matching and safety testing for tattoo inks.
The spectrometer provides scientific validation that each ink batch meets ISO-certified and industry-approved safety standards.
This helps maintain compliance with strict tattoo ink regulations while ensuring artist and client safety.

When choosing tattoo ink, always ask about ingredient transparency and ensure your ink is certified for safety—because what goes into your skin should be as safe as the art itself.

Example Spectrophotometer Graphs

The spectrophotometer ensures precise color consistency between batches by comparing how each ink absorbs light across different wavelengths. Any curve deviation indicates a mismatch, allowing manufacturers to adjust before bottling.
This graph represents a spectrophotometer color match analysis for tattoo ink. The green dashed line represents the reference ink (original batch), while the blue solid line represents the tested ink (new batch).

The Importance of Proper Water Use and pH Levels in Tattoo Ink

Tattoo ink is more than just pigment—it is a carefully balanced suspension of pigment, carriers, and stabilizers, and one of the most critical components in this mixture is water. The quality, purity, and pH of water used in tattoo ink production directly impact the ink's performance, safety, and longevity.

Purity and Sterility – Any water used in tattoo ink must be ultra-purified, sterilized, and free from contaminants, including bacteria, heavy metals, and organic impurities.
Prevents Contamination and Microbial Growth—When tattooed into the skin, Impure water can introduce bacteria, mold, or fungi, leading to infections.
Ensures Ink Flow and Stability—High-quality deionized (DI) or distilled water helps maintain a smooth, even ink consistency, preventing needle clogging and uneven application.

Consistency in Color Suspension:
Poor-quality water may cause pigment particles to separate or settle improperly, resulting in patchy healing or fading over time.

At INTENZE, only ultra-purified water is used, ensuring absolute sterility and performance.

pH Too High (Alkaline) – Risk of Irritation and Poor Healing

High pH levels (above 7.5) can cause skin irritation, slower healing, and an increased risk of ink rejection.

Alkaline ink formulations may also lead to color instability, causing tattoos to fade or shift over time.

pH Too Low (Acidic) – Risk of Pigment Breakdown

Extremely low pH levels (below 4.0) can cause pigment breakdown, making ink less stable in the skin.

Too much acidity can lead to increased skin irritation and discomfort during tattooing.

Balanced pH (4.5 - 7.0) – Ideal for Ink Performance and Skin Compatibility

A balanced pH ensures smooth ink application, proper pigment retention, and optimal healing.

It helps preserve pigment stability, preventing unexpected color shifts or premature fading.

Ultra-purified water is free from bacteria, heavy metals, and contaminants.
Precise pH control is maintained for skin compatibility and long-lasting tattoo vibrancy.
Consistent ink stability, preventing pigment separation or degradation.
Using pH-balanced, properly purified water, INTENZE inks deliver superior safety, healing, and long-term tattoo results, ensuring every drop of ink meets the highest professional standards.

A small sample of tattoo ink is taken from the batch.

The pH meter probe is dipped into the ink sample.

The meter gives a reading showing the exact pH level of the ink.

If the pH is too high or too low, adjustments are made by adding pH balancers to bring it within the safe range (4.5 - 7.0).

The ink is tested again to confirm it is within the correct pH range before being bottled.

If the pH is too high (alkaline, above 7.0):
The ink can cause skin irritation and slower healing.

Pigments may not bind properly to the skin, causing faster fading.

If the pH is too low (acidic, below 4.5):

The ink may become unstable, leading to color shifts or pigment breakdown.
Skin irritation or excessive sensitivity may occur.

When pH is balanced (4.5 - 7.0):
The ink flows smoothly and heals appropriately in the skin.
The pigment remains stable, vibrant, and long-lasting.

Why a C.I. Number Alone Does Not Determine Tattoo Pigment Safety

A C.I. (Color Index) Number is a standardized way to classify pigments based on their chemical composition and color properties. While it helps identify a pigment's general structure, it does not guarantee that the pigment is safe for tattooing.

A pigment with the same C.I. Number can exist in different grades (industrial, cosmetic, or medical).

Industrial-grade pigments may contain impurities like heavy metals, carcinogens, or solvents, making them unsafe for tattooing.

Only high-purity, cosmetic, or medical-grade pigments are safe for human skin.

Although some pigments have a safe C.I. Number, they can break down in the body into harmful byproducts.

Certain azo pigments, when exposed to UV light or body metabolism, may release aromatic amines, which are potentially toxic.

Titanium Dioxide (C.I. 77891) is widely used but can react with laser tattoo removal, creating unpredictable results.

The European Union’s REACH regulations go beyond just C.I. Numbers by testing pigments for potential toxicity, contamination, and long-term effects on the skin.

REACH has banned or restricted certain pigments (like Blue 15 and Green 7) due to their potential health risks, even though they have valid C.I. Numbers.

Conclusion: Look Beyond the C.I. Number

A C.I. Number only identifies the color classification—it does not guarantee that the pigment is safe for tattooing. Safety depends on purity, stability, particle size, skin interaction, and compliance with strict health regulations like REACH. This is why trusted tattoo ink brands like INTENZE, Electric Ink, and Easy Glow undergo rigorous testing and quality control to ensure their pigments meet the highest safety standards for tattooing.

How to Properly Store Tattoo Ink and Why It Matters

Tattoo ink is a delicate, precision-formulated product, and proper storage is essential to maintaining its quality, safety, and performance. Incorrect storage can lead to pigment separation, contamination, and reduced ink lifespan, which directly impacts tattoo application, color retention, and client safety.

Keep Ink in a Cool, Dry Place

Ideal Temperature: Store tattoo ink between 50°F - 75°F (10°C - 24°C).
Why? Extreme heat can break down pigments and cause Ink to separate, while cold temperatures can thicken or crystalize it, making it challenging to work with.
Avoid Storing Ink near radiators, direct sunlight, or freezing environments.

Preserves Pigment Stability – Ensures Ink retains its actual color and consistency.
Prevents Contamination – Reduces the risk of bacterial or fungal growth that could lead to skin infections.
Maintains Smooth Application – Properly stored Ink flows consistently through tattoo needles, preventing clogs and uneven application.
Extends Ink Shelf Life – Ensures Ink remains usable for as long as possible, reducing waste and saving money.