Analysis of blue and green REACH compliant tattoo inks

Abstract

The Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) legislation in Europe has limited the use of certain materials in the manufacturing of tattoo inks; in particular, Pigment Blue 15:3 and Pigment Green 7 have been banned for the use in tattoo inks and permanent makeups and all labels must include an accurate list of ingredients. This study analyzed green and blue inks from five different manufacturers distributed to the European market, all of which claim to be REACH compliant. Nine out of ten inks analyzed were found to not be compliant and four contained banned material. The polymorph of Pigment Blue 15 found in four inks was unable to be determined. The majority of inks showed labeling inaccuracies, including the addition of unlisted poly(ethylene glycol) and propylene glycol. This study highlights issues around REACH compliance of tattoo inks on the European market and the need for manufacturing protocols to ensure accurate labeling.