1. Color base (color rendering component)
The core of tattoo dyes is color base, which is divided into two categories: organic and inorganic:
Organic Pigments:
Including polycyclic pigments (such as phthalocyanine blue, penta-ester) and azo pigments (such as azo red), they are of various colors but may contain harmful substances such as aromatic amines.
Some brands claim to use natural plant dyes, but due to their high cost, they are actually synthetic organic pigments.
Inorganic pigments:
Mercury sulfide (red), cadmium sulfide (yellow), chromium oxide (green), etc. are traditionally used, which are cheap but have a high content of heavy metals.
Iron oxide (red/black), titanium dioxide (white) and carbon black (black).
Common color ingredients examples:
Red: Mercury sulfide (cinnabar) or organic pigments such as magenta may cause delayed allergic reactions.
Black: Carbon black or hematoxylin, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common pollutants.
Green: Chromium oxide, strong stability but may cause eczema.
Blue: Cobalt aluminate, which may cause granuloma or lymph node reaction.
2. Adjuvant (Auxiliary Ingredients)
Additives are used to improve the physical properties of dyes, including:
Dispersants (such as alcohol, glycerin), wetting agents (propylene glycol), preservatives (lister liquid), etc.
Partially contain surfactants or resins to enhance stability.
3. Safety and Risk
Impurity Problems: The purity of industrial pigments is usually 70%-90%, and may contain heavy metals (nickel, chromium), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or formaldehyde, etc.
Photolysis risks: For example, cadmium sulfide may decompose and produce toxicity in sunlight.
Certification Differences: International brands usually provide chemical safety instructions (MSDS), while domestic testing is mostly limited to heavy metals.
4. Select Suggestions
Priority is given to brands with strict quality control (such as Golden Diamond and Stabrey).
Avoid dyes containing highly toxic inorganic pigments such as mercury sulfide, especially red and yellow.
For further information on the composition or safety data of a specific color, please refer to the MSDS report of professional tattoo coloring or consult an authoritative organization.