PI-WIKI-TOX-24 · Toxicology · reviewed 2026-10-27
Toxicology, Tattoo Ink Toxicology
Critical numbers
EU Entry 75 restricted substances~4,000 substances restricted in tattoo inks and PMU as of January 2022
Benzo[a]pyrene limit (EU)≤0.005 mg/kg in finished tattoo ink; 0.5 mg/kg is the limit for each OTHER carcinogenic and mutagenic PAH
Other carcinogenic PAHs (each)0,00005 % (0.5 mg/kg) individually; Entry 75 sets no total-PAH limit
Carcinogenic PAA limit (EU)0,0005 % (5 mg/kg) each, for the PAAs named in Appendix 13 of Entry 75
Nickel limit (EU)0,0005 % (5 mg/kg) in the finished mixture, Entry 75 Appendix 13
Carbon black PAH content (unpurified)Varies widely by grade; check the measured benzo[a]pyrene result
Azo pigment cleavageUV and laser light release aromatic amines in laboratory tests
Pigment nanoparticle fraction10-90% of particles by number <100 nm in common inks
Carbon black primary particle size20-50 nm, readily crosses cell membranes
Laser removal peak temperatureSeveral hundred °C at the pigment particle surface during a nanosecond pulse
Laser decomposition productsAromatic amines from azo pigments; HCN and benzene from Blue 15 (laboratory studies)
Full-sleeve pigment loadApproximately 1-3 g of pigment implanted in dermis
Do not
- Assuming "organic" or "natural" pigments are safer
- Mixing inks from different manufacturers in the same session
- Using non-compliant inks imported from unregulated markets
- Assuming all blacks are equivalent
- Diluting inks with water or glycerin not intended for intradermal use
- Ignoring cumulative pigment load
Applicable standards
- EU, Great Britain and Northern Ireland — REACH Annex XVII Entry 75 (2020/2081)
- United States — FDA: Tattoo inks regulated as cosmetics, no pre-market approval; FDA exercises…
- ASEAN / AP — ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD)