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Chris82 · Tattoo lover Joined: 21 Feb 2009 Posts: 3

I love the art of tattooing, but I am also a scientist. I am completely shocked by the ingredients used in tattoo inks. Consumers, please beware of what is actually in your ink.

Unfortunately, due to public health safety priorities, the FDA has chosen to not regulate tattoo inks. There are no enforced guidelines on artists or tattoo ink companies regarding the ink components. After some research and investigation, I have found that the ingredients in common inks are heavy metals such as Cadmium, Lead, Barium (I have even tested some in my lab for personal amusement and it is not pretty). In addition, they are formulated with polymeric resins such as acrylic (think nail salon) and polyurethanes (think varnish).

These materials are not suitable for placement in your skin let alone contact with your blood!!! These materials would not even be suitable for a topical cosmetic, let alone an injectable, which essentially is what a tattoo is.

I beg you to think green and use more natural, organic ingredients. Modern science has developed cures for cancer and vaccines to treat the most complex diseases, scientists need to be involved to develop safe ingredients that make good art.

Choose your inks wisely! I heard of Exceptional tattoo's new line of clinically tested ink called Virgin Ink. Anyone else hear of it?