There are two types of pigments used in cosmetic tattoo inks – organic and inorganic. Organic uses lakes pigments, while inorganic pigments use iron oxides. Most manufacturers of cosmetic tattoo ink use a mixture of both, but they do not use traditional tattoo inks.
Traditional tattoo inks are famous for their boldness and brightness, whereas cosmetic tattoo inks are called pigments, and are softer tertiary colours. You do not want your eyebrows or lips to stand out so much from your face that they appear to walk into a room before you. Subtly is key.
The skin is pierced with single, or multiple, sterile needles that contain various pigments to create a long-lasting mark on the skin. This is most commonly used for eyeliner, eyebrows and lips.
Iron and zinc oxides (inorganic) are a critical component of cosmetic tattoo pigments because oxides are very stable, nontoxic, and there are many colours available. Iron oxides are used in plenty of makeup and cosmetics (like mineral makeup), food, medication, and are a common ingredient in sunscreens. Iron oxide is non-reactive and inactive. Most human beings do not seem to be allergic to iron oxide.
Pigments are ground into a very fine powder, then added to a binder to create a product you use all the time. The oxides provide opacity, so solid colours, making them great for foundations. These oxides are used in various combinations to make different colours in foundation, blusher, lipstick and eye shadow. Tone is obtained by changes in temperature and other factors, and inorganic pigments are less intense in colour than organic pigments (lakes).
Lakes (organic) are certified colours, also known as metal salts. These colours are more intense than iron and zinc oxides.
Traditional tattoo ink is not used, nor are vegetable pigments that can cause food-related allergic reactions due to the permanence of these inks, and their safety profile around delicate areas like the eyes. Instead, cosmetic-grade iron oxides and lakes are used, which tend to fade over time, which is useful when applying to our faces, which change – and need changing eyebrows.
Iron oxide (inorganic) pigments are more stable and less likely to migrate (causing blurring of a tattoo). Using organic pigments for cosmetic tattoos makes the makeup temporary, because it will fade. Traditional inks barely fade, meaning that as the normal ageing of the skin occurs, the drooping will also apply to the tattooed makeup (like an eyebrow), whereas if you get the easier-fading option, you can get a ‘facelift’ by getting your eyebrows up higher next time.
Removing them is much more difficult because these tattoos aren’t made of the same pigments as a regular tattoo. Talk to your cosmetic doctor about cosmetic tattoo removal and what your options could be.
*With all surgeries or procedures, there are risks. Consult your physician (GP) before undertaking any surgical or cosmetic procedure. Please read the consent forms carefully and be informed about every aspect of your treatment. Some surgeries have a mandatory seven-day cooling-off period to give patients adequate time to be sure of their surgery choice. Results may also vary from person to person due to many factors, including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise. Before and after photos are only relevant to the patient in the photo and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience. Ask questions. Our team of dermatologists, doctors and nurses are here to help you with any of your queries. This page is not advice and is intended to be informational only. We endeavour to keep all our information up to date; however, this site is intended as a guide and not a definitive information portal or in any way constitutes medical advice.
Combining Dr Rich’s dermatological skill with his knowledge of restorative skin regimes and treatments, the ENRICH range is formulated to help maintain and complement your skin. Our signature Vitamin C Day & Night creams are now joined by a Vit A, B,&C Serum and a B5 Hyaluronic Gel, both with hydration properties and much, much more.
There is a very good reason we don’t have just one laser for all cosmetic skin treatments – it wouldn’t work! Learn the basic of how lasers work & what they can treat.
Picosecond lasers are a major breakthrough in laser tattoo removal – we can now clear tattoos in half the treatments with less pain, in any colour, on any skin tone.
As with many great discoveries, the acne scar treatment potential of the picosecond laser was discovered by accident, during tattoo removal.
The size and colour of your tattoos makes all the difference when considering the time it takes to remove a tattoo completely.
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