Tattoo Engineering

Tattoo Ink Ingredient Decoder

Decode tattoo ink pigment names, CAS numbers, and CI numbers against EU Regulation 2020/2081. Identify banned and restricted ingredients in your ink formulations.

Professional Context

Part of Poli International's open-source engineering suite. Built to rigorous industry standards.

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Scientific Standard

Learn about the science behind this tool in our technical wiki.

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Technical Guide

In-depth documentation, usage instructions, and safety protocols.

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Patrick's Perspective

"I've watched the EU pigment restrictions devastate studios that didn't see them coming. Pigment Blue 15 was in almost every blue ink on the market. Green 7 was everywhere. These bans aren't bureaucracy — they're about real carcinogen exposure. This decoder cuts through the confusion so you know exactly what's in your inks before a health inspection does."

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Founder & Piercing Expert

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Expert Guidance & Science

What does EU Regulation 2020/2081 ban in tattoo inks?

EU Regulation 2020/2081, which amends Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation, entered into force on 4 January 2022 for new formulations. It restricts hundreds of hazardous substances in tattoo inks and permanent make-up (PMU). The most significant prohibitions include Pigment Blue 15 and 15:3 (phthalocyanine blues, present in virtually all professional cyan and blue tattoo inks), Pigment Green 7 (chlorinated phthalocyanine), and Pigment Violet 23 (added in the 2023 extension). The regulation also sets strict heavy metal limits — for example, cadmium is limited to 0.5 µg/g and mercury to 0.2 µg/g.

How do I identify restricted pigments in a tattoo ink by CI number?

The Colour Index (CI) number is the internationally standardized identifier for colorants and pigments, assigned by the Society of Dyers and Colourists. EU 2020/2081 references pigments by both CI number and CAS number. Pigment Blue 15 is CI 74160; Pigment Green 7 is CI 74260; Pigment Violet 23 is CI 51319. When evaluating an ink label or Safety Data Sheet, locate the Section 3 (Composition) and identify any CI numbers listed. This tool cross-references them against the EU restricted list automatically.

Are there EU-compliant tattoo ink formulations available after the 2022 ban?

Yes. The EU pigment restrictions have driven significant reformulation across the industry. Alternative blue pigments now include Pigment Blue 60 (indanthrone blue, EU-compliant) and Pigment Blue 29 (ultramarine, inorganic). For greens, chromium oxide (CI 77288) is still permitted when free from hexavalent chromium. Responsible ink manufacturers have reformulated their ranges with compliant pigments and publish EU Declaration of Conformity certificates. Always request the current conformity certificate from your supplier — reformulated "EU compliant" versions may carry different batch numbers than legacy formulations.

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