Pigment Chemistry & Lightfastness
Establishing the chemical limits and physical properties required for stable, safe, and permanent dermal pigmentation.
Modern tattoo ink consists of two components: the Pigment (solid color particles) and the Carrier (liquid delivery system). The stability of a tattoo depends on the particle size and chemical inertness of these components.
Particle Size and Phagocytosis
Particles must be large enough to resist immediate removal by the lymphatic system (phagocytosis) but small enough to be suspended in the carrier fluid. Ideally, pigment particles range from 20nm to 300nm.
Organic vs Inorganic: Inorganic pigments (iron oxides) are historically more stable but offer muted tones, whereas modern organic pigments provide vibrant colors but may be more susceptible to laser removal and UV degradation.
Patrick's Perspective
"When I managed my tattoo teams in the UK, I always insisted on prioritizing lightfastness. A vibrant red that fades to brown in two years is a failure of chemistry, not technique. Now, as a manufacturer, I bring that same scrutiny to the chemical stability of every product we develop."
Founder & Piercing Expert
UK Studio Clinical Record Verified
Technical Specifications
| PARAMETER_ID | QUALIFIED_STANDARD |
|---|---|
| Particle Size | Optimum: 50nm – 150nm |
| Lightfastness | ASTM Blue Wool Scale Class 7+ |
| Carrier Base | H₂O / Glycerin / Isopropyl Alcohol |
Cross-References
- [1] REF_ISO_TR_17276: Analytical methods for Tattoo Inks
- [2] REF_FDA_TATTOO_FACTS: Regulatory Guidance
Put Science Into Practice
This technical standard is the architectural foundation for our professional analytical tools.