Whether you're just starting out in your career as a cosmetic tattoo artist, or you're a seasoned professional, you'll be looking for the best supplies suppliers you can find. There are so many brands from all over the world in the market, how can we find the one that suits us? We've done the hard research for you and come up with a basic checklist of things to look out for. Read on to learn about the complex world of PMU inks for cosmetic tattooing and microblading.

The oldest and most traditional pigments are made using ground mineral and carbon materials. Most pigments today include a mixture of mineral, industrial, and vegetable pigments.

Pigments can be classified as inorganic or organic compounds.

Inorganic compounds are readily available from natural sources such as iron oxides. The iron oxide will fade and discolor. Other commonly used inorganic colorants include mercury and cadmium salts - both of which are toxic! Inorganic colorants are more likely to cause allergic reactions.

Synthetic organic compounds can provide more intense color and a wider range of shades. They are also easier to remove with a laser.

What about henna? Henna is an inorganic colorant derived from the leaves of certain plants in the Zingiberaceae family. Although it is often viewed as a healthy organic colorant, the reality is that it has a high potential to cause allergic reactions.

According to a 2017 survey of the composition and use of PMU inks in Australia, more than 80% of the colorants found in PMUs were organic, and about 16% of the colorants were identified as inorganic.

Because the industry is still developing, little research has been done on the long-term effects of toxic inks or the link between carcinogenic ingredients and cancer. Basically, we're not sure what it does to your client's body in the long run. As the tattoo fades, the pigment is absorbed by the body and travels through the lymph nodes and liver as part of the body's normal processes. This is especially concerning if the client is having tattoos removed with lasers. Some PMU "artists" choose to use permanent body tattoo ink because it lasts longer and the colors are more vibrant.

PMU inks use a variety of colorants to create specific colors. These colorants are combined with a "carrier" solution.

The purpose of the carrier solution is to sterilize the pigment and allow it to mix well for application. Most carrier components include glycerin, isopropyl alcohol, or water, but some inferior inks may use dangerous substances as carrier components, such as antifreeze, formaldehyde, and methanol!

Most PMU ink manufacturers treat the chemistry of their colors as a secret recipe and are reluctant to provide consumers with ingredient lists. So how exactly are we supposed to know which ones are safe to use for our customers and ourselves, and which ones are not?

Different countries have different regulations regarding product labeling, ingredients used, and safety testing.

US – Classified as a cosmetic, but does not require FDA pre-approval for sale. The FDA does not regulate the colorants used in PMU inks.

EU – Framework developed to regulate labeling and risk assessment of tattoo and PMU inks

AU – Under the Industrial Chemicals Act 1989, the chemical composition of PMU inks must be listed on the Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS) before they can be imported into or manufactured in Australia.

What to look for:

1. Ask to see the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) - if they don't have one, you don't want to use the product!

2. Look for carriers that use glycerin, ethanol, or purified water, and avoid carriers that use formaldehyde and methanol.

3. Check the country of origin – the EU is the gold standard

4. Do manufacturers test their inks for bacteria counts? Ask for a report.

5. Where do they sell? Avoid buying from suppliers on Alibaba or eBay as they may be counterfeit or of low quality.

6. Purchase from a registered and licensed importer within Australia

7. Look for reviews from other artists

8. Do a skin test before using a new brand

The above briefly introduces how to choose a high-quality PMU brand. If you want to order PMU ink, please contact us.

Charming Tattoo is a leading custom PMU tools and ink manufacturer. Our R&D engineers have 20 years of experience in developing permanent makeup inks and micro-scratch pigments. We have professional production equipment and a 100,000-class dust-free workshop that meets ISO9001 standards. We provide professional product, packaging, post-design, and professional pigment knowledge support.